Thanksgiving Celebrations/Visitors/Trips

This past week has been pretty crazy.  On Tuesday, we had visitors arrive from the states and they are here for a week.  We've had TONS of fun with them so far and we're looking forward to the next few days with them!  Since they've arrived, we've been finding plenty of things to keep us busy, so I thought I'd share a few of the things...

First, on Wednesday morning we went to Operation Rescue for one last time this year.  No, they're not closing down for good, but the school year is now done so they won't be serving breakfast anymore this year.  It's been so much fun getting to know the kids there and interacting with them!!

Later on Wednesday, we began the 3+ hour trip to Santiago, which is across the lake from Panajachel.  There is an orphanage that we resource up there, and we thought it would be fun to take our guests there to see a different home and a beautiful view!!  Not to mention it gave us a good excuse to go visit as well!!  The place we visited only had 17 kids when we arrived, but they got 3 more while we were visiting.  All the children either speak English or are learning English and they are very well behaved!!  It was a lot of fun to visit with the directors, interact with the kids, and snuggle the babies!!  We only stayed overnight, but the 6 hours on the road was 100% worth it!!!!

Josue arrived at the home with his mother/sister fairly recently.  His mother is now 13 years old.

4 month old Josue

Mama with Rosita and Shenny

Out at the home, they had recently received a new little girl, 6 day old Mercy.  Mercy had been found laying in the streets, naked, umbilical cord attached and tiny.  She only weighs about 4.5 lbs and is the sweetest little thing.  

1 week old Mercy

Me with tiny Mercy

Minor had arrived at the home when we was about 7 months old.  At the time he couldn't even sit up by himself!  He's come a very long way and is an adorable little guy that gives AMAZING hugs!!  =)

11 month old Minor

Abby and Minor

Risa and Minor

While we were visiting, the directors went to pick up three new children, two babies and a 12 year old girl.  The babies have already had hard pasts, but I am so glad they are now in a home that will care for them, love them and support them in their futures!!

This little guy was 1lb at birth and his mother never claimed him.

This little guy was found in a field and has been in the hospital his whole life

Friday we spent the day visiting two orphanages, one in Guatemala City and one in San Lucas.  At the first home, we mostly just went to play with the kids.  Many of these children don't have family or anyone really to visit them, so we enjoy just stopping by to play every now and then. 

This little guy also has one sister with eyes exactly like his and another sister with 2 blue eyes!!

At the second home, some of our friends were throwing a pizza party for the kids, so we went to help and hang out!!

Sleeping (now 1 year old!!) beauty

Pizza!!!!

Baby Kisses  =)

On the way home from these two orphanages, we ended up getting stuck in 1.5 hrs of traffic, which can get a tad boring...  so Abby and I started taking pictures.  As embarrassing as they may be, I thought I'd share a few.  Abby, please don't kill me!!!

See the resemblance? 

My personal favorite!!! 

Finally, this morning (Saturday) Operation Rescue had their final party for the year.  They brought the kids from the school, as well as several hundred others from the streets.  Each of us was assigned to a group of 10-11 kids to try to keep control of, along with another worker.  They had about 15 inflatable bounce things and tons of games.  It was really chaos, but a lot of fun!!!  We all left the party exhausted, sunburnt and dirty, but happy at the same time!!

A VERY small portion of the kids!!!

After the party, we had to take our guests down to center Guatemala City to show them the fireworks...  oh, and buy a few!!

No, we didn't buy all those!!

I think that about sums up our Thanksgiving celebrations/visitors/trips, and everything else.  I could start to talk about all the things that I'm thankful for, but we could be here for a while!!  So, it'll have to suffice to say that I am thankful for so much in life; my God, my family, my friends and my life.  Happy (belated) Thanksgiving everyone!!!