Things are settling down, and I’m getting back into a routine, which is always good for me. And the best part of coming home after a long, hard day is going to spend time with my hogar daughters. I love to do things for them, whether it’s baking them a birthday cake, making them valentines, or lending out my nail polish. They are always so appreciative and do so much for me in return. They were so excited when I showed up in my first pair of skinny jeans the other day. Just about everyone told me how guapa I looked and congratulated me on being more gordita as well. Nuvia insisted on taking a pair of my regular jeans and making them skinny jeans in the sewing taller, and they fit me perfectly! Then there is Estefany, who is my go-to person for a good hug, kiss, and “I love you.” We bonded as tías during Christmas and have been even closer since I took her to the clinic with a serious injury and held her hand as they bandaged her up. I love those moments when I get to feel like a mom. Saravia is the one who keeps me sane, most recently by scrounging me up some delicious food on sopa de menudo (chicken foot soup) night. Kerberling is doing her year of service in Montessori and is newly excited to see me every morning. She made my day when she told me that it’s not just any volunteer that is accepted by the girls and that they trust me and feel like I understand them. Sheila is always game for an impromptu dance or karaoke party and brightens the room with her infectious laugh. She’s also mastered ye olde, “Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” There have been changes in the hogar, but thanks to cell phones, I’m getting sweet little text messages and occasionally even phone calls from my girls outside the Ranch. And the newbies are all girls I know from Inmaculada and all accept my goodnight hugs. Even though that 6:00-8:00 p.m. window is part of my required time, I glad to say it doesn’t usually feel like work. And to think that when I got here, I was adamant about wanting a boys hogar. When we did our rotation, I didn’t even visit Pilares. Now, I can’t imagine my life here without them. Sometimes things really do work out for the best.
No comments:
Post a Comment