January 7, 2011
What a fitting way to wrap up my trip! I had the privilege of spending the day with Johainy and Millie,
two of the sweetest girls you will ever meet.
Guiselle, my translator, and Makito were a couple minutes early and we quickly made our way to the
community center where a rather large crowd awaited us. Excluding the staff and me, there were 11
people, two more than I'd expected. I guess they were trying to make up for yesterday's no-shows!
Anyway, the kids were anxious to present me with their letters and gifts. I told them they had this all
backwards, but they insisted. I received some very kind letters from not only the girls, but their
siblings as well. Anyone who tells you that brothers and sisters don't enjoy these visits is telling you a
whopper. They have a blast.
I followed up with jewelry for Millie, Johainy and their mothers, and presented the girls with print outs of
all of their annual CI photos. The reactions were priceless. It's amazing what some paper and printer ink
can create. Their moms will surely treasure them.
It's hard to find the words to express the satisfaction in seeing kids being kids without a worry, if only for
a few short hours. The looks they gave while riding their first rollercoaster will forever be etched in my
mind. They were in hog heaven. Don't think I've ever seen a group of children having so much fun
before!
And Millie and Johainy clung to me like barnacles. I loved every moment of it. Really caring and
affectionate kids unencumbered by the need to look ¨cool.¨ Very refreshing stuff.
The sixteen (16!) of us packed into the van and headed to the mall. Same mall, same food court, same
McDonalds as yesterday. Fifteen people had McSomething-or-others and padrino struck out on his own
and tried some Cuban fare. Frankly, I think the McD hamburgers look like airline food rejects, but they all
scarfed it down as though it was the tastiest stuff going. Different strokes for different folks.
We shopped at many of the same stores as yesterday and I handed my worn out credit card to the same
cashiers. I'm sure some of them were wondering what the heck this gringo was doing, but a couple of
them were themselves involved with CI at some point. It is indeed a small world.
A trip to Bulock's (don't know if it's affiliated with the North American Bullocks chain, which I thought
had gone bankrupt). Regardless, the prices were good, and all nine kids got clothes. As they individually
bagged brand new jeans for each kid and passed them out, I got some of the most unforgettable looks
from the siblings. I can't read minds, but I think they were wondering why I would do this. For a tad over
a $100, I outfitted two families. Shhh. Mum's the word!
Like yesterday, our final stop was the grocery store. I got off easy on the food, but wanted the children
to have something fun as a reminder of our day. Cars, a soccer ball, a Transformer-like monster were
among the selections. And the girls sheepishly slipped some underwear into the carts and tried to stuff it
underneath food, only to have me howl with delight. So embarrassing, but padrino sees all!
With packages in laps, we made our way to the bus stop, where both families would make their way
home. Standing next to a gas station feet away from a busy and loud street wasn't the ideal environment
for farewells, but as I said before, sponsors need to expect the unexpected.
Through the din of bus engines, we said our goodbyes. Millie gave me a tighter hug than I thought
possible, and Johainy once again cried softly before letting go. These two girls are keepers. Is it any
wonder I would travel thousands of miles to see them?
Well, another trip is in the books. Two countries, six families, and many memories. Thanks much for
tagging along.
Farewell from Guatemala!
What a fitting way to wrap up my trip! I had the privilege of spending the day with Johainy and Millie,
two of the sweetest girls you will ever meet.
Guiselle, my translator, and Makito were a couple minutes early and we quickly made our way to the
community center where a rather large crowd awaited us. Excluding the staff and me, there were 11
people, two more than I'd expected. I guess they were trying to make up for yesterday's no-shows!
Anyway, the kids were anxious to present me with their letters and gifts. I told them they had this all
backwards, but they insisted. I received some very kind letters from not only the girls, but their
siblings as well. Anyone who tells you that brothers and sisters don't enjoy these visits is telling you a
whopper. They have a blast.
I followed up with jewelry for Millie, Johainy and their mothers, and presented the girls with print outs of
all of their annual CI photos. The reactions were priceless. It's amazing what some paper and printer ink
can create. Their moms will surely treasure them.
It's hard to find the words to express the satisfaction in seeing kids being kids without a worry, if only for
a few short hours. The looks they gave while riding their first rollercoaster will forever be etched in my
mind. They were in hog heaven. Don't think I've ever seen a group of children having so much fun
before!
And Millie and Johainy clung to me like barnacles. I loved every moment of it. Really caring and
affectionate kids unencumbered by the need to look ¨cool.¨ Very refreshing stuff.
The sixteen (16!) of us packed into the van and headed to the mall. Same mall, same food court, same
McDonalds as yesterday. Fifteen people had McSomething-or-others and padrino struck out on his own
and tried some Cuban fare. Frankly, I think the McD hamburgers look like airline food rejects, but they all
scarfed it down as though it was the tastiest stuff going. Different strokes for different folks.
We shopped at many of the same stores as yesterday and I handed my worn out credit card to the same
cashiers. I'm sure some of them were wondering what the heck this gringo was doing, but a couple of
them were themselves involved with CI at some point. It is indeed a small world.
A trip to Bulock's (don't know if it's affiliated with the North American Bullocks chain, which I thought
had gone bankrupt). Regardless, the prices were good, and all nine kids got clothes. As they individually
bagged brand new jeans for each kid and passed them out, I got some of the most unforgettable looks
from the siblings. I can't read minds, but I think they were wondering why I would do this. For a tad over
a $100, I outfitted two families. Shhh. Mum's the word!
Like yesterday, our final stop was the grocery store. I got off easy on the food, but wanted the children
to have something fun as a reminder of our day. Cars, a soccer ball, a Transformer-like monster were
among the selections. And the girls sheepishly slipped some underwear into the carts and tried to stuff it
underneath food, only to have me howl with delight. So embarrassing, but padrino sees all!
With packages in laps, we made our way to the bus stop, where both families would make their way
home. Standing next to a gas station feet away from a busy and loud street wasn't the ideal environment
for farewells, but as I said before, sponsors need to expect the unexpected.
Through the din of bus engines, we said our goodbyes. Millie gave me a tighter hug than I thought
possible, and Johainy once again cried softly before letting go. These two girls are keepers. Is it any
wonder I would travel thousands of miles to see them?
Well, another trip is in the books. Two countries, six families, and many memories. Thanks much for
tagging along.
Farewell from Guatemala!
September 2003
