NicolesLetters.org

Hi Everyone,

The time is drawing nearer that we will be leaving which is completely depressing.  It is now Saturday night and I was able to spend the day at the school with Sylvia, Grace, Karen and the rest of the gang.  Today was the day to play catch up on a lot of different things.  Sometimes I am conflicted, I know there is a lot to get done but I just want to play with the kids. I usually just have them follow me around to do things so I can continue the personal time with them.

There is a room near the office where the women make the beaded necklaces and that is where the kids are drawing their pictures.  Well, I can hardly stand to be away from them so while I was checking one of the lists that I have I sat on the ground with them on the woven mat to do my work.   There is basically a woven mat on the dirt ground.  I was leaning up against the wall and looking at some pictures to make sure I have all of the sponsorship pictures that we need.  The kids started to crowd around me to see the pictures and I was pointing out people.  It was a lot of fun.  They loved it.  One of my flip-flops fell off and little Scovia put it back on for me.  It was really sweet.  Probably the highlight of my day.

I had to play “mom” a few times today.  Kids were a little rougher today with each other.  One boy fell by himself but he was really upset and holding his arm.  I was so sad, he was hurt bad it seemed. He must have been three or four years old.  So I went to him to make sure he was okay and spent some time with him just talking to him and rubbing his back a little.  I finally took him to give him a juice box that I had purchased on the way to the school and he seemed a little better after that.  It was I think blackcurrant flavor, he liked it.

Heather, our little Norah was upset this afternoon too.  Well Karen finished the library today.  She did a great job and had recruited some of the volunteers and girls that are a bit older to help her and it was awesome!  The kids just LOVED it.  They love to read and they can’t wait to get their hands on them. They were all huddling around reading  Well little Norah got pushed off of the bench and was really upset.  I didn’t know it was her but I heard someone crying so I went out there and I still couldn’t tell it was her cause she had her head down and they all wear similar outfits.  So I was trying to make sure they were okay.  Then I heard someone say her name and I was upset.  I made sure she was okay and took her inside the book room where we were all working and let her sit there wit her own book to relax for a bit.. She chose a Dr. Seuss book.

The third event was when I was giving out some stickers.  The kids just bombard you whenever you have something cool like that… stickers, candy, etc.  So I told them to get in a line so each of them could get one.  Well some kids are just bigger than others, i.e. Scovia is so little.  Then I saw her standing  facing the wall and upset.  Tuns out someone was pushing her away out of line. Well that ended giving out stickers real quick.. Don’t mess with my girls.  Privileges are taken away quickly if people don’t cooperate.

Another fun activity… the kids just drop candy wrappers everywhere.  The adults here do it too.  It makes me crazy to see wrappers all over the place.  So I started to make the kids pick up the garbage.  I just asked them nicely to please help.  They do it with pleasure.  Then they are so proud to help. However, I asked one child to pick up some empty juice boxes well he did and then he just dropped them around the corner.  Go figure. So I then made them all pick up garbage and made it a game. I had them following me around and I would point at the garbage and they would get it. Then I led them to a garbage can and showed them where it goes.  I was very appreciative. I also told them that if they throw the wrappers on the ground that I’m not bringing “sweets” next time I come.  I think that will be more impactful.

Chad.. do you see the pictures of Justine?  She came to see me wearing the same dress she wore last November for her interview with me.  She was sooooo sweet.  She loved the picture of you and the letter and she found a yellow pair of TOMS that fit her.  She was so happy. I also gave her some socks, beef jerkey, corn nuts, etc. A variety of things. She was so happy all day she hung out at the school.  She was so happy to see me every time I walked around the corner she was smiling and I tried to get her to hang with the other kids but she is a little reserved.

Keith and Bridget.  Well we have been a witness to the kids wearing their “Big Headed” items. Robinah is wearing her sports top, and I have already seen other items hanging out on the laundry lines.

I met a few kids today for sponsorship. One boy wants to be a pediatrician, his name is Fred.  He was very nice, although a little reserved.

Michele I saw Henry today.  I have seen him around here and there, he’s a great kid. I was going to show him the video of you today and I ended up having to leave to go to the store with Grace and Karen.  I felt bad because I told him that I had something to show him.  So I told him that I would be back and that when he sees me back to come to me and I will show him. Well he sure did and  then he wanted to watch the video 4 times. He was so excited to see you!!!

All in all the profiles have been going… some kid’s stories are so sad.  We will need sponsors upon our return. There are so many children in so much need.  Please be a voice to your friends and family if you are touched by these children and their stories.   Please.  I have heard some stories that bring tears to my eyes to repeat.  A life unimaginable of so much pain and hurt and some just plain unbelievable.

The library was by far a huge blessing…the kids will embrace all of the learning and activities.  They especially like the variety.. from Sesame Street to Dr. Seuss.  The world map was a great addition also they can see where they are.

I mentioned earlier that we had gone into town today to get some things.  We ended up walking back to the school which I loved.  It was the evening time and the community was very busy.  I love to spend time where people are doing their normal day to day activities.  Well I also had kids looking at me like “what is that” they just stare and I wave. They are so cute. Can’t blame them. Maybe they have never seen a mzungu.  On our way back a man in a busy driving past us asked first if I had any sisters then he asked me if I would marry him.  On that note, I am going to bed. Good night.

Nicole