Leccion

Gave the first (and maybe only? hopefully?) autism lecture yesterday. I was floored by their respect for me. 30+ teachers came, all asked questions and listened attentively. My spanish was atrocious, so I suppose they had to listen attentively.

I hit some key points-- what is autism, what causes their behaviors, are they at fault, what is self-stim, what is reinforcement, when to use punishment, and why punishment doesn't work. One of my favorite points that seemed to blow their minds was that each behavior (self-stim, SIB, etc) had a function, and to understand and teach your student, you must figure out why they engage in some behaviors. I also spoke about designing curriculum that will benefit them when they leave San Martin and gave some examples. Today, I'm being called around to help individual students, which will be interesting.

Day 2

Rocking the chucks in Cusco.

The Great Sock Drop

Sock drop was a success! We have over 100 more, and just the pre-k left to see. That means that every child who attends San Martin will receive at least one pair of socks! Can you imagine?

Thank you! Hopefully these pictures can express more than my words.

And... we're back.

The flight departs for Cusco this evening at 6:50pm, and will arrive at 8:00am tomorrow morning. Long night of layovers in Miami and Lima, but well worth the cause.

Katherine Nelson and Kate Boring are joining the adventure. Stoked!

Thank you for your donations! I am going on support alone, (with my own funds for fun money) and we actually have to check an extra duffle for all of the socks donated (300 pairs!).

You all are making the world better. Pics to come. The hostel claims free wifi... we'll see about that.

Besitos!

2.5 Weeks!

Trip preparations are getting close, and I am getting frazzled!

Registered with the US Embassy.

Bought travel insurance (and laminated the card... like a true teacher!)

First aid kit complete.

Mostly packed!

Money raised (well, enough to eat and sleep).

Just looking for socks for the kids, and clothing/ shoes/ anything for Arturito! Arturito had a hard year. His mom has stop providing for him... clothing, food, everything. She was advised to cut him out so that his little brother will no adopt his autistic behaviors. He is also the child who was severely abused while I was in Cusco... heart breaker.

Keep the trip preparations in prayer, and help advocate for this precious babies!

Sara