*Tom, Luis, and Jennifer piled into a van with about 20 kids and went to Karate lessons after breakfast.
*Chris, Michael, and Brittany H painted the back of the boy's house here at Fundaninos. Chickens surrounded the paint buckets which was a funny experience.
*Brittany M, Kasie, Whitney, Amanda, Leslie, Valerie, Lauren and Claire had fun making rainbow loom bracelets with the kids. This is a past time popular both here and at home. I think we're all "cool" enough to have a bracelet at this point in the trip.
*Today was unique because it was visitation for those who are allowed by court to visit their kids here at Fundaninos. Visitation happens once a month. It was really tough to see several kids disappointed as their visitors did not come. Several kids enjoyed seeing their family, while others hid in their rooms and we witnessed their mood swings. It was tough to digest. We were encouraged talking to Mrs. Dolan who reminded us that The Lord is hope and that He is bigger than the rough circumstances of these kids. The Dolan's are confident that the mission and work done here is not in vain. They are living out 1 Corinthians 15:58 "Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of The Lord because you know that your labor in The Lord is not in vain." Pray for these kids.
*Leslie brought letters from her 5th grade class that were written by Dallas students in Spanish. Several girls wrote back letters and we had fun seeing them write and interpret for us. Whitney, Valerie, Brittany, Kasie, and Jennifer enjoyed listening to the kids share their thoughts as they wrote back.
*BRINNER - Pancakes were served for dinner followed by game night. It is great to see these kids learn how to do chores and how to both win and lose. They are being parented here.
We are all feeling more comfortable with our Spanish (even though for most of us it is still VERY broken). We're thankful that the language barrier has not kept us from communicating with the kids here. There are countless stories of laughter as we (the "gringos") learn. We are excited to start our teaching mission, but thankful that we have time to acclimate, get to know kids, and bond with each other before teaching. Many pictures are being taken, but we have very little wifi time to upload and share. At least these posts help us connect with you all back home. Buenos Noches!
This reminds me of a quote I love. ”People don’t always remember what you say or even what you do, but they always remember how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou I know they will feel your compassion and God's love simply by the way you interact, even with the language barrier. Can't wait to read the teaching posts, but as we always say, relationships first! :) Thanks for sharing your trip and heart!
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