This is Zoe writing. This past half of a day has been a fiesta central. After lunch Jess and I sat in on a 10 grade English and physics class. In English, our task was to copy text from a page in a teacher´s book onto the white board, since all of the students cannot afford their own. Next, we went into the other section of the Nicaraguita for an encuentro, basically a mini performance some students put on and there is a lot of food and Fanta Roja like always. These students were 7th and 8th graders and they gave all of the GS class helpers a generous gift. Something awesome that I´ve noticed about this community is how they fill every space with whatever they can offer us; every morning a class picks us up at Rafaela´s and walks us to our classrooms, walks us back for lunchtime and offers us drinks in the heat´s prime. I will truly miss this place when we peace out in three days.
The real fun started when Allan, the gym teacher, threw Kevin, his host son, a party for his birthday on the 25th. The cake was HUGE and Kevin was very surprised. There was a lot of dancing (Exci sweated off all of her water weight) and some great music; we got to put our dreaded salsa classes to the test.
Around 9:00, five other students and I went Nicaragua style back to our neighborhood so that I could attend my sister, Vanessa´s, 23rd birthday party. My American 16 year old self stuck out like a sore thumb, but soon Jacki came to my rescue. We danced a little too much and laughed at family members who were super into the music. Since the party was only extended family, I really got to know all the tios and tias (some even spoke English, which was a huge relief).
Around 3 this morning, I decided I had enough. 6:30 wake up served to be a struggle. However, I tried to hit the ground running knowing that today is my boy, Tommy´s, big 18th birthday. His students threw him a super special morning party; pinata and 18 birthday spins included. All smiles from big T. this morning.
Shout out to Ezzo and also my parents for allowing me to go on this incredible trip. We are all having an outstanding time and I can´t wait to eat your salad and homemade pizza when I get home, Ma. PS. Exci wants a welcome back party, Papa Carlos, and she is so happy that you taught her so much about Latino culture.
Thanx Zoe for that awesome blog,,,and also for relaying the message from Cenia,,,if u can let her know we love her,,hope she got her hamock,,and she better bring me one so we can hang them in the backyard next to each other and chill out under the shade,,,we miss you guys so much,,im counting down the hours till sunday...... p.s Cenia,your sisters said u better bring them some Nicaraguan souvenirs,the kids put some money in her account ,just for that sheesh but they can't pay my light bill,,,smh,,,,you guys enjoy your last couple days left and you can look forward to the beautiful spring weather were having......God bless,,,,asta siempre mi gente....
ReplyDeleteThank you Zoe sharing fun days with us.
ReplyDeleteSpecial thanks go to Kevin's host family. Please let them know I appreiate them very much.
It's wonderful that our GS kids are taken care of so well.