Goals, Bachata, and a Rock

I planned on writing about other Medellín topics but my mind keeps coming back to these kids at Fundación Poder Joven, so here we go again.

I spent some time monitoring the “cancha” or soccer field this week. The field is actually the small rooftop of the three-story building, recently upgraded with artificial “turf” which was being glued down by the staff and one of the volunteers the day I started. It was not an easy job!

Like anywhere, emotions can run high when sports are involved. I received a hug and an apology from Jiménez, who seemed to argue with his opponents every time a goal was scored. The rapid-fire Spanish and slang the kids use when animated mean that I barely understand a word when they seek my advice on whether or not a goal was scored. I’m not sure any apology was needed, but the staff at Poder Joven are very consistent in teaching the students respect.

Focus?

Sitting in the tight circle of 30 students, I tried to concentrate on the book the teacher was reading aloud. Outside, a Coca Cola truck was inching its way backwards down the steep hill, it’s warning signal beeping for several minutes just outside the front door. I heard the mechanic next door, the one who the day before had stopped his work to retrieve a soccer ball that had landed on his awning while the kids were playing in the small space in front of the house. Today he was drilling and banging away at something all afternoon. A man walked by shouting items he was selling, the fan in the classroom whirred in the background, but worst of all was the blaring music from another neighbor. The music was fine, but it was so loud that it felt like we were in a disco.

Despite the wave of distractions, when I looked around the room, I saw nearly all of the kids listening intently. Each time Jessica, the teacher, stopped to ask questions, many were eager to answer and clearly understood the story. I don’t know how they manage to focus so well – my mind was wandering and I noticed another volunteer’s eyes drooping shut. I still don’t understand the basics of the story. I’ll keep trying. The book, by the way, is Mejda: The Family and the Early Life of Paramahansa Yogananda.

A Trick?

“It’s a trick, profe!” “She doesn’t know how to lose!” The three students who had lost an English numbers game we were playing were incensed after losing a second time to Maria. They were convinced that she could not have won without some kind of nefarious cheating. I tried to convince them otherwise, but to no avail.

Maria just smiled innocently and said, “I guess I won because I’m smart.” She is!

Finding My Rhythm?

There are two other foreign volunteers working alongside me most days, Charlotte from France and Julian from Canada. It’s been great getting to know them while comparing notes about our experiences and sharing strategies for the best combination of buses and metros to get to and from Brisas del Jardín. Of course, they are both much younger than me. Riding the bus home the other day, they asked me to join them in a bachata class that evening. I immediately said no, but somehow they convinced me to go.

We were put in two groups, intermediate and basic. The instructors quickly realized that I was more of a “basic basic basic” and gave me lots of one-on-one attention as I struggled to find the rhythm that has eluded me during my 59 years. Still, I had a great time – sorry, not photos, but here is a clip of the instructors showing us how it’s done.

The Rock

I have been exploring Medellín and the surrounding areas during my limited free time. Here are few scenes from a visit to Guatapé, a small town two hours from the city, and the famous monolithic rock that is just outside the town.

We’ll be taking a field trip to the countryside with the kids on Monday. There’s sure to be more stories to tell!