Work yesterday (Thursday) was really wonderful! I got there and as soon as I walked into the nursery Jenny and Luis started screaming my name, and then all of the other kids ran over and gave me big hugs and were yelling my name. The nurse was in the room checking in on Luis and she said that the other day they were asking who the volunteer in the nursery was, and she said that Luis remembered my name and was telling all of the other kids. It was really really cute! Because school is out, all of the younger kids were in the nursery yesterday, so I had about 15 of the kids in the room by myself for a little while. It was interesting! Another volunteer came in a little bit later, which was extremely helpful so then I could go help Paola in the kitchen. (I realized yesterday that I was probably spelling her name wrong!)
Paula and I in the kitchen before I left! I'm going to miss working with her and hearing her laugh!Paula was extremely happy to have me in the kitchen, and I got several wonderful hugs from her...and a picture! I was able to write her a letter and have Eva, one of the newer volunteers at the house, check my translation!
The president's wife was coming to check in on the orphanage because she is the one that oversees all of the government run orphanages. That is why on Wednesday they had major cleaning and de-licing, and yesterday they were repainting the walls, scraping off all of the paper and gum from the walls, changing classrooms into rooms with beds, and fixing cracks and other problems around the house. I didn't get to see her, but I'm sure it was exciting for all of the kids and the workers despite the stress of getting prepared.
After work we had lunch and I finished up some more packing and had our last feedback meeting before we headed to salsa lessons. I cried at the feedback meeting thinking about the possibility that I may never see any of these kids again, and remembering the wonderful time I have had here at the house and with the kids. It's definitely bittersweet to leave. Only 4 of us went because the other interns needed to present their projects. It was a lot of fun! We were there for an hour and a half and so we firts learned the basic steps, and then later we got to practice with a guy that came in and he taught us how to do some of the spinny moves and we did two different dips. It was extremely entertaining to watch, and a lot of fun to do!
Dancing!We all went out to dinner (all 10 of us) at a Mexican restaurant near Central Park. A few of the girls went out for coffee afterwards and enjoyed walking around the city at night. It was beautiful and a nice way to end the trip.
I'm up early again finishing letters and make sure that I have everything!
Things I forgot to mention on Wednesday:
-It was Father's Day here. It is a really big holiday with flowers lining the streets, festivals in central park, fireworks, and confetti. Very interesting!
-I thought I had figured Jenny's family out...but I hadn't. She has 3 sisters and 1 brother. The one sister, who she did not want to leave on Tuesday, just came to the orphanage this week after Jenny had her court appearance. It all makes a lot more sense now! I'm glad I finally got that solved!
We leave right after work, so my next blog update will be done in Florida! Crazy!
You made it!!!! Can't wait to see your dance moves. We're proud of you. _B&L
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn how to salsa dance like a salsa star, here are some of the tips:
1) Take your time. Learning how to salsa dance is not an overnight process so don’t expect to grasp it right away. Although it’s easy over time, give yourself time, be patient and practice, practice, practice!
2) Purchase some salsa music! By investing in at least on salsa album you’re off to a good start.
3) Plan on taking at least two classes a week, with at least one practice session; if you want to learn (more is better).