Usually on mission trips, I'm running around like a chicken with its head chopped off making sure everyone is ok, has something to do, is on course, etc. However, while I love them both, taking college-aged students on a missions trip is a little different than middle school students. I found that I had more time just to "be" vs. "do". So, on Friday, while I did some checking up to make sure everyone was ok, for the most part I hung out with Juanita, my little eating machine (she loves candy). She didn't like to swim like everyone else, so we hung out under the Palapa playing with crayons, playdough, necklaces, balloons and everything else under the sun. She stole my heart. I truly miss her.
4 comments:
If you need a replacement child, I have a couple I could loan you. ;o)
She sounds like a sweetheart.
Maybe you could consider feeding these kids a healthier option than candy. Granola bars are always good.
The worst thing about weaterners visiting other countries is that we tend to take our lousy eating habits with us and spread them to others.
I'm glad your trip went well.
I had the opportunity last weekend to perform in the first ever South Bend Monologues, womens' stories, written and performed by local women. Before that, it was the Michiana Monologues at IUSB. It was a great ride and we raised thousands of dollars for the YWCA and SOS of Madison Center.
I also stole your "lean in and listen" line for my bio. Thanks for that line. It rocks! And, if I haven't told you lately, so do you!
I don't know how you keep up your schedule. I'm wiped out. Tonight is Take Back the Night, a walk for awareness about sexual assault and Sundy is the Aids Walk. I better find some energy quick. LOL.
Rhonda
Great insight ... while she "loves" candy we stuck with chicken and refried beans for the most part. However, she's a typical kid, if she could replace them with candy she would ... that can through despite the language barrier.
I'm glad I can say that every mission trip we've ever been apart of, we adapt to their eating styles when in their environment ... it's just something we have always done. Never really thought otherwise.
Judy,
My friend, you are awesome. The part that sticks out to me and thus worth mentioning is how you gravitated to the one not like "everyone else." I'm glad for people who have the sensitivity to stay with the Juanita(s) under the shade of a palapa. I pray one day my little girl has someone who will hang with her playing with crayons, playdough, necklaces, balloons and everything else under the sun.
Excuse me while I try to get a picture of you eating chicken and refried beans. LOL. j/k
I'm glad to hear that you try to adapt to their eating. I wasn't just thinking about you but I always cringe a bit when I hear of our soldiers passing out candy to the kids. Egad! This is America and we should do better by kids. Then again, people think I'm a bit of a food nazi and they may have a point there. LOL.
I'm glad you found that little girl. She sounds like my kind of kid, a bit different from the rest. I like that in anyone. It was good you could be there for her.
It's not that I'm exceedingly insightful. I'm just like the little girl, a bit different(Yeah, just a bit, LOL) and I think one of my greatest strengths (and at times what annoys people the most about me) is that I usually bring a perspective that most people don't have to the table.
Great work making a difference. In the end, that's what really matters. I'm proud of ya!
Now, my only question is have you rescued that dog that was clinging to the side of the house? ;o)
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