Hi all,
My time at the casa has officially ended. My last day was Sunday, July 6th and I departed for Cuzco on Monday, July 7th. I didn´t anticipate leaving so early, however there was an international strike, or ´paro´ and it included flight cancellations and blocking of the roads. It lasted from Tuesday and Wednesday and things were back to ´normal´on Thursday.
I am not really sure why the strike took place. Partly because of the governenmental control, raise in food prices, and possible entry of Ecuador and the United States? To be honest, I don´t know, but it was very interesting and I took some great photos. There wasn´t too much anti-american sentiment, so I felt quite safe.
I feel sad to have left the casa. I feel like there is so much left to do, but I know that I alone cannot do everything. Things didn´t exactly pan out as anticipated, but the experience was just that... an experience. There were highs (the love of the children and señoritas) and lows (feeling culturally outcasted by europeans), but in retrospect, I loved every single bit of it. I leave having learned new things about myself, other cultures, and how to deal with other people. More importantly, it has driven me to want to further help and support those who are struggling within our own country, because they need the help as well.
Oh, and the video is online! Go to: www.americatv.com.pe and click on CUARTO PODER on the bottom right hand corner. When the new page opens, on the bottom, you will see something about Los Gorriones and a picture of a man (Gil) with children on his lap! Click on it! I hope you enjoy!
I am off to hike Machu Pichu this next week with Rick and my brother, Lee. It should be amazing! I will post more pictures upon my return.
Love to all of you. I will be back on the 23rd of July :) Be safe!
Lauren
Friday, July 11, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Lots and lots of leña
Hi everyone!
The video from Cuarto Poder still isn´t on the internet, but I will let you know when it is. The casa´s website got over 400 hits from when it aired (Sunday at 8p.) until Monday morning. That is crazy! From what we´ve heard from Gil, the director, people have been contacting him internationally. He told the volunteers that many Peruvian citizens were moved by the fact that us volunteers have come from all over the world to help here and so few of the citizens here are willing to help their own people. Hopefully it will instill some movitivation in many of them to help some of their own people and organizations! Furthermore, while wondering through the streets here, people often ask where we´re from and why we´re here. When we mention that we are volunteers at Casa Hogar Los Gorriones, the reaction is so warm and heart felt, especially now that the program was aired on t.v. It seems like they are more accepting of us being here in their country and culture.
The ultimate goal of the program on television was to raise money to build a new casa for the children. The casa they are occupying now is being rented out. It works, but is run down and many of the children share twin size beds. I recently worked on translating a presentation on the construction plans and costs (just under $1 million USD total) from Spanish into English so Gil can explain and share where the money is needed to English speaking individuals. Some of you have expressed interest in helping out in some way and if you are interested in donating, let me know and I will add the information on the next blog. By no means am I trying to guilt you into donating, so please do not think that! Onlyif you are truly interested.
So, you are probably wondering, what is leña? Its Spanish for wood. Last night we came home from working on the translations to a truckload of wood. I used to complain to no end when my Dad would make me (okay, more so my brothers!) move the 100 logs in a wheel barrow about 100 yards. We are moving about 500 times as much and twice as far without and wheelbarrows! We all stood in an assembly line fashion and passed the wood along. French, Belgian, English, American, Peruvian, 7 years old to about 30 years old. Althoug it may seem like an overbearing task, it meant a lot to me and I sort of feel closer to everyone because of it. I would even go as far to say as I enjoyed it, but Dad don´t get any ideas because I will not drive home to help you do it. (Okay, so maybe I will for some dinner?) I didn´t get any photos of it, but one of the volunteers did and I am hoping to snag some of them before I leave.
As far as the volunteer work itself goes, its been great. With the little time I have, I am getting done what I can. The most recent road block (here its more like sheep in the road or vicious dogs biting my ankles) I´ve come across is that of the casa´s doctor. As I previously mentioned, many of the lupes have difficulty eating and swallowing, specifically Yacner. I made a plan for the señoritas and future volunteers to better feed him and the others with the little resources they have . Part of the plan includes no liquids right now, including mate, a fruit based tea that they drink after lunch. What Yacner really needs is to have a video swallow study done (an x-ray of him eating to see if he is or isn´t aspirating, aka things falling down the wrong tube) because he demonstrates so many symptoms of possible aspiration, especially after drinking liquids. The boy has had chronic lung congestion and infections for a very, very long time and for all you speech paths, he demonstrates EVERY other red flag of possible aspiration (gurgly voice/respiration after eating, finicky eating behaviors, coughing while eating from time to time, lack of a gag reflex.) I am in the process of finding out whether Ayacucho has access to the machines needed for this test, but dds are not on our side. He does seem to handle pureed foods relatively well and he is able to handle nectar to honey thick juices (aka Peru´s idea of a smoothie with milk and no ice) pretty well. If only we had access to this test! Or at the least, thickener for the mate. I apologize for all the speech pathology terms!
Anyways, the doctor who treats the chidren in the casa came the other day and told the señoritas that they should continue to give him mate and lots of liquids because he is such a sick child (once again for you speech paths, it figures!) I am trying to get ahold of the doctor to explain where I am coming from. I´d be nervous if it were an American doctor, but I am even more nervous to do it in another country in another country. In my heart, I know I can´t just leave it unsaid. I wouldn´t be doing justice to the little guy. The least I can do is try...
Well, we are off to move the leña from the front of the house to the back where it will be stored. Hi ho, hi ho, its off to work we go.....
Oh, and here are some pictures. Hope you enjoy!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=yp8utat.6oh7ad71&x=0&y=-qp57ya&localeid=en_US
Love you all!
Lauren
The video from Cuarto Poder still isn´t on the internet, but I will let you know when it is. The casa´s website got over 400 hits from when it aired (Sunday at 8p.) until Monday morning. That is crazy! From what we´ve heard from Gil, the director, people have been contacting him internationally. He told the volunteers that many Peruvian citizens were moved by the fact that us volunteers have come from all over the world to help here and so few of the citizens here are willing to help their own people. Hopefully it will instill some movitivation in many of them to help some of their own people and organizations! Furthermore, while wondering through the streets here, people often ask where we´re from and why we´re here. When we mention that we are volunteers at Casa Hogar Los Gorriones, the reaction is so warm and heart felt, especially now that the program was aired on t.v. It seems like they are more accepting of us being here in their country and culture.
The ultimate goal of the program on television was to raise money to build a new casa for the children. The casa they are occupying now is being rented out. It works, but is run down and many of the children share twin size beds. I recently worked on translating a presentation on the construction plans and costs (just under $1 million USD total) from Spanish into English so Gil can explain and share where the money is needed to English speaking individuals. Some of you have expressed interest in helping out in some way and if you are interested in donating, let me know and I will add the information on the next blog. By no means am I trying to guilt you into donating, so please do not think that! Onlyif you are truly interested.
So, you are probably wondering, what is leña? Its Spanish for wood. Last night we came home from working on the translations to a truckload of wood. I used to complain to no end when my Dad would make me (okay, more so my brothers!) move the 100 logs in a wheel barrow about 100 yards. We are moving about 500 times as much and twice as far without and wheelbarrows! We all stood in an assembly line fashion and passed the wood along. French, Belgian, English, American, Peruvian, 7 years old to about 30 years old. Althoug it may seem like an overbearing task, it meant a lot to me and I sort of feel closer to everyone because of it. I would even go as far to say as I enjoyed it, but Dad don´t get any ideas because I will not drive home to help you do it. (Okay, so maybe I will for some dinner?) I didn´t get any photos of it, but one of the volunteers did and I am hoping to snag some of them before I leave.
As far as the volunteer work itself goes, its been great. With the little time I have, I am getting done what I can. The most recent road block (here its more like sheep in the road or vicious dogs biting my ankles) I´ve come across is that of the casa´s doctor. As I previously mentioned, many of the lupes have difficulty eating and swallowing, specifically Yacner. I made a plan for the señoritas and future volunteers to better feed him and the others with the little resources they have . Part of the plan includes no liquids right now, including mate, a fruit based tea that they drink after lunch. What Yacner really needs is to have a video swallow study done (an x-ray of him eating to see if he is or isn´t aspirating, aka things falling down the wrong tube) because he demonstrates so many symptoms of possible aspiration, especially after drinking liquids. The boy has had chronic lung congestion and infections for a very, very long time and for all you speech paths, he demonstrates EVERY other red flag of possible aspiration (gurgly voice/respiration after eating, finicky eating behaviors, coughing while eating from time to time, lack of a gag reflex.) I am in the process of finding out whether Ayacucho has access to the machines needed for this test, but dds are not on our side. He does seem to handle pureed foods relatively well and he is able to handle nectar to honey thick juices (aka Peru´s idea of a smoothie with milk and no ice) pretty well. If only we had access to this test! Or at the least, thickener for the mate. I apologize for all the speech pathology terms!
Anyways, the doctor who treats the chidren in the casa came the other day and told the señoritas that they should continue to give him mate and lots of liquids because he is such a sick child (once again for you speech paths, it figures!) I am trying to get ahold of the doctor to explain where I am coming from. I´d be nervous if it were an American doctor, but I am even more nervous to do it in another country in another country. In my heart, I know I can´t just leave it unsaid. I wouldn´t be doing justice to the little guy. The least I can do is try...
Well, we are off to move the leña from the front of the house to the back where it will be stored. Hi ho, hi ho, its off to work we go.....
Oh, and here are some pictures. Hope you enjoy!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=yp8utat.6oh7ad71&x=0&y=-qp57ya&localeid=en_US
Love you all!
Lauren
Monday, June 30, 2008
Cuarto Poder Video!
Hi all!
Many of you have been checking the Peruvian website to view the informational video about the casa and I thank you for that. However, it will not be posted until this WEDNESDAY or THURSDAY, July 2nd or 3rd. It was televised nationally last evening and will not be posted until then. If possible, I will try to attach it to the blog when it is posted. I apologize for any confusion.
I am busy getting to work on my book to facilitate better eating and oral motor skills in the casa. I am aware that oral motor exercises might sound like a dirty term, but its not. They are actually used to improve weak articulators or muscles in the mouth and face for speech production. These muscles sometimes need strengthening, or need to have better coordination or range of motion. Improving these muscles can help a child make speech sounds better as well as help with the eating/feeding/swallowing problems some children have difficulty with (i.e. the lupes.)
I am quite concerned about one of the children specifically. He would benefit from a formal video swallow study due to the constant congestion in his lungs and very weak muscle strength and coordination, and lack of a gag reflex. Unfortunately, this town does not have the access to this sort of an x-ray, so I am doing what I can.
I will write an update soon along with some more pictures!
Much Love!
Lauren
Many of you have been checking the Peruvian website to view the informational video about the casa and I thank you for that. However, it will not be posted until this WEDNESDAY or THURSDAY, July 2nd or 3rd. It was televised nationally last evening and will not be posted until then. If possible, I will try to attach it to the blog when it is posted. I apologize for any confusion.
I am busy getting to work on my book to facilitate better eating and oral motor skills in the casa. I am aware that oral motor exercises might sound like a dirty term, but its not. They are actually used to improve weak articulators or muscles in the mouth and face for speech production. These muscles sometimes need strengthening, or need to have better coordination or range of motion. Improving these muscles can help a child make speech sounds better as well as help with the eating/feeding/swallowing problems some children have difficulty with (i.e. the lupes.)
I am quite concerned about one of the children specifically. He would benefit from a formal video swallow study due to the constant congestion in his lungs and very weak muscle strength and coordination, and lack of a gag reflex. Unfortunately, this town does not have the access to this sort of an x-ray, so I am doing what I can.
I will write an update soon along with some more pictures!
Much Love!
Lauren
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Reaching out...
Hi all!
Sorry it has been a while since I´ve written. Time is starting to fly by now that I am a bit more comfortable with the routine and casa. It is hard to believe I have been here for over 2 weeks and I have less than 2 weeks remaining!
Yesterday was a very successful day for me. I had the opportunity to meet with Joana, the coordinator of the casa who is in charge of the señoritas and children. In retrospect, I should have met with her when I first arrived, but things were quite chaotic and I was under the impression that the temporary volunteer coordinator had already spoken with Joana. As you konw, I came here with the intention of helping children with communicaiton needs. Instead, I was helping the children with all sorts of daily activities, which is fine, but I felt like I wasn´t able to contribute in my area of specialization. Well, things have changed.
Turns out that Joana thought I was just here to volunteer, and she did not that I am a speech therapist and I that I want to work with individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. Talk about an overall misunderstanding and lack of communication! The emails I exchanged prior to coming were with this woman Sophie, who is in France, and she never mentioned or forwarded my emails to Joana or Gil. She just mentioned that I was coming! Well, at least I´ve got 2 weeks left to hopefully help a little.
I am working on a better feeding plan for one of the children with cerebal palsy, Yacner. They were previously feeding him by laying flat on his back because when sitting completely upright he spits much of the food out. He isn´t able to close his mouth at rest, nor with the assistance of a hand. He also has congestion and fluid and the lungs. The risk of aspiration while lying down is huge for anyone and the risk is even greater for a child who has little muscle tone and control and slow reflexes! Yacner seems to be benefiting from the new position I´ve tried. Not only is it less work for him, but less work for those in the casa as well.
I went to speech therapy with Sheyla today. To be honest, I was shocked they even had therapy of any sort, but they do offer occupational, speech and physical. They only began offering it within the last couple of years. The speech therapist, Neida, was a very sweet lady. She informed me that there is no professional training per say to do speech therapy here. She has taken some classes in Lima and done some research, but lacks the formal education as well as materials. She was very excited that I came and I am going to be in contact with her when I leave. I intend on sending her some Spanish materials to use with the children.
So, I came back from therapy and there was a Peruvian t.v. station filming at the house. They interviewed many of the workers and a few volunteers and filmed me working with one of the children. It will be posted on the web on Wednesday or Thursday. Go to the following website:
http://www.americatv.com.pe/ and on the bottom of the screen, click on CUARTO PODER
Please excuse my disheveled appearance! I was very nervous to be filmed speaking Spanish. Thankfully most of you don´t speak Spanish so you´ll have no ida what I said, but you´ll at least be able to see me on Peruvian t.v. and the children I am working with!
I hope all is well! I will keep you posted on any updates!
Love,
Lauren
Sorry it has been a while since I´ve written. Time is starting to fly by now that I am a bit more comfortable with the routine and casa. It is hard to believe I have been here for over 2 weeks and I have less than 2 weeks remaining!
Yesterday was a very successful day for me. I had the opportunity to meet with Joana, the coordinator of the casa who is in charge of the señoritas and children. In retrospect, I should have met with her when I first arrived, but things were quite chaotic and I was under the impression that the temporary volunteer coordinator had already spoken with Joana. As you konw, I came here with the intention of helping children with communicaiton needs. Instead, I was helping the children with all sorts of daily activities, which is fine, but I felt like I wasn´t able to contribute in my area of specialization. Well, things have changed.
Turns out that Joana thought I was just here to volunteer, and she did not that I am a speech therapist and I that I want to work with individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. Talk about an overall misunderstanding and lack of communication! The emails I exchanged prior to coming were with this woman Sophie, who is in France, and she never mentioned or forwarded my emails to Joana or Gil. She just mentioned that I was coming! Well, at least I´ve got 2 weeks left to hopefully help a little.
I am working on a better feeding plan for one of the children with cerebal palsy, Yacner. They were previously feeding him by laying flat on his back because when sitting completely upright he spits much of the food out. He isn´t able to close his mouth at rest, nor with the assistance of a hand. He also has congestion and fluid and the lungs. The risk of aspiration while lying down is huge for anyone and the risk is even greater for a child who has little muscle tone and control and slow reflexes! Yacner seems to be benefiting from the new position I´ve tried. Not only is it less work for him, but less work for those in the casa as well.
I went to speech therapy with Sheyla today. To be honest, I was shocked they even had therapy of any sort, but they do offer occupational, speech and physical. They only began offering it within the last couple of years. The speech therapist, Neida, was a very sweet lady. She informed me that there is no professional training per say to do speech therapy here. She has taken some classes in Lima and done some research, but lacks the formal education as well as materials. She was very excited that I came and I am going to be in contact with her when I leave. I intend on sending her some Spanish materials to use with the children.
So, I came back from therapy and there was a Peruvian t.v. station filming at the house. They interviewed many of the workers and a few volunteers and filmed me working with one of the children. It will be posted on the web on Wednesday or Thursday. Go to the following website:
http://www.americatv.com.pe/ and on the bottom of the screen, click on CUARTO PODER
Please excuse my disheveled appearance! I was very nervous to be filmed speaking Spanish. Thankfully most of you don´t speak Spanish so you´ll have no ida what I said, but you´ll at least be able to see me on Peruvian t.v. and the children I am working with!
I hope all is well! I will keep you posted on any updates!
Love,
Lauren
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Las Señoritas
Hi everyone,
This week has gone by relatively quickly. I worked quite a bit with the lupes, but with the pequeños and grandes as well. Its quite pleasing because some of the children are beginning to remember who I am, even by name. Disciplining them continues to be difficult due to the fluctuation of volunteers coming in and out of the casa. They do not abide by one plan of discipline and as a result a lack of respect from the children has become more evident.
This trip obviously leaves me with a lot of time to ponder (sometimes too much!) and analyze the culture, or at least what I have become to know of it. The children at the casa are all sponsored by individual around the world. These fees cover food, private schooling, and clothes for the children. In comparison to most Peruvian children, they are quite fortunate to have these things. I see many children in the filthy street, trying to entertain themselves as their mother or father sells fruits or garlic. The children at the casa have the necessities as well as access to an education but they lack the love of a mother and father. The children that I see in the street lack all of the things the children at the casa have, but they have a mother or father. Which situation is better? I don´t think either is... they both lack something, however one simply cannot replace the love provided by a mother or father. On the other hand, if your mother or father lacks the economic resources and education, and as a result the child suffers the reprocussions and they are stuck in the cyclical effects of poverty.
It can be frustrating at times to see how much these children take for granted. It is even more frustrating when I reflect upon myself and how much I have taken for granted because of the opportunities that have been provided to me. I can not make them realize what they have, because in their eyes they lack so much: their maternal mother and father. However all I can do is pray that one day they will do something with their lives and not repeat what their parents did to them. I hope that I can provide them with some much needed love and affection and teach them a little of the world around them. And let me tell you, when they come crawl on your lap and ask you to share something special with them, words cannot begin to express how it makes me feel.
The señoritas that work with the children are some of the most loving, dedicated people I have ever met in my life. They love unconditionally and most of them have a constant smile upon their faces. I try and reciprocate the same for them because working with them is quite a pleasure. When I spoke of our Father´s Day ice cream exipidition, I was unaware of how big of a deal it was for some of the señoritas. One in particular, has never had a packaged ice cream cone or bar. I was occupied helping feed one of the students his and this señorita insisted on sharing her very first ice cream bar with me, someone who has eaten more than her fair share. She is probably in her mid 50´s. Can you imagine that? I would love to treat these ladies all to a special day because it is much deserved. Granted, they do get paid to do what they are doing, but a price can not be put on what they deserve!
Maybe this will inspire some of you to ponder the situation here, or your life wherever you are. I can only speak on my behalf, but despite the many curve balls thrown my way and unfortunate things that can happen to us, but I know I have it very, very good.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. ;) I am off to teach some English! I will let you know how that goes!
With Love,
Lauren
This week has gone by relatively quickly. I worked quite a bit with the lupes, but with the pequeños and grandes as well. Its quite pleasing because some of the children are beginning to remember who I am, even by name. Disciplining them continues to be difficult due to the fluctuation of volunteers coming in and out of the casa. They do not abide by one plan of discipline and as a result a lack of respect from the children has become more evident.
This trip obviously leaves me with a lot of time to ponder (sometimes too much!) and analyze the culture, or at least what I have become to know of it. The children at the casa are all sponsored by individual around the world. These fees cover food, private schooling, and clothes for the children. In comparison to most Peruvian children, they are quite fortunate to have these things. I see many children in the filthy street, trying to entertain themselves as their mother or father sells fruits or garlic. The children at the casa have the necessities as well as access to an education but they lack the love of a mother and father. The children that I see in the street lack all of the things the children at the casa have, but they have a mother or father. Which situation is better? I don´t think either is... they both lack something, however one simply cannot replace the love provided by a mother or father. On the other hand, if your mother or father lacks the economic resources and education, and as a result the child suffers the reprocussions and they are stuck in the cyclical effects of poverty.
It can be frustrating at times to see how much these children take for granted. It is even more frustrating when I reflect upon myself and how much I have taken for granted because of the opportunities that have been provided to me. I can not make them realize what they have, because in their eyes they lack so much: their maternal mother and father. However all I can do is pray that one day they will do something with their lives and not repeat what their parents did to them. I hope that I can provide them with some much needed love and affection and teach them a little of the world around them. And let me tell you, when they come crawl on your lap and ask you to share something special with them, words cannot begin to express how it makes me feel.
The señoritas that work with the children are some of the most loving, dedicated people I have ever met in my life. They love unconditionally and most of them have a constant smile upon their faces. I try and reciprocate the same for them because working with them is quite a pleasure. When I spoke of our Father´s Day ice cream exipidition, I was unaware of how big of a deal it was for some of the señoritas. One in particular, has never had a packaged ice cream cone or bar. I was occupied helping feed one of the students his and this señorita insisted on sharing her very first ice cream bar with me, someone who has eaten more than her fair share. She is probably in her mid 50´s. Can you imagine that? I would love to treat these ladies all to a special day because it is much deserved. Granted, they do get paid to do what they are doing, but a price can not be put on what they deserve!
Maybe this will inspire some of you to ponder the situation here, or your life wherever you are. I can only speak on my behalf, but despite the many curve balls thrown my way and unfortunate things that can happen to us, but I know I have it very, very good.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. ;) I am off to teach some English! I will let you know how that goes!
With Love,
Lauren
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Pictures!
Here are some pictures:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=yp8utat.6u9qe1o5&x=0&y=9wjum1&localeid=en_US
Hope you enjoy!
Love,
Lauren
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=yp8utat.6u9qe1o5&x=0&y=9wjum1&localeid=en_US
Hope you enjoy!
Love,
Lauren
Monday, June 16, 2008
Feliz Dia del Papa!
Hola a todos,
Well, I experienced my first and probably only Peruvian Father´s Day yesterday. It was my duty to work with los grandes from 2 til 8 p.m. Although they are called the grandes, they aren´t exactly such, ranging from ages 6 to 18. This is such a diverse group of children with some being slightly mentally challenged, others defiant, and a few as sweet as can be.
The Father´s day celebration was to begin at 2, when my shift started, but as most hispanic countries can be characterized, things never really start on time. Gil, the founder of the casa whom the children refer to as ´papa Gil´ sat in a chair in the center of the patio and the volunteers in addition to the children sat in a circle around him. The children memorized some songs and others recited poems. It was so special despite the intermittent disciplining of a few young boys. After the children presented their gifts to Gil, they played a game of musical chairs and we all enjoyed some torta (cake) and the adults got to enjoy some wine. I haven´t had any wine in a while, and let me tell you... it was absolutely delicious.
Unbeknownst to me, or the children, we were told there was a ´suprise´and we were to meet at the entrance in 15 minutes with our shoes on. Gil had surprised the children with a special gift of a walk to the park near the Mirador and ice cream for everyone. The children were absoluely extatic. It was my duty to carry Cristopher, who you can see with me in the picture. He is the youngest in la casa. His biography says that his mother gave birth to him in a discoteca. Sounds like a rumor you´d hear in grade school, but it is true. He is the sweetest thing in the whole world.
I would have to say I really enjoyed my first experience working with the older children. I bonded with a few, but just when you think you are okay, the misbehave and hit/kick you as you try to discipline them. I understand why because they have had some terrible experiences in the few years they´ve been on this earth, but the Senoritas in the casa do not discipline them properly or follow through with it. It can be frustrating at times. One girl that I met that is already so special to me is Siliana. She is 11 and her parents are both in jail. She is extremely intelligent and has a burning desire to learn English, so we talk often. She aided me with info about some of the children, their routine they are to follow, and she taught me some new Peruvian vocabulary words. I don´t think I´d have survived without her!
All in all, my experience with the grandes was wonderful. It was so nice having actual conversations with children instead of feeding the lupes or holding them while they have seizures. I am not going to lie, there was a lot of mouthing off in there, as you´d imagine, but the conversations outweighed all the naughty talk by far.
Well, I experienced my first and probably only Peruvian Father´s Day yesterday. It was my duty to work with los grandes from 2 til 8 p.m. Although they are called the grandes, they aren´t exactly such, ranging from ages 6 to 18. This is such a diverse group of children with some being slightly mentally challenged, others defiant, and a few as sweet as can be.
The Father´s day celebration was to begin at 2, when my shift started, but as most hispanic countries can be characterized, things never really start on time. Gil, the founder of the casa whom the children refer to as ´papa Gil´ sat in a chair in the center of the patio and the volunteers in addition to the children sat in a circle around him. The children memorized some songs and others recited poems. It was so special despite the intermittent disciplining of a few young boys. After the children presented their gifts to Gil, they played a game of musical chairs and we all enjoyed some torta (cake) and the adults got to enjoy some wine. I haven´t had any wine in a while, and let me tell you... it was absolutely delicious.
Unbeknownst to me, or the children, we were told there was a ´suprise´and we were to meet at the entrance in 15 minutes with our shoes on. Gil had surprised the children with a special gift of a walk to the park near the Mirador and ice cream for everyone. The children were absoluely extatic. It was my duty to carry Cristopher, who you can see with me in the picture. He is the youngest in la casa. His biography says that his mother gave birth to him in a discoteca. Sounds like a rumor you´d hear in grade school, but it is true. He is the sweetest thing in the whole world.
I would have to say I really enjoyed my first experience working with the older children. I bonded with a few, but just when you think you are okay, the misbehave and hit/kick you as you try to discipline them. I understand why because they have had some terrible experiences in the few years they´ve been on this earth, but the Senoritas in the casa do not discipline them properly or follow through with it. It can be frustrating at times. One girl that I met that is already so special to me is Siliana. She is 11 and her parents are both in jail. She is extremely intelligent and has a burning desire to learn English, so we talk often. She aided me with info about some of the children, their routine they are to follow, and she taught me some new Peruvian vocabulary words. I don´t think I´d have survived without her!
All in all, my experience with the grandes was wonderful. It was so nice having actual conversations with children instead of feeding the lupes or holding them while they have seizures. I am not going to lie, there was a lot of mouthing off in there, as you´d imagine, but the conversations outweighed all the naughty talk by far.
On a side note, a strange thing happened to me yesterday.... I was enjoying some popcorn at the plaza mayor when a lady came up to me and asked if I´d take a picture with her baby. They do not see many ´gringas´here in Ayacucho and they are so excited when they do that they ask us to take pictures with their children. I don´t think I´ll ever get used to that... or the fact that they call me Barbie. I resemble the complete opposite of a Barbie doll! It makes me laugh out loud every time.
I hope you are all doing well! I am in the process of uploading some picture, but it may take a while. I will likely add them next time. They don´t exactly have high speed internet here.
I´m off to do my daily walks around el centro and be stared at. Hopefully I won´t have to pose in any pictures today. ;)
Take care! Ciao!
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