Less than Two Weeks Left...

I have less than two weeks left here in Cuenca, Ecuador, but more importantly with my kids.  That´s what these children have become. I love them so much. It is hard to think of leaving them so quickly after spending so much time with them. Seeing them progress. These kids do not get a lot of individual interaction without us, so even missing a shift with them makes me worry. Luckily, I have not had to miss even one shift with them yet. Interaction is so important for these kids. At my off site Azogues, the babies are ahead of other babies in other orphanages some areas of developement because they recieve a lot of interaction with the older children. Although it can be chaotic, the interaction is so important. It is hard to see the children in Azogues in poor conditions, but some ways very well off because of them.  The children at any orphanage, although  they may be in a better environment than some, struggle to progress developmentaly if they are not given enough interaction and stimulation.  But even in the few weeks I have been here I have seen the importance of interaction.  Marcia, who wouldn´t even reach for toys, is now playing with toys, sitting up, and rolling over.  Marianna, is talking to me, and trying to play with me. Paco, is now saying other words besides NO. Eddy, is walking short distances by himself! These children have become my life. I see them 9 hours a day. 50 hours a week. I love them soooo much.  All the dirty diapers in the world could not make me regret this trip.  The acts of love are not simply hugs. They are the services given each day. The hardest part is, I feel like I have gotten so much more out of this than the children have. All I can do is start each day with the intent to love these kids for the short amount of time I have left.

*note names of children &/or orphanages have been changed to protect the children's privacy.