New people, new places, and new hairdos

Returning to the orphanage was such a joy today. The first thing I saw was a dozen eager faces crammed around the door as soon as I walked in. And the first thing I heard was “te recuerdas mi nombre!!?!” (Do you remember my name) They were all so excited to hear me repeat their name to them. How lucky I am to be able to bless them so much even though I know hardly any Spanish! There really is so much in a name.

While I was at the orphanage, many of the little girls discovered their new passion—styling my hair. Many tiny hands worked their magic…and by magic I mean creating a frizz-ball on top of my head. One little girl in particular, Yesicka, spent almost an hour combing and pony-tailing. A few times when I tried to get up she walked around and ordered me to “Sientate!” (sit down). She has the makings of a great future hairstylist though. At only two years old she knew the drill, walking around in front of me and titling her head to the side while examining her work and then determinedly returning to add just a little more frizz.     

After working at the orphanage, I spent a lot of time today exploring the city and figuring out how the avenidas y calles (avenues and streets) work. It was a bit overwhelming at first to navigate around Xela because I’m not even used to big cities at home, let alone a foreign county. Everything has a very nice pattern and easy structure to it though, so hopefully it won’t be long until I am completely natural finding new places.

Most of the day was spent with my new friend Ashley, whom I met on the bus ride Monday. She is volunteering at a domestic abuse shelter until Christmas. We found a great café next to a park surrounded by old Victorian-style edificios (buildings). The towering ceilings, stern columns, and intricate stone work full of historia contrasted beautifully with the circle of trees and brightly-clad people vibrant with life. The park, named el Parque Central, is only a ten-minute walk from my house. I have a feeling I might be spending quite a bit of time there.      

I wish I had pictures to show you all, but my coordinator advised against using a camera in popular public places.

On another note, I mentioned to Ashley my idea of buying a guitar down here and learning a new style of playing, and it turns out one of the Guatemalans she is living with plays really well and could teach me! After my first month of language classes are finished, I hope to spend some afternoons con mi guitarra.