Our smiles faded throughout the day. And saying goodbye hurts more than ever. No one can replace the smiles we put on these childrens faces, as well as no one can replace the happiness we were brought. Its a certain kind of love, smile, or hug in which is indescribable, because it is not seen or heard, but felt by the heart. I feel like sometimes we only mention the most emotional times in our lives, but proceed to fail to mention the little things in which have made our hearts grin with joy. My mission when returning home is to share the good, bad and every moment in between.
I am overwhealmed with emotion. I feel drained and tired. All i want is to see each of their smiles one last time. Not knowing what will become of them once we are gone, is so painful. The one thing that is getting me through is that they will remember every moment we spent with them. To this day, I do not know of one student who didn't ask about Makena or Meaghan. This thought warms my heart.
As we were leaving and giving one last hug and kiss, I noticed the smile on little Diana's face had faded into tears. She was one of the only kids who had actually realized what was happening and holding her in my arms one last time, broke my heart but completed me at the same tme. You'll never understand this feeling until your no longer throughing money at something and actually working with these students, in a place where the only conversation you can have in from a single look.
I love the students of Esquela Especial, and i know for a fact that they love us too.
Thank you to all who made this possible.
Much love,
Gena
Friday, April 19, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Day 6
Today, I got to see the good side of Nicaragua. I went on 3 home visits this morning all of which had nice and loving families willing to help their kids. The first house had a little boy named Carlos, he was well medicated and the physical therapy the family had been doing was helping him improve immensely. From the way the child was being held I could immediately tell that he was well taken care of.
The second home was home to 2 year old Nasered. The family is very supportive of her and completing her physical therapy each day. The home they lived in was a nice environment for her to be living in. She was much loved by her entire family, especially her older sister, who wouldn't let her out of her sight.
The third, and final home we went to was home to three month old Ariana. Ariana has not yet been diagnosed, but because of her mothers horrible pregnancy, she would like Carmen Margarita (Physical Therapist) to keep a close eye on her. Although we were told the neighborhood was not the safest, the home itself was perfect for little Ariana to be living in. The baby was well taken care of and was developing as she should. It was good to see the homes in Nicaragua who are proud to take care of and love their children, as they should.
The rest of my day at the school, was spent in the 3rd grade classroom with Ms. Norah and her students. I worked one on one with a few of the students on reading and writing. Diana, although she is always smiling, beamed with joy after finishing writing a book full of words. When I told her she was very intelligent and did a great job, her smile only grew wider. My love for these children is indescribable and I can't imagine bringing them anything other than joy.
Tomorrow, being the last day at the school, I plan to bring as much love as I can handle. They have changed my life as well as my outlook on how we treat others. My only hope is that I too have changed their lives.
Thank you to everyone who has made this trip possible for me. I am so proud of the work my team and I have accomplished and hope we make the most of the day ahead of us.
Much love,
Gena
The second home was home to 2 year old Nasered. The family is very supportive of her and completing her physical therapy each day. The home they lived in was a nice environment for her to be living in. She was much loved by her entire family, especially her older sister, who wouldn't let her out of her sight.
The third, and final home we went to was home to three month old Ariana. Ariana has not yet been diagnosed, but because of her mothers horrible pregnancy, she would like Carmen Margarita (Physical Therapist) to keep a close eye on her. Although we were told the neighborhood was not the safest, the home itself was perfect for little Ariana to be living in. The baby was well taken care of and was developing as she should. It was good to see the homes in Nicaragua who are proud to take care of and love their children, as they should.
The rest of my day at the school, was spent in the 3rd grade classroom with Ms. Norah and her students. I worked one on one with a few of the students on reading and writing. Diana, although she is always smiling, beamed with joy after finishing writing a book full of words. When I told her she was very intelligent and did a great job, her smile only grew wider. My love for these children is indescribable and I can't imagine bringing them anything other than joy.
Tomorrow, being the last day at the school, I plan to bring as much love as I can handle. They have changed my life as well as my outlook on how we treat others. My only hope is that I too have changed their lives.
Thank you to everyone who has made this trip possible for me. I am so proud of the work my team and I have accomplished and hope we make the most of the day ahead of us.
Much love,
Gena
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Day 5
My day began with the smiles of the students in Ms. Norah, the third grade teacher's room. I worked one on one with all of the students in this room on different kinds of math problems. With every single completed problem, each of the students was overwhealmed with joy. Seeing their faces light up like that was the best part of my entire day. Each of the students in this classroom usually works at their own pace, and with their own different lesson. Ms. Norah has her hands full at all times with her five students, all with different disabilities. My respect for these teachers who work so hard has grown so much over the past few days.
The rest of my time at the school was spent in the Preschool room. This room is complete mayhem. No teaching goes on what so ever. As I tried to control and calm down everyone, it was brought to my attention that the camera was something everyone enjoyed. They were mesmorized by it, so I took pictures of each and showed them over and over again. We all sat in a circle looking at photos for a good 15 minutes before things got wild again. It was good to see that the students were able to express themselves in this class though.
Today has been one of the more relaxing days I've been here but I've enjoyed getting to know each one of the students' quirky personalities. Conchita, one of the brightest, happiest girls I know, is always smiling and giving hugs and kisses. She brightens my day with every hello. I'm dreading the day I'll have to say goodbye.
Much love,
Gena
The rest of my time at the school was spent in the Preschool room. This room is complete mayhem. No teaching goes on what so ever. As I tried to control and calm down everyone, it was brought to my attention that the camera was something everyone enjoyed. They were mesmorized by it, so I took pictures of each and showed them over and over again. We all sat in a circle looking at photos for a good 15 minutes before things got wild again. It was good to see that the students were able to express themselves in this class though.
Today has been one of the more relaxing days I've been here but I've enjoyed getting to know each one of the students' quirky personalities. Conchita, one of the brightest, happiest girls I know, is always smiling and giving hugs and kisses. She brightens my day with every hello. I'm dreading the day I'll have to say goodbye.
Much love,
Gena
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Day 4
day, I started my day in the deaf classroom. Teachers Allan and Lidia greeted their students with the good morning sign. The two work as a team as they teach the students. Lidia, speak Spanish and knows sign language, whereas Allan is deaf and speaks only through sign. With help from Ms. Gutmann, I got the chance to work one on one with deaf student, Yohana. This is where my first lesson plan was put to use, we worked on a division word problem that I had created and made props for. The props helped a lot and made Yohana understand the problem better. As we worked through the problem could see she was challenged but only to a certain extent where she was still able to work through the problem. the feeling I got after she had finished the problem, and my lesson plan was successful was indescribable. Definitely one of the highlights of my day. When Yohana and I headed back to the classroom , the other students were just about to read and sign a story. Being able to see what each sign meant was a fantastic learning experience for me. Every thing in this classroom is so animated, yet its the quietest classroom I've ever been in. Sometimes the students will make sounds to get the teacher attention. Everything about the deaf classes is so new and interesting to me. The way they are all able to learn with out hearing a single world is so fascinating. My sign language has improved dramatically today, and I'm now able to have full conversations with the students.
The rest of my day was spent one on one with little Wilbur. Wilbur is second grade and is quite energetic. I attepted to use my second lesson plan with him, but every time I'd try to get him to sit and do flash cards with me, he'd push the flash cards out of my hands, pin me against the wall, and begin to kiss me. He is by far the most adorable 10 year old I know.
After the school day was over, I went on a couple of home visits with Magalee, a woman who works with Social Services, and Zach, the translator.
Our first house was a total of 30 kilometers away. Waiting on the patio of a house covered in signs for beer and other alcohol. We were greeted by an elderly woman with two children, Alisa (7) and Kenny (9), who she claims have disabilities, yet neither have been diagnosed and both do well in their normal school. There was no prominent disability with either child and both were able to communicate, and mobilize with ease. Everything that we asked the grandmother about was answered with a vague answer.
The second house we arrived at had a huge amount of housing and property. Here, we met Rosa, a three year old with Cerebral Palsy. She and her family were dressed well and looked wealthy. She is medicated and has physical therapy twice a week. She seems to have fantastic living conditions.
Day four has been a success and I am looking forward to tomorrow.
Much love,
Gena
The rest of my day was spent one on one with little Wilbur. Wilbur is second grade and is quite energetic. I attepted to use my second lesson plan with him, but every time I'd try to get him to sit and do flash cards with me, he'd push the flash cards out of my hands, pin me against the wall, and begin to kiss me. He is by far the most adorable 10 year old I know.
After the school day was over, I went on a couple of home visits with Magalee, a woman who works with Social Services, and Zach, the translator.
Our first house was a total of 30 kilometers away. Waiting on the patio of a house covered in signs for beer and other alcohol. We were greeted by an elderly woman with two children, Alisa (7) and Kenny (9), who she claims have disabilities, yet neither have been diagnosed and both do well in their normal school. There was no prominent disability with either child and both were able to communicate, and mobilize with ease. Everything that we asked the grandmother about was answered with a vague answer.
The second house we arrived at had a huge amount of housing and property. Here, we met Rosa, a three year old with Cerebral Palsy. She and her family were dressed well and looked wealthy. She is medicated and has physical therapy twice a week. She seems to have fantastic living conditions.
Day four has been a success and I am looking forward to tomorrow.
Much love,
Gena
Monday, April 15, 2013
Day 3
Once again we woke up quite early, this time with a much better night's sleep. We were on our way to the school by 7ish. The bus ride was completely silent, I think we were all pretty nervous for the day ahead of us.
Arriving at the school made my stomach twist and turn with nervousness and excitement. Kids were already in classrooms and ready to learn. Instead of Ms. Auxilladora's classroom, I worked in Ana Maria's, the first grade teacher's room. A total of five students were in this room with Ana Maria hard at work, struggling to get her students in their seats. I was greeted with a wide smile coming from 8 year old Tatiana. Her smile didn't fade once through out the day. Then I heard the tears of little Jose Daniel next to her. Poor Jose couldn't find the words to tell me what was wrong. I held him in my arms till he began to calm down, I even think I got a smile out of him. Andony, a happy little guy in a wheelchair, who would giggle every time someone would say his name. And then in came Michele, a girl who has enough energy for the entire school. I don't think there was a full minute where she was sitting. Levi, a student, in the back of the classroom who we later found out spoke English. We worked on mostly coloring, and other crafts. Ana Maria Would sing songs here and there about the parts of the face, I caught on and joined in pretty quickly. In this classroom I had to improvise for most of my Spanish but I did a pretty good job.
After the students ate lunch we had some time to socialize with them, and meet students from other classes. All of the students had ear to ear quirky smiles, that make you fall in love instantly. Their hugs, so genuine and kind, laughs, so unique, and personalities like you've never seen. I am so happy to be here.
I was next assigned to work in one of the deaf class rooms. As soon as I walked in all I saw were, again, smiles. Here I met Yohana and Rosa, two young girls who were very bright. The whole time was like playing a game of charades, trying my best to identify each of their signs. I must say I know a whole lot more sign language than I used to. The students were working on a Math test for the majority of the time I was working in the deaf classroom. They'd ask about my family and friends, even about students who came last year. I loved getting to know them.
Then it came time for the students to leave, I was holding little Wilbur (a second grade student), who gave me a kiss on the cheek. As I was about to kiss him on the cheek, he turned his head and kissed me right on the lips. Probably one of the most adorable moments I've ever had, thank god Lisa Marie got a photo of it.
A day filled with smiles and some struggles, but it was a day well spent. All I can think about it what's in store for us tomorrow.
Much love,
Gena
Arriving at the school made my stomach twist and turn with nervousness and excitement. Kids were already in classrooms and ready to learn. Instead of Ms. Auxilladora's classroom, I worked in Ana Maria's, the first grade teacher's room. A total of five students were in this room with Ana Maria hard at work, struggling to get her students in their seats. I was greeted with a wide smile coming from 8 year old Tatiana. Her smile didn't fade once through out the day. Then I heard the tears of little Jose Daniel next to her. Poor Jose couldn't find the words to tell me what was wrong. I held him in my arms till he began to calm down, I even think I got a smile out of him. Andony, a happy little guy in a wheelchair, who would giggle every time someone would say his name. And then in came Michele, a girl who has enough energy for the entire school. I don't think there was a full minute where she was sitting. Levi, a student, in the back of the classroom who we later found out spoke English. We worked on mostly coloring, and other crafts. Ana Maria Would sing songs here and there about the parts of the face, I caught on and joined in pretty quickly. In this classroom I had to improvise for most of my Spanish but I did a pretty good job.
After the students ate lunch we had some time to socialize with them, and meet students from other classes. All of the students had ear to ear quirky smiles, that make you fall in love instantly. Their hugs, so genuine and kind, laughs, so unique, and personalities like you've never seen. I am so happy to be here.
I was next assigned to work in one of the deaf class rooms. As soon as I walked in all I saw were, again, smiles. Here I met Yohana and Rosa, two young girls who were very bright. The whole time was like playing a game of charades, trying my best to identify each of their signs. I must say I know a whole lot more sign language than I used to. The students were working on a Math test for the majority of the time I was working in the deaf classroom. They'd ask about my family and friends, even about students who came last year. I loved getting to know them.
Then it came time for the students to leave, I was holding little Wilbur (a second grade student), who gave me a kiss on the cheek. As I was about to kiss him on the cheek, he turned his head and kissed me right on the lips. Probably one of the most adorable moments I've ever had, thank god Lisa Marie got a photo of it.
A day filled with smiles and some struggles, but it was a day well spent. All I can think about it what's in store for us tomorrow.
Much love,
Gena
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Day 1 and Day 2
Our journey in Nicaragua began at 12:30am. We got off the plane and the heat and moisture hit us almost immediately. After going through customs, we greeted Lisa Marie with happy, yet tired faces. The drive to Hotel Hamacas was long but it gave our group a chance to bond a little bit. Arriving at Hotel Hamacas seemed almost heavenly. We finally went to sleep at about 2:30am..
At approximately 6:35am, I was awoken by the wonderful sound of an alarm clock. We were dressed, fed, and in the bus by 7:30, and on our way to Escuela Especial.
Seeing the school for the fist time is when it finally hit me. This was my first look at the place in which I've heard so many stories about, and seen endless amounts of photos of. For the first time it all felt so real. Within the first few seconds of being at the school we are already on our hands and knees cleaning every inch of the school. My first job, the Pre-School bathroom. Bullets of sweat dripped down each of our faces, as we cleaned, but if I say so myself the school looks clean as can be. The only thought on my mind is what the kids will think of us tomorrow..
We toured the school after lunch and are assigned the classrooms we will work in tomorrow. I am assigned to work in Ms. Auxilladora's room along with Harry Kuller. Ms. Aux. teaches arts and crafts with a mixture of all age students. I couldn't be more excited to meet the students tomorrow.
At the school we met, the Principal, Juana, and Translators, Aleyda, and Jose. They are some of the most happy and grateful people I'll ever meet.
We headed home around 2:00pm and the bus ride is silent. Yes, we are tired, but I know that one hard day of work for us is worth weeks of happiness for the children we are about to meet. That thought is rewarding in so many ways.
As soon as we arrive back to the hotel, we re-apply our sunscreen and are out on another adventure. So here I sit, on the beach of Lake Managua, writing to all of you back home. The wind and sounds of laughter hit my face, I couldn't be more grateful to all the people who made this trip possible for me.
Much love,
Gena
At approximately 6:35am, I was awoken by the wonderful sound of an alarm clock. We were dressed, fed, and in the bus by 7:30, and on our way to Escuela Especial.
Seeing the school for the fist time is when it finally hit me. This was my first look at the place in which I've heard so many stories about, and seen endless amounts of photos of. For the first time it all felt so real. Within the first few seconds of being at the school we are already on our hands and knees cleaning every inch of the school. My first job, the Pre-School bathroom. Bullets of sweat dripped down each of our faces, as we cleaned, but if I say so myself the school looks clean as can be. The only thought on my mind is what the kids will think of us tomorrow..
We toured the school after lunch and are assigned the classrooms we will work in tomorrow. I am assigned to work in Ms. Auxilladora's room along with Harry Kuller. Ms. Aux. teaches arts and crafts with a mixture of all age students. I couldn't be more excited to meet the students tomorrow.
At the school we met, the Principal, Juana, and Translators, Aleyda, and Jose. They are some of the most happy and grateful people I'll ever meet.
We headed home around 2:00pm and the bus ride is silent. Yes, we are tired, but I know that one hard day of work for us is worth weeks of happiness for the children we are about to meet. That thought is rewarding in so many ways.
As soon as we arrive back to the hotel, we re-apply our sunscreen and are out on another adventure. So here I sit, on the beach of Lake Managua, writing to all of you back home. The wind and sounds of laughter hit my face, I couldn't be more grateful to all the people who made this trip possible for me.
Much love,
Gena
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Honored
This year I am embarking on another journey to help those in need in Nicaragua! I will be working in a school with children with disabilities, all thanks to Children's Global Alliance! I am so honored to be doing something so great at such a young age! Thank you to all who donated!
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