We're here, online and ecstatic! After and uneventful trip (thank you Delta Airlines, for the baggage exemption!) we have settled in. Our tent looks like a cyclone hit it, with all 8 bags opened and rummaged through as we tried to figure out what to take to the children first. We settled on coloring books and crayons from Connie and beads from 'St.Joe'.
As we approached the home, I can't decide which was more rewarding: seeing the children off in the distance waiting for us, or watching Cary shake with anticipation and finally dissolve into tears. What a beautiful sight, all of it. The children charged out of the gate, at breakneck speed, throwing themselves into our arms, one at a time. I couldn't even see through the tears. It was one of those moments that stays etched into memory forever.
The children are happy, yet thinner than ever. I am very concerned about this and need to get to the root of this. Pauline, the matron I hired in January, has made drastic improvements around the home. There is structure, discipline, personal responsibility and much respect for one another - all very evident. Pauline left yesterday on a personal emergency, so when she returns, we can discuss the weight issue. Jeremiah had worms, so this could be the problem...we'll see. Otherwise, the children are happy and all of them have shown improvement in their school work. They're anxious to show us their latest report cards.
The dorm. THIS is the greatest achievement thus far! Rafiki Tony has not let me down. From the moment I left in January, he has done everything he said he would do, and more. Reluctantly (at first), I sent him money to keep the project going, so that construction wouldn't be crammed into the 3 short weeks we are here. As soon as he sent me a picture to show the progress, I would send more funds. This went on for 3 months, and the building is officially up! We have to build up the roof, add another layer of stone on the inside, plaster, run electricity and paint, and we'll be done. It might be an overly aggressive goal, but I'm aiming to get this done in the next two weeks.
The shamba is nothing short of fantastic. Carrots, tomatoes, peppers, kale, spinach, butternut squash and watermelons are growing and thriving. The children are able to sell excess vegetables and use the funds for necessities. This accomplishment is not mine, it belongs to the volunteers from Switzerland, who spent 6 months developing this project. Kudos to them. This project makes the children proud :-)
After playing and loving the children for 8 hours, Cary and I headed back to our tent to shower, eat and hopefully sleep, after a perfect day.
Lala salama. Tatuanona ~
Wonderful news about the Shamba!!
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