Last week, I hated to see the two other visitors leave, but knew it would force me to grow more independent here at the rancho. Before they left, I never went to the kitchen for meals alone. I wasn't with them all the time, but I didn't really go anywhere "new" alone.
That changed quickly and as expected, I go everywhere alone and love it. The best surprise in this is that there are hidden English speakers out there everywhere I go. People don't tell you they speak English, but yes "they" do and can and will if there is no translator available. I am also getting very good at using my hands. I have loosened up and am starting to be myself and much more expressive with my voice and gestures. You would think that I am learning Spanish, at least a little by now, but sadly. . . I am not. I wish I had brought a good "Beginner Spanish" text along, or my computer disc Espanol 101.
The most significant sign that I am beginning to be ""familia" is the high-five greeting. The first week, it was exchanged in standard form with little eye-contact. The second week, it was usually followed with a fist bump. This week is the sweetest. . . Most people (all ages) high five, gently grab hold of my hand, and smile with loads of genuine eye-contact. It's unique.
It will bring me back.
Armin told me that Latin American communication is heavily enhanced with body language.
It sure is. I like it. In some ways, I feel more at home here than in MN. In many ways.
So. . .I have a snapshot I want to share with you: The girls' bedtime (Treisy's dorm, 9-11 year olds, or about that.) Imagine about 30 bunkbeds, stacked three high. The furniture is as simple as can be, of course, and each bed contains a sheet, a woolish blanket folded nealty at the end of each mattress and a chunky pillow. The walls are painted, but there are no decorations or osters in the large, bare room. The center holds a huge shoe rack which holds both tennis shoes, flip flops, and black closed toe shoes. Each child has a small square locker which holds his/her entire possesions. For most of the girls, this equates to possibly a blanky and some photos or letters.
The girls don't seem to have ANY idea what they are missing. . . They end each day with a shower, teethbrushing, and "free time" in a recreation room with their tia and 1-2 volunteers. (Plus any visitors that might be there, which is not all that often from what I hear.)
The girls (20 of them or so) tend to cluster into groups during this time. If there is not something special planned, the default seems to be perfectly okay with them. The current default mode seems to be this: About 1/3 of them play "beauty salon." They fix each others' hair, and/or pretend to do manicures. Another 1/3 likes to lay on the concrete floor and play various games. (Games don't last long here. I am so going to bring group games next time I come.) The other third either draw, color, or read. They are getting into "word art" this week.
I have a list of about 25 girls that want me to design their names in word-art, con designs.: )
At 8:00 PM, well after dark here, the tia announces that it is time for bed. The girls lollygag as kids will do and then eventually climb into their beds. They hang their arms out and wait for big hugs from the volunteers. (The twenty-somethings that give 13 months of their lives to the rancho in different capacities. . . awesome group!) After hugs, the lights are turned down and a prayer is recited. THIS choked me up. During the prayer, there is silence and the girls are encouraged to add their own words.
As usual, I peeked to watch the girls during the prayer. Were they looking around? Were they playing? Were they giggling? Nope. Each and everyone was focused and erneast; a moment I will never forget.
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