Thursday, January 31, 2008
Nuevos ingresos
On Tuesday night, the volunteers had a dinner for the nuevos ingresos (new arrivals). It was a chance for the 11 new arrivals to get to know the volunteers better and understand that we are here if they need anything. The dinner was so much fun and I think the kids really appreciated it.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Back to work
Today I got back to work after a weekend descanso. But now I am about to get the "real feel" for being a volunteer because I won't have another break for 15 days.
Anyway, I had a really great day in the section. ( I selected primeros and worked with them last Thursday and Friday) Today was a breath of fresh air because my first day in the section was quite a shock. One of the girls left to go home with her parents, but before she left she tried to steal as much stuff from the lockers as she could. On top of that two of the girls ran away, including the sister of one of the encargadas in my section who is also the sister of my Goddaughter. Thankfully, Maggie was found last night and wanted to return to the house.
As I am sure you can imagine, the first day had me a little concerned, but the girls in my section are really sweet. One of them had me translate a letter to her Godmother into English and they all bring me treats from the tienda. Today was really fun because I felt a little more confidant with my Spanish and was able to joke around with the girls. All the girls ask about my boyfriend (novio) and the ones who have met him like to brag that they already know him.
I am very excited for the next year. I know it will be challenging, but I think the rewards will far outweigh any hardships.
On another note, I am getting to know my Goddaughter's family better and I am more amazed by them every day. I work with the oldest sister in the section and Maggie (the youngest girl) is really wonderful. Tonight she was telling me how Marce (my Goddaughter) had shown her pictures of me. And tonight at dinner the youngest boy came over to see me and give me a hug. I feel very blessed.
Peace
Anyway, I had a really great day in the section. ( I selected primeros and worked with them last Thursday and Friday) Today was a breath of fresh air because my first day in the section was quite a shock. One of the girls left to go home with her parents, but before she left she tried to steal as much stuff from the lockers as she could. On top of that two of the girls ran away, including the sister of one of the encargadas in my section who is also the sister of my Goddaughter. Thankfully, Maggie was found last night and wanted to return to the house.
As I am sure you can imagine, the first day had me a little concerned, but the girls in my section are really sweet. One of them had me translate a letter to her Godmother into English and they all bring me treats from the tienda. Today was really fun because I felt a little more confidant with my Spanish and was able to joke around with the girls. All the girls ask about my boyfriend (novio) and the ones who have met him like to brag that they already know him.
I am very excited for the next year. I know it will be challenging, but I think the rewards will far outweigh any hardships.
On another note, I am getting to know my Goddaughter's family better and I am more amazed by them every day. I work with the oldest sister in the section and Maggie (the youngest girl) is really wonderful. Tonight she was telling me how Marce (my Goddaughter) had shown her pictures of me. And tonight at dinner the youngest boy came over to see me and give me a hug. I feel very blessed.
Peace
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Chores
I can honestly say I have never worked this hard in my entire life. We are preparing for the upcoming International Meeting and that means no activities, only extra chores. My body aches and my skin is drying out from the cleaning chemicals. (I recently added an amazing pair of yellow rubber gloves to my closet.)
Yesterday we cleaned the tables and benches in the comedor and today we scrubbed the floor on hands and knees. These chores don't include the daily sweeping that all the volunteers do. But, really I don't have much to complain about. The chores go by quickly and the girls are fun to work with.
Today I worked with primeros. It is a really great section and the other year of service encargadas are very nice and helpful. I actually got a run in this morning after the girls went to school with one of the encargadas. We went running right as the sun was coming up and it was really beautiful.
I spoke with the director about working with tthe Secundaria girls and she was very supportive. So wish me luck. Any advice for raising teenagers would be much appreciated. I already have a new appreciation for my parents. I am going to make my selection tomorrow, once I have had a chance to sleep on it. I am looking forward to the opportunity. I am prepared for the challenges and I know that I have a chance to really get to know the girls in my section.
My life here is not all hard work. Last night we had a volunteer dinner with the directors and other volunteers. I was on the cooking team and it was wonderful to have a well balanced meal instead of the typical meal of beans and totillas. (That was actually the dinner tonight.)
Peace
Yesterday we cleaned the tables and benches in the comedor and today we scrubbed the floor on hands and knees. These chores don't include the daily sweeping that all the volunteers do. But, really I don't have much to complain about. The chores go by quickly and the girls are fun to work with.
Today I worked with primeros. It is a really great section and the other year of service encargadas are very nice and helpful. I actually got a run in this morning after the girls went to school with one of the encargadas. We went running right as the sun was coming up and it was really beautiful.
I spoke with the director about working with tthe Secundaria girls and she was very supportive. So wish me luck. Any advice for raising teenagers would be much appreciated. I already have a new appreciation for my parents. I am going to make my selection tomorrow, once I have had a chance to sleep on it. I am looking forward to the opportunity. I am prepared for the challenges and I know that I have a chance to really get to know the girls in my section.
My life here is not all hard work. Last night we had a volunteer dinner with the directors and other volunteers. I was on the cooking team and it was wonderful to have a well balanced meal instead of the typical meal of beans and totillas. (That was actually the dinner tonight.)
Peace
Monday, January 21, 2008
Life in secundaria
Today I received a glimpse of what my life will be like if I work in Secundaria...Wow! Secundaria is the three sections of older girls in Miacatlan; they are teenagers. Right now I am leaning toward working in Secundaria. I think this is the group that needs my help the most and I think there are so many more opportunities to interact. I am a little nervous because everyone says this is the toughest age to work with, but I really felt good about it. I am going to have a meeting with one of the directors to discuss my options.
Anyway, my day began at 4:45 a.m. I went to the segundo section of Secundaria and helped supervise chores with the other encargada. At 6:30 the girls ate breakfast and then went to school at 7. I had time to quickly down three cups of coffee before I had to do sweeping chores at 8. At 10, I helped set up and serve breakfast. From about 11 to 1, I had time to do my laundry and read. Lunch was at 2 and then the girls had to work in the fields for two hours helping to pick the corn. After that they studied, showered, ate dinner, read, prayed and went to bed. Needless to say my 15 hour day has left me exhausted!
But, the best part of my day happened at the end. I was talking to some of the older girls about me and my life. They asked about my Goddaughter and I told them I had known her for six years. They then asked what group from Minnesota I used to come down with. I described some of the people in the group and they remembered them. And Then to my surprise, they wanted to sing songs they had learned from our group years ago. They remembered the words. I was totally floored. We came down for one week at a time and are remembered more than six years later. I am so proud to have been part of those groups and I am so proud to know that the work we did was valuable.
Well, I am off to sleep. I am doing the same thing tomorrow with terceros and then with primeros (other sections of Secundaria) on Wednesday.
Peace
Anyway, my day began at 4:45 a.m. I went to the segundo section of Secundaria and helped supervise chores with the other encargada. At 6:30 the girls ate breakfast and then went to school at 7. I had time to quickly down three cups of coffee before I had to do sweeping chores at 8. At 10, I helped set up and serve breakfast. From about 11 to 1, I had time to do my laundry and read. Lunch was at 2 and then the girls had to work in the fields for two hours helping to pick the corn. After that they studied, showered, ate dinner, read, prayed and went to bed. Needless to say my 15 hour day has left me exhausted!
But, the best part of my day happened at the end. I was talking to some of the older girls about me and my life. They asked about my Goddaughter and I told them I had known her for six years. They then asked what group from Minnesota I used to come down with. I described some of the people in the group and they remembered them. And Then to my surprise, they wanted to sing songs they had learned from our group years ago. They remembered the words. I was totally floored. We came down for one week at a time and are remembered more than six years later. I am so proud to have been part of those groups and I am so proud to know that the work we did was valuable.
Well, I am off to sleep. I am doing the same thing tomorrow with terceros and then with primeros (other sections of Secundaria) on Wednesday.
Peace
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Day 1
This last week has flown by. On Tuesday we went to a water park near the house with some of the kids. The excursion was for all of the kids who didn't receive visitors last Sunday. It was an opportunity for the kids to spend time with their NPH family.
On Wednesday we enjoyed Cuernavaca by going to a movie at the VIP theater...complete with leather recliners and food service.
Thursday was our last day of language classes. And today we moved. (I will be posting a picture of my new luxury suite soon) Most of our day was taken up with orientation. We were not the only new arrivals. The house received eight new kids today. The transisition process can be a difficult one and many of the kids spend the first few weeks crying.
During the afternoon I spent time in the chicos section with one of the other volunteers. The boys are all about six and 7-years old. They are a handful and she is amazing because she truly is a mom to those boys.
Next week I will be choosing which section I want to work in. There is an opening in kinder (the youngest section) and the older sections. I will write again when I know where I will be working.
Peace
On Wednesday we enjoyed Cuernavaca by going to a movie at the VIP theater...complete with leather recliners and food service.
Thursday was our last day of language classes. And today we moved. (I will be posting a picture of my new luxury suite soon) Most of our day was taken up with orientation. We were not the only new arrivals. The house received eight new kids today. The transisition process can be a difficult one and many of the kids spend the first few weeks crying.
During the afternoon I spent time in the chicos section with one of the other volunteers. The boys are all about six and 7-years old. They are a handful and she is amazing because she truly is a mom to those boys.
Next week I will be choosing which section I want to work in. There is an opening in kinder (the youngest section) and the older sections. I will write again when I know where I will be working.
Peace
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Visitor's day
Today was our first day out to Miacatlan. Although I have been out there before, it is always amazing to see. It was visitor's day and the whole day turned out to be a bit overwhelming but very fun.
Visitor's day happens twice per year. It is a chance for family and friends to come and visit the children at the home. It is important for the children to maintain the relationships they have outside to home. However, NPH reminds the children that their family is at the house. The NPH family is there every day, not every six months. It is a difficult day for everyone. In the morning it is sad for the children who don't receive visitors and in the afternoon it is sad for the children whose family has to leave.
We arrived at the house this morning via the Pullman (Bus). Ross (volunteer coordinator) dropped us off at the bus station and told us to get off the bus when we saw the house. We arrived shortly before 9 a.m. and there were already families lined up outside the gate. The children line up on both sides of the walkway leading to the main patio and start waiting for their family. After a brief tour, we were told to go meet kids and help entertain them. I found my Goddaughter Marcela. She was so exicted to see her family. She was sitting on the side of the walkway with gifts for her cousins. Although her family did not arrive until almost noon, she waited patiently. I asked her if she wanted anything to eat and she said no because her family would be bringing lots of food.
Mostly I sat with the kids and tried to feel useful. My iPod was a big hit, although the kids will only listen to Daddy Yankee, Shakira and Juanes. One of the boys from kinder (five and under) sat on my lap and listened to music for a good half hour. At lunch time we helped serve food to the kids who didn't receive visitors.
We are back in Cuernavaca tonight. We officially move out to Miacatlan this Friday.
Peace
Visitor's day happens twice per year. It is a chance for family and friends to come and visit the children at the home. It is important for the children to maintain the relationships they have outside to home. However, NPH reminds the children that their family is at the house. The NPH family is there every day, not every six months. It is a difficult day for everyone. In the morning it is sad for the children who don't receive visitors and in the afternoon it is sad for the children whose family has to leave.
We arrived at the house this morning via the Pullman (Bus). Ross (volunteer coordinator) dropped us off at the bus station and told us to get off the bus when we saw the house. We arrived shortly before 9 a.m. and there were already families lined up outside the gate. The children line up on both sides of the walkway leading to the main patio and start waiting for their family. After a brief tour, we were told to go meet kids and help entertain them. I found my Goddaughter Marcela. She was so exicted to see her family. She was sitting on the side of the walkway with gifts for her cousins. Although her family did not arrive until almost noon, she waited patiently. I asked her if she wanted anything to eat and she said no because her family would be bringing lots of food.
Mostly I sat with the kids and tried to feel useful. My iPod was a big hit, although the kids will only listen to Daddy Yankee, Shakira and Juanes. One of the boys from kinder (five and under) sat on my lap and listened to music for a good half hour. At lunch time we helped serve food to the kids who didn't receive visitors.
We are back in Cuernavaca tonight. We officially move out to Miacatlan this Friday.
Peace
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Back to school / A brief history
The past few days have only confirmed my suspicions that nothing will ever go like I think it will and living in Mexico is quite an adjustment. I am back in school to study Spanish for two weeks at a language school in Cuernavaca. It is amazing how only six months after graduating, I have already forgotten how to be a student. I am in level three out of five and it is incredibly frustrating. On my first day of class, it felt like I had forgotten all the Spanish I know. I haven't studied Spanish since my junior year of college and it is very evident. It is even more frustrating communicating in Spanish outside of the home. There are times when I am completly lost. I only hope that my language ability won't hurt my abiltiy to be an effective volunteer in Miacatlan.
We take a bus to and from school and today was the first day we got on the right bus. In the afternoon we translate letters from Spanish to English. The past two nights we have lost electricity in the whole neighborhood. We rarely have internet and the showers are usually luke warm, although occasionally they are just cold. I feel like I have no idea what is going on. But mostly I am just enjoying the experience of it all. Text messages and e-mails are always welcome and they really brighten my days.
This Sunday we will be going to the house in Miacatlan (where the younger kids live) for visitor's day. Visitor's day happens twice per year and it is an opportunity for the kids' families to visit. Many of the kids have aunts, uncles grandparents or other relatives that come to visit. It is an emotional day and I really don't know what to expect. I will be sure to write more after Sunday.
Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH) is the name of the organization I will be working with. NPH was founded in 1954 by a Catholic priest from Arizona, Father Wasson. Father Wasson was working in a church in Cuernavaca when a small boy stole from the collection box. Instead of testifying against the boy, Father Wasson was given custody of him. By the end of the year Father Wasson had 32 boys in his care.
Since that first child NPH has grown to have homes in nine Latin American countries. The house in Mexico has around 800 children. Our children are never adopted out. This is done for several reasons. We keep our kids close to thier culture, close to their existing family including brothers and sisters and we offer them stabilty that they may never have had in their young lives.
The younger children live in Miacatlan and when they begin high school they move into Cuernavaca. After high school graduation our children give a year of service back to NPH often working as encargados (caretakers). If the pequeno wants to go onto college he or she gives another year of service back to the home. NPH will then provide for education as high as the pequno wants to go. Many of our children have gone onto become doctors, lawyers, dentists as well as tortilla makers and taxi drivers. The most important thing is that the children are now able to support themselves and their families.
I hope that gives a brief explanation of where I am working. If there is anything I can clarify or anything I should elaborate on, let me know and I will include it in the next post.
Peace
We take a bus to and from school and today was the first day we got on the right bus. In the afternoon we translate letters from Spanish to English. The past two nights we have lost electricity in the whole neighborhood. We rarely have internet and the showers are usually luke warm, although occasionally they are just cold. I feel like I have no idea what is going on. But mostly I am just enjoying the experience of it all. Text messages and e-mails are always welcome and they really brighten my days.
This Sunday we will be going to the house in Miacatlan (where the younger kids live) for visitor's day. Visitor's day happens twice per year and it is an opportunity for the kids' families to visit. Many of the kids have aunts, uncles grandparents or other relatives that come to visit. It is an emotional day and I really don't know what to expect. I will be sure to write more after Sunday.
Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH) is the name of the organization I will be working with. NPH was founded in 1954 by a Catholic priest from Arizona, Father Wasson. Father Wasson was working in a church in Cuernavaca when a small boy stole from the collection box. Instead of testifying against the boy, Father Wasson was given custody of him. By the end of the year Father Wasson had 32 boys in his care.
Since that first child NPH has grown to have homes in nine Latin American countries. The house in Mexico has around 800 children. Our children are never adopted out. This is done for several reasons. We keep our kids close to thier culture, close to their existing family including brothers and sisters and we offer them stabilty that they may never have had in their young lives.
The younger children live in Miacatlan and when they begin high school they move into Cuernavaca. After high school graduation our children give a year of service back to NPH often working as encargados (caretakers). If the pequeno wants to go onto college he or she gives another year of service back to the home. NPH will then provide for education as high as the pequno wants to go. Many of our children have gone onto become doctors, lawyers, dentists as well as tortilla makers and taxi drivers. The most important thing is that the children are now able to support themselves and their families.
I hope that gives a brief explanation of where I am working. If there is anything I can clarify or anything I should elaborate on, let me know and I will include it in the next post.
Peace
Monday, January 7, 2008
Adventures in travel
Hey all. I had every intention of starting to write this before I left for Mexico, but preparing to leave the country kept me very busy. Anyway, I am finally here and today was my first full day in Cuernavaca where I will be staying for two weeks for orientation. I am staying along with two other new volunteers at the high school home before my work begins in Miacatlan as an encargada (caretaker) of the younger kids.
My first day was very low-key which was a nice change from the hectic day I had yesterday trying to get to Mexico. To start off with, I had been skiing all day Saturday and didn't arrive in Phoenix until well after midnight Sunday morning. I was exhausted but still had to finish packing and get in order any other last minute things. Sunday morning I left for the airport later than I had planned and once at the airport I discovered that my bag was overweight and US Airways was making no exceptions. I was standing in the check-in line with both bags open frantically trying to find a place for the extra eight pounds. Everything was still okay. The flight was oversold, but I would likely get a seat and despite having to carry-on a few extra pounds, the hardest part of the day was over...little did I know.
I arrived at my gate with plenty of time to spare. The flight was delayed, but that was no big deal. I waited patiently as my flight started boarding. Once I had seen a few groups board, I knew I should go and check with the gate agent about my seat assignment. She told me to wait and I stepped aside. Finally, as the last stragglers boarded the plane, I was informed that I will not be on the flight because they have no more room. I was at a complete loss because they were talking about not getting me out until the next day and I had no way of getting a hold of Ross (volunteer coordinator). Luckily, I was able to contact the executive director's daughter of Phoenix Friends of the Orphans and she helped me to contact NPH (Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, where I am working). Meanwhile US Airways rebooked me and another woman to Cabo and on to Mexico City.
I arrived five hours later than I was supposed to on a domestic flight from Cabo while my luggage arrived on a different international flight.
Needless to say, my day was not the day I had envisioned when I had booked my 3-hour direct flight to Mexico City. I took most of the day in stride and good humor. I had to remind myself that that is the nature of life. It is unpredictable and I have a feeling my new job will demand even more flexibiltiy than one small re-routed flight.
I will write again soon. Peace.
My first day was very low-key which was a nice change from the hectic day I had yesterday trying to get to Mexico. To start off with, I had been skiing all day Saturday and didn't arrive in Phoenix until well after midnight Sunday morning. I was exhausted but still had to finish packing and get in order any other last minute things. Sunday morning I left for the airport later than I had planned and once at the airport I discovered that my bag was overweight and US Airways was making no exceptions. I was standing in the check-in line with both bags open frantically trying to find a place for the extra eight pounds. Everything was still okay. The flight was oversold, but I would likely get a seat and despite having to carry-on a few extra pounds, the hardest part of the day was over...little did I know.
I arrived at my gate with plenty of time to spare. The flight was delayed, but that was no big deal. I waited patiently as my flight started boarding. Once I had seen a few groups board, I knew I should go and check with the gate agent about my seat assignment. She told me to wait and I stepped aside. Finally, as the last stragglers boarded the plane, I was informed that I will not be on the flight because they have no more room. I was at a complete loss because they were talking about not getting me out until the next day and I had no way of getting a hold of Ross (volunteer coordinator). Luckily, I was able to contact the executive director's daughter of Phoenix Friends of the Orphans and she helped me to contact NPH (Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, where I am working). Meanwhile US Airways rebooked me and another woman to Cabo and on to Mexico City.
I arrived five hours later than I was supposed to on a domestic flight from Cabo while my luggage arrived on a different international flight.
Needless to say, my day was not the day I had envisioned when I had booked my 3-hour direct flight to Mexico City. I took most of the day in stride and good humor. I had to remind myself that that is the nature of life. It is unpredictable and I have a feeling my new job will demand even more flexibiltiy than one small re-routed flight.
I will write again soon. Peace.
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