Kelly Roth, PJM

No, I'm not referring to being a Project Manager or to the Pacific Journal of Mathematics. Pingat Jasa Malaysia? The airport code for Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica? Nope, not those, either. Peanut butter and jelly maniac? That's absurd- I hate jelly. Peripheral joint movement? I should probably know what that means being an OT...I guess I might have some re-learning to do in December when I get back to "real life". You really don't know what PJM stands for? Fine, I will tell you. PERUVIAN JEWELRY MAKER of course!!
(Just to clarify, I'm not Peruvian-the jewelry is.) I'm enjoying a new trade and getting crafty in my free time. Check out some samples from my studio....














I got inspired to start making my own bc I work with the kids on jewelry-making. A few years ago, one of the past volunteers started this program here called Seeds of Hope. The jewelry that the kids make is sold in the office to visitors, volunteers, and beyond. A portion of the money goes into a special savings account for each child, given to them when they are adopted or when they have to leave the orphanage at age 18. If anyone is interested in purchasing any, I will be making a trip to the US in July and can buy some for you before I leave. The earrings, bracelets, and necklaces range from $4-$11. Here are some of the kids hard at work (and play!)

Magic is in the air!

I wish everyone could experience what I experienced yesterday. It was like magic and God's blessing combined to form a delicious treat for my heart, soul, and senses. In an earlier post, I referenced 6-year-old Rosita, a product of incest, abuse, malnutrition, etc. Her teeth are rotten from her lack of proper diet and likely never having brushed them pre-orphanage. They claim she is 6, but she barely looks like she's 4. And the kicker to me...she can't talk. I have such a heart for this beauty, this innocent victim of so much trauma at such a young age. I seek out opportunities to connect with her and bring a smile, a once unfamiliar thing, to her cute face. She is one of the 3 in my tutoring aka babysitting group. Because she's never been exposed to any academics until now, to say that she is behind the other 2 is an under-statement. While I'm juggling helping the two boys write their names out of noodles, she's off in the corner eating glue or stealing my supplies. I think I managed close to 40 "NO's" in a 2-hour period the other day. I felt like I was back at square 1. After tutoria yesterday, I was enjoying being outside with the kids, watching them play and laugh. Rosita grabbed me by the hand and led me to the swings and motioned for me to push her. I love hearing her giggle. I can imagine what it's like to be a mom and that being my favorite sound in the world. And then something more beautiful happened. Her swing had come to a stop and I could tell she wanted more, but I wanted to see if she would take my bait. I told her if she wanted more, she needed to say "mas", "more" in Spanish. SHE DID IT!!!!!!! It was unbelievable! It was better than ice cream on a hot day or a cold beer at a BBQ...yum. And the best part? I got it on video! I'm trying to figure out how to upload it, but for now, you just get the story. Thanks for the prayers and please continue to pray for Rosita's continued growth, acceptance of love, and future full of hope.

I heart newness.

Yes, it's true. I actually enjoy change...most of the time. I love new faces, new growth, new opportunities and new perspectives. This time at Hogar de Esperanza is giving me as much change as I can chew. It seems like every week someone new is either coming or going. It definitely gives the place a new feel each time someone new comes with their unique gifts, talents, and personalities. Enter Sophie and Michael from England...


My laughing quota has skyrocketed since they came only 8 days ago. They leave on Tuesday to go to Machu Picchu and then back to home sweet England. Their claim to fame? They live in the small village in England where part of the movie The Holiday was filmed. We've been having a blast hearing them do their American accents for us and then they judge us on who does the best British accent. I havent quite won...yet.

Enter Ashley from Nebraska...




I'm soooo happy she ended up here. She just came about a week ago, but has been in Peru since January volunteering with another organization. She is staying here 6 months to volunteer with us. I've had a blast getting to know her and definitely feel like she's been here a lot longer than a week.

Enter Alexandra, a new little girl from another orphanage...



Both of the new girls!!

We never get too much information regarding the childrens backgrounds, pasts, actually any information whatsoever. Please pray for a smooth transition for her. It sounds like the orphanage where she was staying was a bit of a rough place. I pray that she will be softened with love she receives here and her past will soon be a distant fading memory.

The princess turned 1!

They had an adorable party on Friday for an even more adorable girl. Baby Jessica turned one! She's growing up so fast and has already changed so much since I've been here. It's so cool to watch her grow. The kids enjoyed popcorn, jelly, mesamora (sp? This jelly/pudding dessert made from purple corn), candy and cake. And yes, that was their dinner, too! Check out the pics of the fun bash!




They spent a while decorating for la fiesta



Princess "Yessica" as it's pronounced here



Jessica and her 2 siblings




I seriously love this lil' being.



So does Cristina!



Volunteer Liz and Alejandro



Adorableness from head to toe




Kristi and Rosita



Hugging on Luis



Another favorite



The swarm waiting for cake