Señor, te damos gracias...

I want to tell you about Semillas de Mostaza, the after-school program I am working at this year in Arbolito.  But first, I need to start with a quote.  It's from (go figure) Sports Illustrated, October 2012 (thanks for sending it Mom and Dad!!).  Davey Johnson, manager of the NL East Champion Washington Nationals, said regarding the loss of two of his children, ''I try to look on it that I was blessed for as long as I had them.  They were joys.  But it's also the way I've lived my life.  I'm going to enjoy the right now.  My energy is about enjoying the moment the best way I can.  Losing two kids only reaffirms how precious each moment of your life is.  You're given a gift with every opportunity''

I can't think of a better way to describe Semillas de Mostaza to you.  My hat doesn't stay on my head for more than five minutes at a time (case and point, picture).  I double as a human punching bag and a jungle gym.  My shoulders no longer carry a backpack; rather, they carry kids pretending to be monkeys like Daniel (again, see picture).  I am no longer solely responsible for myself; I'm now responsible for 60 others, many of whom are rough-housing or screaming (or both!) at any given time.  I get juked out on the concha by 10-year olds who have more soccer skill than I could ever aspire to.  And you know what's awesome about all this?  I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

Now I also want to tell you about one kid in particular I've gotten to know these last few months.  Erick is one of the sweetest kids at our program.  He's a gentle kid with a great smile and a calm demeanor.  He wants to be a doctor when he grows up.  A few weeks back, Erick came to Semillas without his trademark smile, looking rather sluggish.  I casually asked him what was up.  He replied that no one was home at his house, so he hadn't eaten all day.  My heart sank.  Unfortunately, this is a reality for some of the kids at Semillas.  The program provides the kids with bread, banana, and a vitamin each day, but it does not necessarily change the situation at home or on the streets.  However, I do believe that the program has a positive impact for these kids, no matter how small of an impact it may be.  At the least, it is a safe space to study, learn, and play.  And I am certainly reminded everyday about enjoying ''the right now'', as Johnson writes.  I have, on any given weekday, 50-60 reminders that I am truly ''given a gift with every opportunity''.

We say this prayer at the end of program each day..I thought I'd include it at the end.  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, thank you for all your love and support! 

''Señor, te damos gracias por un día más de Semillas y por compartir con nuestros amigos.  Te pedimos que nos cuides, que cuides a nuestros padres, maestros, voluntarios, chicos de la calle, y a todos los que nos rodean.  Ayudanos a ser mas respetuosos y bondadosos.  Te pedimos que bendiga el pan de cada día y gracias por tu amor''.

''Lord, we give thanks for another day of Semillas and for the opportunity to share it with our friends. We ask you to care for us, to care for our parents, teachers, volunteers, children, and all those around us. Help us to be more respectful and kind. We ask you to bless our daily bread, and we thank you for your love''.