All is quiet, all is calm...

It is election day, and an eerie quiet has settled over the little town of Rio San Juan. You see, during the elections, the sale of alcohol is prohibited throughout the country. Without rum, there's no fun in loud music, and without loud music, you might actually have to talk to the girl you're sitting across the table with. So, for tonight, there is peace in our little apartment.

In honor of the elections- I have a story.

Several weeks ago, Alfredo and his crew of munchkins came to our gate and announced that one of the presidential candidates, Amable Aristy Castro, was coming to town. He bills himself as the "president of the poor", and is known for handing out rice and throwing $50 peso bills from his helicopter or Hummer on the campaign trail.

Alfredo and his buddies are ecstatic. "When Amable comes- anyone can ask him for anything they want- and he gives it to them. He's the president of the poor, you know!"

Jensi replies, nodding "I'm asking for a bike."

Alfredo looks stricken " No- I'M going to ask for a bike. Don't copy me, stupid."

Niño rises above the fray, saying "I don't need a bike. I just want money. Money for toys. Lots of them. Thats really all I need."

Not wishing to burst the thin veneer of their euphoria, I told them I was happy for them. They skipped off arguing about colors for their bicycles; perfectly at ease in the faith that Amable would come through.

As for me, I don't quite need a bicycle, but I wish for that kind of faith.
- TJ

Dear TJ,

You've only been out of town for 2 days, and you'll be home tomorrow. But the thing is...

I miss you.

I miss you when I'm hauling 5 gallon jugs of water up the stairs.

I miss you when I'm trying to start the generator, when the dishes need to be washed.

I miss you when I need someone to get me a Diet Coke, and when I can't decide what to eat for dinner.

I miss you when the kids stop by to tell me about their day, and when they want help picking mangoes out of our tree.

I miss you when I have to lift the garage gate, and when Gus wants food. Or water. Or to go outside.

I miss you when the palm trees blow in the breeze, and the waves crash on the shore.

I miss you when water needs to be pumped or the power needs to be flipped.

I miss you when I wake up, and when I go to sleep. And while I'm sleeping.

I can do all of those things by myself, I guess.

But I love being your helpmate in life. I love all the ways you help us live our life here.

Love,
Me

Hurry up, Harrison!

Harrison Henry Lamb is about to make his entrance into the world, and we spent the day celebrating with mommy-to-be, Laura Beth.

Norma-versary

Tomorrow we will celebrate one week in the Dominican with Bart, Kristen & Elijah Norman.

We are having a GREAT time. We've played with big kids, little kids, walked in the rain, toured the town, celebrated Dominican Labor Day, and (nearly) attended a Haitian wedding.

Most of all, we enjoy watching baby Elijah wrap the entire town of Rio San Juan around his little finger. Elijah (or "Elias/Elian") is the stuff legends are made of - children show up at our gate, chanting his name and calling to play with him.

Sharing secrets with Alfredo and Jensi.

Soaked from the rain: the Normans are troopers.

Always pics of cute babies, but don't forget about their gorgeous mamas!

The Lion's Den

Today at Club Chiquito: Daniel and the Lion's Den.

With help from our friends and visitors Bart, Kristen, and Elijah Norman, we set our inner beasts loose with some paper bags, plates and markers.



Lions in the jungle.



Lions eating the cameraman.


The only downside to a craft like this is that I think the kids were disappointed when the lions DIDNT eat Daniel... -TJ

B - I - N - G - 0

There is a phenomenon sweeping through the palm slats of the outreach center:

"And Bingo is it's name-OH"

Seriously. Our kids can't get enough. Big kids, little kids, teens, and adults.

They are addicts.

Caroline got the idea to bring BINGO because the residents at her nursing home LOVE to play. Apparently this game has universal appeal. The kids can hardly stand it when TJ rolls the cage and a numbered ball pops out. They come unglued. It is a sight to behold.

So, behold:

Twin tattoos

No, TJ did not finally get that tattoo he occasionally threatens to get.

They're Holly's. And they're not so much tattoos. More like battle scars.

Burns on the inside of her left forearm - hazards of baking a gajillion birthday cakes in an actual flame/fire burning oven.

The forearm is starting to look a ridiculous, which is unfortunate, as we're about to head into birthday-heavy season...