New Year..New Things

I could not think of a better place to spend my New Years than right where I am. New Years Eve was pretty much like any other rountine day around here at Casa. It was a free day for the kids so we played outside-the weather was absolutely beautiful. It was in the high 70s and sunny. Can't ask for much better than that. We had Bible after dinner and Papi talked to the kids about what his goals for them are this year.

1-To be healthy physically. He encouraged them to run, eat healthy, and avoid drugs, alcohol and smoking. The last few things may not be a problem or temptation for them while they are living here at Casa but he talked about the importance of deciding NOW that they are things that the kids will avoid in the future.

2-Secondly he talked about preparing their heart. He encouraged them to closely watch their attitude in school, towards others, towards their dorm parents, etc. If your heart is right with God, all other things will fall into place including friendships, school, relationships with staff, finances, and even the relationship with their future wife/husband.

3-The last part Papi talked about was their testimony. He told them that he wants every single one of them to have their own testimony. He wants them growing in the Lord daily so that their walk can be visible to others and that their testimony can strengthen. He stressed that it is no one else's testimony but their own and it's their choice to make the most of it.

This entire sermon was in Spanish and I understood the entire thing except 2 sentences which Chus helped me out with. He kept whispering and asking if I understood and when I shook my head "Yes" he would just laugh. I think the boys are proud of me for working so hard on my Spanish while I was away. They have made mention that I have gotten better and that makes me feel so good. I really can understand a lot more this time around which is pretty exciting :)

After Bible we had candy, popcorn and a movie for all the kids. We watched The Blind Side. (They have bootleg versions of any movie you want...I saw Avatar at the market which has been out only 2 weeks!) The movie ended around 10 or so and Papi and Mami and some of their kids invited me up to the house for a late dinner. We had macaroni (Guatemalan style...spicy!) and some type of meat....yea....it was good though! As we finished I began talk to Jonathan, one of the first kids that ever came to Casa. He really opened up to me and by the time it was done, we were both in tears. Once again I came to Guatemala in hopes to be a blessing to a child's life and they have blessed me more than I can describe. Jonathan is my age and is a remarkable man. I have so much admiration for him and am so thankful that the Lord used him to speak to me so clearly.

While we were talking we noticed it was way past 12:00. Oh well-Happy New Year! The boys bought me some daisies to put in my room which are beautiful and smell amazing. Such a sweet group of young men :)

More on New Year's Day later!

Taking you on a tour...

I thought today it would be fun to take you on a picture tour of my day's activities. Here we go....

Ok actually this was taken yesterday. It is of me
and Willy's brother, Elvis. I love this kid to pieces.

He has the sweetest heart and you can see it in his

eyes. Just like Willy. Man I miss that kid....

Buenos dias! (From left to right) Carlos David,

Reina and Pavlo. I am sneaking him home in my bag!

Nacho and Neri.

Little Miss Reina.

Catherine

Feeding one of the new babies. I forget

his name..but he is a doll! Juana and I played on the swings for about

an hour! She is still the boss around here!

After swing time I went in to make spaghetti. I left the door open and all the little boys would stop in and say hello or just stand and watch me cook. I love having these babies around me all the time...they bring me such an over flowing feeling of joy that i can't describe.

GREAT news! The adoptions from Guatemala are currently closed to everyone BUT Guatemala is opening adoption again to 4 countries. America applied to be one of those 4 allowed to adopt. The decision is being made now, but if it does open back up to us the adoption process will be reduced to about a year long wait and the total bill, since it will now be run solely by the government, will be about $600-$800. I am praying for this to happen because I know it could be a blessing to some sweet friends of mine :)

Rain Rain Go Away!

Today was very cold and very rainy! Not the spring-like weather I am used to here! I spent the morning playing cards with the older boys and just sitting around talking. Chus made me some guacamole which made my day and I had just that for lunch and dinner. They are spoiling me here, that's for sure. The afternoon was spent in the baby dorm, Los Angelitos, hanging out with the little babies. I have found the child I want to sneak home in my bag. His name is Pablo and he is the most loving and precious thing I've ever laid eyes on. It doesn't help that he follows me around and calls me "mami". He caught my heart today.

Tonight I went over to Mami and Papi's house and watched "Up" with some of the other kids. It turned out to be more of a question and answer session about America which was pretty fun. There is a boy in the hospital who is from Casa named Antoni. He is very sick and needs a kidney but is too little to receive one. He is on dialysis 2-3 times a day and receiving blood transfusions. Papi asked the kids that wanted to to donate blood for him today. I was shocked at the number of kids that signed up. These children genuinely care for each other and take care of one another. It's a very cool thing to watch.

I've gotten to spend a lot of time with Willy's brother Elvis. It's been very comforting getting to see him and talk about Willy. I miss my boy so much but being able to spend time with Elvis is almost as great :) They look just alike too. I just will continue to pray that Willy is safe and out of harm's way.

I Made It!

I am here! The action packers arrived in one piece and I made it through customs without much problem. Of course they asked a million questions about what was in the boxes and then wanted to take everything out and search it anyways. The poor girl picking me up was so worried about me because it took me so long to make it outside to find her. I am staying in an apartment with 2 other girls that live here at Casa. Celia is 25 and Joselin is 17. They have been the absolute BEST hostesses ever! They cleaned out a cabinet for my to put my things and put away all my groceries. So so so sweet.

I am staying in Estrellitas (little stars). The house is divided in half, with little boys on one side and little girls on the other with out apartment in the middle. If I was anywhere else, the sound of little boys screaming, running up and down stairs, singing and throwing things at 5 am would not help me start my day off in a good mood. But as they say, "It's Guatemala!" so I don't mind it. It actually makes me happy to hear their sweet spanish speaking voices before the sun is up :)

So funny story #1....I went with Patty to the grocery store since I will be cooking for myself for the next 2 weeks. Everything is pretty self explanatory-fruit, bread, lunchmeat, and pasta all the look the same no matter where you are. I got the the Dairy section and was trying to pick out which milk I wanted. I grabbed what I thought was 2%. When we got back I poured a glass and quickly realized this was not milk! What I bought was buttermilk! That should be good for the waistline.

Speaking of weight, the boys took it upon themselves to tell me that this summer when I was here I was "fat" but now I am not. I just laughed and told them "I am going to ignore the fact you thought I was fat this summer and just take it as a compliment." God bless them for their honesty!

My room for 2 weeks

Guatemala City

Mountains

I'm Leavin'...On A Jet Plane...

Greetings from 22,724 feet! I made it in the air-wahoo! Now just attempting to get used to the feel of the keyboard on my new Acer computer (thank you Santa!) Waking up at 4:30 am isn't exactly the definition of fun but it's not as difficult when I know in a few short hours I will be in the best place on Earth. I managed, by the grace of God, to get 2 weeks worth of clothing and toiletries in a book bag and a small carry-on bag. My two checked bags are full of Christmas gifts, mail, towels, and school uniforms that have been piling up around the Phillips' home for weeks now. I am sure Mom is glad to see it make its way home to the children!

One of my action packers was 4 pounds over weight. Dad and I got to stand at the counter and shuffle items around and take some out (my Bible of all things) to adjust the weight while several happy and cheerful day-after-Christmas travelers waited so kindly behind us (ok-maybe not quite so kindly-I did catch a few glares and "let me look at you, then my watch, then you again all while taking a big deep breath" stares.)

When we put the lid back on the box and were trying to close it, the latch broke. Thank goodness for heavy duty tape. Let's just pray it holds until I arrive in Guatemala. Standing at baggage claim waiting on a soccer ball here and a Dora book there wouldn't exactly be enjoyable. I'm just going to pray that unlike last time, my bags make it there with me. Given satan's (not capitalized on purpose) lately, however, I don't think anything would come as a surprise at this point. I know something great is going to come out of this trip because there has been some serious battling going on to keep me from it! (You will be happy to hear my Bible did make it with me).

I can't wait to get to Casa Aleluya. This trip seemed like it would never get here and I can't believe I am finally on my way! I am praying that on this trip the Lord will break my heart for what breaks His, teach me to love in a deeper and more compassionate way, and that I will show a genuine love to these children that they will be able to feel. I want to make a impact on their lives, not just be another face that comes through the gates. I pray for opportunities to share the love of Christ and that I will continue to grow and mature as a Christian while I am here.

I miss all of yall and am so blessed for the amazing support group the Lord has placed around me. Every one of you has impacted my life in ways you may never know. Thank you for pouring into me and show Christ's love. Continue to live boldly and loudly for Him.

Gobble Gobble!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I ran in my very first 5k this year! I thought I was going to die, and it was really hard to keep going, but it was so great when I finally crossed that finish line. I won't lie-I am pretty proud of myself. My final time was 45:12, which isn't terrible for a first timer who doesn't run that often. My next race will be in December. It's actually on the same course so I know what to expect. If anyone has trained for these races before and have some advice, I would LOVE to hear it! I can tell you this though-it's addicting already!



The rest of the day was pretty low key. Had some great food and hung out with the family. My sweet little 4 year old cousin was here whom I adore. She told me that I am one of her "best friends" which really made my day! Never knew being the best friend of a 4 year old would be so fulfilling, but it is. We took a lot of pictures, and as soon as I figure out how to get them off my new camera and onto the computer I will post them. Have a wonderful weekend!

JEANIE!

I am REALLY late in announcing this, a month late to the exact date actually, but Jeanie has arrived! Eleanor Jean Jarosz was born on October 23 at 8:43 pm. She was 2 weeks early and weighed 5lbs 15 oz and was 20 inches long. It was a long labor process but Jess did awesome and has recovered wonderfully. Here are just a few pics from those first few moments and days:


Momma J getting ready for the C-Section

Meeting Jeanie for the 1st time

Love at first sight!


1st day home (and wearing an outfit Tutu got her :)

Tutu~Jeanie~Mommy



I just talked to the proud momma today after Jeanie's 1 month check-up and she is now 8 1/2 pounds and 21 inches. She's growing up so fast already!