My other kids

I have been writing about these kids since our trip to Baja in 2009 (which you can find back in the archives if you so desire).   They are "the kids that call me Tia" or "My kids from Santa Fe"...for lack of a better description.   I have become their Auntie and my husband is their Uncle.   I'm not sure really how and why God brought us into their story, but looking back I'm so honored to be able to share in their lives...even for only brief periods of time and from a distance.

Back in 2009, we adopted the two oldest as honorary family members while we worked at an orphanage (where we also met Amber and Saul).  Upon the children's return to live with their mother we met a whole house full of children who all call us Tia and Tio.  We promised them we'd always be family.

Three years later there are 7 little ones, we have maintained our relationship with them and we continue to love them.  It's note quite definable.  It's rather unusual.  It's kind of hard to explain.  They are our kids.  God brought us into each other's lives.

Baby number 7 was born this spring.  

Our friends in Baja have been so very kind to be our go-between...taking pictures for us, passing messages and letters back and forth, and even helping to look after this family while the single mother was unable to work in the last trimester of her pregnancy (She does hard manual field work, and the field boss told her not to come back until after the baby was born).  Where they live there is no disability insurance, unemployment, welfare, maternity leave, or food banks.  They don't have a pantry full of food to live off of like most of us do.  If you don't work, you don't eat.   When you have six other little mouths to feed the situation gets bleak very fast.   I'm so glad that God positioned our friends, and others who helped support this family, right where we all needed to be at the right time.

This spring I waited anxiously for the news of our newest little niece, and celebrated this precious little life from far away in Canada.   I was told they were calling her Esperanza (Hope) but hadn't officially given her a name.  I loved that they were calling her Hope.  Hope is a hard thing to find where they live.  

Desperation, yes.

Heartache, yes.

Fear, yes.

Addictions, yes.

Depression, yes.

Real poverty...plenty,

but Hope.  Such a beautiful tribute to our Saviors work in their lives. 

A few weeks later my friend wrote to me that they had officially registered her with a name and her name is Carla.  

What?!  

It was so unexpected!  It actually brought tears to my eyes.  My little honorary niece name shares my name.

{handsome Alvaro looking so grown up, holding a letter for Tia and Tio}

These are photos that were taken by Amber and sent to me.  It's been so great this time to have someone there watching over these kids for us.  Last time we left Mexico in 2010 we had no contact with them for a year and a half until we showed up in their doorway this past December. 

We've done what we can for them over the past few years as far as making sure they have basic food, water, and shelter, but I think what's been so much more rewarding has been giving them ourselves.  Relationship.  Knowing that they are loved, that someone sees them and cares....and pointing them toward someone else who sees them, and cares more deeply than we ever could.

This woman, worn by her years of hard living, has so much of my respect.  I have moved from a place of judging her for her lack of parenting and nurture of her children, to sympathizing with what her life has been.   I see a light and a hope in her that she didn't used to have.  I pray that the Holy Spirit is working in her bruised and battered heart.

Sweet baby Carla.  I still get a kick out of that!  She reminds me of Miss Cece as a baby.

The beautiful Minerva, and little sister Gabriella.

And my treasure, the little mama of the home, Carmela (literally she looks after the babies and preschoolers while her mom works)

I miss these kids, although I must admit the longer we're away the more the ache subsides and the easier they would be to forget....to just ignore as "not my problem", "we've done our share"  

but I won't.

Because they're my kids.

Processing

My mind is full of scattered thoughts and my heart is full of feelings I can't make sense of. I am so conflicted about going home. In some ways I am looking forward to resuming my "normal" life but in a lot of ways it will be very hard to leave our life here. There will be a lot of goodbyes. We have 6 days left so maybe its a little early to be worried about missing people but I know those days will go by really fast. Thinking about gives me a little mini panic attack.

Life is so different there than it is here. I wonder what it will be like to go back to "normal". Will it feel like we never left or will it all feel very foreign. Like clothes that used to fit perfectly and when tried on again later ,just don't feel right at all. Is our other life going to fit us after our experiences here? I don't have a clue.

We spent a few hours visiting our kids up on the hill in Santa Fe. The kids who call me "Tia". I met the five new cousins (and the Aunt and Uncle) who recently moved into the shack/ hovel they moved out of. Ten kids all together basically living in the new little house...with a couple more babies on the way.

I didn't take my camera because I try to be careful not to appear that I am there for a photo shoot. I think that its important to be aware of the reality of peoples lives, but I don't think my pictures would ever really capture it . I also don't want to sensationalize ,or even worse, appear rude or arrogant when I am visiting someones home. I would be offended if someone came into my house and started taking pictures of parts of my house that aren't the nicest. The duct tape on my kitchen counter, cracks in the ceiling , or the grime in my laundry room. I assume they would also feel uncomfortable if I went around their home taking close ups of their horrendous living conditions.

I clicked a couple of mental snap shots today. Some heart warming, some heart breaking.
The sun setting on 11 children as they run up and down a dusty little road together jabbering in Triqui, Spanish and English.
Silas reaching over to hold little Ramiro's hand while four little ones walk down a hill with the ocean as their backdrop.
A pregnant mother painstakingly combing her little girls matted hair.
That same mother casually pulling lice out of her 3 year old daughters hair, biting them and spitting them onto the dirt.
Carmela's beautiful smile.
Carmela's heartbreaking tears.
Little bare feet with sores on them.
Alvaro running to a nearby tiendita to bring Nathanael and I each a bottle of orange soda.
My mental snap shots include skinny dogs, fences made of old tires and twigs, roaming roosters, dust, dirt, woodsmoke and filth.

I spent a lot of our time snuggling and talking to little Carmela. That girl has wrapped herself around her "Tia's" heart. She told me that I was her Tia (auntie) forever even when I go back to Canada. I assured her I would be for "siempre". Someday I will come back and I will come and find her for a hug. Her reaction to that assurance about broke my heart.
It's going to be hard to say goodbye to these kids. I miss them already and I was just there this afternoon.
I am SO excited for the princess "Tea Party" at the Children's Home on Friday!! It will be so fun to see Minerva and Carmela all dolled up for their first party. It will be an amazing way to celebrate our winter together and to say goodbye.

New School Uniforms!

In Mexico school uniforms are as essential for school attendance as pencils and notebooks. Without the appropriate uniform children cannot attend school.
Since leaving the Children's Home Minerva and Alvaro have began attending a school in their own neighborhood. At 11 and 13 they are both in 2nd grade. They had never, before being interned at Hogar Para Ninos, attended school. They were unable to pay the fees, buy the needed supplies and they were expected to watch the younger siblings.
They have been attending school without uniforms (because it is a very poor neighborhood they make acceptions temporarily) but they had a deadline to have the appropriate attire.
These two are loving going to school but I can't imagine how humiliating it must be for them to be dressed in rags when every other child has matching school uniforms. No child wants to stand out that way.
Some money was raised (by a Sunday school class I think) and given to a friend of ours , who helped to dig the foundation for the new house, to help these kids. We decided to spend the money on something that would have the most impact on their lives.
Education.
The key to bring their generation out of extreme poverty.
So many doors open up for them if they can manage to graduate highschool.

This morning we had the privaledge of taking Minerva and Alvaro out shopping at "globos" in San Quintin. It was such a fun little outing that included snacking on churros and bags of fresh fruit pieces (with chili and lime of course). After leaving the market we went for lunch at a taco stand. It was amusing to watch skinny little Alvaro wolf down a huge torta. It was fun to treat them in such a small way (each meal was less than $3) before we go home. I know they were hungry, fruit is a luxery, and a whole pile of beef on a bun (a torta) is more meat than that boy has seen ....well probably since the last time we took him out. It was kind of like old times. Us and our two extra kids. They are such sweet kids, so gracious and appreciative.
I can't even describe how thrilled they were about these new outfits. Can you see it on their faces?
Just watching them look themselves over with pride was so entertaining.
I was amazed at the transformation myself. They are such gorgeous kids.


Here is Alvaro trying on shoes at "globos". I had such a fun time helping him find just the right shoes. He needed black shoes for school but finding the right size was tricky.
The little stores that set up only on Saturday don't typically have a lot of sizes in stock.
The handsome black leather shoes were such a contrast to the too-small worn out sandals he was wearing. I don't think I have ever seen ,or may ever see again, a boy so proud of a pair of shoes.

They are so proud of their new head to toe outfits. We made sure to get them with plenty of room so they can use them next fall too.
Little brother and sister are proudly sporting some "new" hand-me-downs as well.
I am starting to sort through and purge the clothes that we have worn all winter. Our cupboards will be pretty bare once I weed out all the worn out, too small and very sun faded clothing.
Did you notice the flowers they have planted in the little flower box? And the little Canadian flag?
Its nice to see them take responsiblity for, pride in and make improvements on what they were given. I think they must have gotten the little flag from one of the people who built the house. The funny thing was that the flag was upside down origionally. It makes sense , a leaf hangs down from a tree not up. A Canadian friend made sure to fix it before the picture was taken. I kind of thought it was cute.

Louisa has ,what looks like, her own little school uniform. Actually, she is the fourth little person to wear this outfit. It was given to Roman (last time we lived in Mexico), by some American friends who were leaving some clothes at the Children's Home. Then, a few years later, it was passed onto Silas...and from there this little girl with a huge smile. It was such a good quality little outfit that it was still in good shape!
I was glad to see Louisa healthy and smiling again. She was really sick last time we visited. She is such a little doll. I miss them already. I am going to miss them so much when we go back to Canada!
Next week here at the orphanage is a "Fiesta de Te" a giant tea party put on for all the little girls and their dolls. The cafeteria will be beautifully decorated and the little girls dressed in special dresses saved and made for the occasion. There will even be tables set specifically for their dolls (so I have heard anyway). Aili and I have have made arrangements to bring both Carmela (the girl standing behind Louisa in the striped shirt) and Minerva. I am SO excited to take these two girls, who have never in their lives had a birthday party, dressed like a princess, or even had a tea party ...to the giant princess themed fiesta.
I wish I could have captured for you the look on Carmela's face when I told her about it. I can't even describe the look of sheer awe and ecstacy on her face. I told her to bring her princess Belle doll (the one she recieved for Christmas). Now I just need to find some dresses for them.
I am filled right up to the brim with warm fuzzies right now. Sometimes giving and compassion here is a tricky thing and often leaves the giver feeling less than good about the situation. Often I feel even more helpless or sometimes even taken advantage of. There are all kinds of issues with and a very delicate balance between helping meet peoples most basic needs and creating attitudes of entitlement and dependancy. It's not all warm fuzzies. Sometimes there is compassion that in the long run is not all that compassionate.

It was fun to do something with someone and have it be just fun....and at the same time know that it's pouring love into their life.

Kids with kid stuff

It all started with these two. Alvaro and Minerva. I had no idea , when we were forging a new friendship and falling in love with these two many months ago ,that it would take us to this place or that we would have the privalege of seeing them in this house. We assumed we would continue our normal role as sponsors "Tia and Tio". Once we returned home would write to them, send them little gifts and tokens of our prayers and love for them. Our role changed and suddenly we lost what we thought we would be able to keep with them. God had other plans. There weren't just 2 kids that were in desperate need of an auntie and uncle , there were 5. I feel so humbled and honored to be here at that moment in their lives. I never would have guessed where this would lead us, that last week we would be standing with all 5 kids inside their new house.

These are some neighbor kids and a woman I was visiting with. She has four beautiful little girls. She followed Silas around petting and playing with his hair. The poor kid is getting used to being caressed by amused strangers.

My shy, timid , little princess Louisa.

Carmela and Louisa having some fun with the little gifts the IDT group left behind for them. I just noticed the floating foot in the picture. I think it might be a Silas foot. He was SO filthy that day. He ran around with the pack of neighborhood kids through dirt and the black remnants of old cook fires. Its kind of amusing how easily he fits right in. He's my little albino Mexican. At that age he has no idea he's experiencing a completely different culture or witnessing poverty. He's just a kid playing with other kids.

In the childrens room, the group of youth that came from Lethbridge Alberta , left all kinds of treats, some hand knit sweaters, and little toys. The kids had a blast looking through all the treasures and hiding them all away in the drawers of their first dresser.

Inside the house

I was absolutely blown away yesterday when I saw the home my kids are now able to live in. I don't think I've ever felt anything like it. I actually experienced real tears of joy. This is such a stark and extreme contrast to the tiny hovel they were living in.
The kids were thrilled when they were finally allowed to see the finished product complete with little gifts (brought by the group from Lethbridge), furniture, and blankets (donated by people in my church). They loved the dresser and were already picking whose things would be in what drawer. The big kids excitedly exclaimed which of the 4 beds they would sleep in. Little Carmela and big brother Alvaro were the two who would brave the top bunks.

 

The group that came down also took Minerva's mom shopping for some basic groceries and supplies.

 

Since my initial amazement at seeing the finished product though the eyes of the kids we built it for (and our own after living here for nearly 5 months), I have since looked at the photos through the eyes of my fellow Canadians or Americans. Suddenly I notice that the sofa is actually a broken piece of a sectional, the countertop is plywood, the furniture is chipped, and there is no plumbing. On the other hand if you come from having no real roof over your head, nothing but dirt beneath your feet and not so much as a stool to sit on, suddenly all this looks pretty amazing. Perspective is everything. We weren't setting out to Americanize them a house but to build something that would genuinely suit their needs.

After living in a 30 ft camping trailer I thought their house was looking pretty great. I jokingly told Carmela that I wanted to come live with them because her house is so big. She quickly assured me I could have her bunk and she would take the floor. :)

 

 

Extreme Home Makeover

The house is finished! It took four days and a whole lot of effort from a lot of people. It is gorgeous isn't it? Ok, if you put it in a lot of other settings it wouldn't seem nearly as marvellous but next to their old "house" it's an extreme upgrade.


They kept the family out of the house for the last few hours as they moved in some furniture and did the finishing touches to the inside. My husband rushed back home to pick the kids and I up just before 2pm this afternoon. Once we arrived back at the new house,I snuck in for a quick preview of the work being done. I don't think I have ever actually cried tears of joy in my life. Actually I find the whole concept a bit odd, usually when I'm happy I just smile...never tears. This brought me to tears.

The blue house next to theirs also recieved a fresh coat of paint and a new roof. Their house had been badly damaged in last months storm and was missing the roof. I'm so glad the group that came was also able to bless that family as well.

Minerva's mom served the whole group a lunch of fresh tortillas, chicken, rice and beans. A "muy rico" meal. A sure fire way to get sick though, since there is no refridgeration (the meat was bought a few days ago) and the kitchen conditions are ...well..you can use your imagination. It was a very generous gesture. Roll the dice as to whether we will be spending more time than usual in the bathroom tonight. Since I came later in the afternoon , I had thought I conventiently missed lunch, but my girl Minerva made sure they saved me a bowl. Hot out of the pot might have been a bit safer than cold sitting in the sun for 3 extra hours. Our weak Canadian stomachs just aren't accustomed to what theirs are....despite all the taco stands I frequently eat at. To make the moment more awkward I was watched while I smiled and forced myself to eat it(with visions of a stray dog running out of the house with a chicken carcass in its mouth yesterday in my mind...thankfully the carcass was retrieved and salvaged). I was watched not only by the eager smiles of those who gave it to me, but the longing stares of all the neighbor kids who really really wanted my dinner. Fingers crossed for a stomach of steel tonight.

More pictures tomorrow! Of the inside and all the kids enjoying their new home.

New house for Minerva (photos)

 

 

 

 

New House for Minerva!

This is the before picture. It is very tiny, smaller than most American bathrooms. The floor is dirt and the walls and roof are a patchwork of tin, carboard and plastic. The climate on the North Baja penninsula of Mexico gets very cool and windy. It can hover around freezing at night. We are also having quite a wet winter which leaves all the kids wet and cold. There are 5 children. One died before we came (from what Minerva told me, it sounded like swine flu or some other nasty respitory and high fever illness). There is also a mother and another baby on the way. The inside of the house makes the outside look nice. It's hard to even describe the sights and smells.

The two oldest children ,Minerva and Alvaro, lived at the childrens home here where we are working, for a few months. They were returned to their mom by a gov't agency just before Christmas. It's a strained and uncertain situation at home still as nothing really changed. During the time they lived at the childrens home our family sponsered Minerva, however both kids called us "Tia and Tio" (now all five do). We spent a lot of time with those two and they became part of our family here. If we went somewhere , they went with us. When the children unexpectedly left the childrens home (we all expected them to be here for a very long time) our financial sponsorship of her ended but our role as Tia and Tio didn't. I told them as they tearfully drove away, not knowing if we would ever see them again and heart broken for the situation they were returning to, that we would always be their Auntie and Uncle.

We were determined to find them again. To make good on our role as auntie and uncle. Once we saw the conditions our kids were living in we knew we had to do something. I wasn't going to go back to my comfy house in Canada while kids I love huddle in dirt trying to keep warm. The problem was we didn't have a clue how we would get them a new house. We don't have the money. My husband has the skills as a Journeyman carpenter but we would need help. We took the whole situation to God and stepped out in faith.

An nearby organization called IDT facilitates groups of volunteers who come down and build houses in this impoverished area. The wait list to get a house built is long though. We talked to IDT to see if we could get help with getting a slab poured and we could worry about the rest when the time came. One thing lead to another and pieces all fell together. A youthgroup from Alberta Canada came this week to build their house. This group has been working toward, raising money and preparing for this trip for 3 years. For some reason they were coming but at the last minute had no one to build for, the house they were supposed to build fell through. God had other plans. I think he had this figured out three years ago when they started dreaming about doing the trip. IT's been really cool to witness how God has so completely provided.

We also had a couple big hearted family members send us some money to help out with the house. We still needed to level the lot, haul in gravel and are providing some basic furnishings. So far God has used a whole lot of different people. We didn't send out letters, beg or knock on doors. We had decided to just go ahead and see how God would provide. It's been amazing to see how God's people answered the call.

My hubby has been working with the group this week offering his construction knowledge to the willing hands and servants hearts that came with the group of youth. That was part of what IDT needed to get the job done...a construction supervisor for the project. One of the peices that just fell together perfectly. It's making a busy week for him as he balances responsibilities here and out at the house project.
I havent' been out to see the work being done during the day but he did take some pictures for me.

This is the group that is working hard and is even providing some VBS and games for all the curious neighborhood kids.
Thankyou SOOO much to the Lethbridge youth! Thankyou for making this happen. God has used you this week! You have been an answer to many prayers.

Last night we drove out to see the progress. I was amazed at how much had been done in two days! They are also doing repair work in the neighbor house (the one that lost its roof in the big rain storm). They still have at least another full days work...probably most of two.

It was incredible. The last couple times I've been out to visit the oldest two (Minerva and Alvaro) were at school. Upon arrival Minerva met me at the car door with a huge bear hug and a "I missed you Auntie!". She was one big smile as she showed me her new house. I was just as giddy as she was as we disucussed where their bedroom would be and where she would put her new little propane stove.

Tomorrow is the dedication ceremony and fiesta. Minerva made sure to tell me I had to come on Thursday. I wouldn't miss it for the world!

New floor pictures.

Ugg. I don't know why pictures aren't working. I'll try again. If you want to know whats going on in these strange pictures you'll need to read the post below.

 

 

 

 

A floor!

We went out this morning to visit our kids in Santa Fe and check out their new cement slab. It rained quite a bit last night so all the puddles and mini lakes are once again full of water and mud. We definately put our vehicle through some "off-roading" experiences trying to find our way up the hill to their house.

 

This past weekend 3 truckloads of dirt were brought in and shoveled to build a flat foundation on their sloped property. On Monday a cement slab was poured and next Monday the house building will begin, if all goes as planned. I admit I'm feeling a little nervous about the recent rains but the forcast looks pretty clear. Not that a house can't go up in the rain but if the temporary dirt bridge that connects us with the world washes out again the group that is coming down with the supplies, money and man power to build the house might be delayed. I'm trying not to even entertain that worry. I thank God that the rain held off long enough for the slab to get poured and to dry (mostly) before we got dumped on again.

 

Check out Carmela's baby doll strapped to her. What a cute little mama.

 

Minerva and Alvaro were in school when we arrived this morning. I am SO pleased that they are attending school now. Minerva for the first time in a real public school. She is 13 and is starting out in 2nd grade. She is very bright and doing well I've heard. I wish the other two little ones could go to as they are about 6 and 8 years old now. Someone has to be home to look after little Louisa (3) during the day though...and little mama Carmela (8) is it.

Ramiro and Carmela were SO extremely proud of their new floor. They showed it off to us and Ramiro even showed us a few new tricks. :) Carmela is careful to protect her new floor and guards it from other children, bikes and anyone who might get it dirty. Their current house is falling apart more with each rain we get. I noticed even bigger holes and gaps in the the plastic and carboard walls and ceiling. Only another week kids!

It struck me as I was flirting with beautiful little Louisa standing in the doorway of her house that this was a picture out of a television special. A picture from a World Vision catalog or a Compassion advertisement. The difference was that there isn't a soft hymn being played in the background and I can't turn the channel. The snotty faced, matted and infested haired, barefoot, ragged little girl smiling up at me with her gorgeous brown eyes is real. It's real life. These are our friends, our kids. All five kids and their pregnant mom huddle in a shack the size of my bathroom at home. In a shack made of garbage , in temperatures that reach nearly freezing.

 

On a lighter note. Any guesses what kind of craziness is going on in our trailer?
You just never know what a couple little boys will think of to play when forced to stay indoors on a cool, wet early morning.
Me: "Roman what on earth are you doing?"
Roman:"I'm a first nations"
Me: "a what?"
Roman:" We're playing First Nations and I'm a First Nation...I even have a bow and arrow."

I had a good chuckle about that one. No more "cowboys and Indians" , its now "lets go play Cowboys and FirstNations". I guess I should be proud that my boys are that culturally sensitive and politically correct. We've never had a discussion about it really but they over hear the correct terminology. Now they just need to figure out that they don't still live in teepees, use tomhawks... or jump around on beds half naked. Well...unless they're part of the village people. Ok I'll stop now before I digress any further.

Monday!!

First Step to a New House (photos)

I'm getting a little frustrated that my posts keep loosing thier pictures when I hit "publish post". I'm sure it is just my somewhat glichy internet connection. Sorry.

Here they are again.

First step to a new house!

The house project has officially begun!!
Nathanael, 6 friends, and Roman , spent the day today digging and leveling 3 truckloads full of gravel/dirt. The property is on the side of a hill so it took quite a bit of work to get it ready for the foundation to be poured. Next comes the foundation. A group working with IDT will be arriving to build the actual house on Feb. 15th.

We are SO excited to see the finished project!

It was miserable weather for most of the day today and as you can see by Romans bombero raincoat they worked in the rain. We didn't get another rain like the flood rain...just passing showers.
I was home, in the trailer with the 3 kids (Roman didn't go to help dad until 2pm) wishing I could be of more help. The older two would have been fine to have there all day but it would have been difficult to get much done with Silas around. He would have been fine for a couple hours but not for 7. Although it appears that half the neighborhood kids came to help anyhow :)

This week the bridge going over a drainage ditch at the orphanage was rebuilt. It's still waiting on some iron railing and a little more cement (?) but it should stand up to any storm we get now. My husband knows how to build things strong! Our coffee tables have withstood every kind of abuse for years now.
We had a "small world" moment with the gentleman on the right who came down to volunteer for a couple weeks. His daughter and son in law live in the little town next to us in SK and we actually know his son in law (and the son-in-laws family).

Aili and Roman have been on a "helping other people with yard work" kick this past week. Whatever keeps the troups busy and out of trouble. ;) It's been nice to see them take the iniative to help others. Now I wish they would have the same enthusiams for doing work at their own house.

Silas takes his job of playing very seriously.

The kids who call me "Tia" (Auntie)

We were glad to see their "house" was still standing in one piece. It wasn't much worse for wear and because they are on the side of a hill the water had mostly drained away leaving little river ruts throughout their yard and the dirt floor of their house.

As I looked up at the ceiling in their home I saw expanses of daylight where the roof and the walls should normally meet. In those gaps muddy clothing was haphardarzly stuffed in an attept to keep out the driving rain. The roof itself is little more than a patch work of boards , carboard and scrap plastic. My kids were safe and smiling but the soggy mattress and the little dry water ruts through the floor of their tiny shack told a story of the very cold wet days they had survived.

Only a few more weeks kids. A new house is on its way. I wish it had been built before the storm but there may be more rain on its way this winter being that it is an "El Nino" year.

Please pray that the road will be opened and the house building plans and material supply would not be effected by the flood.


I love Ramiro's smile! He's got the biggest smile I've ever seen. He has the mischeivous eyes to match.
Sadly he reminds me of a little stray puppy, learning to survive a cruel world any way he can. My heart breaks for the future that this world holds for a boy like him. So many cycles to overcome. I hope and pray that with Gods help he can break those dark cycles of poverty, uneducation, desperation and substance abuse. He was created for so much more. That boundless energy and those sparkly eyes shouldn't be wasted.

The children's mom and Minerva were both away somewhere so it was just the four little ones. Our own kids (and us) had a good time playing with them and running up and down the street in front of the house. 7 year old Carmela ran up and down the street driving a pair of old bike handle bars. Next best thing to a bike is an imagination I guess.
We brought a few food items and a jar of soup but it was apparent they needed some more basics. Tio (Uncle) drove down to the nearby store and brought back a couple bags of staples. Pinto beans of course. The biggest hit, other than the little package of cookies (whats an uncle for?), was the bottle of "chili". I've never seen kids so excited about a bottle of hot sauce! It had never occurred to me that a much loved condiment like "chili" is a luxerious extra. The three year old girl actually squirted it into her mouth! I wish I had a picture of that. :)





Sweet shy little Lousia is slowly warming up to her big white Auntie and Uncle. This time she came running out to the car along with the others with a big smile on her face. She usually stays hiding in the house or behind someones leg throughout our visits. I haven't lured any snuggles from her yet but she got close enough for some gentle tickles and smiles. Ramiro and Carmela keep my arms and lap full anyway.

Isn't she a gorgeous little girl?

I am going to miss these kids! I wish I could bring all five of them home with me. I look forward to our weekend visits with them all week.

Ramiro enjoying a cookie.