today's forecast: partly cloudy with a chance of squirts

So a lot of the volunteers aren't feeling so great lately. It isn't anything serious...but it's not too pretty either. Martha, the girl I traveled with, got really sick last night. Pray that she and the others feel back to normal soon! It's tiring enough working all day with children, so I can't imagine feeling sick on top of it...especially in a foreign country. A lot of the kids here are pretty sick too. I have held a couple of babies with fevers, and it breaks my heart that they don't have someone constantly caring for them or nurturing them until they are well. Luckily I have been feeling great so far...but I'm knocking on wood as we speak.

Besides that...it really has been a great Friday! Each Friday we start the morning by having prayer time with all of the volunteers. It was such a good time to reflect on the week and be real with each other about how we are doing. It was good to have that intentional time with everyone for sure.

The morning went by so fast with the kids. First I worked with Jeffy...and I knew it would be a little bit of a challenge. The poor guy apparently fell sometime yesterday and he split open his chin pretty badly. His lip and the side of his chin are swollen, so understandably he wasn't quite in the mood to work on much. It made me realize that I took for granted the fact that I had parents to tend to all my bumps and bruises growing up. You can pray that he will heal quickly and be back in good spirits soon.

I worked with Shonnie again today too. She is the baby that I'm a little bit worried about because she literally just lacks any enthusiasm at all. For awhile she sat with her head on my chest like normal, but slowly I got her to sit on the ground with a toy...without even crying! It sounds small, but it was actually a huge step. Also...she always has the same blank expression on her face, but I discovered today that if you kiss her feet it makes her smile!! Who knew?? It's funny how the small things can be so exciting.

The others were great. We went on another walk, and it's fun to pass the locals and see a glimpse of what a day in Haiti looks like. They are all really friendly, and hardly anyone passes you without greeting you. As usual we attracted some younger boys who wanted to mooch off some of our cookies and juice...

We ended the afternoon early to do some cleaning on the balcony, and somehow cleaning with rap music makes everything a little more fun. I think Becca and I bring out the goofy side in each other...and the other volunteers probably think we're the two crazy Texan girls. ALL of the volunteers are from the north (Oregon, Pennsylvania, Canada...you name it) so they get a kick out of our accents. I didn't even realize mine was that strong!

Dinner was the TASTIEST pizza I've had in awhile! The cooks here are funny too. After lunch I was pretending to do an exercise routine (not realizing they were behind me) and they got a pretty big kick out of it. I'm sure they know me as the strange American girl or something...

I can't believe week one is pretty much behind me. I'm excited because apparently we get to sleep in on Saturdays! We're planning on going on a hike on Sunday too, and I can't wait to see more of the beautiful mountains! I'll try and take some good pictures.

Thanks so much for your prayers. God continues to amaze me and teach me things every day. Never have I viewed Him as my strength and my refuge more than through this experience. I'm praying for miracles at this orphanage, and I know He will take care of these babies.

Love you all! Have a good night!


P.S. Bill Clinton is in Haiti right now, and I actually saw him when we went into town!! Becca will tell you she did too...but she really didn't. That stinks.

Me and Jeffy...a grin was about all I could get out of him today!

M-man and one of Becca's girls chomping on some Bon-Bons  (cookies) during our walk! 

With the kids after dinner...they are precious in their jammies.

This one is from a couple of days ago, and it's one of my favorites! He is one of Becca's boys, and he makes this face anytime you ask for a kiss. Tell me that's not one of the best things you've ever seen.