So today was our language exchange activity at the school. I can honestly say I enjoyed this day because I learned Spanish and they learned English. I was in a classroom with Alice drawing pictures of things and putting the English word and calling on the kids to come up to the board and write the Spanish word. The kids were between the ages of 8 and 10 and they were so enthusiastic about answering and correcting each other. It was a lot of fun! We also read books to them that had Spanish and English translations. I read the English part and let them take turns reading the Spanish translation to me.
Another thing that was really nice about today was that we got to give out pens and pencils to the kids for them to keep and they were ecstatic to have them. Some of them didn't think they could keep it and asked me if it was theirs to keep. They were so happy when I told them they could! We also taught them how to do the Soulja Boy dance and listened to lots of music and endured puzzled stares from the locals driving past the school. The kids were having so much fun dancing to the music we were blasting, it was a sight to see. (Pictures and videos coming soon on facebook!)
On a personal note, Annie and I love our host family! They are so funny and friendly. They treat us like we are their own family. Today, Sonia, our host mother, had her 85 year old father, three kids, grand-daughter, sisters, and in-laws over for dinner and coffee. Needless to say, the house was booming with laughter and funny conversation. Today they had about a 45 minute conversation about how far away a beach was from Cuenca. It was a joy to listen to them disagree with each other and joke about their views. Oh and don't forget Martias, the dog who is always barking and trying to be heard by everyone. Most of everyone's host families are similar to my host family in one way or another so we are definitely receiving a one of a kind experience.
We only have two more days with the kids and we're all trying to make as big an impact as possible before we leave. We're already getting sad but it's not over yet! More updates to come tomorrow night!
Coming to you live from Cuenca, Ecuador,
-Lebona Hailu =)
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