NiColle, Josie and Teresa, Caren, Marchelle, and Dawn at Mending Kids
Josie and Teresa enjoying at little sister time at Mending Kids.
Josie and her friends racing cars at the Raullis
What a whirlwind week. We had to be out of our house by Friday which meant everything must be packed and stored in the garage. Even though this was a difficult task it was and incredibly cleansing one. It was nice to rid myself of the material clutter that was slowly overtaking our lives. There were so many useless items that will be useful to others. Mending Kids got over run with bags on Friday. Speaking of Mending Kids, we have hired 2 incredible women to help run our organization. Our new executive director, Marchelle Sellers, comes to us from the Pasadena Ronald Mc Donald house that she herself established. Dawn Head is from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles orthopedic surgery clinic. Both have so much to offer MKI. We are all thrilled with the talent and enthusiasm that these two bring. Welcome aboard Marchelle and Dawn.
On Friday we had a welcome party for them and enjoyed lunch with staff, board members and the wonderful families that are currently staying at Robin's Nest (our own type of Ronald McDonald house). It really reminds me of the reason I am involved with MKI when you see the precious children that are here for medical treatment. One quick and amazing story of one of our current families is Lorana (mom) and her child Melanie from Guatemala. Lorana was our first house mom who ran Robin's Nest at the first location. After 3 or so years working for MKI she returned to Guatemala. She adopted an adorable baby girl, Melanie. About a year after her adoption as an infant, Lorana discovered that Melanie was deaf. Lorana quickly contact MKI and was brought here so Melanie could go through the process of receiving cochlear implants. If that wasn't paying it forward I don't know what is. They arrived here just after Christmas and 2 weeks ago after many procedures and surgeries Melanie got to hear for the first time. What a miracle.
We also got to go to our friends the Raulli's house before we left. It was great for Josie to see some of her friends and for me as well. I will post some cute pictures of the evening. These kids have been together since about 19 months of age. They are so sweet together and treat Josie so well.
Well we are off to on vacation to the Sacramento Delta and then to Tahoe before making our journey back to Michigan. Josie is continuing to thrive in her walking. I have to admit it is much easier to have Przemek and Sylvia work her out then me. I will be glad when they take over again. Just have to keep it up so they don't lose ground.
I will post more often. Just had to get through last week's packing and couldn't find time or energy to post. Hope you are all enjoying these hot August nights. Jenny and Josie
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