It has been a hectic week. It was mostly good though. I'm learning so much about life living here. I've been trying to imagine what it would be like to live here permanently,and I can't put myself in that position just yet. It is becoming more of a reality to me though, and I really do think I will be working at a place like this after I graduate. I say a "place like this", yet I have trouble imagining being anywhere else but here. Kelly and I were looking at pictures of the kids a few minutes ago and she said, "I just love them so much". I agreed and started tearing up at the thought of leaving them in a month. I get attached too quickly. I feel like they are my own, especially the 5th and 6th graders. You all are probably getting tired of me saying that, but I can't express to you HOW MUCH they mean to me.
Speaking of the 5th and 6th graders, we had our treasure hunt this week! Our class has been especially small this week, with people going out of town for the 4th and all. I only had four there on Thursday for the treasure hunt but they had a ball, and did a great job figuring out the clues and working together. Osha, Justin and I are so lucky to know these kids. They are beautiful. I can tell we are actually having an impact on them. They are not going to be just another negative statistic.
We took the kids bowling on Friday and I had to show Ollie, one of my fifth graders, how to hold the ball. He had never been bowling before. If you have ever been bowling with me, you know how horrible I am at it, so I'm not sure that I really should have been the one to teach him how to bowl, but he was much better by the time we left then he was when we first got there. He probably could have beat me! Ha! He's also the one Justin and I want to take to a baseball game. I wonder if his mom would let us take him. She seems pretty strict.
The swimming lessons sort of continue. I tried to help Anah this week, but I'm having trouble helping her overcome here fear of the water. She will get in, but she's very skeptical about putting her face in. Any suggestions? The junior high boys have been trying to learn how to float. They act like they don't know how. I'm not sure if they are playing me, or if they really can't...
We have community night here every Thursday. This week was packed! It was so much fun. Youthworks cooks for us and brings all of their mission teams to hang out with our kids and their parents, and whoever else may show up from the community. Grandpa Perkins sat by Kate and I at dinner and we got in to this discussion about his vision at the center. I was wishing the whole time that I had a pen to take notes on my plate or something! He was so excited about the turn out and seeing all the black and white people hanging out and playing ball. Seeing it all from his point of view was very powerful. This is the way it should be all the time.. . maybe this is what heaven looks like.
Grandpa and I started talking about the plans for a new church at the center. I was asking him questions about how it would connect to what is already here--especially the Spencer Perkins center which is what all of the kids programs are through. I told him that I really think we need something for the high schoolers. The high school kids come and help and are considered "junior interns", but really need something to call their own. He said that he hoped the new church could help with that, and for me to live here and start it up.
Needless to say, I wasn't really sure how to respond to that. It would be hard to say no to Grandpa!!! Plus, I can't say no just yet. I told him I have a year left of school and that I'll think about it. I have been.
Yesterday we went to the beach and it was glorious. I literally live where I work, and it's nice to get away for a little while and reflect. Thad and Will brought a guitar and ukeleli(sp?) and jammed for Kelly and I--our own private concert! The night before the four of us met up with Fabienne and her boyfriend Andrew to go belly dancing. We plan on going back next Friday, and mom's mailing me my skirt. Don't worry. There are pictures. Needless to say, it's been a great.
I have more to say, but once again, don't have enough time at the moment.
Keep the Tinoco family from Waverly in your prayers.They lost their son, Ruben, on Friday. I'm really worried about my brother though. He and Ruben were close.
Love,
LH
