What I'm Crazy Excited About

"Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, and most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe, they will become" - Brooke Hampton

This week I started my work at MIOK, an after school program for both local Roma and non-Roma children. The kids and I have enjoyed getting to know each other by teaching each other our languages, playing soccer, drawing, dancing and listening to Justin Beiber's "Despacito". The kids and staff have been so welcoming and excited about an American volunteer who is just as psyched to goof off with them as they are with me. We've had lots of laughs as I fumble my way around the Hungarian language, and compensate with silly facial expressions and hand gestures. On Friday, a few of the kids and I went to help with a local food and clothing share organized by a local Roma Restaurant. They lovingly prepared a traditional Romani dish, Káposztás lecsó, for those in need of a warm meal in the community. Their generosity and inclusion was beautiful to witness and be a part of. While my time at the after school program has just started, I get the sense this place is exactly where I'm meant to be.