Guatemala, September 4, 2012

To give a more complete picture of the Center I wanted to describe a bit about where everybody is serving. The youngest group which ranges from birth to around a year is the Canaries, a big group, and requires a good bit of help. Cindy, Dianna, Martha, Ron, Lou and Kelli have been helping out with this group.  Kelli talked about holding up to 4 babies at a time because they long so much to be touched and held. (She obviously wasn't listening during Orientation!) These women literally have their hands full helping out with these young babies.

The next group up in terms of age is called the Bunnies. Charlene and Lissa are the helpers in this group and they also have their hands full.  The little girls in the group are very feisty, and there is even a set of twins that keep things interesting. A little boy who is new to the group has recently received a new hair cut, a buzz, after dealing with a case of lice. We are all hoping that it doesn’t get passed along, and so far it hasn’t.  There is a little boy Walter who is getting an eye operation soon that will hopefully allow him to see properly.

Laura and Billie are handling the next group of toddlers, the Chicks, and they are a rambunctious crowd!  Three of the little girls love climbing on Laura’s lap while Billie takes turns doing somersaults with the kids in her lap.  One little girl (Maria Asuncion) is struggling with walking, so Billie is helping do some leg exercises with her.  While most of this group is able to eat without assistance, they are still in diapers and still need quite a bit of supervision.  
One of the little girls fell asleep at the lunch table today, so it seems they are about as tired as we are!

The oldest group, the Ducks (boys) and Squirrels (girls) is potty trained and the most independent of all the groups. Sandi, Jennifer Beck and Jennifer Link have been working with this group. Sandi has been able to bring her teaching experience to the group and Jennifer Beck has been able to work with the kids that she did last year while here. 

Jennifer Link has been able to be a blessing to both children and Staff by using her talents to cut hair. She's been busy all day trimming, cutting and styling hair.  For some of these children the only time they get a proper hair cut or trim is when somebody like Jennifer comes to serve.  The little girls’ faces lit up after seeing their new cuts and curls in the mirror!

Tomorrow we will assist in taking the kids to get shots at the local city clinic. Wish us luck!!