And the subject of this writing is a team! Yep! We had our first team of the year back in early March. It was a team comprised of a group from the Intervarsity chapter at James Madison University in Virginia, a group from Jupiter Christian High school in Jupiter, Florida and one individual. It was quite a mix, but a good one at that! I had a group of 5 amazing girls at my site (2 from Jupiter and 3 from JMU). They all did amazingly at jumping in with all the various activities we did: they not only braved my aerobics class, but were a fun and encouraging addition, in helping to count down and providing more "models/examples" for the others to follow. They quickly befriended kids and took initiative in helping them with homework or activities. They enthusiastically helped pick up a bunch of nasty trash in a field where we play sports with the kids and then proceeded to put forth their best efforts in a soccer game against kids probably half most of our ages and twice as good---with a few exceptions to some star athletes* They helped herd kids as we hiked up a mountain to the kids' favorite cell tower destination. And they didn't even complain. Not when we had to take just about every form of transportation, sometimes resulting in a 1 1/2-2 hour bus ride, because our car was in the shop (such is life here). They didn't complain when they got pretty lobster fried after playing in the blazing sun with the kids or when the families we visited went on long speaking bouts without pausing for a chance to translate. Basically, they were amazing and an incredible support and encouragement to me. They just did really well over all =)
So, also, just to give you a little update on Las Fuentes, things have been going pretty well. Kids aren't super consistent in coming to tutoring/after school activities, but there have been quite a variety of kids that have come. Having teams come seems to help the kids become more aware of the continual activities we provide there on a weekly basis, though.
There is a core group of women that have been faithful participants in the aerobics class, which is exciting! With the exception of one class, in which we had around 25 participants, these 4 or so women have been super enthusiastic in their attendance. We are currently working on perfecting our grapevine, while raising the arms up and down and throwing a knee lift in there. Along with some other pretty amazing moves and resistance band exercises. They seem to love it. =)
Below are some pictures from when the team was here. please enjoy:
This is the field, or the "Play Azul" where we picked up trash and then played sports and provide some outdoor fun time with the kids.
The girls from Jupiter and JMU with the kids on our hike up to the cell tower.
Me with the amazing girls of the social services site.
l-r: Laura, Lacy, myself, Renee, Francesca and Amber
