Wednesday's Group Blog

Wednesday- Today was our first day at Casa Esperanza. We arrived in front of an older mid-sized house. As we walked in, the director of the program greeted us and proceeded to give us a tour of the facility. In the common area there were about 15-20 kids sitting around, watching us as we came in. The director led us into a smaller hallway leading to the back rooms. In this tight area, we lined up against the wall where it was difficult for us to see inside the room. In the part of the room that we were able to see there were about 10 kids. The director told the kids in the room that we would all be playing in the park, which led to a lot of commotion. All of a sudden a group of about 40-50 kids came out of this room. This was a big surprise for many of us, since we really didn’t expect for all of these kids to come out of this small room. It seemed never ending, because children kept coming out. We finished the tour and saw the room with computers, and a kitchen. Then it was time to go to the park, and the children led us there. Arriving at the park we saw colorful, urbanized swing sets, a soccer/basketball court and an open area that was in the middle of surrounding skyscrapers. The children spread all over the park and went to their respective areas; some kids went straight for soccer, others the swings and seesaws. As soon as we got there, we immediately started playing with the children. The kids that were shy at first warmed up rather quickly when we offered to play games like soccer and “semaforos” (Red light, Green light). The rest of the day was spent playing with all of these children. Some wanted to play games but others wanted to talk and ask questions. Many of the children enjoyed taking pictures and wanted to do that for most of the time spent at the park. After spending a few hours at the park we walked back to Casa Esperanza to wrap up. The kids went back into the house and said they would see us tomorrow. Then we went to visit the social security polyclinic that was in the middle of, as we were told, a bad neighborhood. The doctor that we met with there gave us a tour of the hospital, and conducted an extensive question and answer session. We got to see the inside of an actual physicians room, where patients go and wait to be seen.
In the evening we went to a restaurant called Tenajas. Aside from excellent traditional food, what made this restaurant stand out were several dance and drumming performances.

Highs and lows of the day:

Michelle:
High- Today we went to a folklore restaurant and show called Tenajas. The show was beautiful and very professional, with a variety of authentic costumes and live music. I personally loved the drums, and niche intricate head gear of the traditional Panamanian head dress. The head dress was made of gold, pearls, and crystals.
Low: Today we also went to the YMCA-like Casa Esperanza for children from the streets. While speaking to the older girls (13-14years) they asked about the United States and our traditions. They were surprised that at 20 years old all of us USF student were not yet married or had children yet. From their expressions it seemed as though it was expected for girls to have children before 20yrs, and it was sad to see how quickly the young girls as Casa Esperanza had to grow up.


Liza:
High—Going to the Tenajas restaurant. Although all the restaurants that we went to have been very good, this one really stood out because it had more native dishes and an interesting show.
Low—The initial awkwardness of not being able to speak Spanish with the kids. Although I was still able to hang out and play with the kids, it would have been a much better experience if I were able to carry on a decent conversation with them.

Shannan:
High: First, being at Casa Esperanza and meeting all the children. My favorite part was talking to the group of older girls. They were so interested in us and what the United States is like. Also, going to the Tenajas restaurant. The food was great and the show was awesome. I loved the dance and costumes, especially the polleras, the traditional Panamanian dresses.
Low: My low was being annihilated in soccer, red light green light, and tag by the children. These kids were so fast and tricky! My other low was realizing how small the house is for so many children. They really could use more space.


Shivani- First walking into Casa Esperanza, I was really scared. The experience leaving Nutre Hoger, I didn’t want that to happen again. When I left Nutre Hoger I couldn’t even bring myself to walk into the room and say goodbye. So I just watched from outside of the room. Walking in and looking at those kids, I went through mixed feelings. I didn’t know whether to feel sad, or happy since some children were smiling at me. All in all, being with the children at the park became a natural high. As soon as we entered the park I felt all of this energy, I wanted to play soccer. (I never want to play soccer, lol). I guess my high of the day would be teaching this one girl English songs on the bench and her teaching me a Spanish song. I also really loved the cultural entertainment at dinner later in the night. A low would have been when the children were asking us when we were going to leave, and we told them Saturday. And one boy got excited because he thought it was next Saturday. And I told him no, this Saturday.