Thursday, August 23, 2012

Not even done with the first week...

...and this place is incredible. The other volunteers [which consist of ten new year-longs (two boys and eight girls, with two from Germany) and five returnees] are just stupendous! Seriously we have so much fun together and we have only known each other for a handful of days and we act as though we have known each other for ages. This week we have created "T Time" where we all get together and watch Game of Thrones --- a bit of a scandalous show, I must say --- and I cannot wait to continue this tradition.

This week has been a bit overwhelming though:

  • We have had orientation every day and we have chatted about why we decided to be a part of the Centro del Muchacho Trabajador [CMT], what we expect to get out of this experience and much more. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to give back, work on my spanish skills, and make a difference in another's life. What I want to get out of this journey is to know that I had a role in bettering someone's life - even if it is only one person. Madre Miguel, Madre Cindy and Padre Juan really wanted to stress the concept and ideology of community and commitment; these two terms are the foundation of this project. One cannot be a part of the community, be it the community of volunteers or the CMT community, without commitment. Simple terms which create a beautiful connection between people! 
  • On Tuesday, we did home visits of a few of the families that belong to the center and one word to describe my thoughts/emotions: WOW. These families live north in the mountains, from 40-60 minute transmit to one of the three centers [Cotocollao - where we live, La Marin & La Gota de Leche].  And these "homes" were not homes at all...they were brick or concrete rooms, with a tin roof, with one or two beds that house families of six or more. Yet, although the "houses" are not much, these families are very proud of what the own, which is quite inspiring...and VERY humbling.  
  • Today was the day that we got our schedules of what we will be teaching. HOLY MOTHER OF THE EARTH!!! If I thought college was bad - my day will start around 5:45 or 6AM and go until 8PM when I am done with teaching.  Lawwwwwdddddd have mercy on my soul. Yes, there are breaks, but I have a full day. Take a looksies:
    • LUNES:
      • 8-10AM
        • Special Ed
      • 11:30-12:15
        • Beginners English (Boys)
      • 2-3PM
        • Level 2 English (Girls)
      • 3-4PM
        • Bathrooms (Girls) --- to make sure they are taking showers [children get to shower at the center every day to sustain a healthy life]
      • 4-4:50
        • Girls Work --- crafting and such to teach business 
      • 5-6PM
        • Beginners English (Boys)
      • 7-8PM
        • Adult Ed
    • MARTES:
      • 8-10AM
        • Special Ed
      • 11:30-12:15
        • Beginners English (Boys)
      • 2-3PM
        • Level 2 English (Girls)
      • 3-4PM
        • Bathrooms (Girls) --- to make sure they are taking showers [children get to shower at the center every day to sustain a healthy life]
      • 4-4:50
        • Girls Work --- crafting and such to teach business 
      • 4:55-5:40
        • 4th Grade Phys Ed
      • 7-8PM
        • Adult Ed 
    • MIERCOLES:
      • 8-9AM
        • Special Ed
      • 9:30-11:45
        • Informatica (5-7th grade) --- computer skills (i.e. using Word and such)
      • 2-3PM
        • Level 2 English (Girls)
      • 3-4PM
        • Bathrooms (Girls) --- to make sure they are taking showers [children get to shower at the center every day to sustain a healthy life]
      • 4-4:50
        • Girls Work --- crafting and such to teach business 
      • 5-6PM
        • Beginners English (Boys)
      • 7-8PM
        • Adult Ed
    • JUEVES:
      • 8-10AM
        • Special Ed
      • 11:30-12:15
        • Beginners English (Boys)
      • 2-3PM
        • Level 2 English (Girls)
      • 3-4PM
        • Bathrooms (Girls) --- to make sure they are taking showers [children get to shower at the center every day to sustain a healthy life]
      • 4-4:50
        • Girls Work --- crafting and such to teach business 
      • 4:55-5:40
        • 4th Grade Phys Ed
      • 7-8PM
        • Adult Ed 
    • VIERNES:
      • 8-10AM
        • Special Ed
      • 11:30-12:15
        • Beginners English (Boys)
      • 2-3PM
        • Level 2 English (Girls)
      • 3-4PM
        • Bathrooms (Girls) --- to make sure they are taking showers [children get to shower at the center every day to sustain a healthy life]
      • 4-4:50
        • Girls Work --- crafting and such to teach business 
      • 5-6PM
        • Beginners English (Boys)
      • 7-8PM
        • Adult Ed
  • Isn't that just the bee's knees!?!?! Not exactly what I was expecting, but I guess there is no turning back now.  So, for all of you out there reading this, please send a little prayer up to the Big Man in Heaven to send me courage and a whole lot of patience!!! 
So, that is all for now - have a big day of teaching me how to be a teacher tomorrow. Again, wish me luck and send up a good word to my main man! 

Love you all and I'll write soonzies :) 



3 comments:

  1. Wow - Livy, that is quite the schedule but I know "you can do it" (please try to picture me with the goofy accent and shaking my hand in the air) I know you will be great and that they will learn from you and you from them! Love you! Mumsie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Awww thanks, Mumsie! **Teehee! I can totally picture you with the goofy accent :) And yes, it's a bit daunting but hopefully I will get into a routine and it will be grand! Love love love you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. WOW! Sounds amazing..and exhausting! You can do it! Just take it one day at a time. I have faith in you, Liv! I am so glad you are doing this - you will be an great source of strength and compassion for these kids as they will be for you. As far as you intense schedule, embrace the crazy! Don't be afraid if what you plan doesn't work - it's like crafting a X-mas puke - Out of glue? Adapt and improve! Gimmie that bubble gum! ;-) Love you! Adi

    ReplyDelete