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