Well, you all know that I'm going to update you, even if it's only for myself... I just have to get it all out and down sometimes.

This weekend was totally different than I thought it would be, and it was truly amazing. I was stretched galore. Friday I felt overburdened and saddened by the kids because they were shocked that I was the only one there, and they missed Susie a lot. I also didn't feel like there's enough in me to love all of them. It made me wonder if I could truly live there and do this. I bought just enough food for me for the 3 days, and some of the kids ate some of it, so I didn't know if I could survive off of the little left. I only left the orphanage when I had some kids with me, so literally, the only time I wasn't with any kids is when I was eating or after they were in bed. It was an amazing trip, but surprisingly, knowing that I am going to see them again in 11 days... made it easier to say goodbye, or just "see you soon".

There were 4 different mothers that came this weekend, and it was really interesting to see all of them and how they interact with their kids (Luis & Gloria; Sofia, Juan Carlos, & Ana; Margarita & Deissy; Juanito, Angel, & Manuel). Amelia's boyfriend Aaron came down from Queen Creek with his family, so it was very interesting to meet him and his brother Jordan... and really to just find out that he really does exist.

Cristina, Carolina, and Antonio Humberto were back from their family vacation, so it was good to see them. Finally, Cristina and Antonio are coming out of their shells and really starting to connect. Carolina and Max (their oldest brother) just started being more vulnerable in July's trip.

Some of the older kids (Jaime, David, and Abilene, Deissy, & Ruby) were a lot more available to hang out with, get to know, and having special moments with. I think one of my favorite moments was with Ruby. Yesterday morning, a bunch of kids took a water matress and filled it up. They used it as a wrestling mat, a gymnastics mat, and just like a normal matress to jump on. Then, they had to empty it, and we were on it with all of the 3 and 4 year old kids, and Ely of course was crying, and Brando cried a little bit too... but it was seriously so funny. Juanito and Angel were actually laying over the spout that all the water was coming out of... and we were having the best time with those little kids and laughing non-stop about it.

Since I'm telling a story about little Angel, I'll tell one more. On Sunday, Luis's mom came, and he got some cologne and Avon Wild Musk roll-on deoderant. He was stoked. He used 1/3 of the bottle of cologne that afternoon on himself, me, and Macario. I kept telling him that he didn't need any more cologne and that he didn't need deoderant. Yet, he insisted... Well, one time Angel was looking at it, and I told him that he didn't need any. Luis grabbed the bottle and took off the cap... and then Angel pulled his shirt sleeve so that Luis could put it on him.....but Luis just put more on himself instead. Seriously, the look on Angel's face was priceless. I had a great time with Luis that day. I don't usually get over an hour to spend with just one kid. We had so much fun, and we played a really fun spitting game (I would try to block him from spitting in my face with my hand and then if I caught it, I'd rub it on his face or arm... He loved it). See, Saturday night, all of the kids watched Benchwarmers, and all of them loved it. They especially liked the little kid that wanted to be the sssssscore keeper that spit when he talked. So, there was a lot of spitting that occured on Sunday and Monday. During that movie though, the kids were so freaking cute. Gloria fell asleep on me, so I had to take her to her room (for the 2nd night in a row). Then, Jesus Humberto (12) was sitting on my lap, but then he moved up forward onto the front part of my legs. So, Jesus (5) saw 4" of spare leg, so he sat on it for a long while before he changed his position and ended up falling asleep as well. Arnulfo tried to use the other leg's 4" of space but realized he couldn't see the movie after that. When I took Jesus to his room, I saw Antonio Humberto sleeping behind the door and by the bench in the front room... So I took him to his room as well. Then, after the movie was over, a bunch of the kids stood in two lines and took turns dancing in the middle while I was recording a video of it...It was so funny.

There was also a bad situation.... One kid, Ramon, took my camera in the boys bathroom and took pictures in there. Thank goodness one was of Adrian so I found out. He had to go through my camera several times just to make sure there were no indecent pictures in there... No kids are allowed to use my camera out of my supervision anymore.

And that's probably more than people even care about, so I'll stop there... :)

But PS... It's kind of funny when you know people at both borders, and when they start to recognize you.

Okay, and one more. I was cleaning up the guest quarters where I stayed and Jesus Humberto came in and waited for me while I cleaned. He entertained himself and drew since we really can't talk that much. Then, a little while later, he walked with me while I said goodbye to every single kid. He even pointed out quite a few kids to me and told me to give them hugs. It was awesome. Seriously, these kids are so amazing, each and every one of them.

PPS. I really hate how people will say that I'm a good samaritan or a good person or that I have a really big heart when they find out. It makes me feel stupid answering their "how was your weekend or what did you do" generic questions. If everyone met these kids... They would understand. If they just knew God, then they would get it. Even if you're not called to go down there as often as we are, you can still fall in love with them. They get a grip on your heart and leave imprint in it.