“Tim, thank you for everything. With you, I was happy. You were my favorite teacher.”
Wow, how could I not be overwhelmed with joy after reading this note in Spanish from Gerónimo, age 8. I had very stiff competition in the favorite teacher department at Fundación Poder Joven, but at least I was Gerónimo’s favorite!
Of course, it was hard to say goodbye to the kids after five weeks of working with them, but they made my last day truly special. Not only did I receive cards and candy, but dozens and dozens of random hugs, offers to travel with me, and some special and moving performances by several groups of kids who sang and danced and gave speeches.
After all this, I couldn’t leave without promising to return. Maybe one of you, readers, will join me next time!
The staff at Casa Maren are such an inspiration. Clared, the director of the foundation, teaches meditation and values to the students in a weekly class and does so much more behind the scenes. Alba the “coordinator,” never stops working. Her desk is filled with multiple projects she is working on at once while answering the phone, attending to parents, hugging the kids, settling disputes, and laying down the law when needed. Jessica, the teacher, works miracles every day with two groups of nearly 30 students from age 5 through 15 or so. The kids adore her and immediately respond to her requests. All of this is done without ever raising her voice. She is a master teacher.
And Yasmín is so much more than the cook. She made such wholesome and delicious lunches every day for the adults, often turning unexpected donations into delicious treats (horchata from a rice surplus, cheese waffles with hot chocolate as a snack for the adults are just two examples) in addition to breakfast, snacks and lunches for the kids, all while doling out hugs, advice, warnings, and providing an occasional random dance or howl of laughter from the kitchen.
I’m also grateful to have worked with two amazing volunteers: Charlotte from France and Julian from Canada. We deciphered the kids’s Spanish and the bus/metro system together, they invited me to bachata dance class and gave me great tips for weekend travels, and we shared many laughs together, especially about – well, I won’t write the details here, you’ll have to ask me. I look forward to hearing news from them as they continue their work at Casa Maren.
During the last week, we made kites with some basic materials (a lesson I’ve been doing for more than twenty years), visited a nearby park, played lots of UNO (with rules that were new to me), and so much more. The rains also finally started after a mostly hot and dry March. I happened across a very cool toy store in my neighborhood and couldn’t resist getting a couple of games for the kids. They were a big hit, as was the AXE spray I bought for the teens. My middle school teacher friends will understand.
I was also so fortunate to have spent the last five weeks living with Lucia and several of her siblings in their beautiful and peaceful home. It was nice to come home every night and share stories of my day or my weekend trips while learning more about their lives. They are wonderful hosts and made me feel a part of the family. Lucia insisted on washing my clothes and would never let me wash a dish!
Finally, for those who are wondering, we raised $420 for Fundación Poder Joven, thanks to some very generous readers of this blog. That is more than enough to pay for a field trip and many other needed supplies. Thank you, everyone, for following along and learning about this little corner of Medellin where people are making the world a better place.
Here are a few more recent scenes from Casa Maren and the neighborhood, including Holy Week skits, more fútbol, kites, goodbye performances and more.
And a few photos from around Medellín that I never found time to write about.
April 7, 2024 @ 09:13
Thanks for doing what you do! It’s amazing how a little bit can really go a long way, we really do not understand how great we have it here in the United States. I’m sure you touched many of those kids lives in just the short time you spent with them. I look forward to reading your blog every time. I would love to take a trip with you sometime.
April 10, 2024 @ 09:12
Yes, let’s make some plans!
April 7, 2024 @ 09:27
WOW! So inspiring, Tim. Never a doubt in my mind that YOU would be THE favorite teacher! What an amazing experience. I can just imagine how wonderful it was to be with those charming faces, I bet it was so difficult to leave. I know you have made an impact on the lives of these children and they will always remember you for your kindness, patience and compassion. As always, looking forward to your next adventure.
April 10, 2024 @ 09:13
Thanks, Lori. The kids were amazing!
April 7, 2024 @ 09:37
Amazing, just amazing, Tim. Continued safe travels!
April 10, 2024 @ 09:14
Thanks, Stevi!
April 7, 2024 @ 15:55
You are truly an ambassador for us all, Tim! Thank you for giving of your time and your heart to these well-deserving kids. They are richer for having known you!
April 10, 2024 @ 09:14
As am I for having known them. Thanks!
April 7, 2024 @ 18:53
You are a magnificent person! I admire your dedication to children, to teaching, to understanding different cultures! Every blog has been written in a way that invokes such emotion in Mr! I love you Tim and I have loved you since you walked into my office so many years ago! Thank you for inspiring me
April 10, 2024 @ 09:15
Love you too, Christine!
April 9, 2024 @ 16:44
Heart warming
As usual
You’re the best!
April 10, 2024 @ 09:15
Wish you could have dazzled these kids with your presence.
In Between | The Alternate Route
May 21, 2024 @ 18:51
[…] Not every moment of travel can be as thrilling as hiking to Choquequirao or visiting friends in Brazil and Chile or hanging out in Rio with my son or spending five weeks with amazing kids in Medellín. […]