Hermanas y tias

Yesterday I became an "aunt"! As a sign of affection and respect, the kids here call the adults "hermano" y "hermana" (brother and sister), as in "Sister Stacy", "Brother Nate". When kids connect with adults in a special way, it is not uncommon for them to ask their friend to become their adopted "tio" o "tia" (uncle or aunt). Yesterday, one of my little friends, Yenny (pronounced like Jenny), asked me to be her "tia" and she would be my "sobrina" (niece). It felt amazing when that happened... We exchanged emails (and already have written each other!) and handmade cards that we made with the awesome arts and crafts supplies that Lydia (aka Lyds) brought for the kids.