Compassion International

Everyone reading this entry should go out and sponsor a child through Compassion International today! Because it’s awesome! There, I said it. Now I’ll explain. . .

I absolutely LOVE my job! I volunteer at two student centers run by Compassion. The centers provide afterschool programs for local children that meet the specific requirements of the program. Basically, it’s a chance for considerably underprivileged kids to come for fun, fellowship, and food! We sing songs (even though I don´t know the words yet), have a Bible lesson, play games, do a little teeth brushing, learn a little, and have a snack. We even had a big birthday party last week to celebrate the October birthdays! So far, I’m just observing, getting to know the kids, and serving as the in-house freak show. The kids like to stare at me, pet my arms, stroke my hair, poke my freckles, ask me how to say things in English and then laugh at how silly it sounds, and hang all over me. I don’t really mind all the attention since I’m sure I look pretty funny to them (at 5’5” ¾, I stand reasonably taller than all of the teachers and some of them have never seen a white person up close before) but sometimes I have to fight back feelings of 7th grade self-consciousness. The other day a girl asked me if I have lice and then another asked if I eat people. She was dead serious. I told her only on Sundays and then had to explain that that was a joke and that no, human beings are not customarily eaten where I come from.

Eventually I will be giving little classes on basic health and hygiene. I’m really excited and am already decorating posters in my head and have thought of some topic ideas but if anyone thinks of a good one, let me know. I think they also would like it if I would check for lice and skin infections and the like since I’m kind of the resident “health specialist.” The only problem there is that I don’t know what a louse looks like nor do I know what to do with one if I find it. Same goes for skin fungi. I think I’ll have to Google it at some point. I’m pretty sure that sponsoring a child provides them with regular doctor’s apts. anyway so maybe I could just send the licey little angel to the doctor. . .

So there ya go, sponsor a child so they can come and sing songs, play games, and stare at me. I’m really happy with the work that I’m doing here and I like the people I work with a lot. Although, they do like to switch from talking in Spanish to Kekchi or Pokomchi (not spelled right but they are the local Mayan languages) and confuse the mess out of me. I tell them I’m just gonna start speaking in English and see how they like it. Son buena gente (they’re good folks).

I still like my new fam a lot and am getting into a nice little routine. I start teaching English at a library on Friday. Apparently, I’ve got 30 people signed up to take classes. I’m pretty astute at the English language but can’t say that I’ve taught it before so we’ll see how that goes!

I miss everyone and will get pictures figured out soon.