Saturday Market

Saturday mornings we like to go the open-air market that's just three blocks from our place. The market is similar to "Farmers market" except that it's held all year round.

Pushing a stroller here is always an adventure. Is there such a thing as an off-roading stroller? This morning, we had to run down the middle of the road dodging traffic as there was no way we were going to make it up, over, or through this.

The produce at this market is amazing, cheap, and organic! Although, I'm not sure organic is always a good thing when you're in Bolivia. Unless, of course you enjoy the free "friends" that come along with your purchase ;o)

The fruit section- my favorite part!

Veggie-lovers paradise.

And my least favorite part... the raw meat in hot sun section.

And here's what we brought home- all for less than $5!

Call me crazy!

Call me crazy but I don't mind changing diapers. Especially when I get to change the diapers of these sweet babies.

Today, like every other day when I go to Salomon Klein, I walk to the end of our street, wait for the J bus to come, pay 1.5 bolivianos ($.21) and take it until I see the abandoned lot with the black fence (since most of the streets aren't marked, landmarks are key).

After walking a few blocks, I reach Salomon Klein- the largest orphanage in Cochabamba, Bolivia and one of the few that takes babies- home to over 170 children ages newborn to 6 years. Heartbreaking? Yes, very. My first day there I could hardly hold back the tears.

Here's just a glimpse from the outside of the cloth diapers drying. Can you imagine how much laundry 60+ babies in cloth diapers and 110+kids go through per day?

When I arrive all the babies are just waking up from their afternoon nap. After they wake up it's diaper time! Usually there are 3 of us changing diapers... and right now there are 27 little bottoms to be cleaned, but that number fluctuates from week to week.

All the babies sleep in the same room... there are many more cribs I just couldn't get them all in the picture.

After they are changed, the older babies go outside and stay in these walkers for a couple of hours until it's dinner time. The little babies get bottles and then have playtime inside on a mat.

This tiny play area is where the older babies spend most of the day. Next door is the where the 18-24month olds stay.

Sweet baby girl... she wasn't sure what to think of my camera. She's usually pretty serious, but when she does smile it lights up the whole room!

This sweetheart loves to dance!

I love these precious little ones so, so much! I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to spend the time with them that I do but there's just one problem... I wish I could take them all home! Do you think they'll notice if I slip a baby in my purse?

Today, I held the tiniest baby I have ever held and I fell in love all over again. I stood in awe of how God could create such a tiny, absolutely beautiful being and even though no one wanted this precious little angel He did and He chose to give her life.

and when I get home... this is what I find... priceless :)

Welcome to our blog!

We have finally given in to the blogging world! Since we are so many miles away from home we decided this would be a great way to keep in touch. If you would like to join us on this adventure just click over on the right-hand side where it says "Follow". We'll try to update often so be sure to check back for new posts.