Walter's Birthday



Jairo making breakfast

Today when Jairo came to pick me up the passenger's seat was empty.  Lourdes wasn't there.  He proceeded to tell me that she is very sick and even fell to the ground last night, so she is spending the day in bed.  He was clearly upset.  When we got to the breakfast program it was Jairo who made breakfast.  We took a bunch of different boxes from the stuff we picked up the first day I was here and he mixed it all together in a big bowl - Cheerios, Cornflakes, Co-Co Puffs, Lucky Charms, etc.  It was a cereal extravaganza!

It was a relaxed morning at the church,  so I decided to get out my hacky sack and play with the kids.  Since they are amazing at soccer I knew they'd be good at hacky sack.  And they were, until I kicked one of them in the face.  Wait!  Let me explain.  I had told him he can use any part of his body except his hands, so he started heading the ball, which was great, until the ball went right to my foot and I kicked it.  All I could hear was "CRUNCH" and blood began to pour everywhere.  I felt terrible.  Jairo came out of the kitchen and I yelled, "Jairo, I think I broke his nose!"  We sat him down and got the bleeding to stop.  He never cried, but he refused to speak.  Jairo checked out his nose, declared it not broken, but told him he had to take it easy for the rest of the day.

One of the littlest girls showed me how to wash the blood out of his shirt in the pila.  She was a professional at it.  When I told others about her washing skills they said it's because at 6 years old, she is responsible to care for her younger siblings and even for washing neighbors' clothes.  I made a personal vow never to let her work while she's at the breakfast program.  This is her place to relax and be a child.

Jairo said that although Lourdes was sick, there would still be a birthday party for Walter at the Sarmiento home.  I was invited, so I went early and helped prepare.  I also showed Lourdes the paper I wrote last night to ask for funding for Ubence's school.  Lourdes was very pleased with the paper.  She tried to help us prepare, but ended up collapsing in the arms of Belinda and me.  We carried her to bed, then continued preparing for the party.  Josselyn and I worked together, which was nice.  We listened to her favorite Spanish music.  I thought it was great.  We talked about girl things and teenaged things and growing up.  Josselyn has grown to be a beautiful young woman, inside and out.  I truly enjoy time with her.

(Josselyn is currently in her second semester of college and loves it!  She loves the teachers and never complains about the work.  She is so happy to be going to college.  She wants to be a graphic artist.)

The food turned out great and it was a very nice party.  I love how gatherings here are so meaningful and personal.  Once everyone arrived they went around the room and talked about all the ways that Walter is special to them and their families.  Some people were funny, some talked about Walter as a child.  His Mother talked about his birth.  It was lots of family and his closest friends.  Then they praised God for Walter and his calling to be a pastor.

Good luck blowing out the trick candles!

I especially enjoyed the party because it was the first time I have been able to spend with Karla and Jose.  I saw them briefly when I first arrived, but it was midnight and we were all exhausted, so we mumbled hello, hugged and that was it.  It was pretty anti-climatic after waiting to see them for 2 & 1/2 years.  But this was everything I was hoping for and more.  I spent some quality time with Jose.  Then Karla and I caught up on a lot of things.  Mostly we giggled.  I'm not much of a giggler and really neither is Karla, but when we are together it's like I'm 6 years old again and I love it!  Sometimes we look at each other and we just giggle for no reason.  Or I'll say something I don't think is funny at all and Karla will say, "Ayyyy... Marileeeeeen!"  and we'll both laugh.  (People down here have the hardest time with my name.)  So Karla and I got in some good laughs, then they gave me a ride home and made plans to get together soon.  It was so nice to remember all of the reasons I love them so much.  Karla and I have a friendship that transcends words, which is helpful because she doesn't speak much English.  :)

We got home at midnight, so I don't know if the Catholic church across the street sang, but since I moved in the have sung every night except Monday.  I have to borrow my mother's word to describe it.  Their singing is glorious.  I love sitting in my room next to the window and listening to them sing.  Sometimes I honestly wonder if they might offer a glimpse of how heaven will sound.