This morning Mother Ivonne took all of our donated items that we brought as a team and it was incredible to see how much stuff we all brought. There were 50 pairs of shoes, suitcases full of clothes, school supplies, medicine, and various other needed items.
After lunch we all watched the second to last World Cup game of Germany vs. Uruguay. Mother Ivonne, who is German, had her German flag hanging up and was wearing her Germany gear over her black habit. It was a fun time and the kids were so into the game, oohing and awing, cheering and grumbling with every play.
Afterward, we had time to hang out and play outside and had so much fun. I spent about an hour chatting with Gloria, one of the teenagers, and she was able to practice her English while I practiced my Spanish. While we were chatting, Kevin, who I am very close to from last summer, came over and just plopped down in my lap and stayed there most of the afternoon. Kevin has a cleft palette and isn’t able to talk, but he can make sounds. I’ve spent so much time with him that I’ve learned how to understand his special language. Kevin has 2 older sisters, but they were placed in another orphanage a few months ago. I was also close to them from last year and was sad that I couldn’t see them this year. I was most sad for Kevin though. What little he had of a family is now gone and I can’t imagine what that is like. It’s not something a 7 year old should have to deal with. While we were sitting and playing together he pulled my head next to his with his hand and gave me a kiss on the cheek. For a moment, it was as if time was standing still and everything else in the world had disappeared. It left me completely content, and yet as I write this, I can’t help but feel heartbroken to realize that in a few days, I too will have to leave him. There is nothing I can do to change that, and I suppose my only comfort is knowing that there is also nothing that can take away this time we have together and the special bond that we share.
Photo by Chrissy
