We started today with a run... both Allie and Scarlett continue to amaze me - they are so good at keeping up with me and keeping a positive attitude!! I love having them with me!! They think of me as a slave driver I know, but finish what they start and feel good when it's all over!

We went to the orphanage today and had a good time with the kids and spending time with Maria Jose and all the staff. There are so many new kids -when we served lunch today, there were so many different children at the table. Many have been adopted or have gone home to their families and new children who are struggling and need help, sit at the table and wait to be served. They all have a smile and are so loving - nothing stays the same here. We met a newborn named Brian and his Mom, Christina who is 15 years old. She didn't know how to care for her child, so she has come to the orphanage for help. I have such mixed emotions about this - loving her and her child is of course, the right thing to do, but I can't help but feel protective of the older girls and want to ensure that they don't make the same mistakes that Christina has - hopefully, her presence is a warning to them of what can happen if they don't make the right choices.

Allie is so well loved at the orphanage. She was greeted by many of the kids. Because of how she looks, many of the new children assumed she spoke Spanish and we laughed a lot about how everyone just talks to her and expects her to answer. She just looks at them funny and then looks at me to respond. ;)

We did some good work today - helped Christina and her baby - helped the psychologist Cynthia, with some medical expenses. We also received so much support from everyone regarding the adoption. Everyone checking in with us on the latest with the Consejo - giving us all their best wishes and prayers. It was very uplifting to me and as always, I felt so loved and supported by everyone.

We had dinner with friends at our home tonight and started packing for our big Beach Trip tomorrow - we are very excited!! I was checking my email and face book when all of a sudden a HUGE cockroach ran between my legs (yes, right between my legs) and I screamed at the sight!! All the girls were in their room watching a movie and after I screamed, the cockroach fell down the step and started running across the family room floor. It took me a couple of seconds to respond and by then, he had crawled down the steps and onto the ceiling of the first floor. The girls FINALLY came out of their room to see what had happened and I pointed at our new occupant...."Look there, there he is!!!" When they all saw him, they too screamed and Allie said it was the biggest bug she had ever seen. So I handed her a tennis shoe and said "Kill him" - she looked at me and said "Are you seriously going to put this on me!!" And I replied, "Yes, I have killed so many, can't you kill this one?!?!?" She was so worried it could fly and would attack her but I assured her that was not possible. So she made me promise and then proceeded to kill the huge cockroach!! She hit him one time with the tennis shoe and it fell off the ceiling and onto the steps but was very much alive. Knowing that I would NEVER sleep again if this creature was alive in the house, I went down the stairs and finished the job!! Of course, I called in reinforcements (Gracie) to pick it up with a paper towel and throw it in the trash - with all the girls screaming in the background. We DID IT - TOGETHER!! I still wonder why the security guards with machine guns, don't come running at our door - heeelllooo, we are under attack, but again, this has happened several times and they must be used to our screaming by now!!!

My heart is still beating fast over the entire experience and I am trying to settle down a bit before I sleep tonight. We have a big day tomorrow - we leave for Las Cordones in the morning and will be spending the night. I am excited about the adventure but a little nervous as well. I want to be sure that we can function on our own, away from Quinta Allyson and without electricity and without my husband!! But I know my girls and I know myself, and I "think" we will make the most of this awesome experience.

So I will not be able to blog tomorrow but will Thursday evening - here is wishing you a day of bug free, air-conditioning, love and great memories!! Thank you all again for your continued support and love and please PLEASE pray that the Consejo meets this Friday!!

Love and Blessings!!!