Ug! It´s been so long since I wrote last. I was pretty sick last week and now feeling much better, so I am trying to catch up with everything. I had a throat infection (maybe strep? I don´t know) which resulted in a fever and chills, etc. Then I ended up getting a wierd skin rash and severe joint pain in my ankles and wrists. It was enough to send me to a medical doctor rather than the homeopath I had been seeing - I just felt that my body wasn´t getting better on its own. So after a cortizone shot and antibiotics and a couple other things, I´m feeling much better. It´s so hard for me to take any medication but there was no way I could continue to wait this one out. I told everyone the day I started feeling better I woke up doing the "health dance"! It´s amazing how much I take for granted the days I feel good and can move my body without pain, walk, brush my teeth, etc. So many things I think we all take for granted. I just got a gentle reminder and am very grateful for the fresh start.
This comes just in time, as the Hogar Infantil Christmas party is this Saturday, December 15th and I´m helping out by organizing all the gifts for about 75 kids plus staff. David and Leslie Guinn from the US Board of Directors will be here tomorrow, and they are seasoned pros. Each year they stuff thier plane with toys and come down, shop the crowds in nearby Tuxtla Gutierrez for bikes and last minute gifts. Somehow this all happens in a weekend and everyone ends up happy! I hope this year will be the same. I´ve decided, with the help of employees here, that this year each child will also get new underwear and socks, along with a few gifts. All the girls need new bras and I guess it´s been a few months since underwear has been given out so it seems like the right time. I´m venturing off in search of the best deals this afternoon and to scope out more toys and gifts. If I can find cheap knitting needles (I found some for $1.50 US the other day) I may give each knitter his-her own personal set, just from me for Christmas. We´ll just see what happens.
I have a Christmas wish to share, if I may be so bold. We are basically not buying Christmas gifts this year, I don´t think, so as to give here to the kids a little more during thier vacation time (some kids stay here at the ranch while most go home to spend Christmas and New Year´s with their families, so we want to do some special things for those left behind) . So, if you normally buy one of us a gift, please feel free to take this year off. However, if you wish you can make a donation to the ranch instead (log onto hogarinfantil.org to learn more). Every little bit helps, and it would be a meaningful gift for us.
I have to go because kids are calling me....take care
Love, Katie
