Occasionally, on less pleasant days at Thanh Xuanh Peace Village, I wonder why I am still going there day after day, and if my presence is actually beneficial to these kids in any way. Usually this occurs because of frustration at the language barrier and a intense desire to be able to joke, tease, and banter with our kids. But then, this is also the answer to why I come everyday. Each time we step into the village I get closer and closer to our little (and not so) friends regardless of my inability to properly talk and understand. Their continued interest in me is so amazing and we are getting to know each other through interaction and simple sentences. I try to please them with songs, dances, and acting a fool in front of the class which I think they greatly appreciate. I'll sit there and help them trace a, ư, and ô over and over. I think they also enjoy being able to tease me and know that I won't necessarily understand and definitely will not be able to retort. They can tell I'm trying to engage with them and desperately want them to like me too.
I really hope our final project festival event lives up to my group's hopes and visions. Thay Gerard is worried that our plan might not necessarily be that entertaining to the kids and that they might not have as much fun as we think. I think all of his fears are completely unwarranted. Anything out of the ordinary captures these kids interests, as does anyone willing to talk or help or entertain them. I think if they see the effort we put in as well as the candy and time to spend outside just running around like crazy then they'll have a great time. If there's one thing I know about kids it is that they will make their own fun if need be. Also, all the new faces will definitely pique their interests. I'm very excited for the event. I only hope that we are able to properly prepare our booths and get enough helpers to be able to do this right.
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