Day 1- I could do this forever.

Today was my first day at Cooperativa Sociale Essere! I am so honored to be here and for the sisters and educators at Coop Sociale to allow me to barg into their space. I already feel this wonderful family of people tugging at my heart.

We started the day out at the Sorrento Station. From there, I bought my bus ticket and took the bus from Sorrento to a stop about two blocks from the foster care home. When I arrived, I waited to go to the level called “Arielle” This was where the little kids were staying. Here I met Mario and Francesco as well as Sister Juve, Sister Gen, and Marianna, my supervisor. The two nuns run the two different levels, Arielle and the upper level and Marienna is my boss as well as an educator at Coop Sociale.

Today I was able to gain a bit of insight to how much english everyone spoke and this was the largest challenge as my guide to my internship was translating for me throughout our introduction. I was honestly frightened at first, but promised myself as soon as I left I would be learning new phrases and words to try and be the best person for this position. 

Throughout the introduction, I played guitar, did a puzzle, and played some games as the children slowly got out of school. I then started with Sister Juve, Gen, and another educator toward the walk to the school. This is where I watched one of the girls at the home, Giovanna, play the guitar in her elementary school concert. THis was so wonderful and Sister Juve was helping me translate the principal and other educators speaking. 

I cannot put into words how honored I am that I am able to be a part of such an incredible organization, to step into for a moment, the place where these kids are all of the time. This experience is already transformative and I am one day in. I have learned today that I need to continue my italian studies and focus on this more than anything outside of class. I have learned that most of the time I can use my hands, smile and few words to communicate. I have also learned how delicate and precious it is to step into a community, to me it feels like I am barging in, not because the people make it feel that way but because of its' delicacy. I am so grateful for the people that are here to help me and have led me up to this point.