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.
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5 comments:
Holy cow (or goat!) Jac!! The goat still had fur on it? That's a little gross, I have to say. It's good that you got some nice ugali to go along with it though... you know no meal is complete without ugali!!!
I guess this means you didn't go back to the school, eh? I'm glad you had so much fun at the orphanage!
Good luck with your last week, and with your goodbyes. I'm sure some of them will be tearful (remember how depressed Mama was when we left after only 2 weeks? Speaking of which, give her a big kiss for me, ok?), but just think EGYPT after! Yay!!
I miss you!!
Steph :)
xxxx
Wow, I def. need to see pics of this goat. I cant believe the cheek part with the hair!! Im sure this will be an emotional week for you, as for the kids as well. They are going to miss you like crazy :) On the other hand, I cant wait to see you in 3 weeks!! Enjoy your last week and have a fun and safe trip to Egypt!!
Sounds like an unforgetable meal, from the menu to the ambiance created by a dim lantern in the darkness surrounded by 10 very happy and content kiddies. You haven't missed many opportunities to be awyed by the people and country of Africa! Can't wait for you to recount it again and again.
I tear up thinking of your departure from Karem and those little ones who will wonder why you had to leave. But never doubt what a tremendous impact you have had on them forever. I pray for you always and will send triple prayers your way as you say your good byes on Friday. One phrase that I heard someone said one time when saying goodbye to someone they didn't expect to see again was "this is not goodbye bc I'll see you in heaven." Jac,tell them that and you may leave with a lighter heart. I love you babe.
Mom
Jac - You are truly amazing! We have so enjoyed reading about your incredible experiences. You'll continue to be in our prayers as you say your good-byes...and travel to Egypt...and finally return home. Our love, the Massas
Hey, Jackie. It's Brian Buntz. Crystal Farrer just passed your blog link to me. I'm so excited to see what you're up to. We've created a new leg of our work that is running volunteer trips to the developing world. It would be interesting to talk with you about your ecperience and tell you a bit about what we're up to. When do you return to the states? Email me at brian@uofdreams.com.
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