Only 9 Days left....

It´s been a while since I´ve had the time to sit down and work at a computer for any extended amount of time. The 2nd group has arrived, and I´ve transitioned to a new project for the remaining weeks.

Looking back on my first 3 weeks, with the physical education classes, the sports program for girls and the English class at night, I could not have happier. I got really good at thinking on my toes and being as goofy as possible to overcome the language barrier at times. I got really close with the kids and teachers at San Luis, making me feel part of the community in El Sauce. Even now as I have begun the dental program, I still get yells from the street saying Adios Profa¨ which brings a smile to my face.

The English class for beginner adults has also been a rewarding experience. With a steady 14 people in our class, I get so excited with their eagerness to give presentations about their families, friends, work, free time, and other interests. They have made me feel welcomed and now after class we go out to socialize and get to know each other better. Needless to say, the obstacles which I thought would hold me back such as the Spanish and heat have proven to be irrelevant.

For the second three weeks, I have been working with Ally on the dental program which she prepared while at Geneseo. Colgate representatives gave a great lecture in El Sauce for over 200 teachers which was really fun to be a part of. The thing I´ve learned the most is that the kids really need this program and want to take care of their teeth. My favorite memory this week is from Tuesday after an 80 minute bike ride to a country school. When we got their the room was filled with over 115 students. Although it wasn't quite as we planned, we made it work and we able to give enough energy for everyone there.

With only a little more than a week left in El Sauce, my heart is having a harder time when it comes to preparing to leave. I can´t bring myself to dealing with the reality that pretty soon El Sauce will no longer be my home. Until that time, I try not to take a single moment for granted and absorb all I can.