It was the best of times....

The newest edition to the family, Kaj (pronounced like Kai) Thomas Ruedel, was born June 24 (dia de San Juan) at 5:19am in Washington DC, 8lbs - 21 inches. Everyone is healthy and happy and Liana is a proud big sister! As happy as the news made me yesterday...can't lie, for the first time since I've been here, I lost it. Cried like a baby... All I want to do is hold my nephew, high five my bro-in-law and hug my sister...and I couldn't even call to share in the excitement. My friends here sent congratulations, but for the first time I wanted more than anything to be home. Doing better today...just anxiously awaiting photos!

It was an eventful weekend, that's sure! It's San Juan here...and que fiestas!! On Friday I helped my youth prepare typical Paraguayan comida to sell in the Plaza. We sold food, danced, climbed trees (yes, I still climb trees) and had an all around good time. On Saturday I headed into Asuncion to meet the most wonderful family! They're relatives of someone I know in the states...and they're fabulous! Have a feeling I'll be spending a good amount of time with them in the coming years. Then it was back to Fernando de la Mora for a youth group meeting and then a festival that night. The San Juan festival was so fun! Pelotas tata (flaming balls made of clothes, wire and karosene) were flying everywhere...one of my kids got hit in the head (poor guy), but felt better after I got him some ice. I only kicked one ball, but spent a good amount of time dodging the others. Peligroso (dangerous) for sure. There were casino type games, typical PYan food, beer, and lots of dancing. I spent the night dancing with my alumnos y jovenes...who were more than welcoming and excited to be jammin with their profe (professer). Good times! I am truly in love with my kids - they're fabulous!

July is going to be a really busy month, and I'm certainly not complaining - it's all good work with fabulous peeps! Will test for my yellow belt soon :) Still enjoying TKD, although now and then my muscles aren't so happy... On Saturday I'll be partying it up at the Embassy for 4th of July. Doubt we'll have fireworks, but it's something. Enjoy the festivities there, and if you can, send a pic of the fireworks - you know how I love fire ;p And keep those letters coming! They truly make my day :)

Until next time...be well, be happy, and love each other!
Love to all of you, Lor