Cupcakes!

We made two huge batches of cupcakes last night to surprise the kids at the orphanage here in Quito.  We hauled them all there this morning via taxi which was pretty fun.  Our taxi driver was nice and friendly, not at all creepy, and happily agreed to take us all the way there which a lot of taxi don't even want to do.  Its about 30 minutes in taxi, 50 in bus and you have to take three of them.  So we gave him a muffin and he was so happy.  He gave us a great price and didn't stop talking about the how delicious it was, what good cooks we were, how he wanted to buy more to take to his family, etc. 

We arrived at the orphanage and signed in.  We went to the toddlers room and 10mo. old baby John came crawling to me as fast as he could.  He has a complete afro of hair that because of some law they can not cut so it just keeps growing up and up.  That with his huge smile and this baby is irresistible.  I made a big deal out of him and he was so sweet, just grabbing my neck in a big hug.  He is so special.  I have never seen a baby in such need of love and attention.  He barely ever cries but he's the happiest little guy in the world if someone holds his hand.  He was sleeping in a matter of minutes.

We visited the older kids.  Its something like a stampede when you walk in the door.  They yell out things like- hold me, pick me up, spin me, she's my friend, no she's my mommy!  Its crazy and you have to be calm just to keep everyone under control.  

Two of the kids were in school, Jonathan and Estefania, so we walked to their school with two cupcakes for them.  They were so cute.  Since they are the only two orphan kids in the school I think they feel pretty special when they get visitors.

Its was a beautiful day trip.  It felt calmer than usual even though on the way back our taxi driver made us get out because his tire was going flat.  We had to just hang out and wait on the street awhile until another taxi finally came by.  Its was a good time though and so wonderful to see our kids again! 

-Stef