Thursday, April 10, 2014

135 is the magic number

The last couple of days have been life changing to say the least. For the short time we have been here the kids have been so amazing and loving, I can’t imagine how hard it is going to be when we have to say bye. Today was our last full day of teaching and to be honest I am scared. I’m scared about what is going to happen when we leave. Who’s going to love them unconditionally like we do? Sure, these kids need clothes, good water, diapers etc. but really the number one thing they need is love. That’s what we’re here for, to show them that they do really deserve love. The amount of kisses I have given out in this one week is more than I’ve ever given in my whole lifetime, and that’s nothing anyone should be ashamed about. But yet lots of parents are ashamed of their kids. One family here that really sticks out to me is Jesus’s family. Jesus’s dad comes to school with him everyday and helps him learn. Which is something you rarely see anywhere.

            The kids here don’t usually receive this amount of love because they are “special.” They are children first; they are people, just like any of us. Their disability shouldn’t change anything along the lines of respect and love, but yet it does. This trip has meant the world to me; I can’t wait to share my experience with everyone (along with my lice).

            A couple of kids have really stuck out to me- Victor, the boy who leaped into my arms full of trust and love on the first day. He has down syndrome and is the most caring boy I have ever met. We were outside passing the ball around to practice his motor skills and he threw the ball at my head when I wasn’t looking. But the second I turned around he had already ran up to me. He was holding my legs so I bent down to tell him I was okay, but he started kissing every part of my head. Making sure I was okay. I am so thankful for my angel Victor. I don’t know what this experience would have been without you. Mucho Amor.

            Winder who is a troublemaker 5 year old who is deaf is the most energetic and exciting person I have ever met. He doesn’t let the fact that he can’t hear stop him from doing anything (especially from screaming.) We (the cga group) came in to Nicaragua knowing our alphabet in sign language. But Winder did not like that I only knew my abc’s so as the sweet heart he is, he sat me down at the table, took out a book and started pointing to different objects and activities and did the sign. I think the funniest thing he has done so far is that the other day (when I was not in the preschool room with him) he found me and tossed me the book, pointed to the rooster in his book, did the sign, gave me a kiss and ran off. The love that I have for that little boy is amazing; I will never let one bit of it go.

            Jose – Andres (who is cognitively delayed with motor skills, and speech) really has stood out to me. He comes to school everyday with the biggest smile on his face, and the biggest hug waiting. He cannot talk but his laugh and smile says everything. Every moment I have had with Jose is amazing, and full of laughter and love. Anything we do he always has the biggest smile on his face. I’ve never met such a happy person who I love more. Jose is one kid that I can’t stand the thought of leaving, but he will always be with me. I love you Jose – Andres. More than I thought was possible for someone I just met.


            

No comments:

Post a Comment