Today we were lucky enough to return to Rayitos de Luz. This time we were going to really have some time with the children. We literally piled the kids on to our bus and first took them to the McDonald's play place. Before we left and once the children found out what we were going to be doing, there was a crazy amount of excitement in the air!! While we were all playing and hanging out with the kids, I noticed one girl that was kind of off by herself. Many times the kids who are outgoing and willing to jump in your lap are the ones that get attention, so I made a point to go over and talk to her. I used what little Spanish I knew to carry on a conversation, and before I knew it we were paired up for the day!! I will never forget my girl, Sandra.We decided to take them to McDonald's for ice cream before lunch, because there was a play place there and not one at El Pollo Loco (a fast food restaurant native to Mexico). I had never seen so much joy in the eyes of children at a McDonald's. Kenzi, one of the interns for Back2Back, made the comment that American children would be upset to take a field trip to a fast food play place, whereas these kids couldn't be happier. The kids were so appreciative and well-behaved, making sure to check in with their respective partners periodically. We headed over for lunch at El Pollo Loco. We were told not to eat anything, and let the kids have as much as they want, but it was impossible, when the kids are constantly trying to share their food with you. That's all they know... If you love someone, give them everything you have. I felt like a part of their family as they handed me food from their plate, and once again I found myself humbled.
It was a sad moment as we walked them across the street to drop them off at school. However many times they have had to say goodbye, I'm sure it's still just as hard every time. One, two, three hugs from Sandra, and then they were gone. But they would never know how much they changed our hearts.
We returned to the children's home to finish barbed wire, painting, and other miscellaneous duties life branch cutting and fence building. My new found friend Kurt and I worked out some very tricky walls to put up the barbed wire. In the process somehow a branch busted open Kurt's head open... always exciting. We were a little off schedule and all of the sudden Antonio is yelling at us to wrap up our jobs and get on the bus. We were almost an hour late!! The kids started to rush in excited that we were still around. It was pretty awesome to see them one last time, and see Sandra's face as she searched the yard to meet my gaze. In all of the rush, they almost left me at the children's home. I was taking after pictures of all of the projects, and all of the sudden I hear Antonio screaming my name. Jessie, thank goodness, had told Antonio that I was still inside before the bus took off... eventful, but not tragic.
Back at the property, we had another amazing dinner (a little later than expected), and then debriefing. After a long day, we still were able to record a few songs to add to the CD.
**I will never forget my time spent with Sandra. My hope and prayer is that because of organizations like Back2Back, she has a chance to grow and flourish.**
-Kristen
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