I changed my travel plans... So I guess things here aren't ever solid until you buy your plane ticket, and even then, you can change it around. But, Allie and I aren't going to Rio anymore on the 26th. Now, I'm going to Rio with Lucy and Effie, and maybe Akua and Frannie on the 1st of April. Which means, I have one more week here in Salvador.

Today I told the kids that next week is my last week here. It kind of surprised me that they got so upset! One of my favorite girls, Marli, got really upset, even though I told her I still had another week! She and I hugged for a good long while, and she was crying! I had no idea I'd made such an impact on her... it was really moving. Another girl made me a set of jewelery - neckalace, bracelet, and ring, and kept telling me she was going to miss me. Then, one girl who is about 10, Carol, asked me to pick her up and gave me a full body hug, and told me that she loved me with her whole heart. I was speechless. This is a girl who wouldn't talk to me for about 2 weeks because she got in trouble after she put blood on my arm. I just hugged her so hard and told her that I loved her... I'm going to be a mess next week, when I really have to say goodbye. I just can't get enough of these kids! I love hugging them and kissing them and telling them they are wonderful! I know that when I leave here, a part of my heart will be sitting at Caasah with all those kids.

Gabby and I are updating the book about Caasah that has all the children's information in it. Today, Gabby found out that the infants who are brought to Caasah or who are born there are immediately given AZT in 45 day treatment rounds in hopes of getting rid of the virus in them. I guess because the virus may or may not be transmitted, they give them AZT for a couple years and hope that the virus just doesn't ever show. Apparently, there is a 90% chance of success in these cases. Which means, for the two girls who are at Caasah now and have been there since infancy, they can go home or get adopted, HIV free (or so they think... this is not necessarily proven)! Gabby has a particular favorite child, who she has really bonded with, named Ariani, who is one of the 2 year olds. Perhaps Ari could become a member of Gabby's family!!! Just the possibility of that is very exciting. These kids need love and affection and a normal life more than anything!!

I've come such a long way since I started at Caasah. Every day is new and different, and every day poses new challenges for us as volunteers, but it has been worth every second to see the look on their faces when you show them something new, or teach them a few words of english, or just give them a shoulder to lean on. I wouldn't change my experience here, challenges and all, one bit.