An afternoon with the students of PA

Thursday, January 29, 2009

We’re on the bus at 8:15 this morning for a visit to a school for mentally handicapped children. We spread out our selection of clothes and help the teachers find four pieces of clothing for the children they are in charge of.
It’s sad to see so many little children with their handicaps, but most of the seem to be happy. We consider ourselves very fortunate that we have healthy children.

Each child also gets to take a book. Their reading level is limited so most books are pictures books with few words.
Before we drive to El Chamal, the archeological site, We stop for a fruit shake. It’s a very hot day and the drinks are cool and refreshing.
The ruins of El Chamal were discovered around 1945 and date back t0 1100 AD. We read about the lives of the people who lived here and find it very fascinating how they managed to live off the crops with little resources.

When we drive back to Cofradia for lunch I notice Joe is not there. I knew he was not feeling well, but did not realize he had been in bed the last few days. We really miss him. What he thought, was a cold, turns out to be a virus. I start taking strong doses of Vitamin C and Echinacea, because my throat has been feeling raspy. I definitely do not want to spend time in bed.

This afternoon, the Home Work Club Students arrive. They introduce themselves, tell us what grade they’re in and what their interest are. These students all have sponsors through Project Amigo and write their sponsors at least once a month.
They are also required to do community service in exchange for the gift of education to them.
In order to qualify for a continuous sponsorship, they need to maintain their grades.
Some students have high ambitions and study anything from accounting to computer science or chemical engineering.

We’re divided into groups and talk with the students about their interests, they, in turn ask us questions about our countries and life there.
The Junior High School students join us and walk us to their home. My group is assigned to Alverina, a cute 12 year old with a beautiful smile. She lives with her Mom, Dad, Grandmother and two siblings in a tiny house in desperate need of some paint. We have a lively conversation and I am happy, that there is no one else who speaks Spanish well enough to translate. It’s good practice for me and I feel pretty confident.

Tonight A grou of about ten is going to the Colima Rotary Club again for their weekly meeting. It’s been a long day and I rather not go, but I need to keep up my attendance.
I nap before we go, nap again in the bus and on the way back.
I think I caught Joe’s cold and feel rather dragged down.