Hey guuuys! SO this past week was Dia del Nino, I remember asking as a kid why we never had a day for kids – because of mother’s day and father’s day. The answer from everyone was always “everyday is kids day” grownups…sigh. Anyway they have kid’s day here and it is AWESOME! Just add it to the list of why I love this country. Monday was the day of the holiday but we prepped most of the stuff the week before in preparation. Sunday night we filled 500 balloons with water. At midnight we strolled over to the kids bunks and the padrino’s home where the padrinos were getting things ready for the midnight firework display. At that time all the kids are asleep (hopefully) and are awakened by fireworks and a dia del nino song from all the grownups outside their rooms. When we started you could hear the littlest ones scurrying to the door. It was really cool to see how pumped all the kids were for the day, they all ran out to watch the fireworks and to give hugs. The fireworks marked the start of dia del nino.
After the show was over we (only grown-ups) headed to the kitchen where they begin the long and tedious task of making tamales, a Honduran favorite. Since so many people were in the kitchen I went back to bed (lame, I know) so I don’t know how they make them, I just know it is time consuming. I woke up at 6 to serve breakfast the next day. The kids got fruit loops (big treat) and instead of them coming up to get it we had them sit and brought it over to them. We also did all the dishes, and then headed over to their houses where we helped do their chores — like make their beds and clean the houses. Meanwhile, the teachers held a big scavenger hunt and races for the kids. WInners got candy bags and the glory of winning.
For lunch they made fried chicken and fried plantains served with soda. I bet you’re probably thinking that’s the healthiest meal ever. At lunch we served the kids again. After lunch there were more games, but this time there were all water games. At the end we pulled all the crates of balloons to the middle of the field and had a water balloon war. I was soaked. In the late afternoon they set the green area in front of the offices up for a kind of carnival. There were games were kids could win fake money to get real prizes or to “buy” food with. I helped run the dizzy bat course, they didn’t get the concept and instead of spinning around 5 times they just counted to five and ran back. It was fun either way though. I should mention kids from the town joined us for this time period. All the girls were dolled up for the day.
One of the funniest courses they made was for a “horse race” They gave the kids poles with a paper horse head on it and ahead of them was a string perpendicular to them with 10 elastics taped to it. The kids each had a pencil and had to gallop to the string, no slowing down, and try to get an elastic with their pencil. Hilarious. If they won, they got a bandana from a lovely lady and a kiss on the cheek. No one wanted a bandana from me or any other girl volunteer hahahah. It was cute to see the little girls from town give them a peck and the boys were so clearly uncomfortable, not looking at the girls and they scampered away afterwards.
At 6 we set the dinning room, dressed the tables up making everything bonito with center peices and balloons. We then set the table with the tamales and soda for dinner. The kids all came in and chose their seats carefully. In the middle of dinner they did a slideshow from the past year with music and bags of treats were handed out. We cleaned up everything and set the room for a dance party.The dance party was SUCH a blast and I usually don’t like dancing unless drinking (sorry parents.) I got to dance with a bunch of little kids and some of the older boys taught me the bachata which is slower – don’t worry there was room for the holy spirit. Unfortunately around 8 the electricity went out and then the generator wouldn’t work so we had to stop the party.
On tuesday since we missed out on some festivities the previous day, they had cake at lunch, got gifts (flashlights LOL) and after lunch they set up the six pinatas and went crazy. I asked the kids how they liked everything and some said it was the best dia del nino they’ve had 🙂
So now I ask you, whyyyy don’t we have kids day? Its fun for everyone!
Yesterday was Dia del Independencia, a day where Honduras celebrate their freedom from Spain. On Friday night they started off like any good holiday, with fireworks and a huge parade. The looks I got from the crowd were hilarious because I’m such a gringa and I was walking in a parade for Honduran pride. This parade was really cool though because it was all the neighboring towns schools and each kid had a hand made lantern, all the lanterns were different colors and they lit up the dark street. There were also marching bands playing music and the sight was just really awesome and unique for me. When you looked down the road all you could see were different colored lights moving and hear chanting and songs.
After the parade there was a short demonstration in the square where people preformed, some of our boys preformed as well. Around 9pm we headed home went to bed, got up early and went to the second parade. All the kids, depending on their school and major wore their school uniform or work uniform. Again there were bands playing/marching and all the little girls were dressed up like queens for the day. After the parade was similar to the night before but they also sang the song of their flag and promised to be good honduran citizens. Afterwards it was a day of just hanging out at the hogar.
Another update for you guys. We got three new little girls this week because of a family tragedy. They needed a new home STAT, so now we have 6 girls. There are having trouble adjusting but I saw some smiles for the first time yesterday, please say a prayer for them 🙂
AND I start teaching pre-k tomorrow!! WHAT