Landing on our Feet

March 6, 2010

The flight was what we expected – fairly short as far as international flights go, and not long enough to get any kind of restful sleep. The payback, though, was an easy sail-through customers and retrieval of all our luggage – not like last year when two pieces went missing, the two with the children’s gifts.

2 pieces of luggage per person translates into a lot of suitcases.

This year we had a large bus to transport us to Roblealto – no more lifting suitcases and tying them to the top of the vehicle.

Driving through the city of San Jose was immediately a wake-up. Nice houses with bars on the windows and front doors, and high gates around the perimeter. Poverty lurking everywhere, sometimes next door to a brand new condo complex, undoubtedly for tourists. Industry and beauty side by side. One can’t help but be struck by the contrast of mountains and thick, luxurious cloud banks surrounding a city that is in turns progressive and backward.

The team is an awesome one, with everyone fighting to do dishes and clean up. We quickly unpacked the bus with the help of 5-6 boys who were excited to see us. They were all anxious to get inside Bonanza House – our quarters for the week. However, the children aren’t allowed in. Boundaries and rules are what make Roblealto successful, and it’s important for us to abide by them, no matter how our heartstrings are pulled. There are many new children here this year, which means they are still learning to adjust in their new environment, away from the streets of San Jose.

We had a chance to play with the kids a little this afternoon. Many of the boys were out waiting for their head coach, Herrardo, to instruct them in cricket. While waiting, they were climbing trees and dangling from overhanging branches. The faint of heart had to look away but the children were having a blast. The Thomas kids, Jessica and Dillon, have fit in beautifully. Language aside, there is the more important universal language of play that all kids understand. And fortunately, it also translates to us adults, who the children quickly drag into their play circles. Whether we were returning volunteers or new people learning the ropes, everyone felt accepted by the kids. Lots of hugs and smiles all the way around.

Tonight we all had a chance to eat dinner with our assigned families. There were familiar faces to greet and new ones to meet. While dinner is generally a simple affair prepared by the house moms, it is always lovingly served up by the children. And the creative ways that beans and rice are prepared give us ideas for when we return to the states. Each house has its unique flavor and during the week we will try to describe each of the houses and its inhabitants.

It’s 9:30 p.m. and Bonanza House is quiet. Everyone is zonked, though some of us caught a little shut-eye in the afternoon. All in all, this has been a blessed day.