They're still kids that play and laugh and want to learn, but they have an aire about them that most kids don't have and no child should. Just an overcast sadness, knowing they are there, not quite like everyone else.
This is Funvivir - fun to live. It is a nice little house with nice rooms and beautiful people...most of which are children with cancer.
A 30 minute bus ride from our volunteer house, Funvivir is a small project with only around 4 volunteers needed for up to 10 kids.
This project is a childcare projects, meaning the volunteers just spend time with the kids, loving them, playing with them, teaching them. The kids are so excited to see the volunteers every day - a light spot to take their mind off their treatments and physical pain.
Some days, like today, the kids are alert, energetic, and happy. Other days, usually on treatment days, they are quiet and sad.
I spent my time today playing ball, quizzing English and math with flash cards, taking photos, and making clay animals. I wanted to keep "Eduardo" the turtle forever, but my little buddy asked if he could keep him, so I kept a photo instead.
Yesterday, I went again to Nelson Mandela, so far my favorite project. It is a long day and we have to wear pants at least past our knees so it is hot, but I love being able to help the kids really learn English.
They are all so precious, but the school is chaotic. Almost every class has around 40 students for one teacher. That is why they need volunteers and appreciate us so much! We spend time going between groups, helping the kids with spelling, pronunciation, and translations. Some of the kids are so advanced and excited to learn, and others so shy they don't ask for help, even if they might want to.
In the morning we are class assistants, and in the afternoon the volunteers have their own classes for the overachievers who want extra practice.
I wish I could multiply myself or convince all my friends to come volunteer to help more children learn. They are from such a poor neighborhood and leaning English could literally change their lives. I have never felt so valued, needed, and appreciated simply by giving of myself to help others.
(Zach and a cheerful student who loves to laugh. :))
I have to say of all the places I have been, Colombia has the scariest drivers. They have rules, but no one follows them. Rules like: no passing in a no passing zone, stopping at stop signs, one way streets, stopping for pedestrians, no pulling out in front of people....the list of unfollowed rules goes on...and I have never seen so many motorcycles or heard so many angry car horns in my life! Seriously, all of these drivers would lose their license in the states. I'm not sure if I should be entertained or afraid, but I have survived this far...!
One rule they do follow though: always lock your doors while crossing the bridges. On one stretch of road right before entering town, there are around 10 yellow railed bridges every so often.
Apparently you can't trust people on the bridges, but I have yet to find out why. I guess we can all draw our own conclusions, and ill keep my doors locked.
And finally, as our down time filler, the volunteers had a salsa night! Our dear local, Juan, taught us all...I still can't dance, but I will get there...maybe!
It has been great experiencing such a different culture, but I think I am ready to move on from Cartagena. It is getting too comfortable. I haven't decided yet if I will continue my travels next week or stay and volunteer and teach my kiddos another week...oh decisions...
It's lonely, too. Love it but hate it. Super homesick at the moment, and so frustrated at all my American friends who don't understand wanderlust. The minute you travel, dear Americans, your eyes are opened to a wonderful world you never imagined. It's not running away from life, it's running to be alive.
Here's to living the life I want. Despite the lonely homesickness.
Ciao.
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