A bit about Dany...

Since several of you have asked... No, I won't be coming home with another child! Dany lives in Carabuela (near Otavalo) with his own parents, but I am sponsoring him through Compassion Int'l with a small contribution each month to help with special needs (medical, schooling, etc.).

This is one of the ways I've chosen to "give back" a little for all the blessings that God has bestowed on my photography business! I'm also sponsoring an older girl, Mari Carmen, in Guatemala (through another program), who is in an orphanage. She's available for adoption, but don't jump to any conclusions there, either! With our own income level, we would never qualify to be able to adopt again anyway (I've checked!). Though I'd like to wrap my arms around ALL the children around the world in need, I've chosen realistically to instead touch the lives of just a few in a special way -- just to let them know that they are special!

Looks like I'm going to Ecuador!

It's a long story, but I'll try to do it in just a few sentences here...

I've always longed to visit South America. I've also been sponsoring a little boy in Ecuador for almost 2 years now, and his name is Dany (now 9 years old). So when the opportunity presented itself to go to Ecuador to meet Dany, and Mark half-heartedly (good-naturedly?) supported my desire to fulfill a dream, I jumped at it! The kids are being wonderfully supportive, too (though a bit jealous because they can't come along) -- what a great family I have!!!

And so begins this BLOG to update those who may be interested in following my adventure. I'm in the travel planning process at this point, checking out lodgings on the internet and making contacts. But it looks like I'll be going in September. Tentative dates are approximately September 12-20, give or take a day or two at either end.

Thanks for your interest. Your comments and questions are welcomed!

To be continued...