Happy Friday from Ayacucho!
Yesterday I did interviews with four of the kids.  They were very cute and once again confirmed that kids are kids wherever you go.

This is Vanessa

Vanessa has two brothers and two sisters.  She likes writing but she does not like math (although we know she struggles to write and is really good at math).  Her best friend is Reina.  She likes the color pink and baby llamas.  She also likes volleyball (which is popular for many girls in Peru).  Her favorite food is tripe.  She does not know what she wants to be when she grows up.

This is Reina

Reina is eight.  She has a brother who is 16 and a little sister that is one.  She likes to retell stories and said over and over that she does not like to play.  Her best friend is Vanessa.  Her favorite color is pink.  She likes dolphins and volleyball.  She likes to eat ceviche.  When she grows up she wants to be a dancer.

This is Renny

Renny is 10. He has a sister who is 12.  He likes math but not reading.  He likes to play chess and ride his bike.  His favorite color is red.  He likes elephants His favorite food is ceviche and when he grows up he wants to be a pilot.

This is Dilan

Dilan is also 10.  He and Renny are cousins and best friends.  Dilan has a younger 6yr old sister.  Dilan likes science but not math.  He likes to ride his bike and play with toy cars.  His favorite color is yellow.  He likes turtles.  Ceviche is also his favorite food.  When he grows up he wants to be a scientist.

This is Yohan (working with Wilbur)

Yohan is about 8.  I could not interview him because he is severely hearing impaired and does not speak.  Doctors here in Ayacucho have tested him and say he does not hear at all out of one ear but can hear some things from the other ear.  They suggested he be evaluated in Lima and fitted for a hearing aid.  We are not sure that will happen.  It would appear Dad is in jail which means his mom would need to take him on the nine hour bus ride over the Andes.  GeGe has repeatedly offered to go with them.  For now the staff has learned some sign language and taught it to Yohan.  He is clearly very smart.  He picks up math concepts very quickly.  He needs more though and we worry for his future.

This is Isak

Isak is four.  Everyone who spends time at KATC gets to know Isak.  His mom Amancia works for the program.  He is not old enough to be in classes here but hangs out spreading happiness to us all.  He likes the candy and stickers that we dole out.  He has two older brothers Abrahan and Lucas who we also adore.

Today we did an art project with the kids.  I brought rolls of heavy gauge aluminum from home.  The kids drew on the back causing the metal to raise on the other side.  When finished they mounted their pictures on cardstock and decorated them.  I will bring these home to send as thank yous to our donors.  Here is a picture of one of the three tables full of their masterpieces.

 Here are three samples.  I am always amazed at the artistic ability of these kids.

 I might have to keep the one above since she put my name at the top. :)

That's it for now.  Much love to you all, C