March 24, 2010 by Collette

WOW.....nearly one month already! Time is just flying by! Braeden has "it" now too....I call it the "it" b/c we don't really have a name for it. High fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. We went to Trujillo (2 hours north by bus) on Monday to see Chan Chan, which is an entire city buried in the sand, discovered in the 1940's. They have excavated and preserved one of 5 palaces, and so we toured the one on display....what an awesome experience! The empire dates back 1000 years PRE-inca, so the 1200-1400's...........

After our tour, we went to Juanchancho, a town nearby. This is where the re-nowned 2nd-best surf waves in the world are located. WOW.....I mean WOW....they were HUGE! The kids played on the beach while we waited for our lunch...........this is when Braeden became ill. He didn't eat, so this was my first clue he wasn't feeling well. He tried octopus, or calamari, and that was about it. We then went downtown to the center to see the government buildings, and it was apparent that Braeden wouldn't last the day. We went back to the bus station and got on our way back to Chimbote.......Braeden, poor guy, emptied his stomach 2 times on the bus. Of course, no bathroom on this one!!! He has been sick ever since. Today, no vomiting or diarrhea, but extreme weakness and dizziness. Wilder and I will take him to the Dr. tomorrow AM if he's not snapped out of it yet......he's been on the bactrim, and fever is gone, but lethargy and dizziness remain.......

Tuesday was filled with activities. After morning studies, Brookston and Bridger went to Kelvin's "Fundo".....carpentry shop and helped to make beds and chairs......Bridger was the "glue" man, and Brookston was chiseling the wooden ends of furniture pieces. Pretty cute.

I met with Sr., Juanita at the Hospice, and we talked for a great length.......I am now in contact with Liliana, who will set me up working with the SIDAs patients, or AIDS in English. Friday will be my first day. Tomorrow will be filled with working at the medical post (Santa Ana) giving immunizations and organizing the medical supplies. In the afternoon, helping Judy move her social work office and meds to the new Wimbush building. Evening meeting with my artist friends at their home.

Brinley and Bridger went to the prevention center today, and will be doing this daily around 3:30pm to about 6pm. There are American Gringos in charge of helping at the center, so the kids go with them.

Monique Moser is to arrive on Saturday around 2pm per my understanding. We are anxiously awaiting her arrival, ready to welcome her to our new Peruvian Lifestyle. She used to babysit the kids, so this will be a really rewarding experience for all of us! The boys have summoned her to bring down an American football.....which we have not been able to locate anywhere in this country!! LOL......

Today I met with all 4 kids and asked them about leaving early....like right after Easter Sunday. Nobody wants to go home early. This is VERY surprising to me, since Braeden is ill and Bridger is "bored" and "misses his English TV shows!!" LOL.....Since I have to change our return flight home, I will only pay the fee once, so thus far, we will be staying as planned until around the 20th.

Will post more as we go along!
Thanks for all your prayers and comments!
Love to all,
Collette