My last night at Casa de Esparanza

(Linda)
This will be my last night at Casa de Esparanza and it is with mixed emotions that I leave this awe-inspiring Oasis for children that I've become quite attached to over the last 5-1/2 weeks.  The Anderson's and I are leaving tomorrow afternoon for Guatemala City and will spend the night there Saturday night.  We will be following the Bell's (who live in House #3) to the Barcelo Hotel, and then on Sunday we will meet the Sosa family who will be moving into Casa #2 (the house we've been working on and painting since last Sunday).  We've done an amazing transformation on that house in just five short days.  The Sosa's and Bell's will then return to Casa de Esparanza and we will spend the day in Guatemala City and go to Lake Atitlan on Monday.  Steve says if you Goggle it, it will say it's the most beautiful lake in the world.  Then, we will return to the Barcelo Hotel Sunday night and go to the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, then back to the Barcelo Hotel Tuesday night.  Then, the Anderson's will take me to the air port in Guatemala City Wednesday morning for my 8:25 a.m. flight.  I have gotten to know and love the children who live here with the Bell's and the Korean family in House #5 which is next door to House #6 where we've been living.  I will carry their memories in my heart forever, and I will return home with a whole new perspective on the world around me.  I just hope I've made a positive difference in their lives because they have made a lasting impression on me.  I feel I have received more from my stay here than I'm leaving behind.  It's been a lot of very hard work but extremely satisfying.  It will be difficult to say adios to all the wonderful people I've met and gotten to know so well here, but it will be good to get back home too.  I will never take air conditioning for granted again.