Happy, Sad, Angry, Content

I have so many emotions going through me right now, it is unexplainable how I feel. The past few days have truly been some of the best in my life. One moment that will live in my heart forever is when a little boy named Jose-Andreas didn’t want to leave me. I was in the preschool room on Thursday and played with the kids the whole day. It was nearing the end of the day and I knew I had to walk Jose-Andreas to the bus. Instead, his mother came and was trying to get him to leave. He was practically in tears when his mom tried to pick him up. As she was carrying him out the door, he was reaching back for me. This moment plays back in my mind continuously like a broken record.

            Saying goodbye to all of the children yesterday was incredibly sad. My heart actually felt like it was going to crack and shatter. The deep connections that I have made with these kids have made it that much harder to say goodbye. I had no idea that these children would change the way I saw the world, life, and myself. I am so much more thankful and appreciative for my family, friends, food, water, home, and health. Compared to these kids here my life is a fantasy. I believe with all my heart that these kids, who some Nicaraguans think are burdens, are put on this world to teach us about love, life, and trust more than any other normal person. After saying goodbye yesterday, we cleaned up and left the school shortly after. We are now staying in a large beach house for 2 nights. Despite the beauty, beach and ocean I would rather spend 3 more days with the children then stay here.

Love is the most Powerful Medicine used for Healing

                Love is the most powerful medicine for healing. I’ve learned life lessons since I have arrived in Nicaragua, how I see the world is completely different. I had always known that people lived in harsh conditions but hearing it and seeing it is definitely different.

Countless unforgettable moments have occurred already. Just yesterday I was playing soccer at recess with four boys who are disabled. It was incredible because all they had was a flat basketball, a basketball court and a small soccer goal with no net. Yet they found a way to play with such passion and happiness. Then I realized that this is all they know. They have never played with a real blown up soccer ball or never played on grass, with a net, or cleats. They don’t care, because their love for the game is stronger than any soccer equipment. Despite what little they have, and that it is only recess, they are very competitive. They act exactly like the boys in my grade at recess. They get upset and mad when the other team scores, they are very strict on fowls and celebrate when their team scores. I love that two totally different countries could have the same love towards soccer and commitment to the game. While I was enjoying myself playing soccer I noticed a girl walking towards me.  She was extremely skinny girl with big hair who walked with her arms out to the side of her coming towards me. I recognized her because I had said, “Hola,” to her a few times and hugged her as well. I then realized she was coming over to me to give me a hug. I started walking to her, so I could meet her half way. I was about 7 feet away from her as the flat basketball come hurtling towards her. She just keep walking and didn’t seem to notice. I opened my mouth as if to say something, but then closed it as the ball flew past she and barley touched her arm. I stood there trying not to look stunned that the ball didn’t pummel her, but she gave me the biggest hug I had ever seen anyone give someone. I wrapped my arms around her neck and stood there for a moment feeling incredible. The hug felt like I had just saved her life. She let go of me after a few moments and I just looked at her in disbelief. I didn’t even know her name and I was pretty sure she didn’t know mine but she still decided I was the one she wanted to hug at that moment. I later found out her name was Suluma.

I had unforgettable moments today as well, but the most profound one was the time I spent with a little boy named Victor. He is in kindergarten and has Down syndrome. I didn’t know him before today; I had only remembered him because he was the first kid who hugged me. He is such a happy kid and loves to play. I have so many happy fun moments with him but I remembered a few specifically. It was a while into the day, after lunch and reaching the end of the day. We had played outside for a while, read books, kicked the soccer ball, and drew. I didn’t know what else to do so I picked him up and swung him. I will never in a million years forget the little smile and giggle as half his body flew through the air in a circle. I was feeling so emotions at that moment. I was, of course, extremely happy that he was happy but also made me wonder, does he get this kind of love at home? Then at that exact moment is when I realized love is the most powerful form of healing.

By the way mom and dad, HI and I have lice!

               

Clase Dever Tedo

            I’ve heard a lot of great stories but never quite knew what to expect. I was standing at the school waiting anxiously for the students to arrive on the bus. My heart was pounding and I couldn’t think straight. The only thing I could think about was that I had waited months for this life changing experience. I knew I was anxious but didn’t know if I was nervous or excited. I guess I was both but I wasn’t worried about my feelings right then. I turned back around to the street and saw a bus filled with kids pulling into the school. My palms started getting sweaty and my heart started beating twice as fast. The bus stopped right in front of us and a man opened the door. I was astonished by how many kids were piled in, as there were students on one another’s laps, some on the floor, and a few just wherever there was space. They all rushed out to hug the closest volunteer. I stood there for a moment still trying to believe this was happening but a small boy hugging and poking me immediately interrupted me. I looked down and noticed his hair. It looked like one of the three stooges hair. I laughed a little and bent down to hug him. I introduced myself and asked what his name was, although I don’t think he heard me because he quickly went and hugged the next volunteer. I said hola and hugged the rest of the students and then went to my assigned classroom. Picture this…I walk in and see two boys in a wheelchair a 17 year old and a 7-8 year old. I later found out that the 17-year olds name is Darwin and the 7-8 year olds is Antonio. I look over and see 6 other students 5 boy and one girl. I go around introducing myself and learn everyone’s name. The smallest boy is Royner, then Pepe, Yimi, Joseph, Yeronia (girl), and Moises. I then introduce myself to the teacher, Norah. I then talk a little with the teacher through a translator. We get started soon after and I get instructed to help Moises and Antonio draw. First I go to Antonio and see how well he can hold the marker. His motor skills were under developed so I helped him hold the marker. After a little bit I go over and help Moises do the same. He doesn’t look up at me, but just keeps his head down. I try everything I can and nothing I do is successful. He finally draws a few shapes on his paper with my help. I try to be as kind and understanding as possible because I have no idea how hard it is for him and was a little in shock by how undeveloped his brain is at his age of 15.

The rest of the morning was the same thing. I want back and forth helping them draw squiggly lines. After the students snacked they came back to the classroom. I was told earlier in the day that the teacher’s daughter was sick and was leaving in the afternoon. I was also told that the principal would be filling in for her but to my delight she didn’t show up. I was in a classroom with children who didn’t understand me and I had no idea what to do. Luckily Whitney (a chaperone) came in and helped me take back control. She left after a few minutes. I was asking the students, “Which number is greater (Cual es el nemoro mayor).” After a while the students started getting out of control again. I tried to focus their attention back on me, but I was unsuccessful. I was soon in the middle trying to break up a fight. I split it up very quickly. After about 10 minutes Samantha and Megan came in to help me. We started teaching addition to the children through a translator. The three of us finished addition and for the rest of the day read books to the children and the children read books to us. They left after a fun and interesting day. Just after those couple hours in a classroom I already understand how differently these children live and are educated.