A Nostalgic Day at Friendship Home

It’s been a fun-filled 48 hours for Jenna in Manila.  We didn’t waste any time jumping in, going directly from the airport to the American Women’s Club monthly shopper’s bazaar!  She was such a trooper after her 30 hour transit time and I just kept assuring her that no she didn’t need a shower, everyone smells like B.O. here!  After two hours of intense shopping, we stopped off at my favorite spa to ease her aching muscles.   AHHHH.  Hope you enjoyed your first 90 minute massage Jenna.  Warning: Massages can become addicting!

On Wednesday afternoon I took her to Friendship Home, the place where I volunteer weekly.  I ask all my visitors to think of something that they can teach the kids when we go.  Jenna decided to give them dancing lessons.  First up was an American dance called the Cupid Shuffle (am I getting old, I’ve never even heard of it)?  The kids had a blast letting out all the pent up summer energy (they’re out of school at the moment).

Next up was salsa dancing, which she learned during her 4 months down in Guatemala when studying abroad.  The kids were glued to her every move and actually did quite well with the steps and a basic turn or two.

In case you forgot, it’s hotter ‘n blazens here.  Jenna’s 8 years on me was quite evident — seriously, she was like the Energizer Bunny!  She was dripping buckets of sweat and I just kept coming over and toweling her off.  And she just kept going….and going….and going!  When they were good and done with dancing, she then pulled out the jump rope.  Take a wild guess if that was a big hit?

I had ordered a long jump rope from the States just for this occasion (only the short single-person ones are available here).  No kidding, even the boys were fighting to get their turn.  I loved watching them try again and again, unafraid of messing up.  Being around these kids is so refreshing!

I think the biggest hit of the day though may have been the “Helicopter” jump rope game, which Jenna pulled out of the recesses of her mind.  It was music to my ears to hear the kids chanting our childhood game in their Filipino accent, “Helicopter, Helicopter over my head.  I spy a color and the color is RED.”  It was truly enchanting.  The combination of having my sister here and busting out old games from our past really made me nostalgic.  What a perfect afternoon!  And now, just think, these kids can teach THEIR children the “Helicopter” game someday.  Because some things are just universal, you know?  :)