In spite of laziness and lack of time, I feel compelled to write about yesterday. I want to write about it beautifully, but no matter how beautiful my words are, they could never be as beautiful as Caterina's facial expressions when she tasted ice cream and pizza. They could never be as beautiful as the feeling of her hand in mine as we walked. They could never be as beautiful as her tiny, 5 year old voice thanking us over and over.

"Gracias para commer pizza y gracias para commer fruttas y gracias para todos."

She and her siblings and cousins were undeniably gracious.

I won't soon forget the looks in their eyes when we got them barbies and toy cars. When they saw the park with the gigantic slides. The shrieks of pleasure. The laughter.

Even when we gave them tissues that smelled like vanilla, and chapstick, little things to us, there were squeals of delight from all.

Caterina's mother told us that she kept Caterina's recent birthday a secret because she could not afford to buy her a gift. She thanked us profusely for what turned out to be a birthday gift.

Caterina's grandmother took my hands in hers and thanked me in a combination of Quechwa and Spanish.

I could tell they felt like royalty that day. It was magical.

Magical to watch them try on their new sunglasses and clothes. Caterina was transformed into a model, probably for the first time in her life. And Eloi became a suave motorcycle driver in his newly bought outfit. He even acted the part, as he kissed me on the cheek to say goodbye.

I truly love those children and that family. They are so kind and gracious...Caterina, Eloi and their siblings are at least in the hands of a good family, poor as they are. But who knows if they will have a chance to move up in life and get a solid education and foundation for future work. My experience with all the the children I work with, particularly Caterina and Eloi, has made me think about the possibility of adopting in the future...or for now, perhaps financing their education here. I suspect that a little of my money would go a long way for them. Caterina and Eloi are two of the sweetest, most deserving children I've ever met. I only wish that yesterday weren't such a rarity for them...that they will get all of the chances they deserve.

so much can change in a year, in a month, in a day, in an hour...

jeez. it has been an interesting year. not always good, but at least i haven't been bored, i suppose.

peru has been the icing on the cake. it finally happened. in a tiny room and a tiny, squeaky bed with chickens squawking in the background...