Yenifer's eyes (Cori at the Aldea)

Yenifer (on the right) is simply an incredible girl. There is one thing that I really want to try and describe about her, but I also know that words won’t really do justice. I am going to try to anyways. She has the ability to do something that is pretty rare. When she hugs me, she is able to look up at me with her gorgeous eyes and it brings immediate joy. There is something about the power within her eyes. I wish I could explain, but don’t know if I will be able to, but she has that ability to say a million different things with a look.

She has so much personality and spunk, it is so much fun to be around her. I love how playful she is. When I was eating at her Casa she made me feel so loved. She was always one of the first to give me a giant hug. I can see that she has so much potential with whatever she does because she seems to have a lot of determination. Her ability to make others feel comfortable is incredible considering the age that she is. Seems to me that she is one of those born leaders.

PS - special thanks to Leonie Cramer and Carl Reese for sponsoring Yenifer!!

the most adorable twin girls...Fanny and Sophia

I am lucky enough to be able to write about the most adorable twin girls here. Fanny and Sophia have the ability to literally make your heart melt when you see them smile and laugh. I don’t quite know where to begin, but I do want to share a few moments that I have been able to see take place. They are pretty incredible little girls, now if I can keep track of which one is which in the stories then that would be great, but chances are looking slim.

For starters, there was an experience at the pool in Simbal that was so incredible. I was sitting with Sophia on the side of the pool. She was almost dried off, and the volunteer next to me asked where is Fanny. For a moment I panicked cause I couldn’t see where Fanny had gone. I quickly asked Sophia if she knew were Fanny was, what she did next astounded me. . . she jumped right into the water where she last saw Fanny and started searching. It was so apparent to see the love that they have for each other. I think that Sophia was more nervous then we were as to where Fanny was, and that is saying quite a lot. I honestly was just so shocked that girls that age could understand so much about love and caring for each other. These girls are also so happy, constantly laughing and smiling, curious and excited about life.

Another incredible story that I have just happened today, again leaving me in awe at how much these two girls understand. Today was actually just one of those harder days for me and they just knew that I needed to feel loved. It’s crazy because I feel like these kids help me more then I could ever help them. But they both came up and just wanted to be held and to play. They stayed with me for quite sometime and brightened my day. The joy that they brought me is indescribable. What an example these girls are to me. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to be around them and their caring, pure hearts.

mitch's ankle

This week has been…interesting. Due to the rain, many of the activities have been canceled. And frankly, I don’t blame the tias of the houses for not wanting the kids go outside, because it is extremely difficult to keep the house and the kids clean with all the mud. Regardless though, us boys managed to get in a super fun and WET game of soccer just before dinner on Wednesday. Instead of playing on the court, we played in the grass where we could slip and fall without serious injury—or so we thought. It wasn’t long till one of the kids had jammed his big toe and near the end of the game, my foot managed to find a small hole in the ground and needless to say, I didn’t leave the field walking. I decided that I might as well go to the doctor, and thankfully, nothing was broken. Within a week or so, I should be back and ready for another soccer match! (I certainly hope so, cause I can’t stand not being able to run around with the kids and missing my exercises)

One of the children that has stood out to me not only this week, but since the beginning, is Bray Helin. We have been on the same volleyball team a number of times and even though we don’t always win, she loves playing. Sometimes it is against my will. There was one time that Bray Helin and two other girls came to my house and pretty much dragged me to the volleyball court to play. I think she likes dancing the best though. The girls here can dance forever! I ate in her house last week and can I just say that eating at a specific house for a week is probably the best idea ever. I can’t tell you how invaluable it has been in connecting with more of the kids here. Bray Helin is a confident, beautiful young lady. She is super sweet, and often helped get me some extra fruit here and there from the mom. She was one of the girls that would often play the dice game with me and others of the house after lunch or dinner. She definitely is more girly in how she carries herself and acts compared to many of the other girls here. She reminds me a lot of my sister actually.

Hopefully the rain doesn’t interfere too much with our time with the kids and that soon I will be able to back in all the wonderful action here at the Aldea!
Saludos a todos,
Mitch

expecting the unexpected (Mitch at the Aldea)

Hola! This week's events can only be summed up by one word--UNEXPECTED. Life at the orphanage is quite different than life back home. All the bugs gave most of us an unwanted welcome, but it was only a matter of days until the bugs and girls were able to work things out and become friends; well, at least tolerate one another.

Since the kids are not in school, they have plenty of free time available, and that means that there is much that can be done by us the volunteers. This week we formulated and finalized a well planned schedule that we envision will keep the kids busy: sports, swimming, dancing, cycling, proper hygiene classes, english classes, computer classes, art and drawing, more dancing and trips to the beach.

This summer we divided the children into three groups--the Little Ones, the Wolves and the Dragons--according to age and mental ability. The first group includes kids age 2-6. The second group includes kids age 7-13. And the final group includes kids 14-17. We are excited to get things rolling on Monday!

Besides the work put into the new summer schedule, much of our time was devoted to helping the sick. Regardless of the set backs, all of us, except maybe the girl that is still sick, agree that this week has been one of the most fun and enriching week of our lives. All week I was assigned to eat with the family in house number 1. All girls live there, ranging from 6 months to 16 years. One morning after breakfast I played a board game with the older girls. I guess they did not like that I was winning because in the middle of the game, before I knew what was happening, they wiped away the board pieces and declared that we were starting over! There were three younger ones though, Saralí, Antonina, and Miriam, that I spent the most time with, or should I say, they made sure to spend the most time with me. Every time they would see me it was like I was under attack! All of them wanted piggy-back rides and to have me help them do flips in the air while holding onto their hands. Sometimes I would pretend to faint and then they would dog-pile me and start tickling me or poking me till I gave in.

We have all learned so much. These next three months will undoubtedly be among the most treasured of our lives.

Gracias por todo lo que hace,

Mitch and the girls

Sweet Miguel (Shelisa at the Aldea)

Miguel is such a sweet child and you can tell that he has such a sweet spirit about him. When Miguel smiles at you, you can’t help but to smile back at him. You can see the love that is in his eyes. Talking with him gets funny after a while because he will continue to ask the same question over and over again. For any of you are not aware Miguel has a physical handicap as well mental. He is willing to help out around the house when ever we clean and he seems to not allow his handicap prevent him from doing activities with the older children.



I wish that I could see him have more things to do with his disabilities but I love to also see him take on the challenges that he faces being with other children that do not have a hard time as he does. When putting the pools up for the children all the kids came running in to help out and to assist in any way possible and part of that group was Miguel, he would but the pipes together and hand them to us when we needed them.



The other day while driving back from the beach all the kids had received some icy drinks and all the children had given Miguel their empty cups and straws, few minutes later looking over at him the had all six straws in his mouth trying to suck up every last drop. It was so cute to just watch him sit back drinking it with his little hat on his head that looks like a fishing hat. He also has such a funny since of humor the other night some of us volunteers went over to casa five to play some games and Miguel had joined us part way though at first he helped out one of the volunteers and then the last game got some cards of his own. During the game he kept cracking jokes and making all of us laugh.



I think that one thing that I truly love about this kid is that he is just so innocent and has such a simple and innocent mind, and a good heart. When he says something you know that it is sincere.

An Example for the Older Boys (Mitch at the Aldea)

Things continue to go well with the older boys as well. We had another late night of Uno playing, which I never did win by the way, and I feel like day by day I am becoming more of a big brother to them. One thing I want to be an example of is to always treat girls with respect. There is a huge lack of respect here among the kids. If I can help out even the littlest bit in treating girls with respect, I will be most satisfied.

One of the boys, Juan Carlos, is doing exceptionally well. He, along with the others, has so much potential to become someone in this world, find success, and make a difference. Juan is definitely the most reserved of the older boys, but makes a super good friend for the others. Every once in a while, Juan will show his crazy side, like when us boys beat the girls in volley ball 2 games to 1 and he starts doing his victory dance; or when at the beach, he starts a mud fight out in the water against Cori and I which only ends when we finally leave the beach 3 hours later. The boys got Cori pretty good. I still think she is picking mud out of her hair.

Juan loves to play soccer and surprisingly, he loves learning how to swim. He is one of the few kids that are in swimming lessons that takes it seriously and really wants to learn. He absolutely loves the water!

cute little Emerson! (Mitch at the Aldea)

Another fantastic week here at the Aldea! Things are running along smoother now, as we are all finding our own little niche here and contributing in ways that only we as unique individuals can. English classes are now occurring regularly, but we are still waiting for the computers to be moved into the individual módulos. We really want to start teaching the kids some basic computer skills.

I ate in módulo 8 this week. Mostly girls live there, but there are a couple of little boys, among whom one is Emerson. He still can’t talk yet, but that doesn’t stop him from expressing a little of his personality. He loves being apart of what the older kids are doing. Often after dinner or lunch I would play a dice game with some of the girls and he always wanted to be at the table with us and help gather the dice. He is an incredibly calm boy, but when you can manage to get him laughing, it takes a while for him to stop. On Thursday my módulo went to a special swimming pool in the afternoon outside the Aldea. We had to walk some distance after being dropped off, so I was in charge of carrying him to the pool. He made himself comfortable on top of my shoulders and really enjoyed the ride down to the pool. He is a super good kid.

spunky Luz! (Cori at the Aldea)

This week was yet again packed with so many incredible moments, everyday is such a learning experience, and I continue to feel more and more blessed each day. This week I wanted to highlight Luz Marina.

I actually ate in her same Casa this week, which helped me to get to know her a little bit more. It was one of the first nights eating there and she just made everything so much fun. She was constantly laughing and saying funny things. There was one phrase she kept saying and dancing to, which I continued to laugh with her about, "I love you, I love you, I love you." As she sang this she would shake her hips, and start laughing hysterically. It just made me laugh every time I heard her sing it. I taught her this handshake off of the movie Parent Trap and she learned it so quick and would keep laughing every time we did it. She has so much spunk, it's fun.

The things about Luz is that she is really athletic! She is great at all sorts of things and loves doing it all. I asked her what her favorite things was to do and she listed basically it all. She loves to sing, dance, play sports, is interested in gymnastics too. I had her try a kart wheel, and wow she did an incredible job. It has blown me away how great she did considering it was her first time I think. I honestly think she would be great at gymnastics or something athletic that includes strength. She said she would love doing something like that.

One thing about her too is that she has a very strong personality. . . She is always helping the the Tia around the house cause she is one of the few older ones in the house. I always saw her helping and willing to work hard with anything. She definitely knows how to help and to make others smile and laugh. What an incredible girl she is, and I honestly feel like she will excel in anything that she puts her mind to. I hope to continue to get to know her and continue to learn from her!

my new best friend...Andres (mitch at aldea)

This week was definitely better than last week--no sick interns. With regards to the schedule and all the things we have planned to do each week, we were able to accomplish much. The two large portable swimming pools have been assembled and we have had quite a struggle getting them out to do anything else, especially because it has been so hot this week.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the morning, I get to go with the older children along with one of the other interns to Trujillo. The girls have an athletic class and the boys have a soccer class. Immediately after they all have swimming lessons. Since another intern and I are the only adults that go with them, it is a really good time to bond with them. We aren't allowed to participate in soccer and the athletic class, but those in charge of swimming have allowed us to get in with the kids and do what they are required to do in their lessons as support.

One of the other interns, Bri, is going to highlight a girl named Karla. I just want to say that I am impressed with her athletic ability. She is a natural at long jump and at running--strides ahead of the rest, literally. She has just the right amount of confidence and is a beautiful young lady. She has a lot of potential to succeed in life if given the right opportunities.

My new best friend though would have to be Andrés. He lives in modulo 2 and that is where I was assigned to eat this week, so we saw each other at least three times a day and often many more. He is around 11 years-old and loves to play in the water and play soccer. He has a kind heart, always offering to help me when ever I was doing something, like sweeping or cleaning the pools. A couple of times this week we played a board game called "ludo". I find it interesting that even the most disobedient child wants to do good deep inside. Andrés is far from being super disobedient, but like many others, it is hard to be nice when everyone is fighting for attention all the time. After dinner, I would offer to help clean. Sometimes I would help one of the kids sweep. It was only a couple of days later that Andrés started to offer to help me when ever I was doing something.

With the board game, the kids are ruthless with each other. They will cheat and lie at any opportunity. When we played ludo, I tried to show a little mercy, not knocking off the other player sometimes and helping others out. I kept repeating that I wasn't playing to win, although i don't mind winning, I just liked having fun with them, whether I win or lose. Andrés then starting helping others out and everyone was a lot more calm while we were playing and when someone finally did win, the others didn't freak out like they are accustomed to. As well, when we played soccer, I keep reiterating that I will try my hardest to win, but whether I win or lose, it isn't as important as the fact that we have fun.

I also spent a couple of hours watching a cartoon that modulo #2 love to watch. Andrés, along with the other kids, were so excited to have me join them. Something so neat was when Andrés gave me one of the two identical bracelets he was wearing. We really have become good buds. Hopefully I can be a positive influence for good not only for Andrés, but for others at the Aldea. I think many kids simply need a male figure to look up to.

Here is a picture of Andrés and some friends and I in a little pool they have (this was the only pool we had to swim in until we set up the bigger ones). I promise that is not his middle finger. He kinda looks like a little gangster :)
The other picture is of Karla doing the long jump.

talented Kenny (Shelisa at the Aldea)

Well the week has again flown by again! We got to do many exciting things with the children this week such as teaching them how to swim because most dont know how. We have been teaching them to do some American style dancing, the kids just eat it up and dont want to stop. I love it! We also got to do some manners classes.

While at Dance class this last week a young man Kenny was playing around on the Piano, I dont know much about pianos or even how to truly play, but I was able to show him a few of the things I did know.

He got so happy and wanted to keep learning he just kept on persisting and would not back down. He has such a strong motivation and desire to learn. When he messed up he just kept a good attitude and would go right back to the beginning and start all over again. It was sad because the Piano at the Orphanage is out of tune and some of the keys dont work but that does not stop the children and expecially Kenny from trying to learn. Along with wanting to play the Piano Kenny has a great talent for drawing.

When we were in class teaching about washing hands to not have germs, we had the children draw their hands and Kenny went into such amazing detail. I was truly shocked that he drew with such incredible detail. Kenny also enjoys listening
to music and asks to barrow our ipods from time to time to have a listen. He is such a good kid with a lot of drive and motivation. I could definitely see this kid going places.

A bit about Fredy (Shelisa at Aldea)

Getting to the orphanage I was not sure what to expect, I was blown out of the water at how amazing the children are and how loving they are even to a complete stranger. When our truck pulled up the children came flooding in and they helped us instantly with our bags and carried them to our house. I enjoy and love so many of the children already and it has only been two weeks but they have my heart. The children have been so patient with me and the language barrier. They are also always willing to help out even without being told if they see us doing a chore they jump in and do it for us. I am there to serve them but it does not feel that way they are always serving me with their love and kindness.

The one child that I would like to tell you about today is Fredy, he has stood out to me the most. He is 15 years old, at first he is quiet and does not say much, but really just observes you. He is the father of the orphanage here. He is always setting the example to the children and is very kind to them. When I see a child having a hard time or crying he is there to cheer them up and take care of them. He is always there to help the little ones who get picked on of that just need a friend. He is also a very hard worker with a lot of determination; you can tell just by the way he carries himself and how he works around the orphanage doing his chores. He is now warming up to me, it may have something to do with the fact that we play soccer (football) with them.

I was told a story about him that just made me so happy, it was around Christmas time and he was running around the orphanage yelling "children children…. Come out and play", they created a train of children and played with them that day! He really is like the father of the orphanage. He is also always willing to learn new things. The other day while teaching the younger children to swim he was there watching and learning what we were teaching them.

Alfredo and Ruben (Mitch at the Aldea)

One kid that I have absolutely fallen in love with is 4 year-old (3 or 4, I really don't know exactly) Alfredo. If I was to have a little boy of my own, I would want him to be like this little guy--spunky, happy, funny, strong and super trusting. Every time Alfredo sees me, even if he is 50 feet away, he makes a huge mischievous smile and then starts running full speed straight at me, and right before he reaches me he jumps and for some reason trusts that I will catch him. Sometimes I go looking for the guy just so he will come and jump into my arms--I absolutely love it! He loves sitting on someone's lap and is always curious of what you are doing.

And then there is Ruben. This guy is a little older than Alfredo, but just as much fun. I went to the beach last week with his house and another house and we had an absolutely awesome time together. Along with the help of some of his friends, we were able to bury Ruben completely in the beach, leaving only his head out of the sand. The waves were so good that day and the beach had the perfect steepness that when the waves would break on the shore they could carry a kid 10-15 feet up the sand, not to mention me along with them! Of course Ruben was one of the first to figure this out and it wasn't long till many of the kids all opted to get hammered by these waves and rocketed up the beach. So much fun, and so much fun to watch!

Also at the beach, him and most of the other boys starting playing a game where they would throw a soccer ball into the sea and then wait to catch it as the waves would shoot the ball up on shore. Pretty soon they started asking me to throw the ball out to sea as I could throw it considerably farther than they could. As usual, the ball would eventual make it back to shore and they would scramble to be the first to catch it. The game evolved further to include point values for who ever grabbed the ball first when it finally came back to shore. We would play games up to 500. Ruben is almost fearless and always willing to try new things. If you didn't already figure it out, he loves to swim!