Thursday, November 24, 2011

Beach Trip!!!

Last weekend was our final Girls’ Group trip. Per the girls' request, we went to the beach and experienced one of the most gorgeous days I’ve ever had at the beach! There weren’t too many people, the waves weren’t too strong, and it was sunny with a slight breeze all day. It was incredible! The girls spent the whole day taking in all the beach had to offer-- rolling in the waves as they crashed on the shore, floating on the boogie boards, sunbathing on the rocks, and even trying to make friends with the Jr. high boys surfing right by us. (Oh yes, we are teenagers now!) We rounded out the day with a stop off at McDonalds for Happy Meals and all the soda they could drink. The last 20 minutes of the ride home I was pretty sure my eardrums were going to explode due to all the giddy hyperness, but thankfully we all made it home safely.

Stopping at the crocodile bridge along the way.




This was one of the favorite activities of the day--sitting on the shore waiting for the waves to crash on them and send them tumbling in the whitewash.


Pamela after being tossed by a wave. (This is one of my favorite pictures from the day)


A brief moment of both Tracey and I sitting on the shore. Lynnea fit right in with the "big girls".


Alicia, Debby, and Shaudin


Sunbathers


Sunbathers after they rolled around in the sand. It took them FOREVER to rinse all that sand off, but they had fun!


Our gorgeous beach!


It was a great day with lots of fun memories made that we will continue to share, even from a distance.

Graduation!!!

On Tuesday we celebrated 9 of our students graduating from 6th grade with a special lunch in the SI office. We briefly contemplated making homemade pizzas, but quickly decided they would appreciate Pizza Hut just as much, if not more.

Graduating from 6th grade is quite an accomplishment. For some of these kids, they already have significantly more schooling than either of their parents. And everyone of them is already in rolled for high school starting in February. ( We don’t have jr. high here, just elementary school and then high school) I’m so proud of these kids and all of their hard work. Some of them I’ve been working with since they were in 4th grade and it is INCREDIBLE to see how far they’ve come!!!



(L to R) Carlos, Estefani, Cata, Genesis, Yurly, Debby, Shaudin. And yes, this is the best picture we got of the whole event.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Sharing Life

How do you tell the community you’ve worked with for almost 3 years, that it’s come time for you to leave? Even the word “leave” sounds so harsh. Last Friday I sat in circle with my girls needing to do just that.

They were being rambunctious young teenagers as usual, but my heart was heavy with what I knew I had to share with them. Once they all calmed down a bit, we went around the circle sharing our favorite part of Girls Group. I was completely caught of guard by their responses. It wasn’t the trips to the beach or waterfalls. It wasn’t all the crafts and fun projects we done. It wasn’t even the baking (though many did mention the importance of chocolate in all our gatherings). For every single one of them, their favorite aspect of Girls’ Group was having a place to come and hangout, make new friends, talk about what’s going on in their lives, and really be listened too. One of the biggest complaints I hear from my girls, is that no one really listens to them, except for at Girls’ Group. They understand their moms are really busy working hard to take care of their families, but they just want to be heard, to know that their feelings matter, and to have the support of an adult they trust.

As I reflected on the girls’ responses, I was reminded that the most valuable resource we have is time. And taking the time to sit with someone and really listen to them, is often much more “effective” than just coming in with a well designed program or a slew of expertise. Yes, the girls have learned a lot through the programing we’ve done in Girls’ Group and they LOVE all of the outings. But at the end of our season together, I know the piece that has made the most impact and encouraged the most growth in these girls, is taking the time to sit, hear their stories, laugh and cry with them, sing Alicia Keys and Avril Lavigne at the top of our lungs, and occasionally use direct conversations to give them the guidance they need. In short, taking the time to really invest in their lives and be a steady presence they know they can count on. To me, this what I think of when the Bible talks about sharing our lives and discipling others.

Even though I feel heart-broken over leaving my girls, I know that they will be okay. God knew about this transition long before I did and had the next team warming up. The girls already love Tracey and they had a great time with Rose at the Waterfall gardens. I know once Tara is here, they’ll be excited to hangout with her too.

On Friday, we cried together a lot. But we also laughed too, and spent a long time recalling all the great memories we’ve shared. At the end of the day we agreed to make the most of these last few weeks we have together and make as many great memories as we can! (And eat as much chocolate as possible)

In these last few weeks, I don't want to be rushed or selfish with my time. I want to be conscious of those around me and really appreciate what we have to share. I know I won't be ready to leave in a month and don't want to miss a moment between now and then.


Sharing Chocolate Gravy for breakfast with my mom and Tracey

Monday, November 14, 2011

Helpers

In the Tutoring Center we are always looking for quality helpers. We know all students benefit from one-on-one attentions, and we have several students who really need it. These last two months we were blessed to have two students from Nyack University join us daily in the Center as part of their study abroad internship. It was so great to have two more patient and creative helpers with us!!! Plus, it was a great chance for them to practice their Spanish.

Lani and Daniela


Jenny and Allison


During their last week here, we even had the opportunity to go to the International Latin American Film Festival in the oldest movie theater in Costa Rica. A special treat for all of us!



Thanks Lani and Jenny for being a part of the Tutoring Center. We miss you!