Things are going well

Here's a photo to keep you happy.

Only seven more weeks of actual classroom instruction, then the "summer games." After that...will update you when I decide what comes next.

love, Marian

Teatro, Mom and Dad

The English program teatro came and went. My kids did a great job and two of my classes even won the grand prize: a yogurt pack with corn flakes to mix in. Delicious, I'm told.

Girls: Animal masks and props to perform "What is it? What's it doing?"

Post-teatro soccer game with the girls. That's me after slamming a goal past an eleven-year-old.

My boys also did a great job with "A Day in the Life of Alex."

Second grade boys had the same shtick as my girls.

These two are brothers. Can you tell?

That's all for teatros. I'm nearing the end of spring break and had to end my visit with mom and dad early this morning. They arrived last friday night and we had a great week. We went to Mindo the cloud forest, Papallacta hot springs, the middle of the world (equator) and spent some time wandering around Quito. I think they had a nice time, but here's some proof:

Dad got to try the blow-dart thing at the equator.

Mindo butterfly exhibit with a little boy from the hostel (housekeeper's son) who decided he would take care of us that day.

Parents and I with Madre Cindy and Madre Miguel at the Easter Mass. During mass Dad picked up a toddler who ended up falling asleep on his lap, snoring an everything. It was precious.

Anyone else want to come visit?

Much love,
Marian

Pizza Party

They had been looking forward to this for weeks...the deal I have with them is this: if they win all the stars on their rewards poster they get a reward. Sounds simple, but it took them 7 months to get all their stars. And when I asked what they wanted they had no trouble deciding...

PIZZA

I was floored by how polite they were throughout the whole pizza party. They kept saying thank you and "we really appreciate it," all unprompted. I was amazed! I'm pretty sure teachers aren't often thanked by their students. But my boys were so wonderful about it. Also, Pastor bought this big bag of "Kachitos" to share with everyone (buy some styrofoam and eat it. now you know what a kachito tastes like). And then some of the boys asked for napkins to wrap up their second piece of pizza to take home to their mom, little brother, etc. I just couldn't believe the generosity in these 7 and 8 year olds. Maybe it was just my boys, but I'm pretty sure a lot of the kids share good things (like pizza and candy) with their families. The whole affair reaffirmed the why of what I'm doing here. I love these boys, maybe a little too much sometimes. Is that possible?

After pizza we had our usual computers time. And then a family portrait.

much love,

Marian

P.S: Pizza and many other fun things brought to my students thanks to Theresa and Jerry. My kids and I appreciate everything you've done :)