The 'Tican Experience

Our second to last night in Ostional our Mama 'Tica and I were discussing her life and participation in the ISV program. She told how grateful she was to actually have someone take the time to ask her about her life. Most of her time with previous volunteers was made up of signing rather than actual conversation. There was usually very little to no discussion between them from the day they arrived to the day they left. Not too many volunteers put much effort in conversation. Never knowing much about them she was always nervous about helping them enjoy their trip. This time around she was so happy to hear it rather than interpret it. I gave her a hug and thanked her for everything. The next day was just so busy that we didn't see her when we prepped for bed. We woke up extremely early. Thinking that I missed my chance to say goodbye the night prior I got my luggage together only to find that she had slept on the couch just so she wouldn't miss us. I couldn't help but smile. Never will I forget her hospitality. Forever she'll stay just as a mother, my Mama 'Tica.