Just started working

So I have officially made it through hump day...thats the middle of the week, which in my books is always the toughest day to reach during a work week back home. I am really excited about working at Hogar Belen. It is going to be interesting and challenging but I will learn a lot and gain a lot of new experiences. The kids are all at really different levels. A couple have Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, some behavioural things...and others I am not totally sure. Back home I am used to having a diagnosis, a list of assessments highlighting a childs abilities and difficulties and the written out plan of action or specific goals. Here it is a little bit different. But good news is that I am getting used to taking things as they come and finding out as I go. Many of the diagnosis are not specific, and the general goal for each child is to provide them with sensory stimulation- tactile, visual, and auditory. Work on vocalizations...many understand but dont speak...which actually means they are slightly more skilled than I am! haha. But from what I can see, if I can provide them with attention, a chance to play and be a kid, and love them, then all the other things will come in time. poco a poco.

There is a girl who just started volunteering today and she is from the States. She will be here for two months and speaks Spanish! so that will help with the translation, although I definitely want to continue studying and practicing.

Hmm I am running out of time at this cyber cafe and I only have 20 cordobas with me....but please pray that God would fill me with love and compassion for these kids. I have heard it can be challenging as progress is very slow. Continued pray for learning Spanish, and that God would guide me interactions and friendships with people here as I do not feel like I am able to truly connect with people or show myself to them as I would back home. Which is frustrating, seeing how I am usually somewhat loud and chatty cathy at home.haha But it has been so encouraging to see God in day to day events. I can be having a frustrating day and then all of a sudden I have a great conversation with someone and I get excited. Oh speaking of which, fun note....I had a night of futbol and hide and seek with some of the neighbourhood teens. Super fun, and probably more exciting when you dont know what you are playing or who you are looking for for the first ten minutes! haha. Anyways, we ended up getting rained out and running home on the road which had quickly become a grand river!

Adios
amanda