Sunday was our last day of being tourists before working with the children from Casa Hogar. We toured the ruins in Mitla, shopped in the markets, enjoyed stone soup, visited the Cultural Museum and prepared a traditional meal at Socora, the host family coordinator's house.
Monday, we helped chaperone the Casa Hogar children at the Iglesia de Soledad and the Tamayo Museum of pre'Columbian art. As a reward, we all enjoyed a treat of nieves...Oaxaca´s famous ice cream. After lunch, we spent 3 hours in Spanish immersion classes...Funny how the students actually enjoyed intensive three hour classes that started at 3pm!!
Tomorrow, we tour the town of Tule with a tree that has the largest base in the world, more nieves and Spanish classes...which reminds me...I need to do my homework...yes, even in Oaxaca WE ALL have homework!!
Below is a video of the most powerful moment of the trip so far....Kate doesn´t speak a lot of Spanish, but when we figured out that one of the Casa Hogar girls, Ana, is hearling impaired AND knows American Sign Language....magic happened....suddenly Kate and Ana were speaking to each other endlessly...Just watch the look on Ana´s face when she realized she had a fellow ASL speaker with her...It brought tears to our eyes!! Luckily, we have a strong ASL program at Watkinson and Liz and Samanatha can also speak with her!!
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| Our first moments acting as chaperones for the children from Casa Hogar! |
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| Mike listening to Eugene's description of the church |
 Emily enjoying time with the girls!!  |
| Enjoying nieves -Oaxacan ice cream!! Beso Oaxaqueno (Oaxacan kiss flavor) for Destiny and Tamarind for Ana! |
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| Ruins at Mitla |
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| Some form of pit stop at the Cultural Museum |
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| Gwen and Sam (with Enid´s grandaughter) on cheese and cabbage duty at Socoro´s dinner |
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| Brandonlee and Mr. Werner taking their turn at the grill |
Top Chef Quick Fire Challenge: Guacamole
One question, lol. What happened at the pitstop it looks like everyone just collapsed.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what happened! We were had a very busy day and we were exhausted by the time we arrved at the museum. As you can see, we could barely stand up.
DeleteSo...is Eccles listening or sleeping on his feet? Just kidding! Good luck keeping up with the pace that Dr. O sets, everybody. Love the video of Kate using her ASL!
ReplyDeleteI was delighted to see the ASL video. Brava, Kate! How did that child learn American Sign Language? I know there's a Mexican Sign Language....
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you're having a wonderful time and I continue to be jealous.
It is just fantastic that all of you are getting this experience! It would be great to learn ASL! Yes, I too admit to being envious of all of you but I'll enjoy living it through your words and pictures! Thank you for sharing with the rest of us!!
ReplyDeleteOh no I'm unable to see the ASL video... :( Kids look like they are having such a great time!!! Even tho I miss BrandonLee soooo much I'm happy that he is having this wonderful experience. I love you BRANDONLEE!!!
ReplyDeleteThe photos of the children with Watkinson students are so heartwarming. Loved seeing Kate communicating with the young girl using ASL. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteWow the ruins look cool, and it looks like you guys are having tons of fun
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