Today was already the best day of the week.
Not a big surprise, since it's Saturday. But hang in there while I explain.
Today I volunteered and I just love those kids.
It's been a bit off for about the past month because many of the kids are in mandatory ISAT prep classes (yes, on Saturday) and there's so much going on that messes with the organization of the three Chicago Cares programs that usually occur at the elementary school. (The other two programs were actually canceled for the last month and I think they start up again next time...)
I walk in expecting a bit of chaos and as soon as I sit down with the fellow volunteers and introduce myself one guy makes a sigh of relief and says, "oh good, Lisa, you're the regular."
Me: Yes thinking I don't know this guy
Guy: Yemsi (the regular program leader) had a doctor's appointment today and can't make it. She said you would know how to run everything.
Cue me being the leader for the day.
We had more kids than usual. We were in a different room. We didn't know where the supplies were.
But we figured all this out and had an amazing time together.
All the volunteers seemed to have a good time too. It did make me laugh when one of the first time volunteers came over to me after drawing on the board with the kids and said, "They're drawing with chalk all over my clothes." (in a sad voice) Then we continued to chat and he said he likes it because it takes him back to childhood, etc. Then he said, "but I learned to wear my worst clothes, nothing nice, so it doesn't get messed up."
I smiled, but really wanted to burst out laughing.
I should really start a kids say the darndest things category (my grandma would have loved that ;)
Kalib: Danny, will you draw me a super hero?
Kevin: You just called him Daddy.
Me: No, he called him Danny because that is his name.
Danny: Wow wow wow, hold on here, let's not get ahead of ourselves!
later
Kalib: Danny, are you a man?
Danny: I'm working on it.
Today I worked with kindergarden twins Kevin & Kalib and a fellow volunteer, Danny. (We didn't have enough books, which happens sometimes, so we share.) We read First the Egg and then made butterflies.
But in all honestly, my favorite part of the day was when I saw Hector.
Hector was a regular last year, but only came to the first one this school year. Hector & I always read together. We were buddies. I miss Hector a lot.
Last time I volunteered, I was feeling pretty down when I showed up at the school and I saw Hector at a distance walking down the hall (to ISAT prep). Seriously, just that made me feel better.
Then today I walked right past him and he ran over to give me a hug. I was able to say, "Hey, Hector! How are you?" before he had to move on. That hug meant more to me than anything.
Come back, Hector!
(I just realized Hector's famous on here. I mentioned him here, here, here, here)
For some reason, every time I'm there as soon as the volunteers see me interact with a kid they ask, "Do you work with kids?"
Me: I used to.
today the other volunteer said: So you come here to get your fix?
I guess I do.
Not a big surprise, since it's Saturday. But hang in there while I explain.
Today I volunteered and I just love those kids.
It's been a bit off for about the past month because many of the kids are in mandatory ISAT prep classes (yes, on Saturday) and there's so much going on that messes with the organization of the three Chicago Cares programs that usually occur at the elementary school. (The other two programs were actually canceled for the last month and I think they start up again next time...)
I walk in expecting a bit of chaos and as soon as I sit down with the fellow volunteers and introduce myself one guy makes a sigh of relief and says, "oh good, Lisa, you're the regular."
Me: Yes thinking I don't know this guy
Guy: Yemsi (the regular program leader) had a doctor's appointment today and can't make it. She said you would know how to run everything.
Cue me being the leader for the day.
We had more kids than usual. We were in a different room. We didn't know where the supplies were.
But we figured all this out and had an amazing time together.
All the volunteers seemed to have a good time too. It did make me laugh when one of the first time volunteers came over to me after drawing on the board with the kids and said, "They're drawing with chalk all over my clothes." (in a sad voice) Then we continued to chat and he said he likes it because it takes him back to childhood, etc. Then he said, "but I learned to wear my worst clothes, nothing nice, so it doesn't get messed up."
I smiled, but really wanted to burst out laughing.
I should really start a kids say the darndest things category (my grandma would have loved that ;)
Kalib: Danny, will you draw me a super hero?
Kevin: You just called him Daddy.
Me: No, he called him Danny because that is his name.
Danny: Wow wow wow, hold on here, let's not get ahead of ourselves!
later
Kalib: Danny, are you a man?
Danny: I'm working on it.
Today I worked with kindergarden twins Kevin & Kalib and a fellow volunteer, Danny. (We didn't have enough books, which happens sometimes, so we share.) We read First the Egg and then made butterflies.
 |
| I took this picture for a project, which I'll explain Monday |
Hector was a regular last year, but only came to the first one this school year. Hector & I always read together. We were buddies. I miss Hector a lot.
Last time I volunteered, I was feeling pretty down when I showed up at the school and I saw Hector at a distance walking down the hall (to ISAT prep). Seriously, just that made me feel better.
Then today I walked right past him and he ran over to give me a hug. I was able to say, "Hey, Hector! How are you?" before he had to move on. That hug meant more to me than anything.
Come back, Hector!
(I just realized Hector's famous on here. I mentioned him here, here, here, here)
For some reason, every time I'm there as soon as the volunteers see me interact with a kid they ask, "Do you work with kids?"
Me: I used to.
today the other volunteer said: So you come here to get your fix?
I guess I do.
Comments
Post a Comment