This past
week, I have met some very special children and the wonderful people
who care for them. Two of the children
were in isolation due to chicken pox, and that limited the number of children
who could come from the placement center this week. But I thoroughly enjoyed the children I did
meet.
Alina is
full of energy and joy. I no sooner
entered the room the first day than she stood on the top bar of her crib, and
as soon as I got close enough, jumped and wrapped her arms and legs around me
like a monkey. She is active every minute. She loves to sing. The impact of previous volunteers is very
evident. She comes up to me and prompts
me with "Twinkle, Twinkle" and "E I E I O" in perfect
English.
I felt
awkward with Abel. I didn't know how to
relate to him. I watched Dan help him
walk, and he seemed to enjoy that, but I am a bit nervous about taking him out
of his crib myself.
Tiberiu joined us the last two days of the week. He liked looking at the picture postcards and the pictures on the Memory game cards I brought. On Friday, he had my undivided attention for awhile, sitting on my lap in the rocking chair. He seemed very content, and to my amazement, Alina didn't even interrupt.
I
appreciate the opportunity to teach English in the middle school this
week. As much as I liked being with the
children at the hospital, it is emotionally draining. The afternoons at school were a good balance
for me.
The show
at the elementary school was delightful. I was amazed by the confidence of
these young children to perform so well in front of family and friends. I was especially impressed by 3rd graders
performing a waltz and delightfully surprised by Mihaela's daughter's solo
vocal in perfect English.
I'm
really looking forward to tomorrow's Christmas party. Now that I know the children a bit, it will
be fun to pick out a special gift for each child.
- Mary
1 comments:
Here is the quote I chose, and which is referenced in the blog:
"Just because someone can't talk, doesn't mean they have nothing to say. Just because someone has special needs, doesn't mean they have nothing to offer."
-Unknown
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