Happy 6!

Dear MF,

Happy 6th Birthday! I can't believe you are that old now! I was there with you on your first birthday, but it makes me sad that I haven't been able to spend any of your other birthdays with you since then. I almost didn't get to spend your first birthday with you either, but now that I look back on it, everything worked out the way it should have. You see, I was suppposed to go to the Temple in Guayaquil that day with all the other volunteers, but I had been in bed sick for three days before hand (sicker than I ever remember being! But-I was the one who wasn't smart and drank the water there even though we were told so many times not to...) so I decided at the last minute to stay home. I felt sad about it at first, but now I am so happy that I did. You were released from the hospital on your birthday, so a few of the other volunteers and I went to get you and then stopped at a little bakery on the corner to buy a cake for you. We then went on a crazy taxi ride back to the orphanage (you probably have no idea what a carseat is, but it really concerned me that we didn't have one for you and that you were just laying on my lap as we wove in and out of traffic!) We got to see all the kids in the cuna enjoying the cake for your birthday- such a rare treat for them. I don't think you even got any because you were sick still, but I am sure you were happy to share with the other kids.

I miss you so much and not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I hope that today- on your Golden Birthday even- you get lots of extra love and attention. I wish I could be there to give you 6 presents for your 6th birthday, but that will have to wait. You are such a special girl and you hold a really important place in my heart. I can't wait to see you again someday.

Love,

Kim

(Send prayers MF's way that she can have a most wonderful birthday today. She probably doesn't know the difference, but it would make me happy!)