105. Dr. Seuss

Saturday, 2/2/13

 

       We woke up and ate some food,

       And walked to church in a good mood.

       We read a tale from God’s good book,

       Ate and hurried to Asunta Brook.

     

       We splashed and splashed and splashed some more,

       And sat with kids along the shore.

       I tossed the kids from shoulders so tall,

       Some even did a cannon ball.

 

       When we were tired we traveled on back,

       We counted heads so no kids we would lack.

       We showered and baked cookies so yummy,

       Then went to bed with a real happy tummy.

       **Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!**

      

104. Miguel´s Return

Friday, 2/1/13

       Miguel came back! What a great way to start the month.

       I awoke to the question, “Where is Teacher Eric? Is he still here?” The voice did not register (and I was still groggy and I fell quickly back asleep). I awoke in time for breakfast, opened my door, and got tackled by Miguel. I saw his father in the background with a pleased expression on his face. We did not expect him to return, but I am so relieved he did. His sister, Rebecca, also returned. She seemed happy and cuter than ever.

       Their father stayed the day. He grew on me the more I spoke with him. He appears ratty and slightly slow—he is. However, his love for his kids is immense and he seems to provide for them quite well. For some reason, when he ate with us, the kids and other volunteers did not seem to show him much respect. He seemed to notice and was quite subdued. I tried to put a spark in his eyes with a few jokes directed for him. Vroom. Right over his head. However, I spoke with him and he slowly opened up. 

       As I helped Rebecca move in, He came and talked to me. He asked me how to say hermano in English. For the remainder of the day, I was Brother Eric. He spoke more about his kids and how to care for them. As saying goodbye to Rebecca and Miguel, they did not seem like they were going to miss him. He turned around with tears in his eyes, made contact with me, walked towards me, and gave me a man hug. I said as cheery of a farewell as I could with a lump in my throat and he promised he would come back before I left to spend some more time with his children and me. 

       How many times do we not show our parents or God how much we love them? How many times do we make them cry when we do not return their love? Way too often. Because of this father, I am striving to create only tears of joy from now on. Thanks Miguel’s dad for your kids and your life lesson!!

       **Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!**

103. Mud Warriors

Thursday, 1/31/13

       Another day surrounded by babies.

       Ali and I were determined to make Majalito the correct way for her 4 kids. Chad was hard at work weed-whacking outside. I wisely enlisted the help of Brayan to keep him busy and more importantly to make sure we were making Majalito to Bolivian standards. So it seemed like we fried everything and waited to see how it came out. The results? Not to shabby. The picky children who only eat meat loved it—mission accomplished.

       By this time, it seemed like a million degrees. I was thinking pool all day, but was convinced it would never happen. Thankfully, Missy was thinking the same thing. So, she called me over, told me her plan, and we set off with all the kids to the pool.

       Oops. Of course, nothing in Bolivia ever goes as planned. The pool lady said that the pool was not open to outsiders only for today. A.k.a-she did not want to open the pool for 12 boys. We were severely disappointed. Missy had the solution. She bought snacks for everyone and we headed to Asunta River. That settled ever ones desires. Plus, because we were at a river and not a pool, the girls could go with the babies. We had a blast.

Bros chillin

Baby overload

Mud Warriors

...and a wantabee in the middle

       We returned home, celebrated Davidchito’s birthday, worked out, and went to bed exhausted from all the fun.

       **Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!**

102. Diaper Day

       Wednesday, 1/30/13

       I am officially a man. I changed my first diaper today.

       Ali and I started the day with breakfast for the kids. Chad had to go into town to do some stuff. We then took inventory of all the things in the kitchen so that the new directors could bring the right supplies back from Santa Cruz. I then took a little nap with the goobers while Ali took a breather from the kids.

       Then, we could not find Alex. I found him at Missy’s house. Running around and having fun with his pants off. Good times.

       Then I brought the goober, Bismark, to Juan’s house where it was cooler. Juan and I made a pretty sweet workout schedule. After making lunch, the babies would not stop crying. I thought of only one thing that always made me happy: sports. I picked up Bismark and started playing soccer with the boys. Instant laughter!! I had hardly seen him smile, let alone laugh! The magic of soccer is incredible.

       Bismark suddenly turned bitter. Uh oh, he had a full nappy. It´s diaper time! I was determined to master the art before Chad. Well, Ali showed me where they were and I grabbed one. Then, I just stared. I had no clue how to open the thing. It looked like a space ship. There were straps and velcro and plastic all folded in this complex way. Well, I finally used my IQ and figured out how to complete my task. Voila! I am now a real man.

       We then all watched the Lorax before bed time. Even Bismark liked the Dr. Seuss classic. It is my favorite children’s book of all time, so I thoroughly enjoyed the kids flick.

       I tried to put Bismark to sleep so that Ali would not have to. I was slow close. But as I laid him on the bed, he woke up and started wailing. So frustrating!!! Mom, I want to take this time to apologizing for ever being a baby. It was already 10 p.m. so Ali took over as I went home and put the guy to sleep.

       **Keep adventurizing!...I know I will!**