Saturday, January 2, 2010

A New Year!

01-02-10
Happy New Year! What a crazy year it is so far! It has not been anything like last year, or any year of my life, actually. But I am so glad. I have to say that 2009 was, by far, the worst year of my life and I am happy to step aside and let 2010 sweep in.

Today was the first day in the orphanages and it was quite an experience. The kiddos were great, but I’m not going to lie and say that the day was sugar and spice and everything nice. The orphanages are short staffed which means that they rely on the volunteers just to function. We are not just playing games and braiding hair. We are brushing teeth, changing diapers, potty training, bathing, dressing, breaking up fights…the list goes on and on. I am exhausted. I have been kicked and spit on and told “no” more than I can count. But over the course of the day there were quiet moments with the kids that made it worth it, like when one little girl “Veronica” could not believe that my eyes were real. She stared and stared and when I spoke to her she couldn’t believe I had blue eyes AND could speak Spanish.

A list of things that happened today which stand out to me:

1.I rode in a taxi to get to one of orphanages and quite nearly peed myself out of fear. (The drivers son locos aqui.)

2.The looks on the kids faces when they realized I could understand what they were saying.

3.A four year old named Junior who kicked and screamed when anyone came near but finally warmed up and wanted to sit on my lap and be “mi bebe” for the rest of the day.

4.I told a five year old girl “AndrĂ©a” que su pelo es bonito (she has pretty hair). She responded with “tu pelo es feo porque tu pelo es morado” (you have ugly hair because your hair is purple). ;) I told her my little sister’s name is Andrea as well. She liked that.

5.Looking down and seeing my “love life, be brave” ring from Kristen. Love it.

- Erin

5 comments:

  1. ERIN! i'm so happy to be reading this right now! I feel like this is EXACTLY how i felt! Hang in there! It's exhausting, but soo worth it! I don't think there was a day that someone didn't tell me to shutup or tell me i was stupid, but that's just a defensive thing they do. Give them lots of love & hugs :)
    p.s. the taxis are probably the scariest thing ever. i was in shock. but not once did i see a car accident the whole time which is incredible...
    LOVE YOU! DO GOOD!

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  2. Erin, love! I'm so glad that you're enjoying yourself! I'm also glad that you have a blog for this. You're amazing and I love you.

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  3. Hey. Hey you. I'm creepy and saw this blog on your facebook. and now i will read it always. :)
    I love you and know you'll do so well over there!

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  4. I like your story about Andrea. :]
    I'm so excited for you though! This is going to be the experience of a lifetime.

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  5. Erin, I am so proud of you!!! You will be the perfect light for these kids and btw, you are much braver than you give yourself credit for! I have always been impressed with you and your choices. Have a fabulous time, I am excited to read all about your adventures. LOVE YOU!

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