Day 5: Jillian






La Pulsera

 

The bracelet on my wrist is made of more than just string.

 

The first day here my host mom gave me a bracelet which I immediately put on and haven’t taken off since. I thought it was just a pretty bracelet until Letty, my host sister, started talking about it. She would ask me where my bracelet was, and when I showed her my wrist the biggest smile would appear on her face. When she brought me to meet her aunt, one of the first things she said was “look at her bracelet! My mom made that!” I had inadvertently accepted them into my family by wearing their art, and I am so glad that I did.

 

Last night I spend hours sitting on the floor teaching Letty, 10 years old, and Luri, 14 years old, how to make bracelets out of string just like I used to do with my friends in Seattle. Once they got the hang of it and weren’t constantly asking for help, I got to hear all about their friends at school and what they want to do when they grow up. Luri is learning English in school and demonstrated her growing vocabulary, and the two of us taught Letty how to count to ten. Our evening was filled with laughter and silly games, and it was wonderful.

 

The bracelets we made are memories. Memories of staring contests and card games. Memories of Letty attempting to sing in English and bursting into laughter after mere words. These moments are tied in colorful knots around my wrist, and will stay with me forever.


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