Three visitors and one new reader

Literacy class today was extraordinary for several reasons. We found our lost sheep. We had lots of visitors, and we have one more reader! Plus another student is sounding out syllables really well.

My coworker and I went up early because one student missed four classes. She was out of town for three weeks, but last week she was in town and didn't show up. I was surprised because she has always been one of the most prompt and motivated students. I asked my coworker if we could climb the mountain early and pass by her house before the class to see what is going on. I thought maybe, after missing four weeks, she could be afraid to come back.

My Chikungunya was more painful than normal this morning and my legs were wobbly as we climbed. I was in a cleaning mood when I woke up, so I found clothes I don't use and hauled them along with me. Eventually we made it to the tippy, tippy top of the mountain and my coworker pointed out the house. The back was all sheet metal. I asked if I could come inside and was eagerly welcomed. It was one of the most humble homes I have ever visited. But the owner was very proud. She was excited to show us around her home.

Front of house
It's on the edge of the mountain
so I couldn't back up for a wider view

The view from window in the photo above
is gorgeous. It feels so peaceful.

The bathroom below

The kitchen and handmade oven

Mud bricks to build walls

When there is no running water...

She said she intended to come to class today. I still have my doubts, but she came and was able to almost catch up with the rest of the group. She started reading today! She also brought her niece. Our lost sheep is found, plus she brought a guest, and she is doing well.

Not only did we have a niece visiting, another student brought her husband who visits when he is free, and another lady brought her son. One student wasn't able to be there because her son is in the hospital. Otherwise, we had a full house. I love the fact that the students are comfortable enough and have the desire to invite their family to class.

Full house!

After hiking up to her house,
I am even more surprised
that she carries her own desk to class

The desk was a handy place for my coworker to give extra tutoring

Guest #1 - son of the lady above and photographer during class

Guest #2
Husband supporting his wife

Guest #3
Niece helping her Aunt

Here we are! Minus one student who is camera shy and one who couldn't attend today

I love this family

They spend a lot of time hauling wood for their oven

The kitchen

At the end of the day my coworker and our security guards stopped by my house. With Fany's permission the guard climbed our mango tree and tossed mangos down to our driver. The mangos were rotting and falling to the ground, where they stunk and collected bugs. I was happy to see them go to good use! Everyone left with a big bag of mangos and Fany got a big basket full. The tree is still really full, but we got all that were ready and within reach today. Avocados will be ripe soon!

Two funerals

After the previous post about feeling appreciated, my boss sent me a text message in the evening saying that she hopes I take time to relax while I am in the US. She said she believes my life will be a powerful testimony for the people I see at my high school reunion.She said without doubt I have been a tremendous impact for the team here and she gives thanks to God for bringing me to Impacto Juvenil! I hope my head doesn't get too big - hahahaha!

Yesterday I ran the club all by myself. Usually each club has 2 people in charge, but my friend and coworker had to go to a funeral yesterday. Her cousin was beaten and tortured beyond recognition. They found his body up on a hill Saturday and it took until Tuesday night for someone to identify him, because of how badly he was burned and stabbed and some other word which I didn't understand.

Sandra is sad, and also worried because the rumor is that her cousin had some dirt on some corruption going on within the police force. Supposedly, it was the (corrupt)police who did this to her cousin.

The rest of my coworkers went to another funeral yesterday. The mother of the police woman who guards our office door died. I knew she wasn't well, but last I heard she was recovering from surgery. So, that was a lot of death to deal with in one day.

The good news is, the kids were almost perfect for me. The ones who usually are most "active" were totally calm and well behaved. The quietest raised her hand and spoke out in class, which she never has before. We are really seeing the fruits of group therapy, where these kids are learning better social skills and talking out their problems!

I made a point to call their therapist today to tell her the good news. She was really happy to hear it. The kids have so many heavy things going on in their lives, this is really big progress for them. And I learned that I can teach the class all by myself, which also felt like an accomplishment.

Now off to literacy class! I am hurting a lot today. Much more than usual. Fany and I went for a walk yesterday. That could be why I have stabbing pains in my joints, or maybe not. Who knows. But I have no desire to stay home. I am excited to go and see the students.

This morning a lady also contacted me to say that she is mailing boxes of books to Honduras for the library. This is her ministry, which she runs from Texas. It will be fun to see what she sends. I told the kids yesterday. They are really excited about the idea of being able to borrow a book for a week.