Random adorable baby picture: this is an updated picture of Julius, my friend Isa's baby. She was pregnant when I first moved to Pokigron and  I ended up on a boat with her while she was in labor- we have a special bond.

Things have been busy lately. The new group of Peace Corps Suriname trainees have arrived and Ryan and I are both helping give trainings and act as guides as they transition into this fascinating country. The big rainy season started right on time on May Basket Day (May 1st, also known as Valoria and Brian Jones' wedding anniversary!) so we are enjoying rain showers daily. We are just starting to dive into several different projects in our village, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We are willing (although learning as we go) but our villagers have to be willing every step of the way, as well. We'll see how things go.

In the meantime, we are continuing to make improvements on our little hut. I do not remember if I posted pictures of Ryan cutting vent holes into both the front and back walls. He did it awhile ago and it has really helped to allow the heat to escape the house. We are also in the process of making the porch that we wanted since before we moved to site (you see how slowly things happen here?). Here are pictures of these exciting changes.

We went back to visit our homestay family before one of the new Peace Corps trainees moves in with them. They were thrilled to see us and it was really nice to see them. If you remember, our host mom gave birth to a little girl while we lived with them. She is so big now and beautiful! Click here to see pictures of the kids, as well as Ryan and I teaching English and a monkey because, well, we live in the jungle.

We miss you all and America quite a bit. Send us an email, letter, package or give us a call via phone or skype. We love to hear from friends and family.

Happy Mother’s Day!

As is true with all children, as I grow older I come to understand and appreciate just how challenging and all-consuming motherhood is for a woman. My own mother has never wavered in her love and support for me even in times that I doubted it in my childishness or no matter where I ventured off in the world. I know she is proud of me and will always be there for me no matter what happens, which are two of the most empowering gifts a mother can give her child. I just want her to know that I realize many children are not fortunate enough to have a mom as wonderful as she is and I appreciate her greatly. I love you Mamuschuka!!!

Not only do I have a wonderful birth mom but I am lucky enough to have found an incredible mother-in-law.  She loves me like her own daughter and I cannot express how thankful I am for that. My amazing husband is living proof of her expert mom skills. Happy Mother’s Day, Cecile! I love you!

I would also like to send a special shout out to some new and amazing mothers who are celebrating their very first Mother’s Day- Alysha, Kirstin, Jayme and Rachel. Congratulations all of you! I cannot wait to meet the new additions to the family when I come home.