Last week we toured half the colony where we are teaching and the children in the other half wanted us to visit their homes as well. So the five us, plus Nick and my housemates Meika, Andreas, and a Canadian Wade, strolled through the lower part of the area along with the fifty or so children and a couple of dogs. In some houses there wasn't enough room for the entire circus so the children waited outside.
Most of the homes are concrete block and are an amalgamation of bedrooms and living space. Some had separate kitchens but most had some type of outdoor cooking area. All homes had dogs, one had puppies, another new chicks. There is electricity and running water. I didn't see bathrooms but I am sure they are quite basic. Most rooms had two beds and usually six or seven people slept in them. On the walls were various mementos. Many homes still had Christmas decorations, some quite elaborate Nativity scenes.
The mothers were hesitant at first, but quite welcoming and gracious. I tried to have a photo with all of them.
For the newcomers, I think they were a bit taken aback by the poverty as we were on our first tour. This time it was easier to take for us. I think it is the children's pure joy of having so many adults interested n playing with them that balances the emotions. As we walked hand in hand or on shoulders, the English lessons were reinforced usually at the kids insistence.
We are starting to remember names of the kids and able to identify their personalities. Brener the quiet one. William the smart one. Dulce with wide eyes. Sendy who loves to practice English.
And then there is little Derrick. He is one of the youngest at two or three. He doesn't attend school but his sister Brittany does. He is usually there before and after. He is the classic imp. Climbing, punching, running along with the others. I am simpatico with him.
All in all another good day.
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