Helping improve lives, One child at a time.

Yesterday was my birthday and I usually don't work at the girls home. But I have Weds mornings off and they had asked me to come over at night and of course I did. To be honest I was really kind of upset that I wasn't going to get to see them, so I was actually excited. When I got there it was the usual post-dinner fun of 22 girls. I was greeted with giant hugs and "Feliz Cumpleanos" from smiling girls. I couldn't have been happier. Tia Lucias birthday was Saturday and that was her time off, so we both celebrated together last night. The girls were busily finishing the decoration of the cake and making giant posters for Lucia and me.

I must say I was a little nervous for the whole taking a bite of the cake thing because I thought they would push my head in it. But Lucia and I made our wishes and took our bites, faces clean. Kimber and Zulma taking photos said they both missed the photo, so we did it again, surely this time our faces covered in chocolate cream. This was one of the best (I think probably THE BEST) birthday cake I have ever had just because I knew what went into it. And it was absolutely delicious because Kimber ran the baking endeavor.

It was a night filled of hugs and laughs and then I got to continue with our Wednesday night volunteer meeting, which is always a much looked forward time in my week. It was a great day. I got to talk to my mom in the morning and the rest of my family and some friends during the weekend, so I wasn't feeling sad and far away. But despite the distance I was still surrounded by so much love and amazing family. That's the thing about being here in Cochabomba with Ninos con Valor, I really have gotten to become a part of an amazing community. And for this I am blessed every day that I am here. Our girls and volunteers and staff are really quite special. Thank you everyone.

Kelley