We just finished the first term at the school and all went well. We started with 15 kids and now have 40 kids coming full time and another 10 that come every evening for an extra reading/language study session. Unfortunately there are still many more that we’re unable to educate because we don’t have enough teachers or space. I’m hoping we’ll be able to add another 10 for term 2 but there are 300 – 400 in this area that need the education. We’re busting at the seams in our two classrooms so Innocent made me a little reading hut. This is the view I have every morning when I wake up. I love my new little classroom on top of the world. Isn’t Africa beautiful?
My sweet little 6 yr old Alice is sick, sick, sick. The other day Ethel said to me, “Auntie Heather, Alice is melting.” My response, “She’s what?” “She’s melting,” Ethel repeated. I smiled when I heard the word she used to describe Alice’s condition. This poor girls skin is so bad that she is oozing puss from every pore…hence the melting comment. She’s so swollen. Her legs and arms are huge and in the mornings her poor little face is so puffy her eyes are little slits. She wants to be held constantly and most of the time won’t eat unless somebody is feeding her. Somehow she is still smiling and I love when she is cuddled up in my arms.
The American volunteers are here and I’m so happy to have other Americans to talk with and share experiences with. They brought me so many wonderful things for the school and all I can do is cry about how grateful I am to have so many awesome supplies. I’m so grateful for the sacrifice they’ve made to come here and for their efforts at gathering much needed supplies.
Having the volunteers here means that I’ve been kicked out of my weekend home so I’ve been staying at the Chikusu’s for the past couple of days and they have treated me like a queen. Yesterday morning someone came up to tell me that my breakfast was ready. First of all, I didn’t even know I would be getting breakfast so I was pleasantly surprised when I heard there was something to eat.
I walked downstairs to find this…all just for me. I’m being well taken care of and I love it.
5 comments:
I think your reading hut is wonderful. Africa IS beautiful especially through your eyes.
I've been a little busy lately - so I haven't had a chance until tonight to catch up on your blog. Dang I miss you girl! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your story. You are one amazing woman! I am proud to call you my friend. Love and miss you! Oh, and Alta sends her love!
Poor Alice! But what a trooper - smiling when she could be sad & angry all the time about the pain. And, I love how accurate Ethel's description was. Very cool hut! I can't say enough how much I appreciate that you share all of this with us! You're too amazing. :)
Hed, "The Dahlin's" is actually Jen, Zach & Elizabeth! I didn't realize my sister had signed in and I've been leaving comments all over with THEIR name on them! I'm a dork. :) I'm sure they'd love your blog too, if they read it. :)
sweet Alice with her little rotten teeth. I miss her lots and lots.
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