We had 15 preschoolers in the Breakfast Program today, including three new boys who were sweet but not accustomed to the structure of a classroom (understandable), a one year old in diapers who screamed and cried until he almost hyperventilated, and a two year old whose mother has never left her behind before. Needless to say it was not easy, but it went pretty well overall.
Belinda was able to see (or maybe she was able to hear) that a one year old is not a good fit for the preschool, so she said he will not be in the class again. When the kindergarten teacher from Canada was here, she said I should only have 4-6 year olds in the preschool class. But I have to do as I am told. So we are getting by with two and three year olds. The older kids aren't learning as much as they could and the two - three year olds aren't getting the attention they need. I guess some classroom time is better than no classroom time.
The ladies checked me over for lice and found nothing at all. I was surprised. This morning I had myself convinced that I was still infested. We had an impromptu bible study today with the ladies at the Breakfast Program. I was supposed to have a meeting with Belinda about her expectations and my wishes for the Breakfast Program, but it never happened.
I am really excited about the soccer game tomorrow. Wednesday I will get all of my errands done so I am free when my pastor from K2 comes. I think I am going to be with him all of the time when he is not at his host family's house. We will be busy!
A new lady came to help at the Breakfast Program today. She has a 3 year old daughter who is very cute. Lourdes's mother discovered that they are homeless, without food and have only the clothes on their back. However, they appear very clean. Isabella is well educated. She speaks great English. But her family are not supportive and Ashley's father left. We are on the lookout for clothes for them both. We'll try to be sure they eat. We will pray they get a place to stay. I really like Isabella so far. She seems very calm and sweet. Her daughter Ashley seems happy, despite their struggles.
They came late today because the bus that is cheapest only runs a few times/day. They come from pretty far away. I wish it was near where I have to drive because I would offer her a ride, but it is far. I'm thinking it is cheaper to help them with bus fare. We can really use Isabella's help in the kitchen since Marlin is having her baby next month.
Isabella didn't attend the preschool class today because she came too late. She isn't talking to us yet, but she does talk to her mother. She smiles a lot and seems friendly if not talkative. After hearing about her situation I was happy that I hadn't rushed Ashley in any way. She came when we were cleaning up for Lorenzo's class. I was tempted to let her sit and eat while I started working with Lorenzo. That probably would have been fine, but I sat down with her and made small talk while she ate slowly. Very slowly. I wanted to encourage her to eat faster, but for some reason I didn't. She deserves to have a nice lunch with some company. It will be nice when she starts talking. I hope Ashley and Isabella are able to be a daily part of the Breakfast Program from now on.
