They say "Home is where your heart is..."

My cousin Fredie and Stephen Brought me for the nice long ride to jfk on Thursday. Amazingly I was able to say all my goodbyes to family and friends with very few tears. It is so hard to leave them all, but I know it is good that I am here. I will learn and hope to teach much.

I arrived at the Hogar De Esperanza safe and sound late Friday morning. I was lucky to get a nice early flight to Tru from Lima and had no long layovers. My luggage was not as lucky. It should be in Lima today or possibly en route to me by now. God and I are having a nice laugh over this. I said I wanted to be a minimalist for 6 months and live from one bag. Well, I did not mean my carry on!! I am doing fine. I bought soap and shampoo... plus to shirts.

I have a pet!! I named him Fredrico. He is not so nice to pet, but holds good conversation late at night. He is a cricket about 5 times normal Connecticut size! I will put up a picture of him when I can. Nana, can I bring him home? He is almost as big as Koko!

Last night was good. Samantha (who is the volunteer admin) and Alex (a worker here who lives with his wife and three beautiful children in the Ranch, just outside the Alberque) met me at the TINY airport in Tru. It was easy to find them. Sam was the only gringa (white girl) around and Alex's smile could have lit up the runway. He is a very nice man. They both gave me big hugs and then we were off for supplies.

When we got back I said hello to some of the children and had dinner with them and some of the workers. I also met the other volunteers. There were big hugs from Amy and Tracy (who is our fantastic guard dog. We cuddle alot, and I slip her extra food or bones). Tracy always follows us from the walls of the orphanage to the mecro (bus) to ensure safe travel. I don't know what she would do to a potential threat... I think she would lick them to death. I did hear that she bit a child's cruel father though. I like her all the more for that.

Last night right after lunch I got cleaned up and rested. I made a nice computer desktop pic with all my family and closest friends. When I sleep I leave it up and play country music. ;-)

I was a bit upset to not have my bags. Not because of the clothing, but because of my missing birthday cards and family pics. It will feel more like home when I have them to put up. My room is very nice. Hugo made my bed for me and cleaned before I came. I have a closet!! My favorite thing is my shower curtain. It has bubbles on it!! My pet Fredrico tried to take a shower with me today. I swiftly removed him!!

I slept for 14 hrs straight last night. I could not be woken for dinner even! I missed out on the girls "slumber party" and the boys pancake breakfast! I am sure there will be many more events to take part in. Today I spent about an hour on the phone with JFK, Miami, Lima and Tru airports locating luggage. I think I have found it. Time will tell. Tonight, Amy and I went to Starbucks....... yes, they have one here too. It will be my only coffee from there while I am here. Expensive!! We took a "collectivo" back to Alberque. (Shelter house, another name for the orphanage) It was interesting. Ever hear of people setting a record for the most people fit into a volkswagen? Same idea!

When we returned, we were greeted with sticky chocolate hands!! The boys had a slumber party and celebrated some birthdays. Arnold kept calling me Mom which was very sad for me. I corrected and said "no, Tia" (Tia is auntie, it is what the kids call all the adults. Tio or Tia). He is a very loving boy and probably the child closest to my heart here. I pray he finds a loving family. He has so much love to give. I have never seen him without a smile on his face.

*** Here is a picture from my last trip to Peru. Arnold is the boy to the right of me in the picture, wearing the light red shirt. This was taken durring our goodbyes as we were leaving. They were wrapping themselves around my feet and legs to make it hard for me to leave! ***

If they say home is where your heart is, then I suppose I have many homes. All over Connecticut, NY, Rode Island, Florida, Guam, Afganistan. Now my home is also in Peru. The children are so easy to love. I will always love them and the workers who care for them so well. For a time they will be my extended family. My neices, nephews, brothers and sisters in Christ. It will be a good time for me here!! Never a dull moment!

After much laughter, chocolate and watching Iron Man in spanish, I am off to sleep. Sunday is a long day! Church with the children then off with either the boys or girls group to celebrate the September birthdays in town!! I am sure it will be a blast.

God bless and keep you all. Even though we are so far away, you are right here in my heart. I can't wait for Christmas and HUGE hugs, possibly the biggest ever. Careful for brusied ribs!! Haha.

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On a funny note.... I can't buy shoes in Peru!! My feet are to big and they dont carry my size!!