Scorpion Carriers--

Seasons come and seasons go here and I always have trouble knowing when a particular season occurs. Like, when are the veggies plentiful in the Yako market and when are they sparse? And, when are mangoes in season? How long will the season last?

But, one season that I now know for sure is the 'Scorpion Carrier' season. IT IS NOW! This week, we have killed 3 scorpion carriers in the house. More than we have ever had in the house in one season!

These little critters are one of my least favorite. The name 'scorpion carrier' is not an official name. If you google it. . . . you will only find a blog by a previous Peace Corps person who wrote about them. Our local children and friends call these little guys by this name because they say that scorpions actually jump onto their backs and go for a ride.

My children tell me that they do not bite or sting. My problem with them is that they are very ugly and that they move very fast when I am wanting to kill them!

Introducing Kelsey and Rebecca!

Kelsey Graczak and Rebecca Dalton, both from St. Louis, traveled back to Burkina with me. The trip went great and it was wonderful for me to have travel companions.

Kelsey is in her last year of university studying to be a teacher and Rebecca is in her junior year of high school.

During our recent visit of Jules' adoptive parents, Kelsey and Rebecca prepared fun Mexican and Chinese meals for us leaving me free to take care of all the final details of the adoption.

Thanks so much for coming to visit, Kelsey and Rebecca. You are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside!

A Forever Family for Jules

Jules is an adorable little 3 year. His story is long and complicated but it was clear that there was no place in the extended family for Jules.

Jules came to live in the orphanage 2 ½ years ago.

But, today Jules and his new parents left Yako. They took the road to Ouagadougou and on Monday, June 29^th, they will take a plane and return to their home in Italy.

What a rescue! What a wonderful thing that the Lord has done for Jules and for his adoring parents. Life will never be the same for Jules and for his parents but for sure, life will be good for them.

From everyone at the orphanage, we say 'goodby Jules and may the Lord bless and keep you forever in His care'.

A visit with Therese and her family

What a special treat! I just returned from spending 24 hours with Therese and her family.

Therese is doing wonderfully well. She is thriving in every way and it was delightful to see her interacting with her parents and siblings.

Physically, Therese is doing very well. She is only on one remaining medication and she is on a running team where she and her sister, Sitota, are running up to 3 miles a day. Pretty amazing for not even 2 months since undergoing open heart surgery.

Here is a picture of Therese (on the left) and her sister, Sitota, dressed up in clothing from the 1860's.