Hotel Condado Puerto Plata

... can't wait to see them.  My little Ellie Grace has
grown at least one inch, is beginning to give up her bottle, and is saying new
words.  She grew up some while I have been gone--I'm going to eat it all
up when I get back!
I haven't been able to reflect on this experience.  I've heard that
reflection comes in bits and pieces, interwoven during normal daily routines--a
thought here, an image there.  What I do know, is that this ...

... he said, "I don't have the money or the time."  It was maddening.  I truly believe in my heart that this child will not survive this illness, just because of his living situation.  It was difficult to walk away-
Please offer your positive thoughts, good karma, prayers, or wishful thinking to this little one tonight.  Maybe they will help.
Missing all of you,
Love,
Lani

... aren't spoiled by anybody,
Who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
Who live and move, but have no being.
We pray for children who want to be carried,
And for those who must,
For those we never give up on
And for those who don't get a second chance.
For those we smother,
And for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.
 -----by Marian Wright Edelman 

... pass us by around Thursday afternoon, thanks in advance, Bill.  It rained all night last night, and looks like Thursday will be a wet day as well.  
I'm attaching a very recent pic of my little one, taken last week.  I think she's learning to play the piano in my absence, and definitely growing up too fast while mommy is away.
Take care.  Hope you are all well-
Love,
Lani
 

... this is my first, "I'm really homesick, and am admitting it to the world" blog since arriving here.  I'm hoping that I continue to stay busy, as that makes the days seem shorter :)
I'm attaching a group picture.  This picture was taken after the Campo clinic and education session.  Yes, we are really as tired as we look!
Please feel free to drop me an email and let me know how you all are doing.
Adios,
Love,
Lani

... it contrasts with the dynamic Spanish prof. But I volunteered to change sections to a smaller class so another girl could be in that one...so hopefully this week is more exciting. - History of the Caribeen taught by a Cuban professor is also exciting. - Hispanic-American Literature might be a little bit intimidating because its a 3hr class once a week and there are 30 Dominican & Haitian boys studying theology plus me & 4 other Americans. I'm just scared about how ...

Well this is my first week without the beloved Miriam (tear) but I have been brave and as savvy a traveler as one could be. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week I spent the mornings out at an orphanage for children with disabilities. The orphanage is called Mustard Seed, which comes from the new testament passage (somewhere in there) that all you need to walk on water is have faith as small as a mustard seed (and for those of you who haven't seen a mustard seed ...

... night and the impact of the sleep deprivation immediately started to sink in. As soon as we got on the plane I easily fell asleep, which is quite a feat for me on an airplane, but I was THAT tired! I slept for most of the flight - about the first 5 hours - and then woke up feeling fairly refreshed. The airline screwed up mine and Leanna's special meal order (Asian Vegetarian, which I like to get because it's a little more interesting than just plain "vegan") - meaning ...

... kids - they are pretty amazing and I know that eventually we will get a lot done. Next Saturday we are commencing with the gardens at the early hour of 6:00 am, so I will post pictures as things progress. For pictures of the bola race and the beach, check out my Flickr site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/90483948@N 00/ Hope all of you are well. I miss everyone and am looking forward to coming home for the holidays!! Take care and stay in touch. Love, Mags

... was located and no secret wall of rock was waiting behind it to kill me on sight. The hard part is that the water is pushing you towards the edge and swimming against that current was really hard. And here's another paranoia - what if the falling water pushes me down really hard to the bottom of the pool? I know, I know - what a worry bug. Funny that I am always drawn to water - but then once ...