So this is kind of jumbled and a little outdated- it was meant for two weeks ago (I’m sorry I have been slacking!):
This past weekend was absolutely wonderful. One of my students, Digna, from Primero Ciclo was staying in town with her sister instead of traveling back to her aldea, so I had the opportunity to hang out with her outside of the school day. She’s such a special person and I’m glad to have gotten to know her better over the past several weeks. Being one of the smallest and youngest students also makes her one of the cutest. With her huge smile and big brown eyes, she always knows how to make my day. Recently she’s been coming up to me and saying “hug me” and in a way that isn’t demanding or selfish. (Of course I can't say no!) In class she isn’t the most vocal, but is one of the most studious and responsible. When I asked the students to draw a picture representative of the Center, most drew flowers or maps. But Digna drew a star. When I asked her to explain what it meant for her, she explained what a great opportunity she has and that the Center itself is a shining star. I’m most impressed by her consistent mood: she always seems light-hearted, attentive to others, and genuinely happy. I’ve never felt inspired by a thirteen year old before until I met Digna.
On Saturday we went out and ate ice cream in the park and talked mostly about school happenings, but it was nice to share that time with her. On Sunday we went to morning mass together and then came back to the house to eat Matt’s delicious bagels and play cards.
Saturday night was the town carnival, complete with a parade of the Guaimacan queens, giant puppets, and dangerously close fireworks. We ran into a few students and they asked us to go on the Ferris wheel with them. It was fun until some of the lights went out and the guys in charge were fumbling around the mechanical box. But we made it off safe, if not just a little dizzy.
After mass on Sunday the three of us biked out of town to visit another of my students, Suamy. She and her family live in the middle of an open field on the main road, with lots of fruit trees and corn surrounding their house. It was a nice change of pace from the metal fence and barbed wire in our own front yard. After feeding us grilled corn and tamales, we headed out to visit a park and brook. The park was empty but scattered with benches and even a grill. It was refreshing to be surrounded by pine trees and the fresh breeze. We then headed to the stream where we caught a handful of little fish and a tadpole (sadly, none of which are still alive..) Further downstream was a place to swim. We started hesitantly with just our shoes off and pants rolled up but eventually jumped right in, clothes and all. The day reminded me of the simple pleasures, and I was thankful to be able to share a special place with Suamy. When we returned to her home her mother had more food cooked for us, another sweet corn concoction. Her father brought Matt around to show off the pride for his land while Chris and I got our butts kicked in soccer (even though it was two against one).
On Friday we went out to dinner with Kenya, Denis, and Daniela, their daughter. They’re a lovely family and have shared their friendship with us over the past few months. We went to a new Mexican restaurant that opened up right down the street which has good food and a tranquilo environment. Denis excitedly shared his experiences with us after he has changed work, from teaching physical education classes to driving trucks with his brother... mostly in reference to the huge plates of food that he gets to eat while on the road.
Like I said, it was a really great weekend and reminded me how much I enjoy life here, being able to spend quality time with people that I care about.
