Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Have some old/outgrown sandals??
Hi there! A few people have emailed me about sending toys here for the kids. While this is extremely kind, logistically it just isn't very convenient. I will, however, be collecting sandals and flip flops when I visit in December. Please save any/all that your kids have outgrown. The boys in my seccion are ages 6-8, but will wear anything they get. THANK YOU!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Happy Friday! It is my weekend off, so I am very excited to get away for a little bit and rest! I wanted to share this article with you, it's about the EDGE program I am running here:
http://www.nph.org/ws/page.php?path=news/archive/2010/mexico/Edge.php&lang=en
I haven't gotten around to making the slideshow yet, so here are two of the cutest kids in Mexico to make up for it :) I'll write again soon, have a great weekend!!
http://www.nph.org/ws/page.php?path=news/archive/2010/mexico/Edge.php&lang=en
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Hello, Hello, Hello!
Long time no post, I know. I am so sorry! There has been soooo much going on around here and I keep thinking about posting, but inevitably put it off. Anyway, I am determined to start writing more often, I promise.
Like I said, a lot has happened in the last month, here is a rundown:
Dia de Indepencia- Huge celebration in honor of Mexico's independence from Spain. The kids put on a parade in the pueblo, had special meals, early dismissal at school, and a big dance at night. It was lots of fun and the kids loved it!
LifeTeen/EDGE: My youth group has been quite an adventure thus far. Two weeks after the kickoff I had the first "EDGE Night". I decided to alternate weeks with girls and boys, but after NO boys showed up, I made every Wednesday open to anyone/everyone.
The girls I am working with have to run every afternoon. If they choose to come to EDGE Group however, they don't have to run that day. (Not an issue with the boys, as they don't have to run.) This is both good and bad, because I am of course getting some kids that just want to get out of running. I figure that's okay, and that hopefully something they hear, see or sing will plant a seed within them.
I am SO grateful for the help from the fellow volunteers, Kelly and Michael, who provide music every week! My not so loud voice, combined with my not so great Spanish= teenagers that don't listen! Imagine that! A few weeks ago I did a survey to find out what the kids wanted out of this group. The results were pretty surprising. Here they are:
1) What is your favorite form of prayer:
Singing (19)
Rosary (4)
Scripture (5)
Eucharistic Adoration (1)
Mass (11!!)
2) Is there something specific you would like to learn about this year? What kind of activities interest you?
(These answers varied greatly- a lot of them just said "games, songs, activities" but here are a few that really struck me:
I would like to learn:
-About the death and resurrection of Jesus
-Who made Jesus our Lord
-The values of the bible
-How to have hope and confidence in the Lord.
Whew, so whenever I get discouraged by the kids that don't really want to be at the group, I just think back to these answers and remember these kids are in the room, too.
Trip Home: Like I mentioned in my previous post, I made a quick trip home last month. I tell ya, that was exactly what I needed. It was sooo good to see my family. I miss them a ton! My mom made the first apple pie of the season while I was there, and spoiled me with all sorts of food. I will be back in December (I fly home Christmas Day) and I'll be there for about 2 weeks, so I hope to see as many of you as possible!
English Classes: I think I mentioned in another post that the volunteers run an English program for the kids. It has proved to be quite the experience, and let me tell you, I have even MORE respect for teachers than I did before. Whew. That is NOT easy. I teach middle schoolers, so keeping their attention (and mouths shut) is the hardest part.
Chico's: I am loving my little guys more and more every day. They are such incredible kids. I have a special bond with each and every one of them (even the one that didn't like me in the beginning, woohoo!) Being there when they wake up and/or go to sleep is honestly a really cool thing. I feel honored to have this role in their lives.
Well, to those of you that made it to the end of this very long post...Thank You :) Please, please, please keep the prayers coming! They are needed! I miss you guys and love you LOTS!
From Mexico,
Tere
P.S. I'm trying to figure out how to post a slideshow of pictures, so check back soon!
Long time no post, I know. I am so sorry! There has been soooo much going on around here and I keep thinking about posting, but inevitably put it off. Anyway, I am determined to start writing more often, I promise.
Like I said, a lot has happened in the last month, here is a rundown:
Dia de Indepencia- Huge celebration in honor of Mexico's independence from Spain. The kids put on a parade in the pueblo, had special meals, early dismissal at school, and a big dance at night. It was lots of fun and the kids loved it!
LifeTeen/EDGE: My youth group has been quite an adventure thus far. Two weeks after the kickoff I had the first "EDGE Night". I decided to alternate weeks with girls and boys, but after NO boys showed up, I made every Wednesday open to anyone/everyone.
The girls I am working with have to run every afternoon. If they choose to come to EDGE Group however, they don't have to run that day. (Not an issue with the boys, as they don't have to run.) This is both good and bad, because I am of course getting some kids that just want to get out of running. I figure that's okay, and that hopefully something they hear, see or sing will plant a seed within them.
I am SO grateful for the help from the fellow volunteers, Kelly and Michael, who provide music every week! My not so loud voice, combined with my not so great Spanish= teenagers that don't listen! Imagine that! A few weeks ago I did a survey to find out what the kids wanted out of this group. The results were pretty surprising. Here they are:
1) What is your favorite form of prayer:
Singing (19)
Rosary (4)
Scripture (5)
Eucharistic Adoration (1)
Mass (11!!)
2) Is there something specific you would like to learn about this year? What kind of activities interest you?
(These answers varied greatly- a lot of them just said "games, songs, activities" but here are a few that really struck me:
I would like to learn:
-About the death and resurrection of Jesus
-Who made Jesus our Lord
-The values of the bible
-How to have hope and confidence in the Lord.
Whew, so whenever I get discouraged by the kids that don't really want to be at the group, I just think back to these answers and remember these kids are in the room, too.
Trip Home: Like I mentioned in my previous post, I made a quick trip home last month. I tell ya, that was exactly what I needed. It was sooo good to see my family. I miss them a ton! My mom made the first apple pie of the season while I was there, and spoiled me with all sorts of food. I will be back in December (I fly home Christmas Day) and I'll be there for about 2 weeks, so I hope to see as many of you as possible!
English Classes: I think I mentioned in another post that the volunteers run an English program for the kids. It has proved to be quite the experience, and let me tell you, I have even MORE respect for teachers than I did before. Whew. That is NOT easy. I teach middle schoolers, so keeping their attention (and mouths shut) is the hardest part.
Chico's: I am loving my little guys more and more every day. They are such incredible kids. I have a special bond with each and every one of them (even the one that didn't like me in the beginning, woohoo!) Being there when they wake up and/or go to sleep is honestly a really cool thing. I feel honored to have this role in their lives.
Well, to those of you that made it to the end of this very long post...Thank You :) Please, please, please keep the prayers coming! They are needed! I miss you guys and love you LOTS!
From Mexico,
Tere
P.S. I'm trying to figure out how to post a slideshow of pictures, so check back soon!
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