Conversations with the Students

So here’s the thing.  I’ve been known to raise an eyebrow when reading letters supposedly dictated by kids to their caregivers, for the purpose of thanking those who provide financial support.  Sure, doesn’t every child thank God for his school and teachers and count the minutes until the next Bible study? 

Today I asked 18 children from 5 to 17, some questions about themselves.  We spoke in Spanish (thank you, Google translate) in the atrium outside of their classrooms.  Sometimes I made use of “Como-se-dice-Jessica” (our helpful bilingual guide from Texas) to help me to understand the children’s answers.  I offered my journal and some colored markers and the offer to “debujar” (draw) while we chatted.  Stefanie, age 10, is an only child with 1 cat and 3 dogs. She likes to make crafts, eat fried chicken, and hopes to graduate and become a secretary.  “Stefanie, cual es su recuerdo favorito?” (What is your favorite memory?) “When my dad gave me a hug.” Turns out that Stefanie’s dad left a while back.  This isn’t really all that unusual, in Guatemala or the US, for that matter.  But Stefanie answered this without pause or tears, no drama, just a memory that she shared, followed by a big smile when I complemented her artistic talent.  “Felipe, que quieres ser cuando seas grande?”  (What do you want to be when you grow up?) Felipe, age 5, (favorite class, lunch) answered, “I want to work so that I can buy a house for my mama.”  I look at this baby. His nose is not growing. He looks me softly and openly in the eye.  He is not looking for praise. OK, this is this boy’s biggest dream.  “Deysi, (age 15, likes music and wants to be a doctor) cuales son sus suenos para su vida?” (What are your dreams for your life?) Deysi thinks a moment and answers calmly and clearly, “to be a good person in life.” 

Cynicism falls. The heart falls open. Something real and honest and true has happened, and keeps happening all day long.  Remember this.

Julie

Deysi, her Mom, and youngest sister at home

Stefani and her Mom