Mercedes is the founder and director of FANA. She is also the one that matches the children to their parents.
Quick FANA overview found on "http://www.familiesoffana.org/fana.php":
"Over thirty-two years ago, Mercedes de Martinez, the Director and Founder of FANA (the Spanish acronym for the Foundation for the Assistance of Abandoned Children) opened her heart and home to give abandoned children a chance at a fulfilling and healthy life. After three decades of work, dedication and love, FANA today has a modern facility with up-to-date medical care, staff and equipment capable of caring for 150 children."
In the pictures below: Arturo (Mercedes' Husband), Mercedes, and Betty de Castillo (owner of Betty's Place, where we are staying). You'll notice in the first picture I took, the camera flash caused what looks like a cross to appear behind Mercedes, I thought that was pretty fitting.
Here is Mercedes with Jackie and Isabella.
Here is Suzanne Judd, Chase Judd, Laura Bechtel, Gianna Bechtel, Mercedes, Isabella and I.
Here is Mercedes saying hello to Mr. Chase !
Bella and I, and Jackie, Bella, Corrine from Minnesota with her new baby girl Lilianna.
Laura Bechtel with Gianna having some fun with the big bouncy ball.
The Judd's chillin' out at Mercedes'.
On the ride home Jackie tried out the Bjorn with Bella facing forwards. She definitely liked it !!
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dearest jackie and bob,
ReplyDeleteyour daughter is gorgeous!!!! her big,brown, beautiful eyes reach into my heart and my very soul.i can see the joy each of you bring to the other. this blog is a wonderful chronicle to show isabella someday just how much she is loved and wanted. all the agonizing months have culminated in this truly precious,miraculous and unique life experience. it is something the rest of us can only imagine and try to live through your daily entries. relish and savor every moment of these incredible days.
all for now.
anxiously awaiting your return,
hugs,
ros