Alvero

I just got back this morning from my week in Florida! It was so wonderful to spend an entire week with my family! I didn't realize how much I missed them all until I found myself unable to say goodbye!
Yesterday however was a wonderful day for me! I received a letter from Alvero, one of the orphans. It was so unexpected, that I jumped and squealed like a child on Christmas when I got it.

"What have you been?
What have you done?
I know, you won't come to tierra de juda, I'll miss you so much, because you are the only person with whom I can practice my speech in english.
Today was awful to me, because my teacher told me, I have to talk in class, I must say my ideas, but it's difficult, all my life I've been quit and shy; I know, scared is not an option, it's a wall that cause big problems.
Well, now tell me how about you?
I hope you improve your spanish class, in the next month you will be able to communicate with all children and employees in land of Juda.
I'm teaching numbers from 11 to 20 at the children, It's has been difficult, but I'm sure they will be able to learn.
Alvaro"

Alvero is about 11. His English is good but his older brother Juan's English is the best. They look identical, only Alvero is a bit smaller than Juan! I think these two boys are the purest, sweetest, most loving boys on earth! They are both so fun...typical boys in every way, yet they are so full of love and compassion that it makes me stop and realize how different they are from most American teenagers.

I replied...

"Alvaro!!! I was so happy to get your email! Thank you so much for writing! It was wonderful of Silvia to let you use her email.
I'm really looking forward to seeing you all again! I will fly into Nicaragua on Saturday, May 1st, but may not get to the Land of Judah until Sunday. I can't wait to be back!
I'm sorry to hear you had a tough day in school! I know how scary it can be to talk in front of a crowd! It's a very normal fear and it's okay that you feel that way. I'm proud of you for doing it though....even though it was difficult! That is the only way to overcome your fears! You have to just face them! I know it's not easy, but the more you do it, the easier it will get!
I admire you and your brother for learning English. It's very difficult to learn a second language. I'm studying Spanish a little every day, but it's not easy. It may take a long time before I am able to communicate the way I want to, but I know if I keep trying, I'll eventually be able to! If you help me with Spanish, I will always help you with English! Sound good??? ;-)

Well, I can't wait to see you and everyone else next weekend! Thank you again for writing! Please say hello to Estella and Joan! See you soon!

Julie"

I really can't wait to see them!!!