Dear Americanos,
Only two days in, and it’s been a
great run so far!
I watched the sunrise today. It
happens at 6:18 am. Today was a cloudy one though, so the sunrise wasn’t as
evident as usual, but the clouds were a blessing later as it was not over 100
degrees! There are some great sights when we stand on the roof: A girl I
recognized from two years ago, named Monica, had a baby in her arms. When she
saw us and waved, she brought out a pair of strap-on angel wings. Monica put
the angel wings on the baby and flew him around. I’ve never laughed so hard in
my life.
We all have daily chores, yesterday
I cut carrots for dinner and today I swept up everyone’s tortilla chip crumbs.
The sports camp is going great for
me. I have Kayla Trevino at my side…she is the basketball guru and I am merely
a translator. My favorite part of teaching them sports is when my Spanish
doesn’t just sound like blabber to them and they are able to follow through
with the moves we’re teaching.
I’m seeing some familiar faces from
two years ago, but also making other friends. Some people have remembered my
name as well. Mostly, though, the children come up and ask me if I’m Derek’s
sister because he was here last week! After camp I helped teach English to an
older group, ages about 16-21. They wanted to know slang terms, so we exchanged
“what’s up” and “just kidding” and “Mitch is a turd”.
Love, Monica
Today is day three and I already
feel at home again. Being here two years ago has only had me more excited to be
back again for this week. When arriving I was welcomed by the overwhelming
feeling of pure joy and peace from the warm sun, smiling faces, halls filled
with laughter, and the occasional cool breeze. This trip has brought so many
new opportunities that are always exciting to try. Today I was one of the
people in charge of the bible study portion of the sports camp. Knowing little
English, Mackenzie helped translate after I spoke to the group in English. Our
topic was the faith that Joseph had in his life. Together we realized that
having faith does not equal an easy life, but we can use our faith in times of
troubles or temptations. For an activity we made shields of faith. This reminds
the campers to use their shield of faith everyday against evil. On the back of
the shields was the verse Hebrews 11:1 and the front of the shields were
designed with finger painting. The campers had a lot of fun being creative with
that part. Even the older kids got into it and worked on making the painting
appealing. Not only do I get the chance to teach the kids here about the Lord
through the sports camp, but they also teach me things everyday. They teach me
about the Lord as we discuss things in the bible study station, they teach me
how to praise the Lord with all that I am, and they teach me how to appreciate
all that I have. I begin to appreciate more and more after each day that I
spend here. I appreciate the lifestyle I live back home with all the things I
will ever need, supportive family and friends, new opportunities each day, and
most importantly a God that always watches over me. Building and strengthening
relationships here is always important and fulfilling whether it is with the
Dominicans, within the group of us that has traveled here together, or with
God. I miss my family and friends from home very much, but I couldn’t be more
excited to be here for the rest of the week and to take in all the things I can
learn from this place.
Love, Michaela Long
