Thursday, July 12, 2012
2012: Teamwork Takes Time
2012: Dr. Suess is loved world wide!
Returning to Nicaragua for the fourth summer felt like
returning home. It was easy to get back into the swing of things. My first
Nicaraguan moment brought me to tears – all four family members (Leonela’s new
son Josue included) waved at me frantically though the enormous, glass window
that divides the baggage claim from the waiting area. After passing through
customs, my homestay family welcomed me with hugs and tears, as they now
consider me part of the family, and Doña Ivania considers me her “eight child.”
“Eres mi hija Americana….o hija adoptiva!”
Doña Ivania, my homestay mother gushed, as she and my brother and sister
enveloped me in a large group hug. Translated it means, “You are my American
daughter…or adopted daughter.” I
couldn’t feel more at home with them – and I am a tía (aunt)! Josue is 6 weeks
old and couldn’t be cuter. It feels so easy to live day in and day out with
them. I feel lucky to have a home away from home.
After eating, we then proceeded to the library and got to work. We would read another story as a group, discuss the meaning or moral of the story, as well as the characters and the setting. Among the girls’ favorite books were Oh the Places You’ll Go, Green Eggs and Ham, and The Lorax by Dr. Suess. Somehow, Dr. Suesss managed to rhyme many of his phrases in Spanish as well as English. Clever man or whoever translated his books! After reading a read-a-loud each day, Gabi and I then helped each girl pick out appropriate books for their reading levels. The girls easily fell into chairs and immersed themselves into their books. Every day I have been pleased to see the girls so focued. Reading is such a great escape from the everyday world.
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