Pero Hermana...

Saludos a todos! I can't believe that I am about to start my fourth week here at Ciudad.  It does not feel like I've been here in Peru for a month and a half!
Life here in Ciudad is extremely busy and I've often thought that I've gotten into the swing of things, only to later be completely proven wrong.
The boys of Sonrisa are wonderful when they want to be, as most boys that age are.  Last week had a couple of hard days when I had to leave the pabellon for a breathing break and talk myself down from screaming out in anger and frustration.  Working with the boys can definitely be challenging, but at the same time those are the moments when I realize that my time and efforts are really needed here.  And, of course, there are always breakthrough moments when it all seems worth it.  My breakthrough moment this past week was one morning getting the boys to line up and be ready for morning prayer and breakfast and they (basically) lined up....it was a big moment for me. 
Homework and shower/cleaning up time is always a challenge, I get a lot of "pero hermana, (insert excuse)," while they are looking at me with puppy eyes or their mischievous smile. I usually respond with a "No,......" and then I get once again "pero hermana" or "hermana pues."  It seems quite annoying writing it out, but I derive much enjoyment by imitating them. It's quite cute sometimes. Sometimes.
Mid-October Ciudad is going to have their first talent show for the boys.  No outside visitors are coming and it's just a opportunity for the boys to show off their talents.  The Cap corps volunteers are in charge of the whole process, so I have been jumping in and helping out with everything.  This past Thursday we reviewed all of the acts with the completely empty threat that we would cut acts if they weren't good enough.  The boys know it's an empty threat, but they practiced as if it almost weren't.  Seeing the acts completely blew me away!  None (or at least most) of the boys have had any training in music, whether it be playing guitar, piano, singing or dancing.  It made my day much brighter seeing them all perform. 
I've also been helping some of the more shy and timid singers practice at night after dinner with their singing and performance.  It's been what I look forward most in my days whenever we have a practice scheduled.  I have to be completely ridiculous in the way I teach them about singing for them not to be awkward 15/16/17 year old boys. I'm sure I look like a complete idiot, but it works, so I'm not about to change anything!

I'll work on putting up some photos soon from around here!  Thanks for all the continued support, I continually am astounded by the amount of love and help I receive from God every day.  Much love to all.


Things I've recently learned:
-peruvians are required to vote, if not, they get fined. (Regional elections were yesterday)
- there were no Masses during the day yesterday until 5:30pm because of elections
- I am no good at trying to make papas rellenas (complete disaster) even though I have a recipe
-When I breath and am patient things tend to go better
- I don't get nervous singing in front of the boys I help with singing....which then makes it hard to convince them that I don't like performing in front of people