The Yahoskas
*written July 2, 2008*
Every day a smile comes to my face as I approach my volunteer site. The outer walls are decorated with pictures and bright colors, proudly displaying the Yahoska title. The Yahoska property is like a small farm, with two goats, a pig, and a dog and cat. Mango trees scatter the acre sized piece of land and the girls frequently scamper up the tree trunks to throw mangos down to their friends. Daily life includes meals, school (the girls travel to and from the town of San Marcos for school — either in the back of a pick up truck or by foot), and various activities, including daily chores.
These girls are very well behaved and are constantly running from activity to activity. I’m always amazed when most of them jump up with a smile to go sweep a floor or wash dishes. They hand wash all of their clothes and suffer through their homework when not dancing or running about. Every day is different. I try not to get in the way of their daily routine, but instead entertain the girls that have nothing to do.
Two days ago was Gloria’s birthday (Gloria is another Haverford Volunteer). I went to the Yahoska’s early so the girls could make birthday cards for her. It is amazing how excited they get over the smallest projects. I whipped out paper and markers, and they immediately squealed with delight. It was the cutest thing watching them make their
cards. “What do I say?” “Is this pretty enough?” “Will you help me write my card in English?” were some of the many questions they posed. I was touched when a few of them wrote me cards, explaining how much fun they’ve had with me and te quiero mucho! I want to take every one of them back with me to Kentucky.