March 12th, 2010

Quote of the day: Releasing my grip on what should be, opens my hands and my heart.

The day began early with June and Sara off for their usual morning walk. After breakfast we were off to CDLN where we had our morning meeting. We reviewed our team goals and were all in agreement that we were meeting them. Then, the reading of the daily journal, followed by a Spanish lesson with Myrian. We then headed off to our respective houses, Barbara and I to San Martin,wondering what today's tasks would be. I was warmly welcomed back by Jose and Guerimilla, who had been very concerned about me. I was given the now easy task of covering books. I have worked out a system and can now complete each book in less than 10 minutes. Yeah!! Barbara continued her job of painting the undercoat on the cement wall and finished it!! Yeah, again!

Barbara and I cleaned up and washed the dishes, then off to the lunchroom to set up for the boys' lunch. After eating the boys we retreated to a special dessert - donuts and cola - donated by Dunkin Donuts and Maltin. What a surprise - the boys were so excited! Cleanup and dishes followed, then off to San Martin, where we had another big surprise. Since it was Friday the boys were not required to do their homework, although could if they so chose. Barbara and I were able to play and interact with the boys - a first for us! I was sent over to the office to select some games and asked Alajandro to accompany me. We chose several, but Uno, cards and Tumbling Towers were the favorites. But the most popular was Barbara's cellphone which had several games. The boys nearly smothered her in their attempts to try the games. I played Uno and Towers with several boys, but never won at either. Some boys chose to do their homework. It was a wonderful afternoon - especially having a chance to spend time with the boys! Then back to the hotel, with Juanita's husband as the driver. Friday rush hour is more like Friday gridlock, but we finally made it home.

Dinner was a special treat. It was at a nearby local restaurant called Junius, which featured a buffet and a unique folklore show with a variety of dances and music. The costumes were amazing, the musicians and dancers extremely talented. It was a treat towatch them - especially their unbelievable dance steps, so intricate and almost exhausting to watch. Jessica was the hit at our table - several dancers singled her out and finally led her to the stage to join in dance. There also is a priceless picture of Sara when she was surprised by a "devil" dancer! The show ended with pictures of all of us with the dancers. Then we took taxis back to the hotel.

What a wonderful TGIF!! and finally to bed - June and I plan to sleep in, but Sara, Barbara and Jessica are off at 4:00 a.m. for Nazca and will spend the weekend visiting several sites and most especially a flight over the magical Nazca Lines. I do hope they manage to get some sleep on the way there! It will be a wonderful treat for them, just not the departure time!

- June