25 minute walk each morning lead me to my class. A class that I have grown to love so much. As soon as I step into our room, sometimes even sooner, Carlos pops his head out and yells "HOLA!" With a huge grin on his face. He continues to extend his hand out as to shake my hand then at the last minute leaves me hanging and kills himself laughing… every morning. Carlos loves to have people copy him and to spin around and around while attempting to learn how to salsa. (Keep in mind I'm one of the ones teaching so it's an interesting time)
The next greeting comes from Soleil, one of the most joyful humans I know. She barells into me with an earsplitting grin and the happiest laugh. What a sweetheart. She loves people, our semi-daily walks usually consist of Soleil hugging and loving as many people possible.
My last regular greeting comes from my Tia. (this means aunty in Spanish) She works tirelessly everyday to love and care for these precious kids. She told me one day that many of these children don't have families so she loves them as her own and I see that every day. Even though we don't speak the language, her dedication, gentleness, perseverance and patience speak to me.
Jefferson, oh Jefferson. We spend our days playing football and dancing. His dance moves (maybe more like move) consists of rapid arm and torso movements, I wish you could see him dance in person… one of my favourite things. We rejoice over his success, big and small by clapping whether it be kicking a ball, finishing his food, walking a long distance, we celebrate.
Amalia, I forgot to mention her greetings. Every time I enter the same room as her I am greeted by a soft and sweet, "Hola" and then usually she says, "frio" which means cold. I'll continue to ask her, in Spanish of course, if she's cold and she always answers with no. I'm still trying to figure that one out. A lot of our time together is spent holding hands and sitting in the grass.
Dylan always seems to only be wearing one shoe, why? I have no idea. He loves music and always presses his ear right to the speaker on my phone. He is a bundle of squirmy energy and he gives the biggest hugs while we walk around the camp which is always one of my highlights.
The exact opposite is Carolina, she is more quiet and reserved but I love hearing her voice when she does speak, whether it be her little laugh, chicken esque sounds or "Pato." Pato means duck in Spanish and is her favourite and most used words due to the fact that she is almost always carrying around a rubber duckie to calm her down. It's been so special to be able to see the progress I am making in gaining her trust.
Lastly there's Karina, a girl who loves routine almost as much as she likes soccer. We do a lot of the same things everyday but strangely enough this routine has become comforting. Watering plants, doing calf raises and dancing is what our friendship consists of and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Each one of these kids have been knit into my heart and I love them so much. They are smart and kind and hillarious and getting to love them is a privilege. I wish each of you could meet them, they have a lot to teach everyone.
Hey! Thanks for reading my blog (frequent blogging still going strong) I know so many of you are so diligent in praying for me and here are some specific ways.
– continued health for myself and my squad as many of us are being hit with various amounts of sickness
– ?strength and dedication to finish this race strong and to not "check out"
– ?clarity for my future as I am heading home so soon
– ?continued growth
I want you to know I appreciate the unbelievable support I am continually receiving, I am overflowing.
Have a great day!
Love,
Sydney
