Every End has a New Beginning

It's been quite a journey here at Casa Sperantei.  Even still it seems like a couple weeks ago that the children dragged me around asking, "What is this?" (one of the few English phrases they knew), and giggling at each word I pronounced in English.  Or they growled in frustration because I couldn't understand them.  Clearly I have come a long way in the communication department. 

For the final week Iulia and I took two groups of children to nearby playgrounds to clean-up the garbage that litters them.  Another group of the smaller children cleaned-up around Casa Speranței.  While this was a good activity for them, I know just one volunteering experience will not serve to increase their social interests and empathy development.  However, it's definitely a step in the right direction (not to mention later in the week Iulia heard one of the little ones tell the others not to throw trash on the ground).  Unfortunately my dream of taking some of the children to a clinic with children with disabilities to distribute their cards and teach games/songs was not realized due to failed connections.  Iulia assures me that she will continue to look for opportunities for the children to visit children who are sick or disabled.

On Thursday groups from our anger management sessions presented what they have learned to all the other children.  We were impressed with their ideas for the presentations, and just as impressed with the actual performances.  Two pairs put on puppets shows that conveyed the importance of speaking nicely to each other, as well as strategies to use when you get angry and want to say something mean.  I'm not sure how much the other children gleaned from the shows, but I know those presenting will have to "own" their behaviors a bit more now.  Iulia expressed her dedication in continuing these sessions with the children and getting even more children involved.

Knowing that this marked my last week here the children all begged to come play one last time.  Each day I was met by myriad children who inquired, "Chi lo prendi?!" ("Who are you taking?!") or "Posso venire con te?" ("Can I come with you?").  While I had anticipated this it still was difficult to not grant each child this opportunity.  Amidst wrapping everything up here I wasn't able to meet with as many children as I hoped.  Nevertheless I still spent some time on the computer with a handful of children and played with another handful one-on-one.  It will be a difficult adjustment for them to not have this individual time any more, but I know it helped a lot of them develop their socio-behavioral skills, competence, and self-regulation.

Overall it's been an undulating, challenging, rewarding learning experience.  I'm forever indebted to Iulia for her wonderful support, knowledge, translation skills, and dedication.  Without her (and Sister Marisa) none of this would have been possible.  It's also comforting to know someone like Iulia will remain at Casa Speranței to continue to make progress with both the caregivers and children.  I look forward to my future contacts with her to get an update on the happenings here.