I stressed to the boys that I wanted them to go home for lunch then take full advantage of the afternoon siesta (nap), we as adults know that this nap time is GOLDEN and they will not get this offer back home. They all reported back to me that they "ate good and got some GOOD SLEEP!"
This afternoon was all fun in games... but really it was meaningful culture exchange and bonding through sports and physical activity. The original plan was to play baseball then return to help out at the end of Karen’s English class for the neighborhood children. It was SO HOT though. In addition to my 6 boys from BEST Alex has 3 sons still at home and 4 nephews/ cousins living here from Venezuela. Once again I’m around by BOYS!!!! Some how a spontaneous game of indoor 2 on 2 soccer evolved and the boys out on quite a show. If I weren’t so busy taking selfies I would have great pictures of them playing. But at least I got great video of them playing.
Oh and you want to see my selfies? I thought you’d never ask!!! LOL!!! No seriously I’m eating dulce de coco a sweetened coconut blend that is popular around Easter time.
I also got a chance to check my work email. The US consulate finally responded and we hope to connect next week to have a briefing about how we can serve our country as Embassadors and Diplomats. I’ll keep you all posted on that as it unfolds.
Once the boys ended their indoor soccer tournament, the local boys decided to take us to the Big neighborhood Cartagena sign. I asked them about it yesterday and told them I wanted a group photo of us all there. I’m going to use this picture for our showcase plaque when we get back to Atlanta. I took a ton of picture. Here are my two favorites.
And here is a video of a very close incoming flight!
Next up was to walk to the neighboring park to play American Football along the coast.
I don’t have pictures but I have lots of videos
They were so filthy and had so much fun. While they were playing Alex passed by with a tour bus full of Black Americans. They all jumped off to meet the famous BEST Boys! I could tell some of the grown men wanted to stay and play too!!!
After football we walked to then basketball court closer to our home and there they played basketball for more than an hour. This time I have videos and pictures and picture of some nice murals we passed on the walk toward home.
Rashad showing off his dunking skills https://youtu.be/Yni-LvjVlEw
Silly group pull ups https://youtu.be/KOmQ_Oi1a5U
At 6:30 I ended thengames so FILTHY boys could go home, shower, eat, and spend time with their families. I told them if they wanted we could me at the Center/ Alex’s home/ Big Baby’s home around 8 to hang out and play some more.
Whenever I drop off Dr Malik, I check in with her host mom to see if I can clarify anything lost in translation. Her host mom and twin host sister were so excited to tell me that they had a surprise for her waiting in her bedroom. I’m happy I caught this on video.
https://youtu.be/7R8bDT0N3So
The generosity and affection of our families is unreal. Jaedyn told me that for years he thought I was exaggerating how embracing Latin culture is but now that he’s here he sees that what I’ve been telling them doesn’t even cover half of what it is like to be here in real life... that definitely filled my heart.
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