Week 1
With my first week at Rehoboth coming
to a close in what seemed like the blink of an eye, I figured I should probably
start writing down some of the things that have happened so far while they’re
still fresh in my mind.
lol I'm not funny.
First off, a little bit of background:
The Rehoboth Children’s home is one of three “branches” of an organization
founded by Victor and Chici Barbella. In addition to the home, the Barbellas
founded a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Center for men and a Christian
Church. The Barbellas have known me since I was born and have remained good
family friends throughout the years. Because of this relationship, I was able
to visit Rehoboth during my Junior year in High School. This trip lasted only
10 days but the impact that the kids at the home made on me would ensure my
return.
Fast forward a couple years and I
found myself with the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the Barbellas and
the kids at the home: Bonner SoS! After contacting Chici, she confirmed that my
help was needed as a mentor in the girls’ home. Currently there are only two
girls at the home: Maria & Fernanda. They are both 14 and OBSESSED with
learning how to waltz (QuinceaƱera is
coming up).
Initially, I moved into the girls’ home and was sharing a room with
the house mom (who is awesome) but she pretty much had everything under control so on Wednesday I moved into the boys’ home.
This first week we have been figuring
out my schedule… I wake up @ 7 when the kids leave for school. After I shower,
make my bed and have breakfast, I start on some office work. This week we are
preparing for a group that is coming from FL (hollaaaa) to spend time with the
kids and take them shopping. I’ve also been working on a new website, translating
the kids’ letters to their sponsors, showing the staff how to use the Microsoft
Suite etc. Around noon I help prepare the dining hall for lunch. The kids come
back around 12:30 and the rest of the day is spent serving meals, helping with
clean up, doing homework, playing soccer, reading, playing games……..drinking
lots of coffee…….overseeing chores and bath time and just generally having a
blast with the little ones because they are sooooo cute.
My favorite activity so far is
homework time because I feel like I’ve been able to make some real progress
with some of the kids. It’s interesting to see the difference between the kids
in Guatemala and the kids at Chisholm because they are refreshingly eager to
learn. When I assign the kids multiplication or division practice they run off
to do it and come back for more… I know I for one was definitely not that eager
for homework as a kid….lololol but it’s something I definitely admire in them.
Anyway this is becoming perilously
long but it’s just so hard to condense an entire week into a tiny blog post so bear
with me :P
Until later Goonies,
Bella
Awesome job Bella! Your post entertains me and I'm happy to hear that your great!
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