10/26/10

   Today right after breakfast we went to see Sister Margarita, a nurse, who is charge of the health department of the diocese of Chulucanas. She wasn't there so we left a message to have her contact us as soon as she could. We will be speaking to her about the health situations of the children, and how to improve them, especially those who seem malnourished. Although she is Australian, she speaks Spanish very well, and will be able to help with our communication with Maria Luisa.
  After this we bought some more thinner, and then began to prepare the next wall for the paint. While we were there we discovered that there were many top bunks at the home that were not being used. The reason is because they do not have a railing and the child would fall off in their sleep. If the beds were fixed something like 5 or 6 more beds could be in use. Since we can't go out and buy a drill, we spoke with a friend about meeting with a carpenter who could fix them! We will be meeting him first thing tomorrow morning.
  Since yesterday we took out money we were finally able to replace this one mattress that was absolutely destroyed. It belonged to a fifteen year old girl Antonella who shares it with Tulio, the one and a half year old. We asked her if Tulio would sleep in a crib, if we were to buy one for the babies. She said that she would not want him too, because at night she is afraid, and feels safe with him there. As for the other babies, Maria Fernanda sleep with Ingrid, 17, who truely does not mind her. And Ana Cristina sleeps with her 16 year old mother, Sylvia. Since they said cribs really wouldn't be used we decided to spend the money we would have used on cribs on high chairs for the babies! We bought 3. Before the older girls would just sit them on a regular chair, which is quite difficult to use for kids so young. They were all very excited, and the chairs are beautiful. Also we bought pillows for all of the kids, before they had none.
   Just to give you an idea we bought 12 nice pillows, a mattress and 3 very nice high chairs for under about 180 dollars. So your generous donations are going a long way! Thank you all so much!

Andrea and Kelli