Julie

Sometimes the perfect person comes into one's life at the perfect time.  Julie is definitely one of those people. She became our nanny -- and part of our family -- in August of 2019, six months before COVID-19 went viral and shut the world down. 

From the get go, Julie brought unconditional love, adoration, and devoted attention to each of my kids. She would read and read until she was blue in the face. She would sit with them for hours sifting through disorganized tubs of Legos to find just the right piece.  She made daily lunch sculptures with fruits and veggies. She always had an idea (and the equipment) for a creative art project. 

Any working parent who has had to find childcare knows that it is literally impossible to do your job when your kids are not well-cared for. With Julie, I never once had to worry if my kids were okay while I was at work; I knew they were being loved. 

When COVID turned the world upside down, Julie was unbelievably brave to stick with us; it would have been easier to walk away from a risky job and simply shelter in place. Julie's presence in our lives and tender care for my children literally allowed me to be a doctor during unprecedented dark times. Committed childcare workers of front line healthcare workers (and other essential workers) are definitely some of the most important unsung heroes of the Pandemic.

For all of this, I am eternally grateful. 

***
Well, we are lucky that Julie was brave (again) to come visit us in Ecuador! We took her to Otavalo, Quito and back home to La Josefina, and we had a blast. The kids were excited and proud to share part of this chapter of their lives with her, and she was a trooper -- walking miles, swimming in rivers and trying all kinds of new foods, and experiences with us.  She also, unsurprisingly, brought some really great craft supplies, which all the kids of La Josefina are enjoying. :)

We love you, Julie! We are so glad you came!

Julie and Brynna (and Ted) outside the Quito Basilica

Unpacking Julie's suitcase of love.

We love to suck on tropical fruit! (this is one of our least favorite, the "lima")

Rock painting on the porch with Julie = happiness.

Trying the sweet sap of a wild nettle on the side of the road, Peguche.

And everyone's favorite Ecuador experience, riding in the back of the truck. 

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