Monday

Today was our "first" day of school, in a sense. We made up a list of school rules , acted them out, and repeated them in English and Swahili.. They did a great job! We are working with Zenyeto to teach him how to teach the kids, as he was a fisherman until a few weeks ago. He is really a "natural" teacher and is doing a great job. He would translate what I would say and work with me to teach all 170 kids this morning. I taught them the "Good morning" song that we sing in Junior Kindergarten and, after some repetition and clapping, they really got the hang of it! It is precious to hear them singing it, knowing that they understand what they are saying. Then, we introduced a few colors, the ABC song and counted up to 20. These kids are smart and want to learn, we just have to be thoughtful about our teaching strategies and I have faith that things will go well.

Jenny and Roxanne, another volunteer, noticed that a little one (in a Tinkerbell costume, no less) had many blisters on the bottoms of her feet that were infected. When they were cleaning her up with alcohol wipes and bandages, Jenny said she barely flinched. Sadly, she probably walks through town without shoes on, stepping on all sorts of things, so she must be used to feeling the pain.

Working to clean up little "Tinkerbell's" feet.

I don't know if you can tell, but this little girl is wearing an eyeliner-type make up. Many of the little Muslim girls that wear these head coverings also wear dramatic eye make-up.
A little one wearing traditional African garb.
What a joyful little guy!

Here is a quick idea of what our play time looks like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJkRgd96drg

Thanks for following along!