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

Mis padres vinieron y salieron

What a fun but crazy whirlwind of a visit! My parents were supposed to get in around 7am on Sunday, Feb 20th, but unfortunately my dads body disagreed. My friend and I went to pick them up and knew their flight was going to be delayed bc of some serious fog, but had no clue they were not even ON the flight! Apparently, they had only gotten 2-3 hours of sleep after they got into Lima late Fri night and had to be at the airport around 3:30 am for the Lima to Trujillo flight. The only thing to eat in the airport at that time was Dunkin Donuts and between that, no sleep, traveling, prob dehydration, etc, my dad collapsed on the airplane! Only 15 min in to the 1hr flight, they turned the plane around and had an ambulance waiting. He was a new man after lots of IV fluids and rest. They medically cleared him to fly and my friend kristi and I picked them up at 5pm. They were really excited to get here and the kids gave them a royal welcome with tons o' hugs!

My dad seemed to be doing a lot better until lunch time when he almost passed out again!! Nonstop water and rest was his schedule for the rest of the day. We did finally get to get out to the market, the mall, the next town for "magical burgers" that have a thin patty of meat, a fried egg and French fries all for about 60 cents!! They saw the plaza de armas, the center of town, and the cute beach town, Huanchaco. They were amazing with the kids! I think my mom actually learned all 41 of their names in less than a week!! I don't know who had more fun, my parents or the kids. Each day they passed out another treat: stickers, marbles, t-shirts made by uncle and his company, candy bars and more candy!! These kids were in heaven! Before they left on Saturday, we took the 3 kids from my tutoria out to pizza hut and to get ice cream for an end of summer and summer programs treat. They start school this week. Now I know how moms feel at the end of summer! Let more structure begin!!




They made it..finally! And in 2 pieces!




Hugs all around!




Can you say CAVATIES and BRIBERY??!!







The shirts my uncle, aunt, and Team Sportsprint made! They loved them!








Warning: candy attracts swarms of children.





Our trip out!




Is that baby Eva or baby Jessica? Hard to tell!

Don't tell anyone...

But I have a favorite. I know you shouldn't, esp here where kids are fighting hard enough to get noticed, but it's inevitable. I figured I would soon enough. His name is Paul (pronounced Pa Ewl) and he's 6. His boyish toothless grin and chubby squish-able cheeks reeled me in right away. His sense of humor, intelligence, and consistency continue to amaze me day after day. This kid is so smart and he loves to learn/repeat English! How fun is it having a human life-size "parrot" with a Spanish accent? SO FUN!!! He has an older brother and sister that live at the orphanage as well. Not too sure on their story as to why they are here, but usually it is not good. I pray every day for loving homes and families for these amazing little beings. Please join me in prayer.














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Mis amigos

Let me take a quick minute to introduce you to some of my new friends here, Leah and Harrison. First of all, they are newlyweds! They just got married June 2010 and came to the orphanage 3 months later to start their marriage serving the Lord. They are such awesome peeps and have done such amazing work. Leah works with the little ones and has her work cut out for her as many of the children are delayed in crucial areas of learning and communicating. For instance, 6 yr old Rosita does not talk yet. She gives her heart and soul planning curriculum and fun activities to stimulate these kids. When Harrison is not cracking everyone up (I swear he is 3 of my friends morphed together!! Darren, Pete, and Nick...1/3 of each of you is in Peru!), he is tending to the orchard, organizing a new library system, helping with maintenance,starting a compost here, tutoring the kids and helping Leah out. Their 6 months is up at the end of Feb but they want to stay for 4 months more. The problem is they don't have the funds to stay. If they raise $2,000 this next week, they can stay and Leah will hopefully be able to hear Rosita's first word. To read more about them and their journey, check out their blog at: http://hickstravel.xanga.com

If you would like to help support them, you can email me or send the check (made out to Kelly Roth) to my parents bc they access to my Peru account and I can withdraw money and give it to them. Thanks so much for your consideration! We don't want them to leave yet!



Little Rosita


Leah, Harrison, and Rosita's little bro, Alejandro




Harrison and Jose Luis

Location:Peru