Firstly, I've got a new friend! His name is Telio…
...And you'll have noticed he's not fat, nor is he actually that cute in my eyes. But he is loyal and he loves a high-5! My other main man: Fatty and I have an on-off relationship. He's a rather independent 3-year old and so doesn't demand much attention. You'll often find him far from home, wandering around the village on his own. He's also a bit of a joker and a very-naughty-boy, at times he can be a bit testing. But he'll always be my little Fatty!
However whenever Telio - I think he's 2 by the way, maybe 3 - sees me, he'll either run up shouting 'Tommy!' or smile and give me a hug. Being 2 or 3 years old and Shiswa speaker; there isn't much scope for conversation, but he usually holds my hand and accompanies me to training at the football pitch, he likes being lifted up, or we play some football together (he's ok with losing!).
Speaking of football, one of my tasks whilst I'm here is to get the kids playing or training, followed by the same with the adults, everyday except Monday. There isn't much to be said about the kid’s football, so here's a picture:
…Although, yesterday at the football pitch, I did meet a very grumpy and chubby little child. He was either grumpy and upset or just vacant, let's hopefully say that he was in a bad mood - I'd hate to write him off as brain-dead so early in life.
No matter what you did to this kid - and I didn't do that much - his fat little snotty face would stay exactly the same. His friends behind him seemed to enjoy seeing their own faces staring back at them, but this guy was not budging one bit. He'd be very good at poker if he knew what that was.
And finally, today with the kids, without Francis' help and continuing on the lixo (litter in Portuguese for those who can't remember) theme, we made some stuff out of lixo. I don't know what they're supposed to be but they're kids, they're colourful and the point is that you can do stuff with lixo, not just throw it on the floor.
What have I learned about kids since I've been here?
I'm probably not too bad with them and I think they like me. But I certainly don't want to work with them. I think I'll miss them as company, but I know I won't miss the classes; I need a bit more of a challenge.
And maybe, one day, if ever have my own, I think I'll be a good Dad. Until then, I'm staying well clear!!
