A time in February

It has been a rough week in Blogland (Casa Jackson, San Felipe, Guatemala) Several of our kids were sick with violent intestinal symptoms. We made every effort to quarantine them and the walls and floors (and toys) were all washed with disinfectant.

Caesar  and       Ismael
However, on Tuesday, Caesar vomited actual live roundworms! Most of the Americans gagged. I had seen roundworms in specimen jars and in books but never coming out of a person. My education continues. The largest was gray and about 5 inches long. The Guatemaltecos were not so upset. They called our doctora who prescribed (and paid for) methimazole for all but the tiniest babes. That night ALL the babes were sick. They were on electrolyte solution, acetaminophen, and eye drops for the green gunk in their eyes that seemed to come with the whole illness. We quarantined everyone to their beds, and limited each volunteer to one room (4 or 5 kids) as well. We went through hand sanitizer and diapers like it was a war. Alberto and Henri ended up with IVs. On Tues, Weds and Thurs we were ALL cranky!  I am happy to report that come Friday, there were smiles in most of the cribs and we even admitted several new babes to a "clean" room.

(Above) Jimenez, Manuel,  and Marione



(Above) Alberto, Guadalupe, and Henri

And of course Julio.   Doh-- I seem to be missing Angelica.. All these were taken Friday February 10th.
Hopefully we won't have any more crises while I am here!

Spanish school is coming very well. Sometimes I struggle to find a word in English and throw in the Spanish equivalent. I communicate well with everyone now, and really just need more polish to get the conjugations, exceptions and idioms.

If you can tolerate 2 more pictures, I want to show you what Margarita is doing with the roof. (Up where I live)  She has planted a bunch of eggshells with some flower they use for the massive Easter carpets they make in the street on Fridays of Lent.The second is coffee beans drying on a flat section. They seem to be turning browner each day. Life on the roof is quite interesting!

Hope you are all fine. Love to you all Happy Valentine's Day! Hugs.

Noanie-Joanne