Happy New Year!

Hi all,

I had no access to the internet all last week which made it difficult to communicate. We have been having lots of fun. She is still such an easy baby to care for. She is very happy and easy going and loves to eat everything. She does have a fit if you take her food away. She eats a lot. She loves these little baby oranges. She peels them and eats 3-4 each day and loves little rolls. She smiles and giggles and can say a few words now. We went to the orphanage and the Director and staff took us out to a nice lunch. The chicken dish was served in front of me and the previously chopped off head was looking right at me. I stuck to the noodles and rice but did try some shredded pumpkin squares (not sweet though) that Ginny would love.

I took some pictures of another child for a mom that is waiting to travel. I also touched, picked up, played with or kissed each and every child in that orphanage because who knows if they had any attention that day. The "toy" in each crib for the children was a cellophane wrapped yellow scoop that comes with the baby formula. Yes, there were some other toys around, but not much. This is a good time to reflect on how thankful we should be for what we have. There were about 100 children and 20 special needs children. The staff does the best they can and loves the children, but there are just so many to care for. I arranged for the trip and another family also came with me which made the trip even nicer. The mom's name is Mamie and their baby is named Mae and she is so cute. They wanted to see their child's orphanage as well and to thank the staff. They are from Charlotte, NC.

Today we are going shopping and tomorrow the beach. We will be coming home sooner as the guide was able to secure an earlier Consulate appointment. I can not say enough about this adoption agency, HOPE for Children. They have gone out of their way to help and make this happen and I am eternally grateful to all of them and to Jophy, the guide over here. She is so kind and nice. She takes us to parks and to museums and to do lots of shopping. Yesterday Madison had her first chicken nuggets and french fries from McDonalds. She loves everything, except the children here do not eat anything cold, since they do not eat cold things here. No ice, no cold drinks, no Diet Sprite, only Coke Light and it all tastes funny. OK, that is it for now, going shopping... Happy New Year Everyone and thanks for all the nice comments and emails!