March 31, 2008

First, Happy Anniversary to my husband. Can you believe it’s been 17 years since we had the BIG party?

Today has been movie star time. I met Cristina and another friend for coffee in Isabelle’s home. It’s beautiful. I can’t imagine how she was able to make such an oasis here. Then Cristina and I had some time for lunch while we were waiting for one of her friends to meet us. Her name is Marie and Cristina told me that she is a very famous author in France. She interviewed me for a story in Elle, France. Of course that is no guarantees or anything, but…… it sure could help the women for us to be in such a well-read magazine.

I remember in college when I finished my one semester of French and thought that there was no need to ever take any more. Why would I ever need it? Lesson to anyone thinking of dropping out of French.

Speaking of students, I remember when my daughter Melanie wanted Hamsters or Gerbils or some kind of rodents for her science experiment. I promptly told her no but her dad, being a scientist, thought she should be encouraged to explore anything she wanted so they went out to buy the rats and put them in her bedroom. I remember the report went something like this “due to the fact that 3/4 of my experiment died…” I’m remembering this story as our little chickens are fading on us. They are still alive but we decided that our chicken house may be too hot. Help if you know anything about chickens!!!

I’m in the process of renewing our NGO license. It’s due at the end of July. So far I’ve spent one week in offices with responses that make no sense to my American mind. The struggle continues…..

But, our ladies are doing great, we had our first award ceremony and I looked around at the 82 women who are currently with us. I’m amazed that we are even able to get three meals served to all of them let alone change their lives. One thing I loved the most: At the end of the ceremony our Phase II director had them all write love notes to each other about what they appreciate in each other. I started to cry as I realized what a short time ago they could not write one letter; what a short time ago they had no one to love or be loved by. It’s worth it all!