DAY 11 Sunday May 24:

Beth…

Today was our day off from traveling and teaching, and went quite smoothly J We had an early breakfast kindly dropped off for us by Belkis, a sweet 16 year old girl with maturity beyond her age who teaches at the Christian school we have been teaching in.

After quickly finishing up breakfast, we had to work quickly to get the soccer, basketball and volleyballs together to give to the church. Our little friends Alminton and Ronal were there to help us as usual, and once we got everything together, they (rather unsuccessfully) helped us carry our large bag partway up the massive hill we have to climb to get to school every day. About 1/3 of the way up the hill, the pastor and another friend passed us on their motorcycles. His friend was kind enough to put our large bag on the back and take it to the church for us. In similar kindness, the pastor offered to give us a ride up as well. Funny story, that didn’t go so well. We both got on the back of the bike, and well, I would just like to argue that bikes should have listed weight limits as referance, just like elevators do, to prevent embarrassing situations like ours. We both hopped on the bike, ready to go, when it proceeded to go not forwards, but backwards down the hill. Looks like those beans and rice were finally catching up to us. WOW. Embarrasing. Can’t really defend myself in any way on that one. *sigh* Instead, Ronal and Alminton went on the bike, and proceeded to go up the hill with the pastor without problem. We walked.

Once we actually made it to the top, we were greeted by a large groups of kids, and explained where we were able to get everything we were donating to them. Because we only had one pump, we hung out with everyone while taking turns pumping up each ball. It was quite relaxing to just chill and talk with everyone. Once all the balls were pumped, we took pictures to take back with us to the school, and most people left. However, several of the little children stayed, and we played volleyball and kicked the soccer balls around. Kate began spinning Alminton, and soon all the kids wanted a turn. I decided it would be funny to try to get them to run and sit down in a chair right afterwards. I was right J they often fell from dizziness before making it to the chairs. Very funny J

For lunch, provided once again by Belquis, we ate a type of black tuna that has dark meat which resembles beef in appearance and is very tasty. We decided that for dessert, we were going to give Ronal’s family a little taste of an American favorite-SMORES! Yay! Let’s just say that they were a hit. I’m pretty sure Alminton had like 8 of them. Nommy!

Our next big activity was church, where we needed to prepare a song to sing. Yikes!

We dreaded the possibility of having to sing an English song in front of the entire church since the Sunday before, when the pastor asked us to do it. What gave him the idea that we could sing?! Oh boy. When the moment finally came, we took Kates computer to the front, played the lyrics in a powerpoint slideshow, and just went for it. Probably one of the most difficult things I have had to do in a long time, and considering I just took organic chemistry this past year, I like to think that makes it kinda a big deal. Overall, considering neither one of us are singers, I would say we did pretty well. Afterward, the pastor gave us a too gracious thank you and small gifts to show his and the church’s appreciation. It was so sweet I almost cried. I am going to miss these people so much, I can’t express the gratitude I have for all of the love that everyone has given Kate and I.

A day full of a wonderful mix of happiness and sadness of leaving soon.