Mexico City, Mexico (Part 2)
We moved on to the second group as the younger girls went to the cafeteria area to grab some lunch. About 16 girls made their way to the shaded area for our pre-program briefing. Some had been eagerly watching from bedroom and classroom windows, so they had seen the games and activities we did with the younger group and were somewhat familiar with what to expect.
A few offered their help and then we were on our way with some active listening and hand-eye coordination drills. We then set up some grids and jumped, quite literally, into relay races. I taught them stepovers and then we moved into some more laid-back, fun variations.
After, we broke into mano o cabeza to determine some prize winners. As I took a water break, some of the older girls were quick to offer their help – taking over in the center of the circle and commanding mano o cabeza to the other participants. I even got a chance to play! I was nervous, but had to try my best not to lose because, of course, I’m the coach! This game is hard enough in English for me let alone in my second language!
There was a learning moment from me. As the teacher, I often learn more from my students than they do from me. One of the younger girls messed up and accidentally used her hands instead of her head. By “law” she was supposed to sit down, therefore exiting the game. The girls began to chant “¡Otra oportunidad! ¡Otra oportunidad!” to which I happily obliged. She got it right the next time. I was thrilled to see such selflessness from the girl and her compañeras.
To round off our program, we broke into a full-field scrimmage with teams of eight. One team ended up winning 3-0 after ten minutes of playing time.
We gathered back under the shade to distribute bracelets and booklets as well as choose new soccer balls. The girls were intrigued about the blue indestructible balls, asking me if it was true that you could run over them with a car and nothing would happen.
After, we just got to talking. I asked them what they learned and many responded with answers about working together in a team, concentrating during the mano o cabeza game, and learning new skills.
The girls made sure all my stuff was packed up and helped bring my now-empty bags over to the door. The staff was so friendly, offering me food and drink if I wanted it, though my Uber was already en route.
One girl asked me, “Rosita asked if before your Uber arrives you can stay here inside the gate to wait.”
“Why?” I asked.
“This area is very dangerous. We don’t want you to get hurt waiting on the street.” I happily followed her orders, waiting patiently before saying a final goodbye to the girls and staff members.
Later in the evening, I got to talking with Rosita over the phone and she said lots of very nice things. She encouraged me to return soon, which is always a good sign! Lastly, before I got some rest for the night she said “Please tell your mother the girls promised not to ever take their new bracelets off and you know how they are with these promises like that. They really do mean it.” I couldn’t help but smile to know our impact will be felt for a very long time in CMDX.
¡Hasta pronto la Ciudad de México! ¡Te espera muchísima!
See you soon, Mexico City! I miss you a lot!
