In one of my developmental psychology classes, we learned that little kids can tell who spends a lot of time with other little kids and who doesn't. I'm pretty sure this is true. I don't know when in my life it was decided that I was a kid person, but it just happened. I'm not sure if I have a choice in the matter. The kids at the orphanage would follow me around all day if they could and a couple of them have gotten really attached to me, insisting that I come play with them right this second and that I pick them up whenever they want (mostly 4-7 year olds so i am getting my arm workout) After an entire day of this, I get home usually covered in chalk, marker, dirt and drool; my hair is usually done in some interesting style and today I have a beautiful manicure done by a six year old (a bribe for doing her homework; mostly I just have chunks of nail polish stuck to my fingers) The other day I got about seven hair chopsticks stuck at strange angles in my hair and forgot about them for the entire trip home, as if I don't stick out here enough already.
After days like these, I get back to my house and Elisa, the 9-month-old daughter of a couple who lives in my house, shrieks with joy when she sees me. She has recently decided that I am her favorite person and never gets tired of me, and I cannot figure out why. Last night, while Cat and Rachelle were getting tattoos, she pulled me around the house in circles and refused to go near anyone else, including her parents. Sometimes when I pry her off of me she starts crying, and so my life from when I wake up until Elisa goes to bed at night is being clung to by small people. Not that I mind, but it just strikes me as funny how without even trying I am the favorite human being of so many children right now. It's kind of nice, but also strange and very exhausting - I'm so glad that this is not permanently my life yet!
Well, I guess that didn't have anything to do with Nicaragua, just my current life as a climbing post.
Leo and I went on an intense 10k multiterrain run complete with sprinting intervals today so I am quite worn out and have a few new scrapes and blisters. it was so fun though. Definitely looking forward to a weekend of doing nothing!
I just ate way too many cookies and I'm off to bed.
i always eat way too many cookies.
ReplyDeletealso, i feel like having these permanent child attachments is a very good thing. (for them yes, but also for you). here's why-- it's so wonderful to have that love, that trust, that touch, and that joy every single day. especially in another country away from your usual sources of such things. do you know what i mean? or really, i'm just saying that i miss children and that contact in my life, and you're really lucky to have it, even if it is 24/7. :)
love and miss you!