Back to the Watoto: Kabisa!!

Oh, what a day today was!! I went to the market to secure track suits for the children - a uniform requirement at my friend Jane's school. 13 of our 17 children attend Ewangan Junior School, 1/2 km away from WWC. It took me an hour to get these things straight in a wild market, but in the end, I cleaned them out. I didn't get much of a bargain, until I teased the woman about sticking it to the mzungu. "Is this the price for everyone, or just the mzungu???" Haha, the look on her face was priceless. Usually vendors are experts at answering this question, and turn on their charm. "We are civilized here" she said. I burst out laughing, and segued into my usual, low voice request: "Thafadali, nipe 13 suits. Hizi ni kwa ajili ya watoto. Yatima. (These are for the children. Orphans). She hesitated and wanted to bargain, and I said hapana, no. Please. She knocked off 200KES off each suit, which I consider remarkable. In the end, I spent $190 USD, which is a LOT of money to spend in the markets. I made sure each suit had just enough room to compensate for each growing child. When I delivered the suits to Pauline, I thought she would cry…she was so thrilled. So proud.

We got to the home, and Ann was already there. The kids were finishing up the last of their beads, so I pulled out the huge suitcase of Legos I had put in Tony's car. At first the children grabbed whatever they could get (very typical), until we explained that the Legos are for all. No hoarding (also typical), " just lay them on the ground, and when you are finished playing, they go back into this bag, which will stay in the office".

This is the face of a child who has been given legos. I couldn't get a focused picture, because he was too excited to sit still. 'Pastor Peter' is 10. Hilarious, thoughtful, smart and extremely responsible. I overheard him lecture the little children at snack time: "Behave yourselves. Sit properly." I had to walk away so he wouldn't see me laughing.

This is my friend Ann. She is so gentle and kind. The children all love her, and so do I. She has to take 3 matatus to get to us, but doesn't mind. Anything I can do to help her expand her business is a good thing. I want the best for her.

The children on the left were putting book covers on 300 exercise books that were donated yesterday. It's starting! WWC is on the radar for those who want to make donations….

This is Tiff. Her personality is larger than life. She is our toto (baby) at 3 1/2 years. I admit, I have a very, very difficult time not giving in to this face. And, I know better.

Sheila - another tough one not to give into...

...and Njeri. She bit me today, though. When I scolded her and put her down, her eyes filled up and tears started streaming down her face. She's so dramatic! Her crying has gotten a lot better since I was here in November. She wouldn't dare cry in front of Uncle Tony, because he gathers all the children together and tells them: "Let's all help Njeri cry". It is very funny, and despite what it may sound like, it is an effective tactic.

Tabitha

Esther

Thomas and Eric, so PROUD of their construction!!

The kids all spent hours with the Legos, and proudly produced these figures, which they built without pictures.

Ritah

Mary Njoki

Jacinta Njoki

Kevin

Joshua and Eric, who was too busy to look up!

The children were so very, very happy today (they always are!) and adore having adults around them - there were 9 of us to pick up the slack! Watoto World Center welcomes mgeni (visitors) at all times. The community knows it, the guardians know it and so does the staff. As I say to everyone: "We all work for the children. Period."

Lovely Faith, with the children, wishing me good night.

My answer to anyone who asked me how my day was today got a one word response: KABISA!!! It means: superb, wonderful, outstanding, awesome…you get the picture, I'm sure.

A very, very good night to all from Kenya.

Tuonane Kesho,

Simmie, Eunice, Mary and Jacinta