April 9th

Today we first read our journals. She wanted me to read hers first, which is a change from the norm! I've noticed that she really enjoys reading my entries and that there is a decrease in the amount she writes. But I am not going to encourage her to write any more; it is something she must want to do in order for it to continually be an inviting experience. In my journal, I shared about my week and also told her how much I like to write encouraging letters to people. I also asked if she was excited for next year when we get to do things outside of school. She really wants to watch movies, eat ice cream, and go to the park. In her journal she brought pictures of her family! This brought up lots of discussion about who was in the picture and also about her recent move to a new house.

After reading the journals, I gave her a bookmark I made for my field experience project. I really enjoyed making it and I know she enjoys little gifts like that. Something I must be careful of is of her expecting me to bring things each week. I want whatever I bring to be a surprise as well as a good experience.

Next we painted with water colors. In my journal I wrote about going to a birthday party dinner for Amanda, one of the big sisters. My little wanted to make her a birthday card, so we spent the next hour painting, drawing, writing, and talking. She wrote on the card, "To Amanda, my second best big sister." She was very creative and put a lot of effort into the card, and Amanda loved it! While we were painting a ball game and knocked over our water. It got our papers all wet, but the experience was actually quite comical! Her face was priceless when she looked up at me with a wet face! After we cleaned up the mess and started working again,she told me that she lost the envelope for the Winona Field trip, and I was fortunate enough to get both an envelope AND a stamp from the school office!

After we finished, we went outside to play tag with the others. I love the freedom we now have in our friendship to be ourselves! I really notice it in my little and her growing openness and willingness to talk about her school and home life. What really got me pumped was when she said she was SO EXCITED for the Winona trip next week. I told her to make sure she gives the envelope to her parents and to get it in the mail as soon as possible.

This was another amazing week. Looking back, I can see how it does take a long time to truly develop a relationship with a child, especially someone who comes from a different cultural background.