Ukuleles

Some people are sooo creative! Today I woke to an email from Katrina in New Zealand, a favorite repeat Casa de Amor volunteer.

"I go to community choir and african drumming here in my home town and the lady who runs it (jennifermoss.co.nz) also runs a ukulele group - a very talented lady! She approached me earlier in the year to see if I would be interested in making some "bling" to sell at the ukulele festival she was organising for September (centralukulelefestival.org.nz). I jumped at the opportunity and since I got back from Bolivia, have been busy crafting away! I thought it would be a super opportunity to fundraise for the babies, seeing as how they were always on my mind back then, and still are! :) It was a fab day - about 900 people at the festival! I've just deposited the money via paypal :)"

She's been invited to another ukulele festival in October.

Now I know next to nothing about the ukulele, but am grateful that Katrina does and so willing shares with us. As my Mom said upon hearing: "She's a sweetheart!" :)



Katrina sent me these pictures to show how colorful and happy her creations were. Indeed!

Thank you, Katrina!!

Mt. Tunari Hike

One of the best things about living in Cochabamba is the MOUNTAINS! Our valley sits at about 8,400 feet above sea level, but the highest peak in the Andes that surround us is fully twice as high (a little over 5,000 meters above sea level).

I've gone with others to Tunari several times, but September 1 was only the second time I've finished the challenging hike to make it to the top. Here are some pictures of the beauty of that day!

Leaving the car and starting our walk...

Our little group!

L-R: Jake (Washington), Jen (Texas), Anne (Missouri), Jessica (Germany), Stefanie (Germany)

We all live here in Bolivia and everyone but me teaches at Cochabamba's Calvert school

This particular mountain ridge with snow was one of the best views during the hike


There were SO many llamas this time, they were our constant companions during the hike. Took me back to Texas, of all places, remembering when my sister and I each had a llama.

I was rather shocked at this picture - I know that's me, but I didn't realize I was so far ahead! I was making the push (and believe me, you have to be motivated at this altitude) to get to the view at the other side of the crest - all of Cochabamba flung out below us!

Jake, nearing the top. Yep, he got there first and might like me saying it. ;-)

The twin peaks of Mt. Tunari are right behind us

Pretty amazing day! :)

September 1 Birthday!

On September 1, our dear J turned NINE! That completes the marathon of four kiddos turning nine in recent weeks at CDA II.

J is one of the neatest little girls EVER. She is spunky, fun-loving, smart, and jabbers about anything and everything non-stop. Her mind never stops!! I've also recently discovered her great Bible story reading (and telling) skills.

A favorite picture of J from May 2010 when we were blessed with a visit from a professional photographer

J on September 1 with her mother (one of very few kids currently with us who receive parental visits)

J is not a big eater, but she put away this pizza during her special birthday dinner outing!

Newly nine A came with us, as well as Shirlen, Angel, Jesus, plus Oriana (2) from the Baby Home. I love being with our big kids!

Happy Birthday, J!!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Last week we celebrated M. N.'s second birthday!

I well remember when she arrived such a tiny, sweet baby!

Now she...well...has all sorts of nicknames here!

Don't let that angelic face fool you, we have to watch out for this one! She can knock a baby over with a huge smile that makes it rather hard to know what to do!!

Our M. N. is a fun baby, that's for sure! :)

Please pray for a speedy adoption! A local couple chose her from seeing her picture published in the newspaper as abandoned (part of the paperwork process) but has been denied the adoption multiple times by the court. The case has now gone to Sucre, the judicial capital of Bolivia, for the courts there to make a final decision.

We pray that God's will be done for this beautiful, smart baby, growing up so fast! :)