A Heather Maginn moment…

So Friday was my last day in the home.  It was such a good day and the kids were great as always, I, however, was not for the best that day.

Aside: When my parents came to visit me here, during the last few days my madrecita Heather was obviously a little emotional; when I sang at church… she cried, when I introduced to my friends… she cried, when I spoke to her…. she cried.  I thought she needed to calm down a little bit.

However, maybe I understood how she felt on Friday.  As I watched the boys playing outside, laughing to each other, showing me what they had done in school, my eyes welled up like a huge woman.  It probably didn’t really help when the boys kept saying “Tío Mateo, why are you leaving?  We don’t want you to go.”  My response every time – “*sniffing like a crazy mental* Just give me a second, I need to go to the bathroom…”

Having our final lunch with the older boys before they go to school. As they left the house, let’s just say I couldn’t see them so well.

But never fear, I had plenty of support…

The little guys got back from school and Tía Jhina was there to lend a hand.

The ladies spent most of the day making this cake, which turned out to be for me, and supposedly a surprise!

Then in the evening they had planned a whole programme with songs, presents and speeches for me.

Guest of honour.

Hermana Cristina gave me presents from all the staff and children in the home.

….and a little certificate for my work with the boys!

Samuel praying for me.  I would like to point out that although it looks like I am weeping there, I’m just praying.  Maybe just two little tears slipped out.

Opening the gifts.

Then they decided it would be for the best that the boys get up and tell me why they were thankful that I had been there.  It was not for the best for me, the HUGE WOMAN.

Little Samuel was brave enough to go first

Then Juan Daniel said a few words.  They all gave me huge hugs afterwards.  I think they were trying to break me.

Erlan…

Fernando…

It was also Juan Daniel’s birthday last week, so they brought us a cake each to celebrate.

And of course it wouldn’t be a cake in Bolivia without a face in it.

Smiling through the pain.

Hilarious times.

I think I still can’t quite believe I may not ever see those boys again, maybe I just don’t want to think about it!  I have spent 5 days a week with them since October, sharing fun and laughter, tears and tantrums, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I truly do love each and every one of them, and it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do to tell them goodbye.  I thank God for the blessing they were to me, for the love He gave me for them, for the privilege it was to share this time with them.  Please continue to remember them in your prayers as they go forward in their lives, that God will guide them, be with them and most of all show how much He truly loves and cares for them.

Cheeeeeeeeese

Today I attacked the older boys with my camera, and here are the results…

Samuel braved it first:

His brother Saúl was up next:

Juan Daniel, come on down…

Rauuuuuuuuuuuul!!

Samuel, you’re up:

And finally I persuaded Deymar to take part, just in time before he went to school:

Such a happy camper!

Smile for the birdie…

This week I went crazy with my camera, trying to get as many memories as possible of the boys before I leave.  Here are the results of my photo sesh with the younger boys…

First up was Erlan..

Next up…. Alex

Samuel, you’re up..

Eliiiiiiiias!!!

Fernando takes the spotlight…

Leandro…

Doing it like a pro…

Joel, the oldest of the bunch…

Over to…. Brandon…

And last but certainly not least, Josué!

I think they did a pretty good job myself, we certainly had a great time doing it!