Their eagerness to participate and be heard was adorable. It was clear a few of them had severe behavioral problems, but the teachers would work with them without using a stick. They were asked to go the corner or given verbal prompts to follow along. It was clear the teachers cared and they weren't burnt out hating their job.
After I spoke with the one teacher, Miss Maria. When I told her my experience, she was so happy to meet me. She asked me, "How long are you staying with us?" "Can you stay for the rest of summer?
These questions always break my heart. Especially when I learned that her school was specifically made for kids with behavioral problem( my place to work). Many children suffer from parents of domestic abuse; alcoholism(big problem in the villages), physical abuse, and some special needs. It was clear there were some emotional problems with the kids i.e. those who held on to my leg or were very quiet in class.
Realistically, I should stay for the rest of summer, but I had made other and the fact that Roatan is a bit expensive for long term stay. Then she said,
"Maybe you could do a study here"?
That was the smartest things that someone could say to me. Why not do a formal study rather than just write about it? This is definitely a great long term idea. A true research study to write about and share with others.
After class, I went to the bus where there was a man making mango jelly. When I asked him, he said it takes three hours to make. He let me try it and taste it and all the kids came running over to also taste it. Just a normal day for the guys making jelly and drinking a beer. They said they make all kinds of jelly depending on the fruit they have, but mango is really the best.
In the small shop next door his wife was making him lunch. I was talking with her telling her what I tell everyone, "The best food comes from the home." I walked away and I came back to see a plate on the counter. She points at it and then points to me. I told her "thank you, but I'm fine I just had lunch." She insists and I can't decline and be rude. I accept and enter into food heaven with some coconut crunch fish, rice and beans, and plantains.
My jelly buddy said, "Did you just eat my lunch?" My mouth opens wide. "She gave me your lunch?" He says," It's okay I would rather you enjoy it."
(This is how kind these people truly are and how sincere. They have nothing, but they want to give you everything). These villages melt my heart and leaving these people was like leaving family.
(This is how kind these people truly are and how sincere. They have nothing, but they want to give you everything). These villages melt my heart and leaving these people was like leaving family.
God bless this village. May they be watched over and cared for in their challenges, struggles, and darkest days.
There are all these happy, fun, educational, motivational, humorous, and serious moments. Then there are those moments of sadness with departure and leaving. From the beginning, boundaries and expectations are set. Kids know that I am staying temporarily, but it still hurts. When you connect so strongly through spirit for kids who don't have much support-leaving is the hardest part. The spirit spreads like wildfire and people become connected, attached, and addicted to it. It's powerful, but people have the potential to be just as great if they put in they can be enthusiastic and let God lead the way.
With experience, I have learned how to handle this effectively and it involves a review of their accomplishments, a motivational speech, and an overview of their supports. For these kids, they have a wonderful staff who is available to them. They are supportive and caring and willing to help with their problems whether educational or in the home. This gives me reassurance that I am leaving them in good hands...
Sad questions:
When are you coming back?
Where are you going?
Why can't you stay longer?
Why are you leaving?
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