Thursday, January 14, 2010

People are actually reading this!?

It makes me so happy to find out that there are a few out there following this! Many thanks for your support!

Today was my assigned picture day at Cunas (the baby orphanage). It was fun. The kids are fascinated by the camera and like to see pictures of themselves. They are all so darling, even though they bite each other. There is one girl named Anna Cristina who bites more than any child I've ever been around. She is known for it. We can usually catch her before she actually bites because all the other kids know what she is going to do and they start screaming in terror. Time out for the kids is going to their cuna (crib) but she loves her cuna. All of her little deeds are done with an irresistible smile.

Something else about Cunas: all of the kids here wear cloth diapers. Joy. It saves money but they are very troublesome. I'm getting pretty good at tying them though. I really hope this is a skill that I will only need for the next two months.

Also, I wanted to write tonight about Diana. Diana is a twenty seven year old woman who lives in the special needs home called Esperanza (hope). She has a degenerative disease (of which I cannot remember the name) but basically her mind is deteriorating more and more as time goes on and it breaks my heart. Her mother passed away a few years ago from the same condition. Before her disease, she was in a perfectly normal state and now she cannot walk or communicate much. But she can smile. I love her smile. She has become very childlike. She loves it when I do her hair and loves to give me kisses. I often find myself thinking about her throughout the day. I think about what little control we actually have over our lives. Diana makes me want to be better. She helps me realize that I need to learn to be happy and not to worry so much. I found a photo album in her closet and after she was ready for bed, I looked through it with her. She grinned and pointed and laughed. There were pictures of her as a child with her twin sister (who does not have this disease). It made me happy and sad.

7 comments:

  1. I am so proud of you...it makes me smile to imagine you with these awesome people. Enjoy it! Love you!

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  2. I love seeing your photos and reading what is going on. I have a very special place in my heart for what you are doing. you are giving someone's future child love and care until they can come and get them. I love the kids that Jayme cared for by hearing her stories and seeing the pictures. I love Ecuador and their culture. I miss it and I miss the people. I am very excited for you and the things you will experience while you are there. You are very blessed to be apart of this wonderful work. Love ya!

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  3. Aw, that's sweet Erin. Is it bad to say I'm jealous of your experiences? Sounds like a lifechanging time. Keep smilin that beautiful smile and kissing those sweet little babies in Ecuador!

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  4. I really really enjoy reading this! You've changed a lot. And for the better, I know you know that. I LOVE YOU! You're amazing.

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  5. love this song, and that little girl is adorable, I bet you want to take them all home. Keep up the great work, this time will be irreplaceable

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  6. You are doing a wonderful job, Erin, writing of your experiences. Some of us will never get to do this and it is good to see it through your eyes! It is also nice to see your charitable heart at work with people who have special needs that you can provide for them. Thinking about you here in Franklin, TN!

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  7. Thank you everyone for your support! Love you guys!

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