Les despedí a las en la guardería hoy

Adiós a la guardería...y todos allí. I left today with un montón de besos en mis mejillas (a whole lot of kisses on my cheeks), hugs and happy wishes for the future. They welcomed me very warmly at the kindergarten, and I walked out today--eager for lunch--but also smiling thinking of my family there. All the "Rocío"s and "María"s and "Mari Angeles"s. Nothing like pride in your barrio! I am happy to be done with my service there, since being around tens and twenties of screaming and yelling kids is not my idea of fun. However, I don't have regrets. I enjoyed being around the teachers and children there/soaking up the phrases, traditions, songs, stories...cutlure. Also, I have really been honest with myself--This is not for me. Something about being in a foreign country helped reinforce that. You don't have to pretend, they all know you don't belong! So you may as well be honest with yourself! Haha I dont like big groups of ppl in general--that has been reinforced, and there's nothing wrong with that. Usually I felt exhausted by all the energy there. When I was able to work with the three older children in a more intimate setting, I felt energized being able to connect with them. Nico, Patricia and Marta, all at different levels (and ages). Teaching them things and encourgaing them along was very exciting! Also learning from them. They taught me vocabulary/phrases and I taught them english...or colors, counting, math, animals , etc in their native tongue. And they are so affectionate! A phrase I remember vividly from being very young in school is, "Keep your hands to yourself!" None of that here. They do not restrict affection, but encourage touching and grooming. Such sweethearts!