DAY 5: CLASSROOMS, HOME VISITS, & THE BIG GAME

Tess

I stayed at the Center with one half of the group and helped the third graders with computer class, taught math, and played with the kids on the playground. The kids took turns riding on our shoulders as we ran around the playground and everyone had a great time. The more fluent of the RJ group helped with 5th grade and made great connections. We then had lunch with the kids as usual and prepared for the big soccer game we were told about all week. We all walked up the hill prepared for likely defeat. Although the beginning of the game started off rough with the soccer team beating us 2-0. But we were able to score in the first half and bring it to 2-1. The second half was intense as we had so many close shots. We played well and almost brought it to a tie but the time ran out. Although we didn't quite bring it to a tie we did better than anticipated and had so much fun. We then dispersed with some playing more soccer and others resting and playing games. We ended the night with dinner all together and shared our gratitudes for the day.

Patrick 

I went with the other half of the group and visited the same three families that the other group visited on Tuesday. All of the families we visited were incredibly welcoming and open about sharing their experience with the center. It was very emotional listening to the stories especially when the mom of the family in the first house was crying while explaining how their house collapsed on them at three in the morning two months ago. One of the families had a daughter who owned a beauty salon and she explained that she started learning the trade while going to school at the center. The family was very kind and offered all of us delicious bananas. The third family had just recently moved from a coastal town because they were forced out because of gang violence. There we met Luigi, who was about our age, was the family's cousin and talked in English and Spanish about what he likes and it was similar to our hobbies and interests. In the afternoon we played a great game in soccer and barely lost 2-1. We would have scored more but their goalies were amazing.  

Braeden

I was in the group who went on home visits on Tuesday. So we were assigned to help the 2nd through 5th graders. Thus, on this wonderful Thursday I received the opportunity to be a teacher's assistant to the 2nd grade class. Leading up to the teaching I was audibled by Mr. Beyer to go from 4th grade to 2nd grade because I was and I quote “more suited for a 2nd grade environment rather than a 4th grade one.” This turned out to be a blessing as the second me, Ryan, and Anna walked into the classroom we were engulfed by the little second graders hugs. The second graders were learning their colors in English today so I got the opportunity to yell green at the kids as they yelled green back. Then we ran out to recess where the 2nd graders wanted to race me. After that as Tess said above the kids found out we were willing to give them rides on their shoulders so I had a multitude of kids running and shouting for their next turn. After recess, me, Ryan, and Anna returned and continued to help the kids learn their colors. Then we helped clean the bodega here in Ecuador by going through their donations and then sorting the donated desks. Afterwards we had lunch with the kids and all my second graders yelled “ Profe, Profe.” Finally we went to the pitch and tore it up with the b team of the Center. Overall it was a very impactful day as the joy I saw at the school coming from these awful situations is one of the most eye opening experiences I have ever experienced.