Bright Sunday!!

I am almost scared to say but today was by far the best Alejandra and I have spent together. I think, but am really tentative to write it, I think we may have turned a major communication corner. Not that my spanish has improved any at all in the last 24 hours but it seems like she is getting the idea of "using her words" instead of temper tantrums or attitude to tell me what she wants. We started the day out practicing some letter writing in a coloring book I brought down. It is evident she has NEVER practiced any form of letter or number writing but she is very receptive to learning. Much more than Rachael ever was at this age or even now! After that we hung out for a bit and made a journey into town to the Bodengona (shopping market) to get some much needed laundry detergent. On the way back we stopped for coffee and snack at the central park and then headed home. Later I had planned for us to meet some friends at the pool, which is quite a long walk. When I got the stroller out again, she said, NO, yo quiero caminar! "I want to walk"...well OK, and we walked 3/4 the way until I flagged a Tuk Tuk trying to head off impending fatigue. At the pool, our friends didn't show but she was happy as a clam playing with me and doing her near drowning activities. We then had lunch and I was sweating on how to get her to mabe play on the little adjoining park so I wouldn't have to get back in the pool. Unbelievably, she agreed to go change, shower (I was so excited because at the hotel swimming pool locker room is my one chance per week to get a really good hot shower!!) and then go to the park! It worked like a charm. We then started walking back and she was a real trooper. I know she was tired and at one point she sighed and sat down and said "descansa?" (can we rest?), not to compare but this was a refreshing change from a meltdown or a typical Rachael moaning/crying "I just can't go on anymore". So we rested and then walked a little more. I flagged another Tuk Tuk and we then spent the rest of the afternoon evening at my friend Patricia's house. One of the big switches today was she wanted me happily to do almost everthing with her. Yes, this is a little exhausting, but she really seemed to want "my" company instead of tolerating me just because I am the mean old Momi and someone who just wont go away. I wasn't on edge all day waiting for her to meltdown or get angry. So, yes, a huge difference in one week alone together. I do remain a little guarded as I know we will go through many many transitions. I attribute today to the thousands of prayers, and positive thoughts all of our friends and family are sending us. I am not doing this alone. It is because of my faith and the faith of so many loved ones we have. Just when I think I can't hardly do this anymore, I receive a day like today. Thank you!