New class, new babies and first hair cuts

It is really nice to be back at Buen Provecho.  I have had an easy week because I am starting new work - teaching the kids ages 12 - 20.  Before I left for the US we decided I would no longer be with the preschool class.  There is a lady who started with them last week who is excellent.  Even though I will miss them, the preschoolers are in good hands.  Her hands are going to be full though.  She has babies up to 6 year olds.  Samuel is not adjusting to the transition very well.  He has been acting out in class.  He says he is acting out because he wants me to be his teacher.  I am doing my best to support his new teacher in the transition.

Belinda is working with the 7-11 year olds.  I have 12-20 year olds.  Every person who is not an adult is in class at 10:30 a.m.  So ALL of the youth now have a class.  Some are still trying to escape into the kitchen - boys who never cooked before were peeling vegetables today after classes started and girls tried to become assistants in the preschool class with the young ones.  But we keep rounding them up and sending them back to class.

Because this was a new plan, I have a week to observe.  Boris Vermont, who is the soccer coach and has always worked with the "tweens", has the whole week off from his job and is spending his days at Buen Provecho.  He is giving the class that I will be in charge of starting next week.  I have this week to come up with ideas and make plans.  It is exciting to work with older kids again.  When I was a social worker in Chicago I was intimidated by the idea of working with teens, but in the end they were my favorite.  I am hoping this will be the same.

The most difficult thing I foresee is the fact that I am not as articulate in Spanish as I am in English.  I hope the older kids will be patient with me.  I am praying that God help us overcome any language difficulties that may occur.

My personal goal is to let each of the kids know that I care about them, teach them about God and why they should want a relationship with Him, help them feel special as individuals, and give them hope that they can have a successful and happy future.

Ericka, a girl who used to be a regular part of the Breakfast Program, got pregnant 9 months ago.  She disappeared for a long time, but came back and was at Buen Provecho for the last two months before she gave birth.  Yesterday she came to the church with her baby girl, Marjorie Stephanie Calix.   (That's how I would spell it, I am not sure how she did.)  The baby is 14 days old today.  Both Erika and the baby are doing really well.  Erika had told me she was going to leave after she gave birth and go live in a different town with the father of the baby.  But yesterday she said she will be staying in Los Pinos.

Erika comes from one of the 2 most unstable home environments I am aware of.  I told her yesterday that I hoped to see her every day at the church.  Erika was noncommittal.  She didn't come today.  Everyone is doing everything they can to make her feel welcome and supported.  I hope she knows she can always come to us.

Carlos showed up yesterday too.  He came with Erika.  He didn't need any hugs, although I did offer.  After our initial greeting embrace he was content to play with the kids.  His eyes still look dull.  I asked him to please come to Buen Provecho more regularly, but he didn't come today.

Junior and Carlos

This will be my class starting next week

Beautiful Kebelin and Yarely

Veronica cut my hair today.
Isabela was next.  She was not happy.

Isa's first haircut

Beans have gotten so expensive here, the ladies who serve at Buen Provecho say they cannot afford to buy them.  I am  concerned.  Families who until now have been surviving on beans and rice can no longer afford beans.  They say prices are going to get higher because of drought.  I am going to buy beans tomorrow for some of the ladies so they will have food over the weekend.