It's True

I've heard it before but didn't necessarily believe , but now there's no denying it. Africa gets under your skin and into your heart. I couldn't help but think  yesterday while driving around that this place in beautiful. The people, the landscape, the songs, the language, and the list could go on and on.

I spent the week just trying to get a feel for the routine and getting to know the kids. How can it be a bad day when there are 25 preschoolers and toddlers giving you hugs, fighting over who gets to sit in your lap, and endless smiles? They have asked me to come up with some sort of preschool curriculum in the mornings for our oldest kids. This week I just did the whole "fly by the seat of my pants" thing with no planning as I was getting to know the kids. And I will say, after I finish writing this I'm spending the rest of my day doing lesson plans. The kids need it, but mostly I do. haha! It went relatively well for the lack of planning on my part, but I'm going to spend some time looking for worksheets and games to help the kids learn the alphabet, numbers, and how to write their names. I'm going to start with those goals and hopefully get them accomplished. After spending the morning with the kids, we feed them lunch, they get a bath, and then its nap time. Each afternoon we have different things planned. I can already tell you that Tues and Wed are going to be my favorite days. On those days I get two hours to spend individually with any child. We can go to town, play, get a special snack. Just about anything so that for those two hours that child gets undivided attention. Its so important and they long for it! On my first outing, I took this cutie Zurita

I went with another volunteer, Amanda and Dembe. We had a great time going for a walk, eating ice cream. splashing in the pool, and relaxing. It was a really fun afternoon!

And this is Henry. I took him to town to get a sprite. He thought the carbonation was great and laughed after each drink! I have loved spending time with these precious children and can't believe that I get to do it for 7 more weeks!



The Past Few Days

I pretty much filled you in on what I've been up to the last few days so here are the pictures to go with it

Well uploading these 3 pictures took 45 minutes-so that's all for now. The last picture is of all of the volunteers that are here right now. Hopefully next time I try to upload hopefully it won't take so long.

I'm Here!!

After a short delay, I made it. But the perk of getting delayed was flying first class all the way here (fully reclining seats, tons of food, and excellent service) so I guess I can't complain too much.

Jet lag hasn't been too bad. I wasn't able to sleep at all from Atlanta to Amsterdam and slept 3 hours from Amsterdam. I woke up to babies crying and then got to love on and help feed them. So sweet. I'll post pictures later. We're off to some water falls this afternoon so I'm gonna run and eat some lunch.

Still in Nashville

Well, I'm still in Nashville. Delayed planes and mechanical problems casued me to miss my close connections. They offiered to put me on a flight out today that would have a 12 hour layover in Amsterdam and then another layover in Nairobi-but I opted not to take them up on that offer! So here I am for one more night. I will leave at 12:30 tomorrow!!

Just Some Pictures

I'm going to miss my sisters so much. I'm so amazed that I have two incredible people in my life that I not only get to call sister but best-friend. Love you both!

 

New Year's Eve Dinner with my Family

New Year's Day-my first time ever shooting a gun. So much fun!

The Countdown Begins!

Happy New Year!! And with the new year begins the countdown-17 days!! That's so crazy! When I first applied and started planning it seemed like it was so far away, but now it's almost here. Yikes! I'm trying to stay organized and keep crossing things off my to-do list. I will say that the pile of stuff to pack in the corner of my room is starting to grow. How will it all fit? It's hard to think of that I will need for 10 weeks. I am a huge overpacker, but my goal is to fit it all in one 50lb bag. Start wishing me luck with that now cause I'm gonna need it. Speaking of packing some people have asked if donations can be made or if Amani needs anything. I figured that this is the best way to get the word out there if you would like to contribute in any way. Here is a list of donations Amani is in need of:


Baby Formula
Baby Cereal
Board Books
Construction Paper
Towels and Washcloths
Plastic Toys (no batteries)
Eductional Toys
Children's Vitamins
2T Underwear for boys and girls
HP 6310 ink cartridges


If you would like to send a donation with me, please let me know. I would love to have everything by Jan. 16th so I can make sure it will all fit in my luggage. Well, I think that's about it for now-off to make more lists! haha!