I woke up at 8:00 a.m. to get all of the food and other packing list items ready to go. The kids started arriving at 9:00 a.m. It was adorable, one of the girls lives in the apartments across the street, and I happened to see her sitting outside, staring at the church holding her backpack. It reminded me of an anxious child waiting for Christmas. I couldn't help but smile seeing her sitting across the street, watching with great anticipation.
I kept telling myself throughout the morning that this would be my last day with the kids and their families. I knew that I had to enjoy every single moment of that day, and spend as much time with the kids as possible. I felt very sad knowing and telling myself this, because I couldn't imagine not seeing any of them everyday. When they arrived, I put on my happy face and made sure that I gave them every ounce of energy and attention that they deserved. Of course, some extra silly and goofiness was thrown in with the energy :)
Rose Mary and I had put the kids in groups the day prior, so we were all set to go when it came to telling the children who they were with as far as adults go. Erin drove the Cristo Rey van to the water park. The kids were so excited! It was absolutely adorable! I couldn't get over how cute they all were with their swimwear and happy faces on. Funny story: we got a little lost driving to the water park...ha! That would happen our last day driving the kids anywhere, right? :) We ended up accidentally taking a road that took us right along the Wet 'n Wild, but it didn't take us INTO the park...so that was great. As we approached the park, the kids were cheering (very loudly) "WET 'N WILD! WET 'N WILD!" and then it slowly started to get quieter and quieter and fade out completely as we drove right on by...it was pretty funny. We eventually rerouted ourselves and made it! (Story of our lives while driving around El Paso) There was a whopping 85 of us coming for the day. Big group. We found our spots at the tables, had the kids wait for their adults to gear up, and then headed on out for the fun! My group was Megan, Amy, Armando, Michelle, Hector, Carlos, little David, Luis, and Pablo. Ours was definitely the biggest one, but the boys were so fun to be with. We started by going to the wave pool. Amy's description of it could not have been funnier, or more true, "There are things floating around in there that you know shouldn't be there...bandaids, hair, you name it." When we got there, none of that nast stuff was present until about 20 minutes later. Justin's group was also in the wave pool, and our groups swam around together. Little David, poor buddy, got so cold! His teeth were chattering like mad and his lips were turning purple. It was only 78 degrees outside, so it was very chilly! Amy attempted to make David feel better...in her Amy-like way. She approached him with this work of art, "You wanna know what helps me feel warm?" *David gives Amy a blank stare* "Pretending you're a fish! Check it out. Hey, I'm a stingraaaayyy and I'm really warm!" *David gives Amy a blank stare, and then swims away* "Ok, you go ahead and practice on your own and let me know how it goes!" ...HA! Amy, if you're reading this, I love you haha I miss your humor so much. So yes, clearly David felt warmer after that. Justin ended up taking him back to the tables to warm up. Poor little guy...he was so so adorable though.
My group ended up going back to the tables to grab a quick snack, and then check out more of the slides. After going on many kiddy slides, we went back to the tables to eat lunch. There were hamburgers, hotdogs, and all sorts of barbecue sustenance. After we ate, we went on more rides with the boys, and took their pictures having a blast together. It was wonderful seeing all of the kids having fun just being kids. Once it was the parents' turn to take over watching the kids, all of the teenagers took Erin and me on rides. It was awesome! We jumped off of the "cliff" which goes directly into 8 ft water. We then went off of a white slide that cuts off less than halfway, and then you just drop into the 8 ft pool. Freddy and Edith tried the rock climbing wall, which was difficult for both due to the fact that the grips were all wet. Both of them just slid right off.
Erin and I were then taken to the carpet slide. You slid down on a mat and then just plopped right into the pool. This was actually a pretty hilarious ride! All of the kids said to Erin and me, "Miss, at a certain point, I'm going to get us all stuck so that we can all go down together at the same time, but don't tell the lifeguard." Edith went first, then Freddy, Lupita, Michael, Felipe, Daniela, me, and last was Erin. All of the kids were stuck when I got there, and I had a hard time holding on to the side of the slide to keep myself from breaking the chain. Suddenly, Erin comes zooming down and was going so fast that she actually went to the sides of the slide! It forced us to all let go of the side and just go down together in one big blob. It was so priceless! We all plopped into the pool at the same time and right on top of each other. We were all laughing when we got out of the water, and the kids really wanted to go down another time. Erin and I had promised Megan and Justin that we'd meet up with them. So we decided to head back to the tables.
Justin, Megan, Erin, and me decided to hit up more big people rides together. It was a blast! We went on the Vortex (I think that's the name of the one we went on?), the Toilet, another regular water slide, and then decided to head back to the tables to meet up with Erika and Lilly. We talked Ariella into coming with us as well. After we all had some downtime at the tables, it was Justin, Erin, Megan, Ariella, Erika, Ariella's friend Oscar, two sisters Sophia and Victoria, and me. We then focused on hitting up the tube slides. We all had a blast going down them and watching each other just plop into the water, as well as come out of the pool adjusting our suits! Ha! Weggies all around. Justin, Megan, Ariella, Oscar, and I decided to try the monkey bars. There were 4 monkey bars hovered over an 8 ft pool. Everyone made it across all 4 with the exception of Ariella and me, who made it to a whopping 2. Go us! :P We then decided that we were going to try the screamer!
The screamer is a slide that Erin, Justin, Megan, and me had been hearing for a long time. Usually in this type of context, "Miss, are you going to go down the screamer? You have to!" "Miss, one time a girl was going down the screamer and her top came off. There was a male lifeguard at the bottom, too." "Miss, you have to make sure that you go to the bathroom before you go down the screamer." The screamer is one of those slides that starts off slow with a tunnel over, and then just drops down. It is also the tallest, highest slide in the whole park. Justin, Megan, Ariella, Oscar, and I decided to be brave and go down. We were the "brave 5" and the others decided to sit out and go to the observation deck and watch us scream going down. It was a pretty high walk up the ride, which made me nervous. However, if I'm being honest, my greatest fear was that my top would come off. I told that to them all and they just laughed. It was the truth, though! Thankfully that did not happen! As we were going up, I asked "So...who is going first?" ...in unison, they all looked at me and were like, "Hey, Jennifer....wanna go first?!" Yup, thanks guys.
When we reached the top, I saw and heard that every person going down screamed. I told myself, "Try not to scream going down" Even though I did scream going down, it was great hearing all the Cristo Rey people cheering down at the bottom. All of the kids came up to me after and stated, "Miss! You should've seen your face! You looked like this! *makes a ridiculous face that was most likely very accurate*" I saw Megan, Justin, Ariella, and Oscar go down. It was wonderful taking that last fall with those friends. We have all taken many falls and chances together throughout the summer, so, in a way, it almost symbolized the end of our risk-taking as a group.
By the time we all reached the bottom, it was 7:00! I could hardly believe how fast the day had gone. I was expecting the day to seem slower, but it was over before we all knew it. We walked back to the tables and more kids kept asking us if we had gone on the screamer, as if we were the bravest souls on the planet. The Cristo Rey group all took a picture together by the stage. It was the last group picture we would ever take. I never saw the picture, but I know that it was beautiful just because of the people who were in it.
The whole group walked back to the tables and the kids organized their stuff. They then stood as a group right in front of me as Rose Mary took attendance. As I was staring out at everyone, I couldn't help but think, "This is the last time I'm going to see my whole summer group in front of me. I love them all so much." It was a sad self-talk that was going on, but at the same time I was thinking about all the unforgettable trips and experiences that our group had experienced together over the summer. I made sure that I enjoyed being able to look out at everyone one last time, and couldn't help but think that I was extremely blessed for having such a wonderful group of 55 kids this summer.
We all walked out to the vehicles and went on our way. I requested to drive the group back, as it would be the last time of me driving the kids in the van. Erin and I pulled up to the front of the water park and slowly saw our kids begin to leave. Some with their families, some with friends, and some in the other vehicles that came with us to the park. We made sure to say goodbye to them all, and hug them if possible. All of our kids piled in to the van, and I cranked up the tunes loud for everyone to dance/sing along to. Freddy's song, Get Lucky by Daft Punk, came on the radio, and Erin and me had no problem proclaiming it to Freddy. He had the biggest smile on his face when I looked back at him in the rearview mirror. The three of us sang and danced it out together, and it was so great. That whole car ride back to Cristo Rey was great. The mountains were around us, the sun was setting, and the kids were happy and wiped out from the day. It was one of those beautiful moments that filled us with content and joy.
My heart became very heavy when we reached the church. I turned off the van, opened the door for the kids, and told them that I loved driving them around this summer, and also that I loved them all. Some of the kids' parents were waiting there to pick them up already. David, Hector, and Pablo were the firsts to leave. I gave Pablo a huge hug and told him that I was going to miss him. David and Hector had walked ahead, but luckily Megan got their attention. She told them that they should say goodbye to me and give me a hug because they wouldn't see me for awhile. She said, "Miss Jennifer is going away for awhile." David's face sank into a sad frown. He gave me a hug and I hugged him right back. I immediately started crying when he said that he was going to miss me. It was uncontrollable, I just started crying, and then told him goodbye and that I'd never forget him.
I walked back in to the church with tears still in my eyes. Jackie, Carlos, Freddy, Daniela, and Julia were with us. We all hung out for a little bit at the church, and then it was time to take Freddy, Daniela, and Julia home. Erin and I gave Jackie and Carlos huge hugs, and told them that we were going to miss them a lot. They said that they were going to miss us too. It was tough saying goodbye to both of them. Jackie is such a firecracker, and always says THE BEST phrases in the best voice. She is such a hoot, and made Erin and me both laugh a lot this summer. Carlos is an overall really sweet kid. He has a very sweet, patient personality, and a caring heart. He was also always willing to lend a hand whenever it was necessary during the program. I loved getting to know Carlos over the summer.
Freddy, Daniela, Julia, Erin, Erika, Lilly, and I headed out in the van. Erin and I made sure to car dance with the kids. We took Daniela and Julia home first. Erin and I got out of the van and gave them hugs. We told them that we were going to miss them a lot, and they asked when we would be back to visit them. I truly hope it is soon. We then took Freddy home. I got out of the van and gave Freddy a huge hug. As I was hugging him, I told him that he was a fantastic person and that I was very proud of him. I then said that I was going to miss him a lot. Freddy responded with, "I'm going to miss you a lot too, miss." It broke my heart hearing that. It broke my heart saying goodbye to all of the kids. I miss them all very much, and think about them everyday.
Erin, Erika, Lilli, and I drove to El Taco Tote for a late dinner/snack. The car ride there was quiet and had a sad feeling. I was silently crying and letting all sad emotions out. It was so tough saying goodbye to the kids, not knowing when I'd be able to next see them. I think that is the biggest thing that made it tough for me, not knowing. I truly hate not knowing when I'll next see someone, especially when it's someone who I love very much.
--------------------------------
Being the summer program director at Cristo Rey was a huge blessing. I have worked with many wonderful children over the years, but I will be completely honest and say that I grew more attached to the kids at Cristo Rey. The culture of El Paso, in my opinion, is much more affectionate and emotional. This made the youth become more attached as well. There were times when I had to be strict and discipline, but it was only because I love them very much. I wanted them to learn from their mistakes and actions sooner rather than later on in life, when forgiveness is not offered. Love was always integrated into everyday and every plan. I learned that it is important to always be consistent and encouraging when given a role as a director. That might sound like common sense, but consistency is difficult to carry out when there are 55 kids to pay attention to. No matter what, the kids and their needs always came first.
I also had the privilege of growing close to the families. I heard some their stories of immigration and struggles, which almost strengthened our relationship. One of the main lessons that the youth taught me is that there is always a reason to smile and be happy. Innocence is something that can never be permanently taken away. Even with the middle and high schoolers, I saw a trail of innocence still present in them. If any of the middle and high schoolers are reading this, please know that I am always here for you. Minnesota or Texas, I am only a phone call away, and will always make time to talk with you!
The Cristo Rey youth will always hold a very special place in my heart. It was an honor being their summer director. I love them all very much, and will never forget how they changed my life.
( I unfortunately do not have any pictures from Wet 'n Wild. However, these are some snapshots from the final week of the program. You could say that we had a pretty fun week. :) )
No comments:
Post a Comment