A WHOLE LOT OF DANCING

The El Almendro school holds 200 kids from the ages of a few months to 6 years old and gives these kids so much more than a place to learn and play.

They offer a place of safety, structure, health, love, support, education, and encouragement beyond belief. They give these kids hope for the future.

I had an absolute blast dancing with the kids. No matter the sweaty mess I became while dancing my heart out, I couldn’t stop the enjoyment and sweet moments we were sharing.

One of my favorite moments from that day was when I kneeled down to the kid’s eye level and the girls started to play with my hair. While one put it all in a pony in the back, one placed the loose strands behind my ears and another patted down the sides. My heart was touched not only from their hairstyling skills ;), but from their trust, kindness, and openness to allow a stranger they don’t understand into their world to play.

I could have stayed there all day relishing in the fun, but I know I’ll be visiting El Almendro again some day and hope to see those shining faces again. -Desiree Hartsock