We began this morning riding, once again, in the back of the pickup. Our destination was the elementary school at San Isidro. When we pulled up many of the children were watching us closely, excited to see us arrive. We had brought with us a supply of new toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste to hand out to each child. Dru was going to talk to them about the importance of cleaning their teeth. She even had a pair of clacking teeth to demonstrate! But when we walked around the corner of the school, there were the primary children--four to six year olds--all brushing their teeth. In their classroom, hanging on the wall, was an apron with pockets for each of their brushes. They were very proud to show us where to hang them. We left the brushes and toothpaste for the teacher to distribute then followed Sharon's lead in a rousing song of "Father Abraham" enthusiastically including all the arm, leg and head motions. Some children joined in at first, but soon gave up and just stared at these crazy adults with all their arms and legs pumping and heads nodding. Hilarious! We repeated the performance for the middle and upper level classes with a bit more participation from the middle group and a few more arched eyebrows from the elder group.
After leaving more brushes and toothpaste with the older groups' teachers, we gathered with the children on the playground. Reverend Dave rejoined us there dressed to give his mime performance of Noah's Ark. He 'chose' several of our group to play roles such as elephant, monkey or bird and in turn we each chose a child to be our partner in going two-by-two onto the ark. What fun! The children thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The proof was in all of the smiles and hugs we received as we prepared to leave.
Our next stop was the San Isidro Church to purchase hand-made jewelry created by high school girls from the area. There were so many beautiful pieces, it was hard to make our selections. A quick look inside the church, then on to a delicious papusa lunch served at tables set up outside the home of Miguel in Casa de Zacate. From there we proceeded to the Community House for the truly important business of the day--the signing of the contracts between Casa de Zacate, Casa de Zinc, la Casa Pastoral, Companeros, and those of us at Trinity. This was a momentous occasion dignified by a white tablecloth solemnly placed on the table. A thorough reading of the contract, followed by signatures of representatives from all interested parties was documented by the numerous pictures taken of the occasion.
The serious business completed, the celebration party began. Dave E. began making balloon animals for the children. The moment he pulled the balloons out he was flooded with a flock of children clamoring to be first in line. With the help of Larry and Maurice to blow them up, balloon animals were soon in the possession of each child. Maurice even enlisted the aid of some of the older boys to get them blown up. When the last animal had been created the children turned around to find the girls' piñata had been hung, waiting for the first girl to take her first swing. Older girls were blindfolded and spun before making their assault on the piñata. The smaller ones had no blindfolds, but the stick was so large and heavy, a number of them had difficulty just lifting it to swing. That didn't deter them however. After all, there was candy involved here! The girls' candy collected, it was the boys turn. They attacked with enthusiasm equal, or maybe even higher than the girls. After several had a turn, Dave K. Was asked to give it a try. He gamely went forward to be blindfolded and enthusiastically began to swing. The only problem was that he did not realize when the piñata had broken and many of the young boys began to dive in for the scattering candies as he continued to swing. He was quickly apprised of the situation and the boys admonished to wait until it was safe. More group pictures and it was time to say our final goodbyes for this trip to the wonderful people of Casa de Zinc and Casa de Zacate. We left amid many, many handshakes, hugs, smiles and wishes that we come again.
Rebecca Swainey
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