First of all: great news, Katie deduced how to reconfigure my internet from Spanish to English, so hopefully I’ll have more success uploading pictures today. Last night I was only able to upload one picture, which was of the four of us girls and Luke at Altos de Chavon (with a local donkey haha- so standard). My b on failing to upload a description, so in case y’all were wondering- that’s what that was ☺
Again we started the day off with a play- this time our play (again in espanol) was about the book of Job. Katie played the “Voice of God” (naturally), Chanel played Satan (hmmm…), Les played Job and Job’s wife (listening to the dialogue she holds between herself is hilarious), and Mai played the Narrator again (because her Espanol es muy bien). The kids again were all very engaged and participated in our questions at the end. Although, they were semi-distracted today because the local dentist came to give them all a fluoride rinse (GREAT! Right? I was pumped on that).
After the dentist, we had our planned activity for the day, which was making prayer bags. We brought little paper snack bags and stamps and markers and stickers (sea foam creatures! Fun!) and the kids each got to decorate their own prayer bag. We’re hoping to fill them with their prayer requests during the week. After the prayer bags, we had an earlier lunch and sat in the mess hall with the kids while they ate. We then parted ways (or so we thought) and had lunch “alone” at our own table. That whole “alone” time that we had for lunch yesterday, ya that didn’t work out so well today. The kids were hanging on and around us the whole time, so we gave up and ended lunch early to get back to play time.
After lunch, we all played some more playground games- volleyball (which soon became “keep-away”) and it was a big hit. Then it was time for our English lessons in the classrooms. Again, Les and I shared a room and Katie and Mai shared a room. For some reason, the kids were extra amped on life today so they were practically bouncing off the classroom walls- LITERALLY, which made the English lessons today slightly more difficult. And I don’t think I’ve taken the time to fully describe how acrobatic and talented these kids are. They scale trees and vertical walls like it’s their job. Jumping from cement platform to cement platform and using metal rods as toys. Our first impression with these “playful” activities was hesitation and fear, but we now know that this playground has become something of a “jungle” for these kids- I like to refer to it as “Darwin’s Daycare.” But seriously, they are tough kids.
Needless to say, after our English lessons, the four of us were exhausted. So “playtime” became lounge-around-and-play-with-our-hair time (also known as make fun of the American’s time). This usually consists of them joking around at our clothes, accents, or lack of general Spanish-language knowledge. Haha these kids are one-of-a-kind. As the day was winding down, another group (like 20 Americans) came by the orphanage to play with the kids. This routine has happened almost every day that we’ve been there. Which really puts into perspective how transient most people are in their lives. While it is easy to be saddened and dwell on this thought, it’s also important to realize that the only things these kids care about is love and attention, so it does serve a purpose in the end…
Some other memorable moments from the day: Yanet’s story about Dominican hospitality. Apparently, Dominican’s are known for being loving and giving individuals and she gave the example of her own mother. I guess Yanet’s mom found this guy wandering the streets one day and took him into her home. She housed and fed him for 6 months, and then one day the guy randomly disappeared. Interesting. But great to know that we are surrounded by such a giving and caring people ☺ Another great moment, watching the kids all receive their fluoride rinses only to have them spit it out all over the floor (and on Maile) 10 seconds later and then proceed to eat candy. (My question is: who thought it was a good idea to give the kids candy 30 minutes after a fluoride rinse? Counter-intuitive, but I’m not one to judge haha). Today I (Chanel) had a hard time with one of the orphans because I didn’t want to put her down. She’s this little girl (Megan) who’s only 3 months old and she is absolutely precious. She is beautiful and Mom if you’re reading this: you are so lucky that it’s nearly impossible to adopt from this orphanage because I would have been a mother after today. But she latched on to me and startled gnawing at my shoulder and arm and I didn’t want to put her down. I think I’m in love….On another note: Maile had a great conversation with some of the girls today, who were SHOCKED to find out that none of us were married. They kept calling us “jamonas, jamonas,” and looked at us like we were crazy haha. Originally we thought they were calling us “fat spinster swines,” but according to freetranslation.com (which is very credible and valid) it means “good-looking women.” So we’ll take that comment and run with it- it’s not that often that we receive those from the kids haha…Which leads me into my next highlight: Katie received several great pictures from the kids today. Two of which were drawings of her and Bo (Katie’s boyfriend). One of them said “Katie” and “Bo” all over it and the other was a descriptive scene of their wedding day (which, according to the girls, is expected within the next year). Heads up Bo, you may be looking at a short engagement hahahahaha.
I’m going to try to update some pictures tonight- hopefully more successfully- if I can’t figure it out, then check out facebook because I need to upload these and make room for more ☺
Last comment: our time with these girls (and boys) has already been so incredible, inspiring, and challenging. But overall, it really gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “love is patient.” Because we have all come to the consensus that after so many times of being pulling in 4 different directions by 6 different pairs of hands, the only thing you can do is breathe and enjoy it. Because these children are so precious and desperate for our attention. We are flattered to be so openly received and loved by them. It’s going to be really difficult to leave them- like seriously REALLY difficult. I’m already getting anxiety just thinking about it. But, again. Just wanted to reiterate how much we are savoring each and every minute we’re here. It has by NO MEANS been easy. Far from it. But it has been an incredible blessing and experience. We can’t thank you enough for all of your prayers. We see God working every time we’re with them. So thank you!
Well, now we’re off to dinner (aka downstairs) and Bible study. So we’ll update you soon!
Sending so much love!!!
(P.S. tomorrow is field-trip day one. You can ONLY IMAGINE what that means. Trust me, we’re scared haha).
Abrazos y besos,
Las Chicas
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