Sunday already?????

Regular meetings and assessments for the nurses has meant that Lesley and I have had to work very hard this week to keep everything ticking over. Quite often we found ourselves alone getting everything done and trying to find time to play with the children as well. It was also a week when the children were weighed; this means that once again adjustments will have to be made to the diet of some of them. The hairdresser arrived unannounced and proceeded to cut all the boys hair; it was strange to walk in and see them all practically bald!!
The two new boys settled in well and were just getting used to the place when the older one was returned to the institution he came form in Guatemala City. It seems that the social services section of the hospital made a mistake in taking him on…. So we were sad to see him go, not really knowing what he’s going to, and wondering how the mistake could be made. The younger one is really enjoying the attention and we are enjoying playing with him and getting him used to the other children. He also makes the most beautiful cooing sounds and has a glorious smile…. Not easy to focus on other things while he’s around!
Fortunately we had a couple of days of sunshine so the children could be wheeled out into the garden area. The older, more able boys are getting around a lot now and are starting to communicate more. Attending teaching sessions almost daily is paying off.
We also received some more clothes and while organising them realised how much some of the children have grown, especially Perla, who seems to be getting taller by the day!
Also on the list of jobs was amending the ward information board to include notes about the new boys, which will now have to be amended again!


















ANTIGUA......










The volcanoes continue to hide behind heavy grey clouds and rain pours down by mid afternoon. The streets continue to be difficult to navigate, the pavements barely wide enough to accommodate one person with an umbrella!
Political unrest in Guatemala at the moment with assassinations of lawyers and other people has meant that there have been a number of demonstrations. Last Sunday town was practically empty as many people left for Guatemala City to join a demonstration against the government, a handful of people met in the park here to make their voices heard in front of the Government offices. We were advised to stay at home so no pictures I am afraid. Then this week, in contrast, the main street (with the arch) was cut off to traffic as a whole fleet of new BMW’s arrived in town for a photo shoot! Restricted photos but did manage to sneak one in before they left!
On Thursday, we had another earth tremor (5.5) which lasted quite a while, in many ways the most scariest, and I was on the verge of racing out into the street when it stopped. Fortunately no damage…So have gone to the official site and re read the information on what to do in case of an earthquake!
For the first time since I have been here I am very keenly aware of the political unrest, and the unpredictability of mother nature.
Enjoy
Adios amigos
Goodnight
Xxx