Day 19 (I counted)

She's out of focus in this shot, but it was the only one I got before she noticed me taking photos and started posing so it's my favorite.

This little boy isn't in our program but he always joins during snack time :)

I hesitated to take this photo bc these kids were in school and only peeking out because we were playing outside their classroom. But when I uploaded it I couldn't have been happier. It's my favorite shot by far.

This girl and her twin sister were playing with huge grasshoppers. Hard to see it in this photo but I liked the shot.

Sisters

Little smiley

This girl was full of personality. Also not in our program but came along to play.



I just mentioned in an email to Grandma, I'm running out of things to write. I think I'm basically in a routine now and there isn't much daily news. I'm still enjoying being here and it's a nice break from the real world, but I'm feeling a bit defeated by a combination of the school and people here.

The kids I'm working with are barely speaking English and it's because of they way they are being taught and the curriculum. I'm guessing it was not designed by someone who teaches children and it is not kept up, meaning no one checks in and guides the volunteers. The kids are not singing, they not speaking to each other in English, they are not moving around and playing games. They seem to really like the class (and it's voluntary so they are choosing to come) but it could be SO much more fun for them! And they could be learning so much more!

So I feel torn between attempting to take over and change a lot of things, which involves a lot of work and possibly offending someone, or just going along with they way it is now, and leaving here feeling not totally satisfied. When I type it out like that it seems obvious what I should do, but easier said than done.

That being said, I am slowly making connections with the kids and starting to really like them and look forward to seeing them. I always forget that it takes time! I have been teaching the morning and afternoon class with another volunteer, Eddie, and am having fun with the kids. The afternoon class also has a woman who comes with her daughter. They kids are all about 8-10 years old and then there's her, and she takes notes and participates just as they do. It's pretty cool.

I'm also a little bit disappointed with the other volunteers. Luckily I live in the smaller house with only 3 other girls and they all are nice and I get along with them. But there is a bigger house with a bunch of girls in it who are all very negative and gossipy and are causing a lot of drama. It's pretty easy for me to stay out of it, I have no interest in being involved, but this means I'm not making friends with these girls. Overall, I'm not here to make friends (and Leah will be here soon!) but it'd be nice to have more people to hang out with.

On a better note, I just met a boy today who is 14 years old and is Honduran but lived in the US for 8 years. He speaks English very well but he doesn't have anyone to practice with and wants to meet (possibly) every day to have a conversation. We met today and he is such a cool kid, very mature and easy to talk to. He described to me how his mom makes tortillas and I described how my dad makes bread :) Looking forward to talking more with him and I'm planning to ask him to work with me on Spanish a little!

I also am joining two other girls with an evening adult English class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which should be cool.

Just started raining here again, it rains every day! We love it though because it cools things off. I'm adding a few photos of the kiddies again!

xx