Wow, last week was busy. Our littlest hope’s class had the chapel service first thing on Tuesday morning after our day off Monday. It was fun to see Prekinders acting out the Passion Week. She walked around in a blue bathrobe with a puppy dog on the back playing the part of a disciple. Her sister had helped wind a purple scarf around her head to look authentic. I think the little hearts on her sandals gave her away though. They did a pretty good version of Steven Curtis Chapman’s chorus in “Let us pray” and when we watched the original video for devotions with the whole song she informed us that he wasn’t singing it right.
On Thursday I headed with our jubilant one to Dos Pinos, a poor neighborhood next to the university where one of the school parents has a mission church and feeding center. Each of the first graders found a partner from the kids there for the day. Our tenderhearted one chose the littlest girl there. Her name was Milagro-miracle-and I was reminded that even these tiny ones are miracles not unknown be their creator. She started the day quiet and shy but by the end the two girls were twirling in circles as they sang. We tried to draw out another small girl who came later and appeared to be there alone, but Cindy remained distant, not wanting to participate in games or songs and turning stiff if I even tried to hold her hand. I realized what a gift a tender heart is in this culture where life often has so little value.
Friday began with a celebration for Fathers. If you live in Latin America you get to celebrate Dad in March. The elementary had a special musical program which I had hoped to skype to the folks but discovered skype is now blocked for public access there so I took video instead. Hubby and I breezed through 3 classrooms where each of the kids had special cards and snacks for him. As that event finishedthe Relampago (lightning) futbol tournament was just starting. This is grace girl’s tenth grade year so she was part of the planning and carrying out of the event. He class picked a neon yellow shirt with a black headband. She declared that it made her look like a gangster. I think it made the slackers easy to spot. Our team won their first game but came in second because of a last minute goal in the final game. It’s always fun to sit in the stands with kids screaming “goooooaaaaallllll” while banging those crazy inflatable sticks. Latinos tend to react enthusiastically to most events and soccer is definately their passion. Overall, the little guys enjoyed eating way too much food from the vendors and we all got a little sun despite the clouds.
So that was our week of lightning and miracles. Everyone is excited for the Semana Santa week coming. So many possibilities!