I’ve been teaching Madre Patti English using Postsecrets. After this morning’s lesson, where she learned how to properly pronounce “Kiss my Ass”, we both decided that we should use the word “wonderful” more often. So I’ll begin here…
I had a wonderful afternoon with the girls yesterday. When I came over to help with homework, I found that a few of the primerias were studying sexual reproduction. They were in the middle of drawing male anatomy and then needed to identify various structures by filling them in with clay. They asked for my help and I spent the next hour or so helping them identify parts of the male sexual organ. It was weird.
Afterwards I pulled out some of the new books and enjoyed watching the girls with them. Some read to themselves. Some read to the little ones. Most like to read in groups. I’ll write more of the books, book fair, and reading in another post.
The big news of the day, was that it was Dani’s birthday. Dani is a very special girl who holds great promise. She’s the strong, silent type. And she loves to read. The girls and madres celebrated with cake and singing. I told Dani for her birthday, her fairygodmother had sent her a sponsor… a kind and generous woman who will watch over Dani’s progress in school. Dani was so happy. This means a lot to a girl, especially one like her who takes school seriously.
Later in the evening, Danelli, another girl, showed me her Zac Efron file and then quizzed me on many Hollywood personalities and what I thought of them. Paris Hilton. Beyonce. The Jonas Brothers, and so forth. Other girls sat and listened. I combed their hair, helped them with their homework, and told them the English word for the Spanish word they wanted to learn in English.
After awhile, Madre Lourdes came and held a raffle. The winner recieved a framed Infant of Prague. I noticed the silver frame read an alternating MOM and then DAD on the sides. Madre Lourdes also talked about gratitude and why it’s so important. The girls listened to her, spellbound. I did too. She teaches them so many things, and in such a lovely manner. Madre Lourdes told the girls she was going to start recognizing excellent behavior by awarding a primeria and secundaria girl every month with a prize. She gave out new, packaged pajamas to this month’s winners.
It was getting late and the sun had long gone down. Some of the girls were rollerblading outside in their pajamas. Others were sitting in a circle around Madre Lourdes playing guitar. There was a feeling of community and contentedness. Most importantly, I guess, was this warm understanding of belonging. Even though the madres and the girls lack many things, there is abundant love at Buen Pastor. It’s wonderful.
[…] ended the evening hanging sheets with Dani and then giving Madre Patti her English lesson. Walking home I thought it’s been another big, […]