Everyone Smiles… — by Haidee Armstrong

Yesterday I taught about transportation. The children had so much fun with it. They liked being able to race to each flashcard and be the first to spell the word. I also had a train set and all the faces of every child lit up immediately. They are so happy all the time and just get more and more excited to see us. I know most of their names by now and claim them all as my kids. If you were to ask me why I was a part of YMAD I would say each of their names and show you all of the pictures. Even the days that I am so exhausted from the kids, it is all worth it and I am excited to be tired the next day because that means I get to put my time and energy into children all over again. I fell in love with them day one, but that love just keeps growing.

Today I was the activity leader of my team. It was crazy because the older kids who we do not teach came up the hill and wanted to play which means they distracted the other children from their lessons. So being the activity leader, I did not have to teach a lesson so I took the older children and played games like Duck, Duck Goose. They beg for music so that they could join together and perform their local dance. They all wanted me to join in so I danced with them for about 40 minutes. It probably was not actually that long, but when you are in the hot sun dancing and sweating in a circle, you lose track of all time. Let me tell you though, I am now a professional dancer. They already know my name and always run to me and cling to me. They play with my long blonde hair and so I let them braid my hair today to occupy them. Even though I do not even get to teach these children, I am still so in love with them.

There is a quote on the wall in our school that reads “Everyone smiles in the same language.” That could not be more true!

— Haidee

4 Responses to “Everyone Smiles… — by Haidee Armstrong”

1. Cory Armstrong, on June 2nd, 2019 at 6:52 am Said:

   Love the quote and the adorable pictures! I’m glad you’re getting some dancing in between study sessions. Maybe you’ll have some new moves to teach the swing squad. haha. Love you!

2. Lucinda Armstrong, on June 2nd, 2019 at 8:02 pm Said:

   So glad to see you smiling and enjoying your time with those sweet kids. We miss you. Have a great time! (Oh, I will!) Love you lots!

3. Glenn E. Roper, on June 3rd, 2019 at 2:29 pm Said:

   What a great experience! Thanks for letting us share a small part of it through your blog entries!

4. Rachel Bliss, on June 3rd, 2019 at 11:52 pm Said:

   You look BEAUTIFUL ❤️. Love your heart and so glad you are experiencing this!