Every weekday after school all the children participate in tutoring groups. Basically it is a set and organized time for them to do their homework, receive help with it and get reinforcement in weaker areas. The groups are mostly arranged by grade level. I was assigned to a difficult group of boys who struggle with many behavior and learning problems. The madre tutora that was in their casista moved from the albergue and there have been replacements filling in without much consistency. When I observed this group, before I took it over, they would run around, jump on their chairs, throw things, lie about having homework, refuse to finish it and were, basically, a bit wild. Just my style.
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My first week with them was a challenge. The first day, we set up rules and consequences. I explained to them that they needed to sit at the table, work on their homework, respect eachother and clean up after themselves. I also wanted to show them I loved them and I would follow through with what I said. There was a lot of crying the first few days when the boys told me 'no', cried, or hit eachother and in turn were not allowed to play that evening. Some of the fits have been a bit intense... especially with the echo of the concrete walls. However, for the most part, the boys are beginning to adjust really well. Homework is getting finished! They've even started the tutoring session before I arrive and their smiles are wide when they known they've done well! We've even had time for some futbol, hugs, a few games of Uno and time to draw pictures. Sometimes I leave tutoring with a collection of fabulous art - churches, crosses, and pictures of Joel and I... made by the boys in my tutoring group. So many of the children have come from abusive or neglective homes. They have lacked discipline and structure and more importantly... love. I pray I can be consistant with them, have patience and help them to feel loved and cared for. Because the boys have been doing so well, they asked me to take a picture of them working!
Davis
Franklin
Piero
(Jhonatan's foto will come soon)
We arrived! After two long days of travel, we arrived safely to the orphanage (albergue) with all of our stuff still in tact. After dragging 4 large bags, 2 instruments and 2 small bags, we don't feel we're living simply, yet... but we have to start somewhere. Our first couple of days here were pretty laid back and filled with unpacking, organizing, talking and greeting the workers and children, planning projects for us and adjusting. We both realize how much we have to learn in all aspects... especially language. Monday we officially started work. Joel is involved in several construction and water projects. His first project is putting a light post in near the area where the mothers hang the children's clothes to dry. I am assisting with children in the Escuela de Miller (Miller School on campus) and tutor in the afternoons. I may be teaching English to a few workers. Already, I spent a day and evening as a mother in one of the houses.