Before Upendo School ( the school I was at for 2 1/2 weeks ) went on break last week we took the kids on a Safari. I took this to mean that we were going to a national park to see some animals- I think I was more excited that the kids because I came to find out that safari simply means trip. So much to my dismay we were taking the kids to the International Conference Center. I was a bit confused as the children are only like 6 years old... I was thinking what are they really going to teach them there. Boy was I in for a surprise.
We all piled into a bus, once again like 30 kids and 6 adults in this 3 row van. We drove to the consequence center where they brought us into a conference room and talked to the children about what went on there. I was bored so I can only imagine what they were thinking! Then everything started to make sense to me. These kids have never seen anything like this before. We all piled onto an elevator and their eyes got really big as we started moving. They all clung to me and once again I was like they have never been on an elevator before! I tried to explain to them in simple English and the little Swahili that I know what it was. Then they had a bathroom break. The bathroom was soo crowded and I was like... "what is going on in here?" Well the kids were all crowded around the toilet watching it flush! I then proceeded to show them the running water faucet and blow dryer. I think that was probably the highlight of their trip for sure!
It is so weird to think how different our lives are than other people. We definitely have alot more material objects and technology than most do... but we are not necessarily happier than any of them. The children are always running around playing with each other just happy as can be.
I start at the orphanage Monday, which I think will be more challenging as it is not organized. I might need some suggestions on activities for the kids-- so get your thinking caps on!
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5 comments:
Duck, duck...GOOSE!!!
Kids love that game. They might already know the rules...it's a pretty universal game! And by universal I mean every kid in North America. Ooops. Or play soccer. Everyone knows futbol.
As for your toilet story, it's terrible how we take things like that for granted. This is going to sound really silly but, can you send things over there?? Let me know!!
Keep posting! I love it. I feel like I'm stalking you. haha
Musical Chairs is a good game.....you can sing in Swahili, can't you?! Or, just sing 100 bottles of beer on the wall, and show them what to do when you STOP!
Red Rover....not good if there are bullies....or make a trail in the dirt and play Fox and Hounds. Spud is good one....I am just remembering the "old" days when we really played these games!
Sounds like you are "learning about Life" the great teacher IS life itself. Nothing is richer or wiser.
Glad to read what is going on, keep writing! (The Homesteader will publish your Blog for those who don't come here-OK? The extra publicity in THAT publication should help, don't ya think?!!
Love and prayers,
Aunt Cathy
Hey babe,
Obviously there are different meanings of safari. Our guide said it means "journey of adventure" for the kids that it was.
Some of my suggestions have already been offered by Aunt Cathy. It has been so long ago that we played some of them I not sure of some of the rules anymore. But we could find out.
Can't wait to hear more about your orpanage work. Love you. (p.s.you were right about using the whole email address for the username.)
So my dad has been bugging me for a week now to show him how to use this "comment" area, as he likes to think he's leaving blogs...just like you ;) So now he's happy that he can communicate with you!! Anyways, speaking of games to play, you're talking to Camp Supervisor and P.E. major over here..DUH! I have all the games in the world that you can play with the kiddies. Ill email you, though, so you're not reading a novel on this page.
Love you and miss you like the dickens!! My trips to chi just arent the same :(
hey Jac,
Finally I successfully registered. I've been trying to for weeks with no success. But I saw Lynne's email below that helped me correct what I was doing wrong.
Cool trip so far. Kid games -- I Spy, Kick the Can (or whatever you have to kick), Kickball. can you play word games like Scabble or Crosswords or FindAWord (you will have to make them up yourself and make scrabble out of paper). Rock/Paper/Scissors??
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