Alfabetización

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to talk to someone who immediately encouraged me with his sense of compassion and willingness to help those around him. He made a point of saying "if you see a problem, why don't you try to figure out a way to fix it as opposed to just complaining about it".

He runs a voluntary literacy program for Spanish speaking people in this community. It is surprising how many people (even today) don't know how to read and write. It breaks my heart. Reading and writing are two of my favorite things to do. Books can be like comforting, good friends.

Anyway, I was learning about the literacy program, how it started, how many classes they have now, and how I might be able to participate and help.

I've been thinking a lot recently about how much I enjoy both the work of researching/writing and the work that involves practically serving/teaching people. I hope that those two things are always a part of my life.

ice skating!

I recently became friends with a girl who works for an organization called Partners of the Americas. I am excited about this organization. I'm excited because it really works with a volunteerism in a way that I appreciate. I would enjoy being part of an organization like this one.

I was invited to spend some time with their youth ambassadors and was super excited about it.

Their website says that "The Youth Ambassadors program offers Latin America youth new international opportunities and experiences to broaden their knowledge of U.S. culture, society, and education. The participants and U.S. audiences will increase their mutual understanding among peoples of the Americas. The Youth Ambassadors for the Americas program will not only provide new knowledge and experience for participants, but also prepare them for a lifetime of leadership and community service."

I got to ice skating with them on Friday night. I love skating. I think I forgot how scary and hard it is the first time that you get on the ice. Otherwise, it's so much fun! I enjoyed the students and I think I'm going to hang out with them again on Sunday afternoon.