First Impressions

The last week or so has been pretty straight-forward with nothing much to report. I finished at language school happy with the time spent there and promptly went down with a cold. So it was a bit annoying to be at a 50th birthday on Sunday and have lost my taste completely. All that cake wasted! Thankfully it hasn't slowed me down too much, thanks for all the prayers everyone. God is good!

After much trepidation I started at Un Rincón de Alegría today. I can't say I'm happy about the 6am start but I need about an hour and half to cross this great big city. This first week I think will be an experiment in the best way to get there. Today's bus, train, taxi, walk was all a bit much and we think it can be done simpler and cheaper. My first impressions of Renca (the suburb) are that it's not as bad as I was expecting. There definitely aren't heaps of homeless people and the houses aren't what I'd call slums. Yes, it's dirtier and there's more rubbish and the standard of housing is lower but it isn't the crazy poor, dangerous looking place I was expecting - which was a good start. However, it's always a little disconcerting to arrive at a place and discover that it's surrounded by high walls with barbed wire coils along the top and barred windows. But I guess that's the reality of protecting your buildings and the kids.

I arrived in time for breakfast and I can't say I objected to a second breakfast of porridge! Always good to stay topped up, I never know when the next eating time is. I was first of all blown away by the noise and this was probably the most overwhelming factor during the day. The kids just never shut-up! There's always someone talking, or giggling, or shouting, or crying. Even when they have been asked for silencio! I spent the morning observing the class of 3 and 4 year olds. There are 25 of them and two teachers which seems to work quite well but it is a constant battle for their attention. I probably derailed things too because all the kids want to stare at me and have the opportunity to come and talk to me. All the girls want to climb into my lap and everyone wants to stroke my skin. Most common questions: "Why are your eyes blue?" "What are the brown spots on your face?" "Why do you live so far away?" "Why don't you speak good Spanish?"

I tried to help where I could when they were doing activities and in keeping kids focused. My imperatives are going to be super good by the time I finish here! I've got "Sit down!" "Stop that!" and "Don't do that!" down really good in just one day. It is a little tricky learning their rules and earning the kids' respect but I think that will come with time. I also helped in the kitchen getting ready for lunch and then cleaning up afterwards before returning to the classroom for the afternoon. We finished at 4 and I was home about 6 and ready to fall into bed.

The kids are a really interesting bunch. Incredibly cute (most of them) with some really strong personalities in the class. I'd say about 5 real trouble-makers (1 girl) and the rest are just normal small children with limited attention spans being expected to sit at desks for extended periods of time. We also had one poor wee girl who cried for her mother basically the entire day without stopping. I thought she'd be exhausted and stop  but no, she just kept going!

No photos sorry guys but I think it's best if I get to know the place I bit before I walk in with a camera like a tourist.