Joy

I love my job. It's true. How can you not love your job AND your life when you walk in the door and children run up to you to bestow their giant hugs on you?!? These last five weeks have been such a blessing to me - I'm still coping with a death in the family this summer, but the joy of these children have kept my spirits and my hopes high.

These children are some of the most joyful children I've met. Jay's face lights up every single morning when we tell him breakfast is ready. Nehemiah sprints into the gym with a huge smile and limitless energy. Lexander smiles when you agree to play with him. Alex burst out into rapid Spanish when he learned I spoke advanced Spanish, and not just English. :) I know I've written about this before, but there is so much love and joy in these children, I'm absolutely blown away.

Kids always remind you to appreciate the little things. For instance: they love pickle day. I happen to hate pickle day, as I am a pickle-hater compelled to open countless pickle packages and to then pour out the odiferous pickle juice. The children are oblivious to my repulsion, but thankfully I am always cognizant of their excitement. They love pickles. They are very upset when their lunch does not contain a pickle. The lesson I learn: eating a favorite food can (and should) make your day.

Lesson number two: You should always try new things. Today I introduced two different yarn projects to the younger kids - braiding and basic friendship bracelet knotting. Some of them picked it up right away - Monica radiated pride and happiness when when she quickly moved through her bracelet. Others struggled but still felt a sense of accomplishment at creating their own bracelet and succeeding at something new. Don't be afraid to try, and don't be afraid to fail, because you can always have lots of fun along the way. :)