Now that it a catchy title! ha Yes, I had to lovely experience of eating these last Saturday night. It was quite sweet really- Rehema (mama at the orphanage) invited me and the new volunteer over for dinner last Saturday. You would usually think nothing of this except that she is trying to feed 10 mouths, three times a day and they only get meat once a week. Well they were have meat (goat) that evening and she wanted us to join her. I have never been invited before so I felt I should not pass up this opportunity.
Well I also had the lovely experience of seeing the goat before it had been cooked-- actually in the bag: head, legs, and all!!!! I was freaking out because something smelled that was sitting besides me so I opened the bag only to have a dead goat head staring at me!!! Rehema and all the kids started laughing and I obviously took out my camera for this Kodak moment- ha.
Saturday night rolled around and we brought over fruit for the kids because they rarely get that either. It was a feast and the kids were so excited. The guests ALWAYS eat first (which I explained numerous times was not necessary)- so everyone watched me try my first goat brain, tongue and cheek with a side of ugali. (please google it- as I eat this DAILY!) I actually didn't mind the tongue- kind of chewy, brain- made me gage because it was soo mushy- cheek I could not even get close to my mouth because it still had some fur on it! It was quite an experience. After my immature screams and making the kids giggle it was an evening I definitely will never forget. Picture 10 kids all huddled around this candle lantern (because they don't have electricity) with this plate filled with meat pieces all grabbing for whatever they can and eating ever last bit of it. Just totally happy and satisfied where they were and with everything they had. I totally had a "I cant believe I am leaving in a week" moment and had to hold back tears by holding onto the little girl Saumu.
This is my last week at the orphanage and it will definitely be a hard one. I just cant imagine not seeing their smiling faces everyday and hearing their contagious laughs that fill the little play room that I now call home. The kids that I have come to love almost as my own, who I will probably never see again in my lifetime. I would love to bring all of them home with me and give them the wonderful life they all deserve- but know this is not possible. It is hard to give them everything you can while being here and realizing that they need so much more. I have not really thought about my leaving until recently bc we all know that I get a little emotional and attached to people-- please say an extra prayer for me to be strong in front of the kids and that they will stay safe after my departure.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Simple Things in Life
This week has been exhausting. I think since I have been here so long now, Rehema (mama at the orphanage) thinks she can leave me alone all day with 10 kids who don't speak English! I also think since the kids know me too they are trying to get away with more things - this is exhausting!!! Ha Try telling 3 kids not to hit each other by displaying hand movements (it definitely turned into them laughing at me!) Anyways, we made PB&J sandwiches this week which they loved- a little 4 year old girl ate 3! I was in amazement- I don't think I could even do that and we all know how much I can eat. Ha They were so happy and content with just something new.
The little boy Toshi is fairly new at the orphanage. He shares his clothes with an older boy Babu so nothing fits him. Well we decided to get him two new outfits- they were soo soo cute! I totally got him a little soccer outfit. He was so excited- we put it on him after his bath and he was just touching it and looking at the soccer ball on his belly. It was precious. I will definitely post pictures.
My appreciation for little things and details has definitely grown since I have arrived here. I went to church a week ago with some other volunteers. It was one of those Christian churches where everyone yells and dances the whole time. Yes I definitely was dancing to the beat like everyone there! Please note the service was 4 hours long! I was extra holy that day! But what caught my attention was that if you were to walk into the church and view all the people you would never guess they were poor. Everyone looked beautiful in there Sunday dresses and suites. Everyone was so happy to see each other and praise God. I found it amazing how grateful they were for everything they have. It is easy for us to sit here and thank God bc we are so lucky with everything we own. But here- everyday is a struggle yet their faith is stronger than most. I found it fascinating. When the offerings were made everyone walked up to the front of the church and put in what they could. Most were offering what is equivalent to 10 and 20 cents. But someone who touched me the most was this elderly man. He walked to the front with 2 sugar canes. He laid them next to the basket bc that was all he could give. I was almost ready to break down right there--- but I held it together.
The church was an experience to say the least. During the mass they were claiming that it was an international church and they were calling out all these different countries. Yes- you guessed it. They called out America and I had to stand up. Out of the whole congregation I was the only person from the USA. It was definitely a humbling experience. After service though I was a celebrity as everyone was shaking my hand and greeting me. I felt a little akward but it was a very nice gesture and something that would never happen in the states. I have had alot of moments like that since I have been here and I am sure there will be more to come.
It is the simple things in life that make it special- miss all of you!
Have a wonderful weekend:)
The little boy Toshi is fairly new at the orphanage. He shares his clothes with an older boy Babu so nothing fits him. Well we decided to get him two new outfits- they were soo soo cute! I totally got him a little soccer outfit. He was so excited- we put it on him after his bath and he was just touching it and looking at the soccer ball on his belly. It was precious. I will definitely post pictures.
My appreciation for little things and details has definitely grown since I have arrived here. I went to church a week ago with some other volunteers. It was one of those Christian churches where everyone yells and dances the whole time. Yes I definitely was dancing to the beat like everyone there! Please note the service was 4 hours long! I was extra holy that day! But what caught my attention was that if you were to walk into the church and view all the people you would never guess they were poor. Everyone looked beautiful in there Sunday dresses and suites. Everyone was so happy to see each other and praise God. I found it amazing how grateful they were for everything they have. It is easy for us to sit here and thank God bc we are so lucky with everything we own. But here- everyday is a struggle yet their faith is stronger than most. I found it fascinating. When the offerings were made everyone walked up to the front of the church and put in what they could. Most were offering what is equivalent to 10 and 20 cents. But someone who touched me the most was this elderly man. He walked to the front with 2 sugar canes. He laid them next to the basket bc that was all he could give. I was almost ready to break down right there--- but I held it together.
The church was an experience to say the least. During the mass they were claiming that it was an international church and they were calling out all these different countries. Yes- you guessed it. They called out America and I had to stand up. Out of the whole congregation I was the only person from the USA. It was definitely a humbling experience. After service though I was a celebrity as everyone was shaking my hand and greeting me. I felt a little akward but it was a very nice gesture and something that would never happen in the states. I have had alot of moments like that since I have been here and I am sure there will be more to come.
It is the simple things in life that make it special- miss all of you!
Have a wonderful weekend:)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Cradle of Love
There are so many places that need volunteers around Arusha! I have been volunteering like 2 days a week, after Karim, at this baby orphanage called Cradle of Love. It is run by an American or Canadian.. I cant remember but the facility is gorgeous. Everything in there is from donations. She has 35 babies all under the age of 2! Is it 24 hour care done by volunteers and a few local staff. The children are usually left at her doorstep or if the mother dies the father brings the child here til the age of 2 when they can go back home. It is an amazing place and a wonderful place to adopt from. I definitely found like 3 children I wanted to bring home with me! I will definitely be adopting later in my life.
So is it reminds me of a pet shop. The volunteers go in and you just walk into the room and there are cradles stacked like bunk beds with kids just looking at you wanting you to pick them up. I tried not to play favorites- but definitely have found a few that I love:) So I usually get there around 3pm and stay till right after dinner. The dinner process is quite process! They line the kids up in little chairs or highchairs and you just grab a spoon and 3 kids and start feeding! I felt like I was a machine or in an assembly line! It was mad chaos with kids screaming, laughing and eating- but so much fun!
Please take a look- another great place to donate! www.cradleoflove.com
Pictures soon to come! Hope everyone had a wonderful labor day weekend. I heard it was beautiful:) Love to all<3
So is it reminds me of a pet shop. The volunteers go in and you just walk into the room and there are cradles stacked like bunk beds with kids just looking at you wanting you to pick them up. I tried not to play favorites- but definitely have found a few that I love:) So I usually get there around 3pm and stay till right after dinner. The dinner process is quite process! They line the kids up in little chairs or highchairs and you just grab a spoon and 3 kids and start feeding! I felt like I was a machine or in an assembly line! It was mad chaos with kids screaming, laughing and eating- but so much fun!
Please take a look- another great place to donate! www.cradleoflove.com
Pictures soon to come! Hope everyone had a wonderful labor day weekend. I heard it was beautiful:) Love to all<3
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