We are on plane in Dar Es Salaam. We sure saw a lot of hippos, over hundred probably. Monkeys and baboons, more elephants up so close we could almost touch (but didn't). It was lush forest today - very different. We even caught a view of Mount Kiliminjaro on way to airport! Very cool - the highest in Africa. Maybe we will climb on a future (far future) trip. Some of the kids say they will.
We are all really hungry and now really tired. Checking in was a crowded and slow experience. We had a stop here so we've been on this plane for close to 3 hours. It is a full flight to Amsterdam and eight hours. Ugh ugh ugh. Then only one hour between and eight hour to NYC. We land at 7:30 am but will have been traveling for over 22 hours. Ugh ugh ugh again.
Then we drive back to Albany - I guess we will be there lunch time?
Did I mention I'm very hungry?
We are ready to come home and word of warning - we are each one of us in dire need of a long long shower.
Must be thousands of photos between us all, and many memories to last.
Thanks to those at home that made this trip possible. We've seen firsthand the results of everyone's contributions and what a difference it is making for our sister school.
See you all not soon enough!
Karen
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26
Ok - did write update and even attached some pictures but eventually accidentally deleted as I became frustrated because it would not send. We spent yesterday on safari in Tarangire national park. It was amazing and as the kids report - their best day ever. Haylie's favorite were the zebra, Dan's were the elephants and lions, Ali likes the wart hogs, especially the four that came right up to her tent, and Anna loved the wilderbeasts. Lucas least favorite animals were the elephants (ask him why!) We saw literally hundreds of elephants, a sunset we'll never forget, so much more.
The lodge we stayed at is in the park itself - no fences here so we shared our spaces with all sorts of creatures. And the food! After 10 days with no variety and well, not that great shall we say, we were in heaven. The tents were luxury compared to the guest house and we enjoyed every minute.
We stayed up as late as possible in the main open lodge area talking, laughing and looking at the stars. We marvel at the five kids who spent the time on this trip playing cards, talking and laughing. No TV, electronics, sounds, or distractions. Many of us got up to watch the sunrise. We have all been so glad for the group, and feel a bond after sharing so many experiences. I'm sure we'll bore many of you with inside jokes for years to come.
Dan tells me he is coming back here in November with me or without me, and on every trip to come! He won the hardest worker award at our mini ceremony - he just didn't quit. All of the kids deserve awards (and got them from John last night!). What we found so wonderful was that they never complained despite conditions that were less than comfortable, or worse. Even Ali who was our one person out of fourteen who had a day of stomach sickness (yesterday) handled it like a trooper. She is fine and great today.
The girls in particular were such a great example of what girls can do as they become young women, so strong, open and smart. The Sinai school Year 6 and 7 (ages 12-14) girls wrote letters about being a girl here. Almost all said in their letters how much they were affected by our visit and our girls here, how they will miss us and loved seeing them here. And Lucas - you could not walk about the school without hearing the cry; Luuuuuccaaaa. Oh I am sure you will hear it in the halls at Woodland Hill. Sorry in advance. He said he'd like to stay forever playing soccer with his new friends. All of our kids will have to come down from rock star status, but will always be welcome here.
Speaking of rock stars, the kids made a poster for Felix. He shall have thousands of votes from Tanzanian ballots - this trip would not have been the same without the fun we've had with Felix.
Almost finally for those reading this and considering a future trip. It was as rewarding as anything else to see the expressions of the parents looking at their own son or daughter with such pride and emotion. We had every combination, mother and son, father and daughter, some with both parents and one with her parents at home (waiting for updates?). There will be trips here once or twice a year and I encourage you to consider.
We have invited the head of school and Jason Kahembe to come to our school and community for World Water Day and plan to coordinate our Water Club performance and auction at Proctors for that day if we can.
OK need to pay attention now we are on the road to Lake Manyara. We will safari in a different ecosystem today and hope to see some hippos. We had a rare sighting of 3 hippos yesterday. First for our guides in that park out of 25 years. We have picnic lunch and later will head to Kiliminjaro airport.
Thanks for keeping up with our trip! See you soon, Karen.
The lodge we stayed at is in the park itself - no fences here so we shared our spaces with all sorts of creatures. And the food! After 10 days with no variety and well, not that great shall we say, we were in heaven. The tents were luxury compared to the guest house and we enjoyed every minute.
We stayed up as late as possible in the main open lodge area talking, laughing and looking at the stars. We marvel at the five kids who spent the time on this trip playing cards, talking and laughing. No TV, electronics, sounds, or distractions. Many of us got up to watch the sunrise. We have all been so glad for the group, and feel a bond after sharing so many experiences. I'm sure we'll bore many of you with inside jokes for years to come.
Dan tells me he is coming back here in November with me or without me, and on every trip to come! He won the hardest worker award at our mini ceremony - he just didn't quit. All of the kids deserve awards (and got them from John last night!). What we found so wonderful was that they never complained despite conditions that were less than comfortable, or worse. Even Ali who was our one person out of fourteen who had a day of stomach sickness (yesterday) handled it like a trooper. She is fine and great today.
The girls in particular were such a great example of what girls can do as they become young women, so strong, open and smart. The Sinai school Year 6 and 7 (ages 12-14) girls wrote letters about being a girl here. Almost all said in their letters how much they were affected by our visit and our girls here, how they will miss us and loved seeing them here. And Lucas - you could not walk about the school without hearing the cry; Luuuuuccaaaa. Oh I am sure you will hear it in the halls at Woodland Hill. Sorry in advance. He said he'd like to stay forever playing soccer with his new friends. All of our kids will have to come down from rock star status, but will always be welcome here.
Speaking of rock stars, the kids made a poster for Felix. He shall have thousands of votes from Tanzanian ballots - this trip would not have been the same without the fun we've had with Felix.
Almost finally for those reading this and considering a future trip. It was as rewarding as anything else to see the expressions of the parents looking at their own son or daughter with such pride and emotion. We had every combination, mother and son, father and daughter, some with both parents and one with her parents at home (waiting for updates?). There will be trips here once or twice a year and I encourage you to consider.
We have invited the head of school and Jason Kahembe to come to our school and community for World Water Day and plan to coordinate our Water Club performance and auction at Proctors for that day if we can.
OK need to pay attention now we are on the road to Lake Manyara. We will safari in a different ecosystem today and hope to see some hippos. We had a rare sighting of 3 hippos yesterday. First for our guides in that park out of 25 years. We have picnic lunch and later will head to Kiliminjaro airport.
Thanks for keeping up with our trip! See you soon, Karen.
Friday, July 24
Hi everyone. We are all exhausted from a draining day and some hard goodbyes to our friends here in Babati and especially at the Sinai school. The classroom we did is said to be the best in all Babati and even Arusha. Officials and parents came out to view the work. Today was basically a holiday for the several hundred kids.
The group, including our students from Woodland Hill visited the secondary school today. I was finishing up the survey of first graders - but Nieves told me that they stood in a line in a bit of shock watching dirt water being scooped out of puddles for drinking. It was fitting for this last day and made all of us remember where and why we started with water.
When the kids returned to the Sinai school, they took a walk to the old well and carried up a bucket - each one. To the delight and with the encouragement of over a hundred new friends, Anna and Ali managed to carry on their heads.
I can't tell you how many games and songs, Swahili lessons and sharing went on today. Each one of us has shook a thousand hands today and shared more smiles and good wishes. The teachers cooked us a special lunch, a feast all by fire, and there we're gifts and speeches all around with assurances that we would be welcome gain and again. I would encourage it for anyone - a trip is planned for November Thanksgiving break and July 2010 will be the installation of play power system.
After formal gifts, we sang songs to the gathering of students and teachers. I have to say we were pretty bad. We need better singers next time. We did a bit better being dragged into the traditional African dances, or at least seemed to be better entertainment. And very fun - the baseball. We were not sure how that would work out and it was great. Plus, these kids can hit!
We are packed in an overnight bag because we leave at five in the morning for safari. We sleep in tents tomorrow ( but cheating because I hear they are very nice tents!) And then safari again Sunday before heading to the airport.
Looking forward to home - Karen
The group, including our students from Woodland Hill visited the secondary school today. I was finishing up the survey of first graders - but Nieves told me that they stood in a line in a bit of shock watching dirt water being scooped out of puddles for drinking. It was fitting for this last day and made all of us remember where and why we started with water.
When the kids returned to the Sinai school, they took a walk to the old well and carried up a bucket - each one. To the delight and with the encouragement of over a hundred new friends, Anna and Ali managed to carry on their heads.
I can't tell you how many games and songs, Swahili lessons and sharing went on today. Each one of us has shook a thousand hands today and shared more smiles and good wishes. The teachers cooked us a special lunch, a feast all by fire, and there we're gifts and speeches all around with assurances that we would be welcome gain and again. I would encourage it for anyone - a trip is planned for November Thanksgiving break and July 2010 will be the installation of play power system.
After formal gifts, we sang songs to the gathering of students and teachers. I have to say we were pretty bad. We need better singers next time. We did a bit better being dragged into the traditional African dances, or at least seemed to be better entertainment. And very fun - the baseball. We were not sure how that would work out and it was great. Plus, these kids can hit!
We are packed in an overnight bag because we leave at five in the morning for safari. We sleep in tents tomorrow ( but cheating because I hear they are very nice tents!) And then safari again Sunday before heading to the airport.
Looking forward to home - Karen
Thursday, July 23, 2009
July 23
We are all here at Kahembe guest house after our dinner doing our best to fashion a kind of mocha tea drink. The kids are writing in their journals, Dan, Lucas and John are involved in a competitive game of cribbage, Ali and Haylie have made bracelets for everyone from the seisel plant that we picked up today. I am trying with little success to connect to the internet. We have to check in with work.
Anna says for me to add how strange she feels that everyone at the Sinai school knows her name and surrounds her always. It is true. They love her - she has a kind of calmness and attracts the children. They are fascinated by her hair, poise and something. Anna is amazing here.
The amazing Ali (and friends!) mural is done on the wall of classroom one. We finish everything tomorrow - a whole classroom. The mural reads Woodland Hill - Sinai School 2009. You will all see it soon!
Time is so different here and for that reason alone the trip is transformative. We walked today to a crater lake made by volcano. All ask to see photos because words can not say. The same kids that were carrying water from there in November were there today and we recognized each other.
We were of course at the school with more projects, soccer, painting, lessons, play and interaction. Everyone is saying they can not believe we have just one day left with our friends and the kids.
We went again in groups o home visits of the pupils.
Probably the most memorable event was the visit to the secondary school where graduates of Sinai school go if they pass exams in September. The school is 10 miles away and NONE of the kids have transportation. The walk takes about 2 hours. They presented to us - only teachers and John and I went. The kids asked though that we talk of water. We asked then to show us where and we walked about one kilometer to a shallow bed where the kids made holes out of which they scoop water. They throw away the first bucket and take the second. At best there is some sand filtration. They told us that if they wait for refill they get sick sometimes but it makes them sick mostly.
These 260 kids walk over four hours a day to and from a school that has no water and teaches only in English, which is standard) which really none of them know. We were so moved by their determination for education, we are adding a visit tomorrow and bringing everyone there after lunch.
A special lunch is planned and a community celebration. Can't write anymore - thumbs hurt!
Anna says for me to add how strange she feels that everyone at the Sinai school knows her name and surrounds her always. It is true. They love her - she has a kind of calmness and attracts the children. They are fascinated by her hair, poise and something. Anna is amazing here.
The amazing Ali (and friends!) mural is done on the wall of classroom one. We finish everything tomorrow - a whole classroom. The mural reads Woodland Hill - Sinai School 2009. You will all see it soon!
Time is so different here and for that reason alone the trip is transformative. We walked today to a crater lake made by volcano. All ask to see photos because words can not say. The same kids that were carrying water from there in November were there today and we recognized each other.
We were of course at the school with more projects, soccer, painting, lessons, play and interaction. Everyone is saying they can not believe we have just one day left with our friends and the kids.
We went again in groups o home visits of the pupils.
Probably the most memorable event was the visit to the secondary school where graduates of Sinai school go if they pass exams in September. The school is 10 miles away and NONE of the kids have transportation. The walk takes about 2 hours. They presented to us - only teachers and John and I went. The kids asked though that we talk of water. We asked then to show us where and we walked about one kilometer to a shallow bed where the kids made holes out of which they scoop water. They throw away the first bucket and take the second. At best there is some sand filtration. They told us that if they wait for refill they get sick sometimes but it makes them sick mostly.
These 260 kids walk over four hours a day to and from a school that has no water and teaches only in English, which is standard) which really none of them know. We were so moved by their determination for education, we are adding a visit tomorrow and bringing everyone there after lunch.
A special lunch is planned and a community celebration. Can't write anymore - thumbs hurt!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Trip to Tanzania
July 17
We are here, in Arusha - had a real meal and have real beds to sleep in tonight. Everyone is happy and doing well. The kids are planning to swim in this hotel pool before breakfast - then we have the 4 hour ride to Babati and things will be more interesting, challenging from there. It was late when we landed and one in morning now so no one has yet seen the country here. The kids are getting along so well - Cindy led them in group talk about their journal work, and we adults are so far, so proud of them all.
Good night! Karen
July 18
We are all here and happy and eating the biggest breakfast we are able to fit. The kids are talkative with each other and getting along well - the no electronics rule is no problem, although Felix is catching some flak for skyping at the table!
We now have a four hour drive into Babati - no bathrooms from this point and lots to marvel at, we are all very excited to begin this adventure
July 19
Well, what a welcome we had yesterday at the Sinai school. First, we had visited the model school and the gardens, crops and newest fish ponds. We toured the school and met with the year sevens who are studying for their exams. Our students got up in front of the whole class and answered questions, leading to a rather lengthy explanation of "capture the flag" and the difference between football and football.
We then went to our sister school, Sinai school. We thought to meet the head teacher; it was Saturday and they had no school. You can not imagine our surprise to see over 200 kids racing toward our car singing in welcome, cheering and chanting. They surrounded us with handshakes and smiles - the parents had come too and played music and had traditional dancing. The teachers were here and then had all the kids line up and sing the Tanzania national anthem and song - then a welcome song of friendship. The whole thing was overwhelming and wonderful. So great it was to see the expressions of our kids standing amongst all of the Sinai school kids. We saw the new well - the pump is not on it yet. They come tomorrow to meet with us. Probably too much to wish that we will see the actual water well flow this week but maybe. The new well is 80 meters down and will do 15000 liters per hour.
As I sit her today and write, I am outside the classrooms we have been working on today. Daniel has been working and pounding cement floor for hours, Ali Anna and Haylie all hammered away as well, and sanded walls, then painstakenly sanded the window panes and grids. Lucas has done all that and leads now the soccer game with the local kids. Bill Pete and John have plans that involve tools, and lumber. School is out today but we have about forty visitors here ranging from age 2 to 12 and are now quite attached to everyone. There is a group of girls surrounding Anna braiding her hair. This activity has been going on for some time.
We are a bit worn out now - trying to figure out the plan to cement and paint and waiting for lunch. It is pretty hot and VERY dusty.
Oh lunch is ready - will report in later
July 20
We are here at the Kahembe guest house after our third full day in Babati - all well and feeling so welcome. Tired too, we worked all day again at the school. Today we continued working on the classroom renovations, building fames, shelves, walls, painting and fixing windows.
A group of us took all the kindergarten kids and interviewed one at a time for the friendship program we want to start in the primary. With the help of a translator when required, Haylie and Anna asked in Swahili, "what is your name" about their families and what they want to be when they grow up. We had two lawyers in the group, one doctor and lots of teachers. Interesting to our kids that the kids did not know their ages. They do not celebrate birthdays and do not keep track the way we do. Ali helped to take a picture of every child to bring back to match with a Woodland Hill young student. They will have a chance to write back and forth and hopefully make this journey when they finish seventh grade.
All through the day we had crowds of kids. Remember there are over 600 kids at the school. I tried to teach red light green light to over one hundred in the line - it generated lots of laughter, as do my efforts at Swahili. To the great delight of the kids, we have mastered counting and the kids helped me with heads, shoulders, knees and toes in both languages.
Haylie, Ali and Anna are painting a giant mural in classroom 1 - Ali's original design. All of us have painted, alot. The kids are amazed at the sounds of power tools coming from the room - John has somehow hooked up an inverter to a car?? And keeps a charge on all sorts of tools that buzz.
Another great accomplishment today was the start of the new design for the kitchen
I have to pause a moment because as I am writing this, the kids are throwing the football around, finishing up their journal writing and laughing very hard. I have honestly never seen them enjoying each other and life so much. I have never seen my own son (can't speak for the others!) work so hard.
Tonight we were honored guests in Mr. Kahembe's home. All of them sat formally and listened well. They tried the avocado juice, the chipoltes, the beans and the ginger tea. I promised them chocolate upon our return to the guest house. They did great. We have been eating really well - lots of rice.
I have to go now - everyone is gathered telling stories, like camping. It is cool out, perfect weather. Tomorrow morning we are visiting some artisan and woodworking shops. We will work at the school and the Felix and the kids, with out guide Dayo, are going to visit some kids' homes in the community. It should be something very different, maybe a bit difficult to see. Felix will go along and film and take photos.
More then tomorrow, Karen
July 21
Hi everyone - its late here now and quiet. We had another great day with a lot of work at the school. We finished our kindergarten survey and will begin the first years tomorrow.
The new classroom is coming together now - shelves are done, painting almost done, and the mural is incredible. We will all pitch in to cement the floor Friday. The projects around the school that we supported began last week. The seven classrooms are all being renovated but the year one classroom we are doing additional work on ourselves. We decided today on a design for classroom 8 - the kindergarten and future library - to incorporate some Montessori into the plan. Its a future goal.
Pete Bill and John inspected and measured the well (I observed and have the photos). The well is 90 meters deep and has 120 feet of standing water - clean and ready for the pumps. We laid out where the water tower and play power system will go next year, and planned for gardens and trees this year. The well should be operational within days and everyone here is very happy, not only with the well and all the work going on at the school, but our visit.
By the way - it was not the kids but the adults who began the conversation "what I want to eat first when we go back" and I can tell you that rice is not on that list. Food has been very good actually but there is not variety we are used to - all the kids have done great. They do not complain here at all about things like that.
I can tell you we are all dirty and dusty to an extreme. So much so we actually took pictures of Lucas' feet this evening - there is very little water to wash or shower with the way we are used to. We manage to clean up once a day but are definitely closer to not caring.
The kids (including Felix!) went on their home visits with a guide and came back with stories and memories. They want to do more and we will have them go out tomorrow or Thursday again. The kids will also be walking with a friend to the old water well and carrying water to the school for the last time. A kind of celebration is planned for the community around this Friday. I will keep you posted.
We have year 6 kids at the Sinai school (12 and 13 year olds) breaking into groups tomorrow. The girls will have a one and a half hour discussion group with 2 teachers and a guide and same with boys. the kids are feeling pretty comfortable here in their roles so that should be a great experience for all of them.
Finally - th new cook stove setup is really amazing. Ask to see the pictures because too hard to describe with words. While Nieves and Sherrie were digging the foundation today the kids gathered around and she had them singing for the food that will be cooked there - for those of you who know Nieves and her cooking, now we know the secret!
I have more but can't type more and need sleep, will try to finish tomorrow.
Karen
July 22
I am trying to attach a picture of our students playing with the Sinai school kids. They are going again to their homes this afternoon. Today is wash day and kids are dismissed a bit early so that they can do the washing for week. Our kids are going to help.
I have to run to a meeting with local community representatives and head teachers, Nieves and Cindy are at Mrs Kahembe house learning to cool some African specialties nd they will do that for those that got the dinners at the auction! The school is looking transformed.
The water company was here and we laid plans for the play power system. Very exciting for all. Karen
We are here, in Arusha - had a real meal and have real beds to sleep in tonight. Everyone is happy and doing well. The kids are planning to swim in this hotel pool before breakfast - then we have the 4 hour ride to Babati and things will be more interesting, challenging from there. It was late when we landed and one in morning now so no one has yet seen the country here. The kids are getting along so well - Cindy led them in group talk about their journal work, and we adults are so far, so proud of them all.
Good night! Karen
July 18
We are all here and happy and eating the biggest breakfast we are able to fit. The kids are talkative with each other and getting along well - the no electronics rule is no problem, although Felix is catching some flak for skyping at the table!
We now have a four hour drive into Babati - no bathrooms from this point and lots to marvel at, we are all very excited to begin this adventure
July 19
Well, what a welcome we had yesterday at the Sinai school. First, we had visited the model school and the gardens, crops and newest fish ponds. We toured the school and met with the year sevens who are studying for their exams. Our students got up in front of the whole class and answered questions, leading to a rather lengthy explanation of "capture the flag" and the difference between football and football.
We then went to our sister school, Sinai school. We thought to meet the head teacher; it was Saturday and they had no school. You can not imagine our surprise to see over 200 kids racing toward our car singing in welcome, cheering and chanting. They surrounded us with handshakes and smiles - the parents had come too and played music and had traditional dancing. The teachers were here and then had all the kids line up and sing the Tanzania national anthem and song - then a welcome song of friendship. The whole thing was overwhelming and wonderful. So great it was to see the expressions of our kids standing amongst all of the Sinai school kids. We saw the new well - the pump is not on it yet. They come tomorrow to meet with us. Probably too much to wish that we will see the actual water well flow this week but maybe. The new well is 80 meters down and will do 15000 liters per hour.
As I sit her today and write, I am outside the classrooms we have been working on today. Daniel has been working and pounding cement floor for hours, Ali Anna and Haylie all hammered away as well, and sanded walls, then painstakenly sanded the window panes and grids. Lucas has done all that and leads now the soccer game with the local kids. Bill Pete and John have plans that involve tools, and lumber. School is out today but we have about forty visitors here ranging from age 2 to 12 and are now quite attached to everyone. There is a group of girls surrounding Anna braiding her hair. This activity has been going on for some time.
We are a bit worn out now - trying to figure out the plan to cement and paint and waiting for lunch. It is pretty hot and VERY dusty.
Oh lunch is ready - will report in later
July 20
We are here at the Kahembe guest house after our third full day in Babati - all well and feeling so welcome. Tired too, we worked all day again at the school. Today we continued working on the classroom renovations, building fames, shelves, walls, painting and fixing windows.
A group of us took all the kindergarten kids and interviewed one at a time for the friendship program we want to start in the primary. With the help of a translator when required, Haylie and Anna asked in Swahili, "what is your name" about their families and what they want to be when they grow up. We had two lawyers in the group, one doctor and lots of teachers. Interesting to our kids that the kids did not know their ages. They do not celebrate birthdays and do not keep track the way we do. Ali helped to take a picture of every child to bring back to match with a Woodland Hill young student. They will have a chance to write back and forth and hopefully make this journey when they finish seventh grade.
All through the day we had crowds of kids. Remember there are over 600 kids at the school. I tried to teach red light green light to over one hundred in the line - it generated lots of laughter, as do my efforts at Swahili. To the great delight of the kids, we have mastered counting and the kids helped me with heads, shoulders, knees and toes in both languages.
Haylie, Ali and Anna are painting a giant mural in classroom 1 - Ali's original design. All of us have painted, alot. The kids are amazed at the sounds of power tools coming from the room - John has somehow hooked up an inverter to a car?? And keeps a charge on all sorts of tools that buzz.
Another great accomplishment today was the start of the new design for the kitchen
I have to pause a moment because as I am writing this, the kids are throwing the football around, finishing up their journal writing and laughing very hard. I have honestly never seen them enjoying each other and life so much. I have never seen my own son (can't speak for the others!) work so hard.
Tonight we were honored guests in Mr. Kahembe's home. All of them sat formally and listened well. They tried the avocado juice, the chipoltes, the beans and the ginger tea. I promised them chocolate upon our return to the guest house. They did great. We have been eating really well - lots of rice.
I have to go now - everyone is gathered telling stories, like camping. It is cool out, perfect weather. Tomorrow morning we are visiting some artisan and woodworking shops. We will work at the school and the Felix and the kids, with out guide Dayo, are going to visit some kids' homes in the community. It should be something very different, maybe a bit difficult to see. Felix will go along and film and take photos.
More then tomorrow, Karen
July 21
Hi everyone - its late here now and quiet. We had another great day with a lot of work at the school. We finished our kindergarten survey and will begin the first years tomorrow.
The new classroom is coming together now - shelves are done, painting almost done, and the mural is incredible. We will all pitch in to cement the floor Friday. The projects around the school that we supported began last week. The seven classrooms are all being renovated but the year one classroom we are doing additional work on ourselves. We decided today on a design for classroom 8 - the kindergarten and future library - to incorporate some Montessori into the plan. Its a future goal.
Pete Bill and John inspected and measured the well (I observed and have the photos). The well is 90 meters deep and has 120 feet of standing water - clean and ready for the pumps. We laid out where the water tower and play power system will go next year, and planned for gardens and trees this year. The well should be operational within days and everyone here is very happy, not only with the well and all the work going on at the school, but our visit.
By the way - it was not the kids but the adults who began the conversation "what I want to eat first when we go back" and I can tell you that rice is not on that list. Food has been very good actually but there is not variety we are used to - all the kids have done great. They do not complain here at all about things like that.
I can tell you we are all dirty and dusty to an extreme. So much so we actually took pictures of Lucas' feet this evening - there is very little water to wash or shower with the way we are used to. We manage to clean up once a day but are definitely closer to not caring.
The kids (including Felix!) went on their home visits with a guide and came back with stories and memories. They want to do more and we will have them go out tomorrow or Thursday again. The kids will also be walking with a friend to the old water well and carrying water to the school for the last time. A kind of celebration is planned for the community around this Friday. I will keep you posted.
We have year 6 kids at the Sinai school (12 and 13 year olds) breaking into groups tomorrow. The girls will have a one and a half hour discussion group with 2 teachers and a guide and same with boys. the kids are feeling pretty comfortable here in their roles so that should be a great experience for all of them.
Finally - th new cook stove setup is really amazing. Ask to see the pictures because too hard to describe with words. While Nieves and Sherrie were digging the foundation today the kids gathered around and she had them singing for the food that will be cooked there - for those of you who know Nieves and her cooking, now we know the secret!
I have more but can't type more and need sleep, will try to finish tomorrow.
Karen
July 22
I am trying to attach a picture of our students playing with the Sinai school kids. They are going again to their homes this afternoon. Today is wash day and kids are dismissed a bit early so that they can do the washing for week. Our kids are going to help.
I have to run to a meeting with local community representatives and head teachers, Nieves and Cindy are at Mrs Kahembe house learning to cool some African specialties nd they will do that for those that got the dinners at the auction! The school is looking transformed.
The water company was here and we laid plans for the play power system. Very exciting for all. Karen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
