Last day with the ninos! :(

I will miss these kids so much. I am sure they will soon forget me as the next group of "gringos" comes through to play and visit them, but they have touched me forever. I am so grateful for the life and opportunities I have been born into, but at the same time they have taught me so much about joy and contentment. They all have such beautiful, wild, and free spirits and are so quick to love and play and simply make friends.
This is quite possibly my favorite picture ever. It truly captures the essence of Jordan and Jordanis...just plain goofy.
"El Caballo" (horse) is probably one of the most tiring and wonderful games to play with the kids. There were even times when I would have four of them on my lap at a time...yikes!
Dona Marta has truly touched my heart. Hers is a life of compelte service and selflessness. No vacations, hardly any extra money, but such a love and joy and trust in God and hope in the kids she cares for everday. She is well past the age of retirement but plans to work until it is physically impossible for her. That is a life dedicated to a far greater purpose.
After a day of playing with kids, I was a little exhausted, but there is always time for a little fiesta and dressing up strangely with Lupe! Who knows what we were thinking...
Castro Madriz...the hill where I live in the Barrio Cordoba, my good ol' neighborhood!
Well, it is an art school, so I suppose it makes sense that there is a zen garden in the front office.
Before our field trip to go to the market (shopping for class! I know!) Shauna showed me her gloves and I had a moment of missing winter and wanting to wear hats and gloves and scarves. Crazy, I know.