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 :)