Back to the Watoto: WHAT a day!

Today was a day that brings home the reward of hard work...in spades. Everything fell into place, seamlessly and beautifully. Yes, we survived another night of pounding rains, and at one point, woke up with a jolt because of the booming thunder above. Cary practically sat up straight and I had to remind myself that thunder doesn't hurt.

Mutinda took us to the home this morning, because the mud was too much, and we had a heavy bag of supplies to deliver to the children. Right before we left, the good doctor Denis texted to let me know that he was coming to visit, and he would be bringing along his friend, Alfred, a counselor. Music to my ears. Denis is the one that Agnes chased away after I had asked him to come to the home in January, to follow up on the children's health. I had also asked him to arrange for counseling for the children. We both agreed that this was critical.

Cary and I were in the pantry, and Moses ran in to tell me that Dr. Makanda had arrived. The smile on Moses' face was so cute... he, like all of the children, really likes Denis, and seemed happy that he had returned.. Cary, Denis, Alfred and I sat in the shade for 45 minutes, reviewing the children's histories, their health and the importance of giving them an outlet to express their concerns, frustrations and overall well being. When Simon asked me why he had to talk to 'those men', I said: 'You don't. This is for you. If you have problems, or need to talk about something in private, this is a good opportunity". He wasn't convinced. "I don't have any problems." Stifling a laugh, I told him, pointing to my head: "if I don't feel good here, then I will be sick here (pointing to my stomach)." "Oh," he said. "OK". One by one, the children sat with these two men, each of them returning from their talks, with smiles on their faces.

Denis and Alfred clearly love these children. Both will continue to see the kids on a weekly basis, on Saturdays. I assured Denis that I have contacted the 'Chairman' (ooooh, rolling my eyes) to let him know that this will be an 'ongoing event'. I also told Nganga I 'expect that this not get disrupted. It is critical for the children's mental well being."
Nganga meets with us on Monday morning, and this will all be reiterated. Denis, Cary and I had a good chuckle about Agnes - especially when Denis said: " oooh, I feeeeer her!".. He also said that when he begins counseling, the first person that needs counseling is Agnes. Good luck with THAT, I said!!

Around 4:30pm, the skies were darkening with their usual threatening blackness, so the four of us decided to leave before we got nailed. I asked Denis and Alfred to order CBC's (complete blood counts) on each child. They both agreed that this was important, and will return on Thursday to do this work, and then join us all for another party at Whistling Thorns.

The worst and best part of the day was the discovery of why Josephina came to the home. Josephina is 10. She came to the home 5 weeks ago, after her mother died, and her father simply abandoned her, leaving her alone to fend for herself. While she was alone, a street man raped her. She then ran away to Ereteti School (where all the children go) and Mr. Peterson, the headmaster, alerted Agnes. As horrific as this story is, Cary and I felt some measure of hope in that Josephina was very open when recounting her story with Denis and Alfred. My heart breaks.