Books, Books, Books

Since several people have asked how they can be involved and help me with my work, I figured I would post just one opportunity here.

I really want to collect books for my section. In my section of 27 girls, we read every night and many of the girls tell me how much they enjoy to read. The problem is that within my section we have maybe 10 books to share between the girls. I try to provide books when I can, but honestly, I can’t keep up with the demand. I have created a wish list at amazon.com (see link below), and people can help by purchasing one of the books from the list. The book will be mailed to my house in Minnesota and I will be able to bring it back to Mexico with me in July.

To me this is one of the easiest and best things you can do to help my girls. I know that reading was one of the reasons that I have had success in life, and I remember how reading helped me when I was a teenager. I am, also, sure many of you feel the same way.

In addition, we are currently making many cutbacks at the home to save money. If you want to help with a monetary donation for special things for the kids like church retreats, special dinners, activities or graduation, send me an e-mail at lzilverberg@gmail.com and we can work on that, and if nothing else please keep sending your prayers.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/JS1AXZEK0WUT

Peace

My first Mother's Day

This past weekend was my favorite weekend so far. We celebrated Mother's Day beginning last Thursday with a special dinner hosted by the male directors. Friday morning, we celebrated with a breakfast in the school. But, the best part was Friday night.

My girls kicked me and the other two encargadas I work with out of the section immediately after dinner. They said they had work to do and we would be welcome back inside the section in a little bit.

A few hours later when we were allowed back inside...the girls greeted us with the traditional celebration song, Las Mananitas, presents, a card and decorations. They had also put together an entire presentation about how grateful they were to have us as their mothers. We were treated to choreographed dances and at the end of it all our own dance in the section. It was so sweet and I was really humbled that they had put in that much effort for us. I didn't realize before the importance of my role in their lives and I didn't realize before how much of a mother I really am. I feel really grateful to have them in my life. I think that the longer I am here, the more I feel that I am receiving just as much as I am giving.

Peace

Sometimes it just takes a little extra effort

One of the biggest lessons I've learned so far is that sometimes it just takes a little extra effort. It is easy to get stressed or overwhelmed, but sometimes if you push yourself just a little harder you can make a huge difference.

The other day when we had swimming lessons with the girls, there were several girls that were not interested. They were complaining and not listening and wanted to leave. At first it was easy to be annoyed and upset, but when I chose to work with them in the pool and help them learn to swim, the day was so much better. They were excited and worked hard and wanted to learn more. Those same girls are excited for there next swimming lesson and want to practice swimming races when we have free swim.

So I guess from here on out when it is hard, the key is to work harder.

Peace.