The last days are always hectic, but they usually turn out to be amazing with God's blessing. I awoke early to ensure I had all my materials together in my backpack. I stopped by the office to meet with Mrs. Francis to print a few things. She asked me what I had planned for the day and stood so proud in front of me.
If I ever doubt people's belief in me, I can always think back to certain people. Mrs. Francis being one of many people.
From our conversations to watching my conversations with others or witnessing my time with the kids-her whole face radiated in appreciation and respect towards me.. She believed in me. The smile that a proud parent would have, the smile of confirmation, the smile I was doing something right, the smile of satisfaction in my efforts and performance. But most importantly, the smile saying, "Thanks for being you."
Overtime, I had saved my sympathy cries up until this exact moment. It was the last day, which meant more food than just a snack. As I told her about my plans, I made it clear that I wanted the day to be special and I had to reward the good behavior that was present. I was using my cuteness and charm to drive home the importance of "special." Of course her response involved not having time or enough notice, which was an understandable fact. Unfortunately, I did not ask her earlier because I just decided to not ask anymore after previous attempts.
I don't believe in begging for something, but I do believe in using my personality and character to get what I want. Just demonstrating such a care for these kids and showing heart helped me get it.
"It would be so nice if we could just have one of those amazing cakes that the kitchen makes cut up into small pieces." Pris
"Or whatever fruit you have left in the kitchen, we could make a fruit salad." Pris
"Okay, okay Priscilla. How about I see what I can get and I stop by when you finish up?" Mrs. Francis
"Okay, sounds great." Priscilla
I hopped on the bike and went on my way. I couldn't wait to see all the kids from the week as I had told them their behavior is based off rewards and they receive big rewards on Friday, which was TRUE. We had balloons, goodie bags, gift certificates, and games they requested. It was our day to review what we learned, have fun, and celebrate.
The kids were loving the activities especially the scavenger hunt. The best part was them finding the last item at the same time. One younger boy was riding fast on his bike and the older girl was running towards me with her braids swinging in the air. They were both coming from opposite sides of the neighborhood and here I stood at a bridge in the middle. The bridge joined them together despite their differences. The girl ended up winning and she said she never won anything. They were thrilled and I was thrilled for them-lots of high fives and encouraging each other to congratulate their team member on a positive contribution.
It was great that even the new kids were participating. It just goes to show how positive energy, teamwork, support, and caring can encourage participation. Well, it's so much more, but that's experience that you build overtime.
Another Arts and Crafts activities involved Arts and Crafts making cross necklaces. The boys finished their map of Mahogany Heights and they were so proud. They had so many disagreements, but they were encouraged to stick together and they did....they did.
Throughout our activities kids were giving me big hugs, smiles, and thanking me for coming to work with them. It was so interesting how respectful these kids were to me as it was a part of their community to respect adults. They were always helpers and not always following the rules, not always listening perfectly, but they never will. They are kids and they make mistakes-it is up to us to respect them, give them space, and count their steps of positive change whether almost invisible or wonderful. PRIS
It was time for our snacks. It turns out we had chips and one of our volunteers bought cookies.
This volunteer came in Day 1 with no smile on her face and looked like she was just trying to do a good deed. As camp went by, she warmed up to me, she opened up, she danced, she laughed, and then she made cookies. She spent over 2 hours using a unconventional stove and she made them. That's what happens when you become a part of a "good feeling." It spreads like wildfire and you want to help, participate, contribute, and be present.
Since I had made purchases for the program. I was specifically told to not purchase anything and I followed the request. I was clearly doing enough as I was crazy busy the whole time. Sometimes I wonder if I took a test and I would account for 2 people productivity. The "new" kids on the last day(ironic statement) were running around outside so I had to reign them inside. It was such a zoo as it usually is the last day.
While serving the cookies, I looked up to see Mrs. Francis looking classy and beautiful. She asked for some assistance to the car and I sent out our older helpers. A few moments later in they came with two trays. I ran over to open one up and I opened it to see two big, chocolate cakes with vanilla icing....cut up into small pieces.
Oh the detail and how the how happy the kids were-I did not cry rather my heart was just filled with appreciation.
On the last minute, she did this for me and for the kids-it was so special. The kids all had a piece and a second piece. They stood around the cake staring at it and pushing to get another piece.
I told her, "Thank you." and "Thank you" and "Thank you." She knew how much it meant to me and for someone to care about that-that's beautiful.
It was time for ending and we sang a song and handed out certificates. I had individuals motivational talks with the older kids and we had hugs galore. The volunteers were so kind in their words and their hard work in the camp. One is a teacher and the other has a daughter in the camp. It couldn't of happened without them.
The hardest part was the last walk through the neighborhood. It was a walk I took with Mrs. R as I was taking her to dinner. It almost didn't happen as we sat in her house I helped her start an email. We were waiting for her husband to come back so he could watch the kids. It was getting late, but he came in the nick of time.
We walked along the dirt road and our crazy taxi driver friend pulls up beside us.
"You girls aren't going to walk all the way over there, hop in."
And off we went to "Cheers" where everybody knows your name and their always glad you came
If I ever doubt people's belief in me, I can always think back to certain people. Mrs. Francis being one of many people.
From our conversations to watching my conversations with others or witnessing my time with the kids-her whole face radiated in appreciation and respect towards me.. She believed in me. The smile that a proud parent would have, the smile of confirmation, the smile I was doing something right, the smile of satisfaction in my efforts and performance. But most importantly, the smile saying, "Thanks for being you."
Overtime, I had saved my sympathy cries up until this exact moment. It was the last day, which meant more food than just a snack. As I told her about my plans, I made it clear that I wanted the day to be special and I had to reward the good behavior that was present. I was using my cuteness and charm to drive home the importance of "special." Of course her response involved not having time or enough notice, which was an understandable fact. Unfortunately, I did not ask her earlier because I just decided to not ask anymore after previous attempts.
I don't believe in begging for something, but I do believe in using my personality and character to get what I want. Just demonstrating such a care for these kids and showing heart helped me get it.
"It would be so nice if we could just have one of those amazing cakes that the kitchen makes cut up into small pieces." Pris
"Or whatever fruit you have left in the kitchen, we could make a fruit salad." Pris
"Okay, okay Priscilla. How about I see what I can get and I stop by when you finish up?" Mrs. Francis
"Okay, sounds great." Priscilla
I hopped on the bike and went on my way. I couldn't wait to see all the kids from the week as I had told them their behavior is based off rewards and they receive big rewards on Friday, which was TRUE. We had balloons, goodie bags, gift certificates, and games they requested. It was our day to review what we learned, have fun, and celebrate.
Unfortunately, when I arrived that morning there was a clear shortage of children present. One by one kids started coming in and their faces looked more and more unfamiliar. This is always my saddest moment when I do not get to have closure with my kids, youth, adults- so sad for me and for them. The girls told me that the kids all went to Belize city for the weekend and they stay until Monday.
Okay so that accounts for a lot of people, but where are my older boys? There is no way they would miss the last day of camp.
"We'll there was kind of a fight last night." Darrah
"What kind of fight?" Pris
"Well there was a gang bang." Darrah
"So they are not coming."Pris
"Some will come and some are grounded."
Only a couple of my older boys came and many of the younger ones were present, but
Parents just say, "Hey drop your kids off at the camp for the day when they have not been there all week."
Super annoying and rewards were going to kids who do not even deserve them, but that's just the nature of this work. The kids were loving the activities especially the scavenger hunt. The best part was them finding the last item at the same time. One younger boy was riding fast on his bike and the older girl was running towards me with her braids swinging in the air. They were both coming from opposite sides of the neighborhood and here I stood at a bridge in the middle. The bridge joined them together despite their differences. The girl ended up winning and she said she never won anything. They were thrilled and I was thrilled for them-lots of high fives and encouraging each other to congratulate their team member on a positive contribution.
It was great that even the new kids were participating. It just goes to show how positive energy, teamwork, support, and caring can encourage participation. Well, it's so much more, but that's experience that you build overtime.
Another Arts and Crafts activities involved Arts and Crafts making cross necklaces. The boys finished their map of Mahogany Heights and they were so proud. They had so many disagreements, but they were encouraged to stick together and they did....they did.
Throughout our activities kids were giving me big hugs, smiles, and thanking me for coming to work with them. It was so interesting how respectful these kids were to me as it was a part of their community to respect adults. They were always helpers and not always following the rules, not always listening perfectly, but they never will. They are kids and they make mistakes-it is up to us to respect them, give them space, and count their steps of positive change whether almost invisible or wonderful. PRIS
It was time for our snacks. It turns out we had chips and one of our volunteers bought cookies.
This volunteer came in Day 1 with no smile on her face and looked like she was just trying to do a good deed. As camp went by, she warmed up to me, she opened up, she danced, she laughed, and then she made cookies. She spent over 2 hours using a unconventional stove and she made them. That's what happens when you become a part of a "good feeling." It spreads like wildfire and you want to help, participate, contribute, and be present.
Since I had made purchases for the program. I was specifically told to not purchase anything and I followed the request. I was clearly doing enough as I was crazy busy the whole time. Sometimes I wonder if I took a test and I would account for 2 people productivity. The "new" kids on the last day(ironic statement) were running around outside so I had to reign them inside. It was such a zoo as it usually is the last day.
While serving the cookies, I looked up to see Mrs. Francis looking classy and beautiful. She asked for some assistance to the car and I sent out our older helpers. A few moments later in they came with two trays. I ran over to open one up and I opened it to see two big, chocolate cakes with vanilla icing....cut up into small pieces.
Oh the detail and how the how happy the kids were-I did not cry rather my heart was just filled with appreciation.
On the last minute, she did this for me and for the kids-it was so special. The kids all had a piece and a second piece. They stood around the cake staring at it and pushing to get another piece.
I told her, "Thank you." and "Thank you" and "Thank you." She knew how much it meant to me and for someone to care about that-that's beautiful.
It was time for ending and we sang a song and handed out certificates. I had individuals motivational talks with the older kids and we had hugs galore. The volunteers were so kind in their words and their hard work in the camp. One is a teacher and the other has a daughter in the camp. It couldn't of happened without them.
The hardest part was the last walk through the neighborhood. It was a walk I took with Mrs. R as I was taking her to dinner. It almost didn't happen as we sat in her house I helped her start an email. We were waiting for her husband to come back so he could watch the kids. It was getting late, but he came in the nick of time.
We walked along the dirt road and our crazy taxi driver friend pulls up beside us.
"You girls aren't going to walk all the way over there, hop in."
And off we went to "Cheers" where everybody knows your name and their always glad you came
People can do so much when you just believe in them. I will continue to believe in people until my last day comes. PRIS
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