It rained last night! For most of our Portland friends, I can only imagine what they would think about this news. It was a treat for us though. It's very, very dusty and dry here. This means we have the glory (and it is) of the sun every day as well as the challenge of breathing in clouds of dirt. So today, the earth was just a little more damp and we walked to Mexiquito breathing in clear air. By the time we arrived most of the boys were already off and away riding their bike of choice. Ted kept busy with the other volunteers fixing flat tires and bike chains and lowering or raising bicycle seats. I spent most of my time talking to two little girls that were hanging out while their fathers were doing some construction. They were four and five and wanted to make it clear that they were cousins and not sisters. They also wanted to know how old I was, if Ted and I were married, and what I would name a child if I were to have one. I laughed at their small inquisition and asked them to tell me their favorite names so that I would have some inspiration. I heard "Sofia" "Maribel" "Estephanie" "Ana Marie" and "David" for a boy. Then they decided that they each really needed to ride a bike so I asked the head coordinator of the bike program if that would be possible given they weren't actually residents of the orphanage and they were given the go ahead. It was pretty dang sweet. Soccer was a little different this week. Mike, the guy from the states that initiated the program, left last week to go back and take care of visa stuff. All of the boys kept asking where the other "maestro" was and we were brutally reminded of how important consistency is in the lives of these kids. We have been told that many of the kids have parents that are alive but can't afford to keep them. Again, I have no concept of how this would feel and can only imagine the issues of trust each one of these kids might have with adults in their lives. The beautiful mothers of Mexiquito are there for them every day, but there are only five of them and they have a lot of work. There are volunteers that come, but some for just small amounts of time. I felt saddened today at what my own limitations are and will be. I recognized the fragility in the boys today. Many of them cycle through a bevy of emotions in 30 minutes time and it's difficult to identify how to work with each child according to their needs. There are language and cultural differences as well. One little guy was really struggling today, bursting into fits of anger and lashing out at any adult or child around him. At first I felt defensive, for myself and the others. Then I remembered that I have no clue as to what this young being has experienced. What he needs is care and empathy. I can work to give him that, even if it is for a short amount of time. Before we all parted ways today I asked him if he wanted a hug and he agreed, leapt into my arms (he's really heavy) and gave me a kiss. He had a hard time letting go and so did I.