London: Day Four

I love love love this school! It is so different from a mainstream school and while it is more challenging, it is also just as lovely. The kids are so fabulous, ranging in ages from 4-11, and all having a variety of special needs from autism to behavioral problems. A lot of the children come from schools that would not allow them back because of their behaviors and so they are sent to The Chelsea Group of Children. This is a completely new experience for me because a lot of the children have severe problems that can really interfere with their education and with their life and I have found that my heart really pours out to them. They just need individualized attention and care and I am so happy that there are these teachers who are willing to give these things to them. It is heartbreaking to hear the background stories of some of the children who have suffered so greatly in their lives and I just want to do all that I can for them in the short time that I am here.

I was with a different group of children today than yesterday so I had the opportunity to get to know new children. I was following one specific girl who is one of the most severe cases they have and one of the teachers was explaining to me that doctors cannot find the source of the problem so they don't know how to help her. It really is a tragic scenario that I couldn't even begin to explain. She is such a little angel and so sweet, but near impossible to speak to or make eye contact with. She is basically going backwards. I am keeping track of her inside of her classes and how she manages in each section from various mood indicators such as shouting, zoning out, hitting, hysterical laughter, etc. At the end of the week I am going to give one of the teachers my information and notes and we will analyze our findings together and send an e-mail to her parents. The lessons that I am learning and will continue learning here will be invaluable for my career and life in general.

My favorite part of my day was when one of the little boys was trying to get my attention on the playground so he started screaming "Hey! You, girl, with the big smile on your face!" Hey, I'll take it, right? He wanted to play tag with me because after only two days that is apparently "our thing." I love it. I adore these children, I really do. I cannot imagine how I will feel about them after a month of time with them. After work, Libby and I went to eat pizza, which was delicious, and we Skyped my mom and Micaela. For those who don't know, Micaela is Libby's daughter and she is currently staying at my house in Virginia Beach with my mom, so we have pretty much switched places. Funny right? Okay well I am tired and I have a movie to watch with Libby and some Glee to catch up on! Addio!