In the morning we were unsure about travel, and decided to have breakfast and take our time, so that if there was ice on the Interstate it would have a chance to melt, and the ploughs' have a chance to do their thing. The way the forecast was for the plains, we thought if we went today we would perhaps make it to Fargo if travel was slow, or maybe if lucky get all the way home. If we didn't leave, there was a chance we would have to wait until Friday.
When we got back up to the room, the road conditions on the Internet had improved, so we decided to leave.
We were packed and on the road around 9:30. Surprisingly travel was really good until we got to Sioux Falls. The Troopers had the highway closed and we're directing cars to the exit. Oh oh...this is not good. Luckily it was just a detour, perhaps there was an accident on the Interstate at that spot or was very slippery, we didn't find out. One thing that does work very well is calling 511. You get an accurate description of road conditions and problems and you can pick the road and area you want. Turns out the detour was only for a few exits.
We followed the crowd, and a semi from Manitoba, and got back on the Interstate after the detour through town. Lots of trees fallen and damaged from the ice storm they had.
Road conditions were certainly not great, but with some caution we kept going. Conditions got better the further we went, and soon it was back to normal driving conditions, and the roads after Watertown were excellent.
We took our time, and arrived home just after 8PM. Stopped at the store and grabbed some milk and bread etc. for the morning.
Grabbed a few items from the car and left the rest.
Being home safe and sound is a great thing! It's great to go away, but it sure is great to be home! We have a lot to be thankful for.
and so ends our 2013 Texas Adventure, which was really good, but we still miss our girls in Mexico!
Looking forward to next year, 323 days to go, but who is counting?
Thanks for taking the time to read the blog...hope you enjoyed it!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Tuesday April 9th
Katie and I went downstairs in the Casino to have breakfast, then we decided to take the shuttle over to the Horseshoe Casino which has been our favorite. The Casino at Harrah's is actually a riverboat attached to the Hotel. There is an upstairs and a downstairs and neither one is very large. They are in the process of building a new Casino and it will be open in a couple of months.
It was kind of a nasty day which is why we decided to take the shuttle and get dropped off and picked up at the door. We stayed there most of the day, trying some of our favorite machines, and one I wanted to try, when I watched two guys both win over $800 on our way to Texas. One of them ended up with 256 free spins. I was hoping to do the same.
Turned out I couldn't get the free spins, but I did get lucky with wilds and won $380. Katie did her regular thing and was up, and we ended the day with a net profit of just over $725.
Between $600 on the way down, $420 the previous night, and $725 today, as well as $400 at the Winstar in Oklahoma, it was a very profitable all in all.
A good night's work...
We took the shuttle back and had supper at Harrah's. Harrah's actually own both Casinos.
By now we both had enough of gambling, played a little at night but just broke even. The forecast called for rain with thunderstorms and possible severe weather, so it was good we had the car parked in the parkade.
There was a lot of lightening and thunderstorm action, and the power even went off briefly around 12:30AM. Katie and I decided we would see how road
conditions were in the morning around Sioux City and Sioux Falls, as they were getting the brunt of the winter storm, along with Rapid City.
and so ends another great day of our adventure...
more later...
It was kind of a nasty day which is why we decided to take the shuttle and get dropped off and picked up at the door. We stayed there most of the day, trying some of our favorite machines, and one I wanted to try, when I watched two guys both win over $800 on our way to Texas. One of them ended up with 256 free spins. I was hoping to do the same.
Turned out I couldn't get the free spins, but I did get lucky with wilds and won $380. Katie did her regular thing and was up, and we ended the day with a net profit of just over $725.
Between $600 on the way down, $420 the previous night, and $725 today, as well as $400 at the Winstar in Oklahoma, it was a very profitable all in all.
A good night's work...
We took the shuttle back and had supper at Harrah's. Harrah's actually own both Casinos.
By now we both had enough of gambling, played a little at night but just broke even. The forecast called for rain with thunderstorms and possible severe weather, so it was good we had the car parked in the parkade.
There was a lot of lightening and thunderstorm action, and the power even went off briefly around 12:30AM. Katie and I decided we would see how road
conditions were in the morning around Sioux City and Sioux Falls, as they were getting the brunt of the winter storm, along with Rapid City.
and so ends another great day of our adventure...
more later...
Monday April 8th
When Katie and I got up in the morning, we took a look at the weather and saw that there was little possibility we would be travelling on Tuesday through South Dakota. We made the decision to travel to Council Bluffs and stay there Monday night and Tuesday, because if we were going to be stuck somewhere it would be good to be stuck where there was something to do. We phoned Harrah's Casino to see what our players reward cards would do for us. We were pleased to find out that they would give us a complementary room for both nights. We had been offered one on the way to Texas but couldn't take advantage of it because we were travelling and it would expire in a few days.
Off we went on our new Bridgestone tires, which I like much better than my old "Toyo" tires, as they are quieter, and feel softer, with a more comfortable ride.
We arrived at Harrah's Casino just around 6:30PM and we had left the Winstar in Thackerville Oklahoma just after 9AM. Long drive but easy driving conditions. We checked in and learned they did not have a non smoking room as we had requested, so they said they would put us in the "Presidential Suite". They said it was good and large so the smoke would likely not be a factor. Hmmm....who are we to turn down the "Presidential Suite", I always wanted to feel like a President!
We came upstairs to the top floor, opened the door, and we both started to laugh! All we saw was a hugh living room, with sofa, chair and ottoman, 50" TV, table and chairs, a bar, and beautifully decorated. Then we noticed that it had a seperate bedroom. Great looking bed, another large TV, Monogrammed robes in the closet, another easy chair. Wow!
Then we looked at the bathroom. Huge Jet Tub, a separate sink and mirror on each side of the bathroom. A separate shower, marble floor and huge! All golf fixtures. Do I feel like a President now? Well not really, but this is one heck of a comp'd accommodation.
We had supper at the buffet, and it was really good. Then it was off to play a bit. Unlike other times, the Casino was not at all busy...likely the reason we got such a good room. By midnight we were tired from the long drive and off to bed we went $420 net to the good. For a change I was the big winner, but Katie as always does her share.
turns out we made a wise decision as the weather is definitely not good in South Dakota and looks like it may even last through Thursday.
At least we are less than 10 hours from home, so that is a good thing.
We got an email from Bonnie and Al, they are just outside of Wichita...hard to say how far they are going to make it on Tuesday.
and so ends another great day of our adventure!
more later...
Off we went on our new Bridgestone tires, which I like much better than my old "Toyo" tires, as they are quieter, and feel softer, with a more comfortable ride.
We arrived at Harrah's Casino just around 6:30PM and we had left the Winstar in Thackerville Oklahoma just after 9AM. Long drive but easy driving conditions. We checked in and learned they did not have a non smoking room as we had requested, so they said they would put us in the "Presidential Suite". They said it was good and large so the smoke would likely not be a factor. Hmmm....who are we to turn down the "Presidential Suite", I always wanted to feel like a President!
We came upstairs to the top floor, opened the door, and we both started to laugh! All we saw was a hugh living room, with sofa, chair and ottoman, 50" TV, table and chairs, a bar, and beautifully decorated. Then we noticed that it had a seperate bedroom. Great looking bed, another large TV, Monogrammed robes in the closet, another easy chair. Wow!
Then we looked at the bathroom. Huge Jet Tub, a separate sink and mirror on each side of the bathroom. A separate shower, marble floor and huge! All golf fixtures. Do I feel like a President now? Well not really, but this is one heck of a comp'd accommodation.
We had supper at the buffet, and it was really good. Then it was off to play a bit. Unlike other times, the Casino was not at all busy...likely the reason we got such a good room. By midnight we were tired from the long drive and off to bed we went $420 net to the good. For a change I was the big winner, but Katie as always does her share.
turns out we made a wise decision as the weather is definitely not good in South Dakota and looks like it may even last through Thursday.
At least we are less than 10 hours from home, so that is a good thing.
We got an email from Bonnie and Al, they are just outside of Wichita...hard to say how far they are going to make it on Tuesday.
and so ends another great day of our adventure!
more later...
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Sunday April 7th
We wanted to be at Costco in the morning at 10 AM, as we need to get a replacement tire for the shredded tire from the day before. There was no way I was going to drive on the highway again without having a good spare. After some deliberation, finding out that the present cheap tires the car manufacturers always put on the car initially to keep the costs down, were about 1/2 tread, and realizing that buying another tire would not match those we had on the car, we decided to replace all 4, and keep the nearly new previous spare as the spare. The other advantage is that there was $70 off if you bought all 4. Then we had nothing to worry about.
We were all done and on the road with 4 new tires by 11:30, but that took a good chunk out of our travel time. Lucky that we had decided to drive only to the Oklahoma border and stay at the gigantic Winstar Casino Hotel. We arrived right around 7 PM and got our room. From the road the Casino looks huge, but there is no way to realize how huge it really is until you are actually in it. To get from one end to the other really requires the shuttle bus, that's how large it is. Once we got settled, we started to play.
We found the slots 6000 of them, were on the tight side. Hahahah...aren't all slots on the tight side? At any rate we persisted, and between Katie winning and me not losing we ended up $400 net profit. Nice!
We were keeping an eye on the weather, due to winter storms developing which did not look good, and we had thought as an option we might stay two nights. We played until midnight and then went to bed.
and so ends another good day, but last day in the valley...
more later...
We were all done and on the road with 4 new tires by 11:30, but that took a good chunk out of our travel time. Lucky that we had decided to drive only to the Oklahoma border and stay at the gigantic Winstar Casino Hotel. We arrived right around 7 PM and got our room. From the road the Casino looks huge, but there is no way to realize how huge it really is until you are actually in it. To get from one end to the other really requires the shuttle bus, that's how large it is. Once we got settled, we started to play.
We found the slots 6000 of them, were on the tight side. Hahahah...aren't all slots on the tight side? At any rate we persisted, and between Katie winning and me not losing we ended up $400 net profit. Nice!
We were keeping an eye on the weather, due to winter storms developing which did not look good, and we had thought as an option we might stay two nights. We played until midnight and then went to bed.
and so ends another good day, but last day in the valley...
more later...
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday April 6th
UPDATED
Wow! what a day!
It started in the morning, Katie and I were packing up getting ready to leave. I wanted to get the golf cart ready to be put away. I wanted to make sure the water level in the batteries was correct, as I planned to leave the charger plugged in while we're gone. The charger according to the manual comes on every 15 days and checks the charge level. It will charge if the batteries need it. Batteries will lose some charge in the heat and not being used. I pulled off one of the caps, and acid splashed into one of my eyes, now I understand why safety glasses are in order. Katie and I immediately ran inside and Katie was quick and already had the water running. I just kept rinsing my eye with water.
After the rinse, it just felt like there was dirt in my eye, and it was red and leaking a bit. But there was no real pain and my vision was not effected. Lucky! The splash occurred from a distance, I was not bending right over the battery, just enough for an arms length. After that we used a rag to cover the caps as I removed them and there was no danger of acid splashing. Should have thought of that in the first place. But isn't that how accidents happen?
So after packing up, off we went. happily driving down the highway, thankful that my eye appeared to be fine. The roads are usually great in the US and Texas, but this was a particularly bad stretch, it was very rough! Then I heard and felt it, a blowout, and I knew right away what it was, and that it was on the front right. I managed to control the car and get it over to the shoulder. Lucky there was not a lot of traffic when it happened and that we were in the lane closest to the shoulder instead of passing another car in the outside lane.
Here is what Katie posted on her facebook page later...
The reason we called roadside assistance from Toyota was because the back of the car was totally loaded with luggage, the sissor jacks that come with these cars are terrible. I once had to change a tire for Katie when it was about 31 below with a scissor jack and I swore I would never use it again. After that I went and bought a small hydraulic jack, but there is not that much movement of the rod from lowest to highest. I put a small length of 2x4 in the car to compensate.
Never had to use it, but the possibility was now upon us. The jack and 2x4 were in the storage area at the bottom of the car, underneath all the luggage. I wasn't sure the travel on the jack at the side of the road would be enough...hence the call to roadside assistance.
After the first trooper arrived, as a result of discussing options and him telling us the two vehicle would still be quite a while and was probably coming from Corpus Christie, which is a long way away, we decided to try to change it ourselves. We took all the luggage out, got to the jack and 2x4 and just as I was about to start jacking the car up, a second set of troopers pulled up, a man and a woman. He said he had a small floor jack in their car if I wanted to use it. I said sure. then he got busy with the jack, and basically did all the work. He got the shredded tire off, and he and I maneuvered the new tire into position, but the car was not high enough. Trouble is, the jack is at maximum height. Ah...the good old 2X4...we had to put the old tire back on....lower the jack so we could put the 2/4 on top of it...then jack it up again, remove the old tire and rim, and install the new tire and rim. We just made it for height of the jack! We both knew without the 2 by 4 it was a lost cause.
As Katie said, after basically doing most of the work, and getting dirty hands both of us, he was reluctant to shake hands, but we all shook hands anyway and we took down the contact info for their supervisor and their names so we can write a letter about how great they were, and how grateful we were.
As it turned out we basically only lost an hour, thanks to the State Troopers, and the rest of the trip to just outside of San Antonio was uneventful, except for the GPS giving us a hard time, when we arrived at the town of Lytle to get to our hotel. We solved that by asking for directions and it was only about a 1/2 mile away. We got a free night at the Best Western, as we always stay there, and we had stayed two nights on the way to Texas. As a result we got a voucher for the 3rd night free, and that is what we used.
and so ended, another great day in the valley, regardless of a few problems
more later...
Wow! what a day!
It started in the morning, Katie and I were packing up getting ready to leave. I wanted to get the golf cart ready to be put away. I wanted to make sure the water level in the batteries was correct, as I planned to leave the charger plugged in while we're gone. The charger according to the manual comes on every 15 days and checks the charge level. It will charge if the batteries need it. Batteries will lose some charge in the heat and not being used. I pulled off one of the caps, and acid splashed into one of my eyes, now I understand why safety glasses are in order. Katie and I immediately ran inside and Katie was quick and already had the water running. I just kept rinsing my eye with water.
After the rinse, it just felt like there was dirt in my eye, and it was red and leaking a bit. But there was no real pain and my vision was not effected. Lucky! The splash occurred from a distance, I was not bending right over the battery, just enough for an arms length. After that we used a rag to cover the caps as I removed them and there was no danger of acid splashing. Should have thought of that in the first place. But isn't that how accidents happen?
So after packing up, off we went. happily driving down the highway, thankful that my eye appeared to be fine. The roads are usually great in the US and Texas, but this was a particularly bad stretch, it was very rough! Then I heard and felt it, a blowout, and I knew right away what it was, and that it was on the front right. I managed to control the car and get it over to the shoulder. Lucky there was not a lot of traffic when it happened and that we were in the lane closest to the shoulder instead of passing another car in the outside lane.
Here is what Katie posted on her facebook page later...
Wow, that was interesting. Just arrived but not after a 75 mile an hour tire blow out. I mean, not just a flat, the tire was shredded to bits. In the middle of nowhere. Hmmmm 31 degrees, traffic speeding by, and now we have to dig out the jack or call roadside assistance. Called roadside and a 90 minute wait. Ok waiting, state trooper pulls up and offers assistance. Not much he could do except convinces us to change it ourselves or call a tow truck. We decided to change it ourselves. Off he goes but not before giving us a number to call if we need help. He said he would be in the area for a while. We start emptying the car and 2 state troopers pull up, get out of their car and assess the situation. They had a better jack so they pulled their jack out of the patrol car and in no time flat the tire was changed. They did most of the work including changing the tire. Man, they were terrific. They even helped us load the car. Took down their names and who they report to, and we are going to give them huge kudos when we get back home. One of them said, they would shake our hands but his hands were dirty. We didn't care, it was our car tire dirt. We were so great full for the help. In the meantime roadside assistance calls and they can't find us. Turns out they were given the wrong location. They were still an hour a way. We told them to forget about it. Someone was looking out for us in every way. Lucky us....
The reason we called roadside assistance from Toyota was because the back of the car was totally loaded with luggage, the sissor jacks that come with these cars are terrible. I once had to change a tire for Katie when it was about 31 below with a scissor jack and I swore I would never use it again. After that I went and bought a small hydraulic jack, but there is not that much movement of the rod from lowest to highest. I put a small length of 2x4 in the car to compensate.
Never had to use it, but the possibility was now upon us. The jack and 2x4 were in the storage area at the bottom of the car, underneath all the luggage. I wasn't sure the travel on the jack at the side of the road would be enough...hence the call to roadside assistance.
After the first trooper arrived, as a result of discussing options and him telling us the two vehicle would still be quite a while and was probably coming from Corpus Christie, which is a long way away, we decided to try to change it ourselves. We took all the luggage out, got to the jack and 2x4 and just as I was about to start jacking the car up, a second set of troopers pulled up, a man and a woman. He said he had a small floor jack in their car if I wanted to use it. I said sure. then he got busy with the jack, and basically did all the work. He got the shredded tire off, and he and I maneuvered the new tire into position, but the car was not high enough. Trouble is, the jack is at maximum height. Ah...the good old 2X4...we had to put the old tire back on....lower the jack so we could put the 2/4 on top of it...then jack it up again, remove the old tire and rim, and install the new tire and rim. We just made it for height of the jack! We both knew without the 2 by 4 it was a lost cause.
As Katie said, after basically doing most of the work, and getting dirty hands both of us, he was reluctant to shake hands, but we all shook hands anyway and we took down the contact info for their supervisor and their names so we can write a letter about how great they were, and how grateful we were.
As it turned out we basically only lost an hour, thanks to the State Troopers, and the rest of the trip to just outside of San Antonio was uneventful, except for the GPS giving us a hard time, when we arrived at the town of Lytle to get to our hotel. We solved that by asking for directions and it was only about a 1/2 mile away. We got a free night at the Best Western, as we always stay there, and we had stayed two nights on the way to Texas. As a result we got a voucher for the 3rd night free, and that is what we used.
and so ended, another great day in the valley, regardless of a few problems
more later...
Friday April 5th
Katie and I started to get organized in preparation for returning home. We decided to leave on Sunday, and drive to Thackerville to go to the very large Casino there called Winstar. While we were doing our preparations we started to think if we're doing this, we're going to be just waiting to leave on Sunday. We said that depending on how the packing went, and with the intention of not putting any pressure or stress to leave at a certain time, we would simply see how it goes.
and so ends another great day in the Valley...
more later...
and so ends another great day in the Valley...
more later...
Friday, April 5, 2013
Thursday April 4th
In the morning Katie got all the clothes and goodies for the kids in Mexico ready to go. I did more maintenance things around the trailer.
We met Sister Maureen, Ken and Vickey, and a lady named Betty in front of the store on the US side of the International Bridge just after 2PM. Sister Maureen's truck was absolutely loaded in the back, with bags of beans, bags of grapefruit, and boxes of assorted items. We piled out bags into the back which contained, clothes, toys, and food from our fridge as well as the fridge's of Remi and Danna, and Bill and June, and Al and Bonnie.
Off we went over the Bridge. The girl Border Patrol agent on the Mexico side, didn't seem to be all that pleased with the goods in the back of the truck, and told Sister Maureen she would need a document of donation. Sister Maureen already has one and knows that, but the Agent let us go anyway.
We learned that Betty, this was the first time we met her, goes to Reyonosa every week with a group that builds houses. Reyonosa is actually closer for us than Neuvo Progresso, but we would not go there, as it is too dangerous. Couple of weeks ago there was a major shootout between drug cartels in broad daylight on one of the main streets.
Our first stop was a place we had not been too before. It was like really bad row housing in the front, tiny little rooms all in a row, with no plumbing and until lately no electricity. We walked around the back and there was a new house. We could only find out the woman who is going to live there, and her husband had built the house along with a group of Canadians. Very impressive the work that was done. Betty indicated she would be bringing some furniture and other items next year for the house. We gather that Betty is a Winter Texan and helps out various folks in more than one way. The woman, whose name we did not get, has obviously worked hard on her garden, and they have several animals in their little compound. It is nice to see poor folks like these, improving their lot in life.
After that it was one to see our little Vicky. As usual, every time we come she runs in the house to change her clothes. She took awhile to come out, but there she was opening her arms and up into mine and giving the biggest hug. Then it was Katie's turn. We gave her the goodies that we brought for her. Mom was hanging up the wash, and the boys weren't there. Apparently the oldest boy Jose Maria is having some heart issues and is going for tests. We hope they are not serious.
We did not spend alot of time there because Sister Maureen had lots to do.
We moved on to the store where most of the goods get distributed. We unloaded at least half of the truck, the boxes, the beans which are 40 lbs each, and the bags of grapefruit. Katie makes sure she gives out a sucker to every single child.
Then it was on to Livy and Karelly's house. Livy came running out, up into my arms and gave me the biggest hug, and we both said in English "I love you". She held on until she saw Katie, and then Katie got the same treatment. Karelly was next, and we both got the same treatment. We unloaded our bags from the back of the truck, and Sister Maureen went on to do the rest of her rounds.
Katie and I, the two girls, Mom Erika and Eric, went in the house. One of the first things Karelly did was go and get Katie and I, a chocolate iced cup cake each. Livy would go in the other room and drag out chairs for us.
Katie gave each of them their clothes, and we had all sorts of markers, notepads, and some toys for them. We had quite a bit. We also had the food for Erika and she was grateful!
For the next two and a half hours, it was communicating by my phone translator, English Spanish Dictionary that Erika had, hand signals and facial expression. We had so much fun! Livy basically didn't leave Katie's lap almost the whole time. Karily is so smart that she took my phone, immediately went to the apps, found the translator app, and started to type in spanish so she could tell me things. I can't stress enough how smart she is and so is Livy. Mom and Dad have brought the girls up to be affectionate and boy are they ever. Livy will for no reason just decide she wants to hug us both, so if she is sitting on Katie's lap, she will just turn and pull me in so I can get the hug as well....how awesome! No amount of money or what you have in "things" could ever replace this.
There was lots of loving and the words "I love you" being said a lot.
You could tell the kids really loved the clothes that Katie picked out for them. There were lots of Oh's and Ahh's.
The rest of the time, we just had fun, Livy played Angry Birds on the tablet, and looked at pictures. Even when I was in a picture with some former Winnipeg Police members, she would find me, point and say Jim.
Karelly kept busy with the phone and translation efforts.
We had some Coke and Ericka brought out some potato chips for us.
I just can't say enough, how great it is to be with those two girls, the love that is abundant, and the fun we have.
Sister Maureen came back and it was time to go. As we were leaving Livy broke into tears and was crying hard as she did not want us to go. Heartbreaking! If I could I would take her with us and Karelly too. They would enrich our lives to no end.
Karelly had Eric performing some poses in the yard, that she had taught him and he was hilarious. He would cross his arms, sit down, and tilt his head way to the side, it was priceless. And this from a little boy who was really sick when first born. He is healthy now though.
So it was several hugs from Livy, some with tears, and hugs from Karilly, and lots of "I love you's" and then off we went. So sad, we can't see them until Next year!...but we got to see them twice and spend lots of time...so we are thankful for that!
Here are some photos that Katie took, and Katie made a sign for her friend Durga who sponsors Karelly.
Then we dropped Betty off at the first house we went to and her husband Ken was going to pick her up. Sister Maureen dropped us off at our car, and we said our goodbyes to Sister Maureen, and Ken and Vickey.
and so ends another great day in the valley...
more later...
We met Sister Maureen, Ken and Vickey, and a lady named Betty in front of the store on the US side of the International Bridge just after 2PM. Sister Maureen's truck was absolutely loaded in the back, with bags of beans, bags of grapefruit, and boxes of assorted items. We piled out bags into the back which contained, clothes, toys, and food from our fridge as well as the fridge's of Remi and Danna, and Bill and June, and Al and Bonnie.
Off we went over the Bridge. The girl Border Patrol agent on the Mexico side, didn't seem to be all that pleased with the goods in the back of the truck, and told Sister Maureen she would need a document of donation. Sister Maureen already has one and knows that, but the Agent let us go anyway.
We learned that Betty, this was the first time we met her, goes to Reyonosa every week with a group that builds houses. Reyonosa is actually closer for us than Neuvo Progresso, but we would not go there, as it is too dangerous. Couple of weeks ago there was a major shootout between drug cartels in broad daylight on one of the main streets.
Our first stop was a place we had not been too before. It was like really bad row housing in the front, tiny little rooms all in a row, with no plumbing and until lately no electricity. We walked around the back and there was a new house. We could only find out the woman who is going to live there, and her husband had built the house along with a group of Canadians. Very impressive the work that was done. Betty indicated she would be bringing some furniture and other items next year for the house. We gather that Betty is a Winter Texan and helps out various folks in more than one way. The woman, whose name we did not get, has obviously worked hard on her garden, and they have several animals in their little compound. It is nice to see poor folks like these, improving their lot in life.
After that it was one to see our little Vicky. As usual, every time we come she runs in the house to change her clothes. She took awhile to come out, but there she was opening her arms and up into mine and giving the biggest hug. Then it was Katie's turn. We gave her the goodies that we brought for her. Mom was hanging up the wash, and the boys weren't there. Apparently the oldest boy Jose Maria is having some heart issues and is going for tests. We hope they are not serious.
We did not spend alot of time there because Sister Maureen had lots to do.
We moved on to the store where most of the goods get distributed. We unloaded at least half of the truck, the boxes, the beans which are 40 lbs each, and the bags of grapefruit. Katie makes sure she gives out a sucker to every single child.
Then it was on to Livy and Karelly's house. Livy came running out, up into my arms and gave me the biggest hug, and we both said in English "I love you". She held on until she saw Katie, and then Katie got the same treatment. Karelly was next, and we both got the same treatment. We unloaded our bags from the back of the truck, and Sister Maureen went on to do the rest of her rounds.
Katie and I, the two girls, Mom Erika and Eric, went in the house. One of the first things Karelly did was go and get Katie and I, a chocolate iced cup cake each. Livy would go in the other room and drag out chairs for us.
Katie gave each of them their clothes, and we had all sorts of markers, notepads, and some toys for them. We had quite a bit. We also had the food for Erika and she was grateful!
For the next two and a half hours, it was communicating by my phone translator, English Spanish Dictionary that Erika had, hand signals and facial expression. We had so much fun! Livy basically didn't leave Katie's lap almost the whole time. Karily is so smart that she took my phone, immediately went to the apps, found the translator app, and started to type in spanish so she could tell me things. I can't stress enough how smart she is and so is Livy. Mom and Dad have brought the girls up to be affectionate and boy are they ever. Livy will for no reason just decide she wants to hug us both, so if she is sitting on Katie's lap, she will just turn and pull me in so I can get the hug as well....how awesome! No amount of money or what you have in "things" could ever replace this.
There was lots of loving and the words "I love you" being said a lot.
You could tell the kids really loved the clothes that Katie picked out for them. There were lots of Oh's and Ahh's.
The rest of the time, we just had fun, Livy played Angry Birds on the tablet, and looked at pictures. Even when I was in a picture with some former Winnipeg Police members, she would find me, point and say Jim.
Karelly kept busy with the phone and translation efforts.
We had some Coke and Ericka brought out some potato chips for us.
I just can't say enough, how great it is to be with those two girls, the love that is abundant, and the fun we have.
Sister Maureen came back and it was time to go. As we were leaving Livy broke into tears and was crying hard as she did not want us to go. Heartbreaking! If I could I would take her with us and Karelly too. They would enrich our lives to no end.
Karelly had Eric performing some poses in the yard, that she had taught him and he was hilarious. He would cross his arms, sit down, and tilt his head way to the side, it was priceless. And this from a little boy who was really sick when first born. He is healthy now though.
So it was several hugs from Livy, some with tears, and hugs from Karilly, and lots of "I love you's" and then off we went. So sad, we can't see them until Next year!...but we got to see them twice and spend lots of time...so we are thankful for that!
Here are some photos that Katie took, and Katie made a sign for her friend Durga who sponsors Karelly.
Then we dropped Betty off at the first house we went to and her husband Ken was going to pick her up. Sister Maureen dropped us off at our car, and we said our goodbyes to Sister Maureen, and Ken and Vickey.
and so ends another great day in the valley...
more later...
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