Joel has become an active part of Escuela de Miller, our on-campus school for children who have learning disabilities or who have never been to school before coming to the orphanage. He teaches two classes each week - music and P.E. During Joel's normal routine in the orphanage, he's known as Tio Joel; however in class he's called Mr. Joel.
Music class is a highlight of the week as the children here LOVE to sing. Joel spent several weeks teaching about the variety of music and how music can stir emotions. During one class, he played them different songs while their eyes were closed. After the song ended, the children would tell Mr. Joel how the song made them feel and they would draw a face to match the feeling. Now, they are learning a variety of children's songs in spanish - which is helping Mr. Joel along with his own spanish learning. It's a blast to hear the kids sing the newly learned songs while they're playing, on the bus and throughout their day. I'm encouraging him to do a concert for the orphanage!
Mr. Joel's physical education class is how Escuela de Miller ends their school week. They continue to practice push-ups, run laps, play soccer and kickball and learn how to play together in teams. This can be a challenging time, as so many of the kids are still trying to figure out how to play together without hitting, insulting or pouting. Mr. Joel is perfect for the job, though! His patience never seems to run out!
