My kids...Peru Edition

I have just reread my latest entry about Arequipa and have decided that it just doesn’t tell the whole story. Trying to describe the spirit of a city on a website is just so difficult.

But as difficult as that task was, trying to explain the spirit of the kids at my school is absolutely undo-able.

Every kid I have taught has had a unique personality and spark that just cannot be captured in pictures or with words. And my Peruvian kids may be the hardest to describe of all.

There were many times when I wanted to kill them (ok...maybe not kill them...but at least heavily sedate them or at least administer shock treatment) and other times when I was sure I wouldn’t be able to leave Peru without a few of them stuffed into my suitcase.

When I think about the incredible energy of each of these kids, I cant even believe the backgrounds they come from and the homes they live in...or maybe I just don’t want to.

Meet my kids...

Dayana
Before I even met Dayana, I was told that she was going to be the first female president of Peru. This girl has got some serious ‘tude...and I love it. She is absolutely incredible bossy, overly confident and the majority of the time, just pretty annoying...and I absolutely loved every bit of her.

She was always the first to say “I’m going to tell the teacher” when someone was out of line and even said it to me once when I told her how much homework she had. And ya know what? I was honestly scared of her!

Dayana—I can’t wait to see what you are going to do one day...Peru needs more strong women like you putting everyone back in line.

Cesar
Yes, yes...teachers aren’t supposed to pick favorites but I have and his name is Cesar. I think part of the reason this one stood out as my favorite is that he is a virtual hispanic replica of my nephew, Josh. And he even acts like him!

He is smart, a bit of a suck-up and scared shitless of Dayana...who, by the way, I’m sure he is going to marry one day. He loves climbing all over the volunteers and says “Monkey” in perfect English before he hitches a ride. He has the most contagious laugh I have ever heard. Once he started in, the whole class was done for.

Cesar—keep laughing, keep climbing...and please invite me to your wedding to Dayana.

Kevin
Kevin and I definitely had our ups and downs to start with. This kid can definitely put a teacher a bit over the edge. But one day, when Kevin was being particularly naughty, I sent him to see the “intern.”

Now this “intern” (who shall remain nameless) told him in the kindest way that if he didn’t shape up, he would be getting no birthday present this year. Well...let’s just say from that moment on, Kevin was a new man.

Kevin—stay sweet and please...don’t forget your glasses at home again.

Alex, Elizabeth and Pamela
I hate to lump three kids into one but honestly, these three have a lot in common.

One, they are all tiny. Easily half the size of the rest of the class which makes them beyond adorable.

Two, let’s just say none of them are the brightest bulbs on the Christmas tree. I honestly don’t think that Alex knows the difference between the letter A and the number 1. Elizabeth couldn’t spell her own name and Pamela...well, let’s just say that Pamela honestly doesn’t even know where she is half the time let alone that she is supposed to be learning.

But three...these kids are easily the sweetest kids in the class. I honestly think that any one of them would do anything for a sticker or even a “buen hecho” (good job) from the teacher.

Alex, Elizabeth and Pamela—stick together. You will need each other...

Jose Antonio
What can I say about this kid besides he is terrible and wonderful rolled into one child. He is bright...but beyond naughty. Sweet and probably one of the biggest bullies in the class.

I simply cannot get enough of this child.

Jose--I hope you never lose your "cheekiness"...that killer smile will take you far.

Alvaro
This child is intense with a capital I. He is easily motivated and easily frustrated. He is in 2nd grade and can rattle off his times tables from 1 to 12 but put a simple art project in front of him and the tears come easily.

Alvaro—I know there were times when you hated me for making you be creative but I promise...your paper plate fish was worth the effort!

Milagros
Milagros is a tough nut to crack. She comes from one of the toughest backgrounds of any of the kids which makes her very difficult to control. But once you have her wrapped around your finger, she is as sweet as they come.

She loves being hugged and tickled. But be warned...tickle her too hard and she farts. And usually directly in your face. It’s not good.

Milagros—I hope you stay strong and soft at the same time. It is a wonderful combination.

Julia
I think I can say that Julia is the smartest, “coolest” and just most beautiful girl at our school. She is in 6th grade and is at eye-level with most of the 2nd graders. She works hard, plays hard and has a fire in her that you can see from miles away.

Even with all the talent this girl has, she is humble and by looking in her eyes, you can see she has wisdom far beyond her years.

Julia—please don’t let that fire die. With it, you could light up the world.


I wish I could write about every single one of them and let me tell you, that for every one I have written about, there are at least 5 more amazing, smiling, farting, laughing and just plain, unforgettable kids that I have had the honor of teaching...and the honor of having them teach me.

xoxo,
Debra

P.S...For those of you who are wondering, I am currently traveling up through Peru for about a week (lots of good blog stories to come...) I will be home this Sunday...crazy!