The kids have have a hard time blogging since we return home so late and computer usage is spotty. BUt I hope these words and picture help convey the how amazing each one of them is...working hard and immersing themselves in Oaxacan culture!!
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| The mural...the best part-watching the children arrive home to see it completed!! |
With heavy hearts we finished the mural at Casa Hogar working tirelessly knowing we only had on day to complete it. The next day was our last with all the children...one last swimming lesson and then a party for all of them at the hotel. What amazes me most is how each of the Wat kids, no matter how tired and drained(and they ARE!!), they immediately livened up and found ways to connect with the children. From Nick reading book in Spanish (a language he is just learning) to Phil and John's pick up basketball games to Matt, yes still running around with the little girls, we have all connected with them. A feeling of satisfaction has overcome us all.
Now off to the mountains to Benito Juarez for a day of hiking and a zip-line and to watch the celebration of this famous Mexican President. Then of to Ocotlan to teach English to 5th and 6th graders!!
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| 1 week of lessons=13 chicos y chicas can swim |
Below are other photos from some of the other events and sites we have visited.
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| Watching a slideshow of the week at the party |
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| Kate and the chicas playing Photo Booth |
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| Happiness after a week of swimming and play |
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| Up early to watch a flower procession by high school girls-the one that receives the most flower is La Reina De La Dia...a new activity at Wat???? |
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| Maestro Alberto con sus estudiantes |
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| Lunch at an organic corn restaurant |
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| Visiting with Vincente Hernandez..a ceramic artist...look for some of his items for sale back at Watkinson |
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| The paper factory |
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| Mastering the Mexican taxi system |
I love the mural! It is probably impossible that the children at Casa Hogar evey forget you, but with this beautiful reminder the memories will be even stronger.
ReplyDeleteEverything you have photographed and written about has been GREAT!! The friendships, sites, cuisine and overall immersion into the Oaxaca trip is quite powerful. You all are obliviously taking it all in. Cant wait to see the additional blogs. :)
ReplyDeletePeter Stevens
Love the mural - changing the wall for the children, giving them an imagined panorama to remember you, your visit, your love. Felicidades!
ReplyDeleteHi! My name is Ariana Zaia and I recently started a non-profit project dedicated to raising the money needed to buy the piece of property next do Casa Hogar Hijos de la Luna and build them a second house. The problem is that they now have 53 children in 2 bedrooms, so when the children reach their teenage years they must return to living with their mothers. For many of them this means going back to living in the houses of prostitution or strip clubs where their mothers live and work and where many of the children have already been abused.
ReplyDeleteBuilding them a second house will enable the children to live at the Casa Hogar until they reach adulthood and are able to live independently.
I thought you might be interested in helping me spread the word since you know the house and what they do. I would love to hear from you personally! Please contact me at ariana@expandcasahogar.com.
Our website is: www.expandcasahogar.com
You can also visit us at: http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/support-53-children-in-a-safe-home-oaxaca-mx/