Monday, February 16, 2009

I´M BEGINNING TO SEE WHY I´M HERE...

Although I still miss my kids, family & friends very much, I am REALLY beginning to see why I’m here and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to have this experience.

My Spanish has improved dramatically since I’ve been here and I’ve even learned how to introduce myself and someone else in Guarani. PROGRESS…

NEW FRIENDS

I’ve made a group of new best friends—mi vecinos (my neighbors)—more like the neighborhood children. I decided last week to self reflect on why I chose to have this experience and decided I needed to really put myself out there (despite missing my kids a lot). So, last week, after school, I changed into some comfortable clothes, went outside and asked my host nephew to play jump rope with me. Before I knew it…one kid asked to join us, and another, and another…and eventually there were about eight, in total.

KICK BALL

I decided I’d teach the kids to play kickball, since that’s what I always play with my own nieces and nephews. Well, it was a hit!!! They loved the game, which is what I’m supposing led them to really liking me. Although I had difficulty explaining the rules (due to my lack of fluency in Spanish,) through various hand gestures and laughter from them at my slaughtering of Spanish words, they eventually got the hang of it and we played until way past dark.

The next day, they were in the front of my house—waiting for me to arrive from school. I was filled with so much joy and warmth and right at that moment…I knew…this is why I made the sacrifices I made, to be right here, where I am at. Since then…we’ve been inseparable!

LEARNING/LOVE/LAUGHTER

The children are amazing teachers and not only am I learning Spanish and Guarani from them, I’m learning how to see things differently, how to truly laugh and have fun like a child, compassion and contentment.

Today I hung with my new best buds (Dedei, Alejandro, Santiago, Fausto, Ariel, Ismael, Matai, Rita, Fernando and a few others, ranging from 4-13 years old) and it was a great day!! We played Paraguayan Monopoly (which is identical to American Monopoly, expect it has Paraguayan cities and money,) we all went for ice cream, played a little poker (another game I taught them to play, ha ha) and went to Matai’s birthday party (he turned 9 years old, today.)

Birthday parties here are celebrated in a much simpler way. There weren’t any jumpers, games or prizes, but rather—true mingling and enjoying the company of one another. Of course, they decided they wanted to dance, but more importantly, wanted to see how I danced, so I danced my butt off with them for a good hour. It was so much fun!

And, the cake (torta) in Paraguay—is the best damn torta I have ever had. If anything is going to make me fat, it’s going to be the torta.

Dedei (who is 13 years old, beautiful, smart, funny and so sweet,) gave me a poem she wrote, specifically, for me. It, seriously, brought me to tears. I had to explain to the kids I was crying because I was happy. I’m sure they thought I was nuts.

I wish you could all see these beautiful children, all the love and happiness they have, despite how little they have. I feel so blessed to be loved by them and a part of their lives.

NEXT UPDATE…I’ll talk about the living conditions here and how hard Paraguayans have to work in order to accomplish such simple tasks…

Miss you all!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh my gohs -- Vivian your posts are so vivid and full of life, love, creativity and true to the deepest part of your soul--appreciation. I know you must miss everything you had here in the States, your friends, family, home, bed, warm shower, just to name a few...but giving up everthing that you once knew for a life you are leading will be a forever memory not just in your lifetime, but for every single person young and old that you will cross paths with. Thanks so much for sharing. You are a true inspiration to us all. I miss you, your sense of humor and the sound of your laughter. But, not seeing you for the next 2.5 years is worth its weight in gold knowing how much joy you are bring to the lives you are touching. Your friend, always, Tammy.

Anonymous said...

That is such a great post! Good luck, and continue keeping us updated. I'll let the ladies at "Girl Bar" know you're doing well! ;-)