So far this trip has been amazing. Yesterday I taught with Mrs.Yahoska. She only had one student show up because one student was sick and I don't know why the other wasn't there. The name of the child who was present was Jesus. He is blind and a very nice kid. So while we were waiting for Jesus to come Mrs.Yahoska and I tried to talk. She showed me how to write in Braile, how everything has been modifyed for the blind in the class room and alot more.
Jesus arived and then a little 2nd grade girl came into the class room too. Her name was Rachel and she was not blind but she is autistic and has a ton of energy. She was playing and thouching everything so I took her out side to the swing set. We were swinging for around 10 minutes then we went back inside.
When we went to lunch where all of the students were hugging everyone it was really sweet to see how loving they are. That was where I met Winder. Winder is deaf. He a very sweet, and seeing and hearing him laugh makes my day. We had a recess and since Jesus was just sitting on a bench and all I could really say in Spanish was ?como estas? I let him play with my bracelets. I have around 15 rubberbands on my wrist so I bunched them together and let him feel them. When Jesus left, Winder came in and played with my legos and drew in my note book. I find it easier to communicate with Winder because I don't have to speak Spanish for him to understand me.
When everyone was getting ready to get on the bus I sat next to Julio who was all alone on the bench. He wouldn't respond to me so I stopped tring to speak Spanish and tried a new way to communicate. So I waved infront of my face as if I was hot to see if he was too. I guess he really liked that because that was all he did until I left. Whenever he needed my atention he woiuld tap on my shoulder and fan in front of his face and smile.
Today I was teaching in Mrs.Raquel's class. There were seven or more kids in her class with a range of special needs. It was a preschool/kindergarden class. I don't know what special needs Yondell has but he was really energetic. There was a toy where you could stack blocks on top of each other but Yondell would just throw the blocks across the room and bang the base on the table. He was really sweet. For the rest of the day I just tried to interact with the kids and keep them occupied. At lunch I helped Erick who is very malnurished, and Alejandra who was nice and friendly.
At the end of the day Winder came in and gave me a big hug. Then I watched Michal who has Down Syndrome and was in a high chair because he was so young. He would throw everything I gave him and slapped me in the face but he was really cute.
I am really excited to see what tomarrow has to bring and I cant wait to get back to the school.
Berkeley, you are learning to persevere when things don't go as you expected or planned. I'm so impressed that even when the communicating isn't easy or what you may have expected you keep a positive, "happy to help" in any way I can attitude.
ReplyDeleteSorry we missed you on Skype tonight. I very much was looking forward to seeing you tell me what's going on but nonetheless I really appreciate your commentary on your blogs.
It's been said that the real display of character happens when things don't go well. I can see you are gaining invaluable experiences that are making you so much more developed. I'm so proud of your efforts. Don't lose the wonderful s "can do" spirit and helpfulness you possess.
Love, love, love you.
Papa
I am so proud of you!! Keep participating and doing your best. Hope to Skype with you soon, but if it doesn't happen that's ok I can see and hear through your words that you are enjoying yourself. I really miss you! Love you!!
ReplyDeleteBerkeley , you are experiencing in a week what many of us don't' get to do in a lifetime! The person you are shines through any language obstacle! You thoughtful, caring and loving approach to each individual has obviously touched their lives. The Nicaraguan children in this program are SO fortunate that you were on this service trip. Have no doubt, the kindness you have shown will be returned to you a hundred fold! Love you to bits!
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