And on the eve of my departure, the breeze blowing and the children playing, I still don't. Sometime during my stay at Hope of the Child, I have reached an important conclusion. These children are loved. They climb all over Pastor when they are feeling playful. They run to Tomasina's open arms when they are sad.
Older children carry around the smaller ones.
They often hold hands. On our last night, we throw a birthday party for the children complete with hats, horns, singing and, most welcome treat of all, ice cream. Afterward we invite them into our casita, savoring our last moments. Michele Morris, my roommate from St. Louis, has grown attached to several girls, particularly Lidi, twin sister of Lici. Lidi tells Michele about the family that gave her up and the many brothers she has never seen.