Promising to carry her for part of the journey, we headed out with bread in hand and last night's hairdo in place (a French braid). As we headed for Casa we chatted about the sights and sounds of the day in our small town of Shell. Selah began to warm up and even willingly ran down the big hill for a few yards with me. Before I knew it, we had reached the river's edge, the bridge, and the base of the hill where Casa is located. Her pleading for water began then and continued for a few minutes--it was a pretty warm day with a hot equatorial sun. We made our way upwards and I eventually saw in the distance our two classes making their way toward us, little hands clutching the rope, little heads covered by ballcaps to keep out the sun. Immediately I could sense Selah tense up for she knew what I did: our classes would be walking back into town and back--another mile added to our day's journey.
Nelly, in the lead, approached us first and greeted us with kisses on the cheek. So many little faces smiled our way and tried their best to say, Buenos Dias. Marjorie and our extra Tia for the day provided more kisses.
Instead of joining them on their journey, we continued up the hill so that we could secure a glass of water for Selah. We asked for a big cup and were told we could take it with us. Praise God. All the way back down the hill Selah sipped on her water and we eventually caught up with the little line of three and four year olds. We all crossed the bridge together and headed up the fairly steep hill that takes us back into town (where we had just come from only minutes before).
Selah quickly discovered that this walk was going to be a longer one than the one I wrote about two weeks ago. She noticed that we had passed our previous turn around point and began to wonder where we were headed. Since her Spanish is still very limited she was unaware that we'd be going to the central park--fully in the center of town and about two-thirds of the way home.
We walked closer and closer to town and discussed dogs, houses, people, school children, and all other things along the way. All children, Selah included, gazed around with much interest at these sights.
When we arrived at the park, all wee ones were told they could let go of the rope and play to their hearts' desire. Oh, the joy!
Antony looking downward from the top of the jungle gym.
Edison
Denis
Carla looking sweaty
Poor Diego always looking beat up
Ester checking things out
Moises crossing the bridge
We played for probably 30 minutes on all the equipment which included time on the seesaws, a truly horrifying experienced since the metal planks the kids sit on are waaaaaaay too heavy. When a partner slides off of his/her side of the seesaw, the other child goes slamming to the ground with the full force of gravity. Of course all the kids discovered the seesaws at the same time so we had 10 kids experimenting with this toy simultaneously. Very nerve wrecking!
Then we headed out. We eventually convinced every child to grab the rope and head back out of town toward Casa. Selah's disposition changed. No longer did she want to walk. As Marjorie left the group momentary to go buy popcicles for everyone, I convinced Selah to hang in there just a bit longer. Sweet, cold treats are a draw for any child. We walked all the way down the hill, crossed the bridge, and sat in the shade to enjoy our refreshment.
When all popcicles were done, we got up to leave and I assured Selah that we would not accompany the group back to Casa de Fe. We'd help them to accumulate all little hands for the rope and then we'd make our way home. She was greatly relieved and willing to make the 2/3 mile walk back from there.
We arrived home and 40 minutes later had to head out for the school where Selah takes Spanish with Senora Rocio for 30 minutes--it's a half mile walk away. ; )
You'll be happy to know that she survived and even came home later with a smile on her face.
Blessings, kim
all that walking is good and tiring!
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