This is not going to be a very long e-mail, well at least I am not planning on it being very long.
I am in the Internet cafe this morning trying to upload photos on facebook because I spent 3 hours yesterday trying and they never worked.
Things here are good. I am so happy and the more time I spend here the more I feel wanted here as well. I was on my break on Friday afternoon and I got a phone call from one of the boys. He was using one of the Aunties phones and he asked me where I was. I told him I was on my break and then he told me that I needed to find him when I came back because he wanted to play Monopoly with me again. I was so happy that I was actually being looked for to come back to the orphanage.
Moses has malaria and so does one of the volunteers. For the past week I noticed that Moses had been quiet and not running around as much. I as really worried but he still seemed happy and was smiling a lot. Once I found out that he had malaria I found it amazing that even though he was so sick he was still the happiest child in the orphanage. I am really worried about malaria. I wasn't worried before I came but I found out here that there is a lot of vomiting that goes along with it. The mosquitoes have been getting a lot worse and I am just hoping that I am being careful enough that I miss out on that great experience. haha
My roommate left yesterday to go travel Ghana for two weeks and my other house mate Claire leaves today to go back to Britain. I get two new housemates tomorrow and then another roommate in a week. All is well here.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Don't Fight
The past day has been really good but also very sad. I have spent a lot of time with the older boys working on fractions (haven't done that in awhile). Then last night I played Monopoly with some of the boys and WON might I add. They have really strange rules to the game, which makes it go a lot quicker (more fun too)! The boys have this balcony in their house that is open and so we played the game up there. One of the little boys was up there with us as well and while we weren't looking he decided to poop on the floor and then smear it around a bit. Alfred was really nice because when I got up to go clean it up he told me not to worry about it. He said that I shouldn't have to clean poop up in the morning and in the afternoon so he went and cleaned it up for me.
There is a boy named Dennis; although now that I am saying that he isn't really a boy. He is just out of Senior High and is volunteering at the home. He is Ghanaian and is helping me tutor the boys. He is working on studying for the SAT because he wants to attend University in the United States. It has been really rewarding getting to know him because he is so ambitious and at times I feel lazy when I talk with him. He is taking his subject tests in May and is working on applying to Penn. He is AMAZING at physics and so I let him work on science with the boys and I stick to the basics.
This morning I was struggling with the little ones. The 2-5 year olds are between terms and so have been off school for the past week. On a normal day I deal with about 10 toddlers that are either too sick or too weak to go to school. However, when the other kids are off school I am in charge of them too. That means that this past week I have been in charge of 30 2-5 year olds. The boys ages 6-10 are off of school as well and so this morning we were on the playground and I was spending some time with them as well. In order for this story to make sense to you I have to go off on a tangent about the new boy Samuel.
Samuel I believe is about 6 and he came to the home 3 days ago. I was leaving the toddler house when I met him for the first time. He was standing at the gate of the orphanage sobbing with no one around. I walked up to him and got down on my knees to talk to him and he just wrapped his arms around my neck and cried. I didn't know why he was crying at by that point I didn't even know he was new. I got him calmed down and walked him back over to the little boy house and that is when they told me he was new. They got him some food and I left to take my break before coming back in the afternoon. Since then every day when I come in the home he walks beside me without saying a word. He will hug me and stand by me but he doesn't speak any English. So getting back to today's story......
I was at the playground with some of the younger boys and I looked over as one of the boys picked up a rock and smacked Samuel across the head with it. He managed to cut the side of his head and there was quite a good amount of blood. I grabbed the little boy by the arm and dragged him back to the house for the older boys to watch him while I cleaned up Samuel. After I got him all cleaned up I took made sure the Auntie knew what he had done. Then I went back to the playground with Samuel and two other boys hit him across the back and poured dirt down the back of his shirt. I went over and grabbed them by the shirt and asked them what the thought they were doing. They told me that he was stealing their food.
He LIVES THERE! He is not stealing their food but he lives there and has to eat. He doesn't want to be living there but he has no choice. It took everything within me not to start crying. They were being so cruel when all this boy needs is a friend. I was shattered and went to find one of the older boys and explained to him what was happening. He took all three boys in a room and yelled at them and explained to them that it was not acceptable to treat him that way. While they were getting yelled at I brushed the dirt off Samuel and picked him up off the ground. Another little boy walked over to Samuel with a toy car and handed it to him. They sat there and played together for the next hour or so.
I struggle with how mean these children can be to each other. I now understand why it was so hard for my parents to watch me and my brothers fight. These kids need to support each other because they are all each other have. I spent the rest of the morning with the babies to keep myself from going off the deep end. My house mate Claire leaves on Monday and my roommate Amy leaves to go traveling for two weeks on Sunday and then will leave when she gets back. I will have new roommates soon and so that should be an experience. I fall more in love with these kids each day. I become less grossed out my their slobber, spit, poop, and snot. I love to kiss and hug them and make them smile. I love it here. I hope that you all enjoyed this email!!!!!!
There is a boy named Dennis; although now that I am saying that he isn't really a boy. He is just out of Senior High and is volunteering at the home. He is Ghanaian and is helping me tutor the boys. He is working on studying for the SAT because he wants to attend University in the United States. It has been really rewarding getting to know him because he is so ambitious and at times I feel lazy when I talk with him. He is taking his subject tests in May and is working on applying to Penn. He is AMAZING at physics and so I let him work on science with the boys and I stick to the basics.
This morning I was struggling with the little ones. The 2-5 year olds are between terms and so have been off school for the past week. On a normal day I deal with about 10 toddlers that are either too sick or too weak to go to school. However, when the other kids are off school I am in charge of them too. That means that this past week I have been in charge of 30 2-5 year olds. The boys ages 6-10 are off of school as well and so this morning we were on the playground and I was spending some time with them as well. In order for this story to make sense to you I have to go off on a tangent about the new boy Samuel.
Samuel I believe is about 6 and he came to the home 3 days ago. I was leaving the toddler house when I met him for the first time. He was standing at the gate of the orphanage sobbing with no one around. I walked up to him and got down on my knees to talk to him and he just wrapped his arms around my neck and cried. I didn't know why he was crying at by that point I didn't even know he was new. I got him calmed down and walked him back over to the little boy house and that is when they told me he was new. They got him some food and I left to take my break before coming back in the afternoon. Since then every day when I come in the home he walks beside me without saying a word. He will hug me and stand by me but he doesn't speak any English. So getting back to today's story......
I was at the playground with some of the younger boys and I looked over as one of the boys picked up a rock and smacked Samuel across the head with it. He managed to cut the side of his head and there was quite a good amount of blood. I grabbed the little boy by the arm and dragged him back to the house for the older boys to watch him while I cleaned up Samuel. After I got him all cleaned up I took made sure the Auntie knew what he had done. Then I went back to the playground with Samuel and two other boys hit him across the back and poured dirt down the back of his shirt. I went over and grabbed them by the shirt and asked them what the thought they were doing. They told me that he was stealing their food.
He LIVES THERE! He is not stealing their food but he lives there and has to eat. He doesn't want to be living there but he has no choice. It took everything within me not to start crying. They were being so cruel when all this boy needs is a friend. I was shattered and went to find one of the older boys and explained to him what was happening. He took all three boys in a room and yelled at them and explained to them that it was not acceptable to treat him that way. While they were getting yelled at I brushed the dirt off Samuel and picked him up off the ground. Another little boy walked over to Samuel with a toy car and handed it to him. They sat there and played together for the next hour or so.
I struggle with how mean these children can be to each other. I now understand why it was so hard for my parents to watch me and my brothers fight. These kids need to support each other because they are all each other have. I spent the rest of the morning with the babies to keep myself from going off the deep end. My house mate Claire leaves on Monday and my roommate Amy leaves to go traveling for two weeks on Sunday and then will leave when she gets back. I will have new roommates soon and so that should be an experience. I fall more in love with these kids each day. I become less grossed out my their slobber, spit, poop, and snot. I love to kiss and hug them and make them smile. I love it here. I hope that you all enjoyed this email!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Easter Sunday
I am so tired that my arms can barely type this e-mail. I did get a lot of sleep last night and my sleep has been getting better. It was a four day weekend for everyone in Ghana this past weekend but I spent 3 out of the 4 days at the home. I am trying to remember when I last e-mailed and I believe that it was Sat.
Saturday I spent with my friend Jessie at the pool and then I went to watch her band practice. She plays the trumpet and met all these Ghanaians that she now plays in a band with. They are all very nice and fun to be with.
Sunday was Easter and the Easter service was good but not the same as our church service back home. I missed playing my cello to Hallelujah chorus and listening to Lillian's sermon. But church was still good. About four of the boys went with me to the actual service and then I spent time with them all after church was finished.
Sunday afternoon one of my roommates and I went out for lunch and then that afternoon we had a party with our host family. It was our Grandma's 90th Birthday party. She turned 90 on December 29th but didn't want to celebrate it until Easter because she said that God was the only reason she was still on this earth and so she wanted to throw a party in his honor. It started at about 3 and went until 6. For those three hours it was painful. We all sat in a circle (me, my roommate, and a lot of strangers). No one was really talking and we weren't allowed to cross our legs because that is considered inappropriate to do in front of your elders. There was plantain chips, peanuts, spring rolls, meat rolls (mystery meat), and then a really really really spicy porridge with some sketchy meat in it before we even got to the main course.
Once the main course came it was fine, people started to talk a little bit and that food was amazing. I had Jollof rice, fried rice, chicken, and beef with sauteed onions and peppers. Maybe the best meal I have had since I have been here. I was so tired that I just went in my room and fell asleep for about an hour when I woke up to music blasting. All of the elders had left and the nieces and nephews of my host family were there cleaning up- aka having a huge party. They were dancing, singing, and laughing. It actually reminded me a lot of what our family parties are like.
I left my room to see what was going on and then went to talk to Claire the only other roommate that was home this weekend. She is very shy and so didn't want to leave her room but I was feeling a little sad that I was missing out on all the fun so I went out on the back porch and danced with them until I couldn't even move. I sweat through all of my clothes and was disgusting but for the first time since I have been here I feel like I connected with my host family.
They were laughing at me as they were trying to show me how to dance. I swear that when they left the womb they were dancing. It reminded me of the way the girls in Zambia danced. The hips just out of control. The uncle was trying to show me the basics and then how to spice it up. I couldn't help but laugh at myself. But I was so happy. My sister Sheila was just hugging me and laughing with me. I felt so sad for my roommate Claire who didn't want to leave the room. I need that bond with people, without it I just feel helpless.
Monday I went on a picnic with the church I have been attending and all of the older boys went as well. It was at a Jr. High and there was dancing, music, food, sports, and fun. It was such good fellowship and I had such a great time. A lot of the girls were trying to teach me how to play this stomping game but I wasn't very good. There was basketball, ping pong, tennis, volleyball, football (soccer), card playing, and dancing. The pastor of the church was wearing a Sox hat and he told me that he had just been living in Naperville for 2 months and he got the hat when he was there. :) We talked about how that was my team and how I miss all my players terribly. He was laughing and we talked for a little while.
I have so much more to say but I will stop for now because I could keep writing forever. I hope that this was a good taste of my wonderful Easter weekend. I have some very big decisions to make coming up including when I am coming home and what college I am going to attend. That is what I need you to be praying for. E-mail me and tell me how things back home are!! I haven't heard from some of you in a loooooong time or at all. I miss hearing from you.
Saturday I spent with my friend Jessie at the pool and then I went to watch her band practice. She plays the trumpet and met all these Ghanaians that she now plays in a band with. They are all very nice and fun to be with.
Sunday was Easter and the Easter service was good but not the same as our church service back home. I missed playing my cello to Hallelujah chorus and listening to Lillian's sermon. But church was still good. About four of the boys went with me to the actual service and then I spent time with them all after church was finished.
Sunday afternoon one of my roommates and I went out for lunch and then that afternoon we had a party with our host family. It was our Grandma's 90th Birthday party. She turned 90 on December 29th but didn't want to celebrate it until Easter because she said that God was the only reason she was still on this earth and so she wanted to throw a party in his honor. It started at about 3 and went until 6. For those three hours it was painful. We all sat in a circle (me, my roommate, and a lot of strangers). No one was really talking and we weren't allowed to cross our legs because that is considered inappropriate to do in front of your elders. There was plantain chips, peanuts, spring rolls, meat rolls (mystery meat), and then a really really really spicy porridge with some sketchy meat in it before we even got to the main course.
Once the main course came it was fine, people started to talk a little bit and that food was amazing. I had Jollof rice, fried rice, chicken, and beef with sauteed onions and peppers. Maybe the best meal I have had since I have been here. I was so tired that I just went in my room and fell asleep for about an hour when I woke up to music blasting. All of the elders had left and the nieces and nephews of my host family were there cleaning up- aka having a huge party. They were dancing, singing, and laughing. It actually reminded me a lot of what our family parties are like.
I left my room to see what was going on and then went to talk to Claire the only other roommate that was home this weekend. She is very shy and so didn't want to leave her room but I was feeling a little sad that I was missing out on all the fun so I went out on the back porch and danced with them until I couldn't even move. I sweat through all of my clothes and was disgusting but for the first time since I have been here I feel like I connected with my host family.
They were laughing at me as they were trying to show me how to dance. I swear that when they left the womb they were dancing. It reminded me of the way the girls in Zambia danced. The hips just out of control. The uncle was trying to show me the basics and then how to spice it up. I couldn't help but laugh at myself. But I was so happy. My sister Sheila was just hugging me and laughing with me. I felt so sad for my roommate Claire who didn't want to leave the room. I need that bond with people, without it I just feel helpless.
Monday I went on a picnic with the church I have been attending and all of the older boys went as well. It was at a Jr. High and there was dancing, music, food, sports, and fun. It was such good fellowship and I had such a great time. A lot of the girls were trying to teach me how to play this stomping game but I wasn't very good. There was basketball, ping pong, tennis, volleyball, football (soccer), card playing, and dancing. The pastor of the church was wearing a Sox hat and he told me that he had just been living in Naperville for 2 months and he got the hat when he was there. :) We talked about how that was my team and how I miss all my players terribly. He was laughing and we talked for a little while.
I have so much more to say but I will stop for now because I could keep writing forever. I hope that this was a good taste of my wonderful Easter weekend. I have some very big decisions to make coming up including when I am coming home and what college I am going to attend. That is what I need you to be praying for. E-mail me and tell me how things back home are!! I haven't heard from some of you in a loooooong time or at all. I miss hearing from you.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Being Honest
Sorry that it has been a few days since I have e-mailed last. Things here are pretty crazy and yet relaxed at the same time.
We have started to discipline the toddlers in the morning now--that is stressful--but necessary. Every time they hit another kid or me I pick them up and hold them in the corner. Personally, I think that for them that is worse than being hit. They are used to getting hit but holding them in a corner where they can't move tortures them; of course we don't keep them there for a long time, they are only toddlers. We probably end up holding them there for about 45 seconds to a minute but they absolutely hate it. It has been working well and the Aunties are really open to trying new ways of discipline. There is this one boy Kojo who always bites the other kids and at the beginning of our time in the morning I take him in the corner once every few minutes but by the end he has shaped up.
The kids had off yesterday for Good Friday and then they also have Monday off because the Easter celebration here is intense (so I hear). Yesterday was a really frustrating and hard day for me. I wasn't planning on sharing this but I think it needs to be said. On Thursday night one of my friends got robbed. He was taking a taxi home and a car stopped in front of him. Eight men got out of the car (one with crowbar and another with a knife) and robbed him. They didn't hurt him in any way but they took his phone, money, and ATM card (he had just gotten money out of the bank).
This really scared me. I spent the whole day yesterday just struggling to get through the day. I found myself very homesick and wanting the luxuries of home. I was unsettled all day. The kids even noticed. One of the boys asked me why I was so sad and I just explained to him that sometimes it is hard being so far from home. We ended up talking for a long time and he cheered me up but I still felt uneasy. I went home last night for dinner and didn't want to go out again. I had told a couple people that I would go out with them but I just didn't feel right and told them I was in a weird mood and didn't want to go. But one of my friends, Lara, decided that I couldn't stay in. She told me that if I was feeling sad and upset that I needed to go out because it would just get worse staying in. So she came to my house and got me and decided that we needed to have a night of just Western fun (as close as we could get).
We ended up going to this place where you could rent out a room that had a TV and DVD player and movies to choose from. The rooms were air conditioned by a space heater (or cooler) and they had a couch. This is Ghana's version of a movie theatre. So five of us ended up watching Hairspray in the room and it really brought me out of my fog. Things aren't always easy here. I know that you know that, and I know I say it quite often but sometimes they are just harder than I know how to handle. I am lucky that Lara was such a good friend and came and got me out of the house.
Keep in mind that I did not tell this story to you to scare you or for you to worry about me but to be honest. I need prayers here and so do the other volunteers. I am very smart and never take a bag out at night but this doesn't mean that I am always %100 safe. I need prayers to be able to pull myself out of those occasional moods I find myself in.
On the bright side one of the boys told me yesterday how much he thought I was making a difference. He told me that I am loving these kids when the Aunties can't and giving them a break from reality so that they can have some fun. He was funny because he knows that I am only here for a few months but he said, "So how many years are you staying?" and just had a huge smile on his face. They always ask about my brothers as well. Yesterday they were asking if my brothers knew that I had older brothers here. There are certain parts of my day that make it all worth it. A certain smile or a certain joke.
Don't worry about me because I am good. Prayers are always needed but that is normal. I have to make a college decision soon.........crap. I am not going to write about any of the boys today because I think that this e-mail is pretty long. Please tell me if you ever feel like I am repeating myself. I miss you guys. New Pictures are up!
We have started to discipline the toddlers in the morning now--that is stressful--but necessary. Every time they hit another kid or me I pick them up and hold them in the corner. Personally, I think that for them that is worse than being hit. They are used to getting hit but holding them in a corner where they can't move tortures them; of course we don't keep them there for a long time, they are only toddlers. We probably end up holding them there for about 45 seconds to a minute but they absolutely hate it. It has been working well and the Aunties are really open to trying new ways of discipline. There is this one boy Kojo who always bites the other kids and at the beginning of our time in the morning I take him in the corner once every few minutes but by the end he has shaped up.
The kids had off yesterday for Good Friday and then they also have Monday off because the Easter celebration here is intense (so I hear). Yesterday was a really frustrating and hard day for me. I wasn't planning on sharing this but I think it needs to be said. On Thursday night one of my friends got robbed. He was taking a taxi home and a car stopped in front of him. Eight men got out of the car (one with crowbar and another with a knife) and robbed him. They didn't hurt him in any way but they took his phone, money, and ATM card (he had just gotten money out of the bank).
This really scared me. I spent the whole day yesterday just struggling to get through the day. I found myself very homesick and wanting the luxuries of home. I was unsettled all day. The kids even noticed. One of the boys asked me why I was so sad and I just explained to him that sometimes it is hard being so far from home. We ended up talking for a long time and he cheered me up but I still felt uneasy. I went home last night for dinner and didn't want to go out again. I had told a couple people that I would go out with them but I just didn't feel right and told them I was in a weird mood and didn't want to go. But one of my friends, Lara, decided that I couldn't stay in. She told me that if I was feeling sad and upset that I needed to go out because it would just get worse staying in. So she came to my house and got me and decided that we needed to have a night of just Western fun (as close as we could get).
We ended up going to this place where you could rent out a room that had a TV and DVD player and movies to choose from. The rooms were air conditioned by a space heater (or cooler) and they had a couch. This is Ghana's version of a movie theatre. So five of us ended up watching Hairspray in the room and it really brought me out of my fog. Things aren't always easy here. I know that you know that, and I know I say it quite often but sometimes they are just harder than I know how to handle. I am lucky that Lara was such a good friend and came and got me out of the house.
Keep in mind that I did not tell this story to you to scare you or for you to worry about me but to be honest. I need prayers here and so do the other volunteers. I am very smart and never take a bag out at night but this doesn't mean that I am always %100 safe. I need prayers to be able to pull myself out of those occasional moods I find myself in.
On the bright side one of the boys told me yesterday how much he thought I was making a difference. He told me that I am loving these kids when the Aunties can't and giving them a break from reality so that they can have some fun. He was funny because he knows that I am only here for a few months but he said, "So how many years are you staying?" and just had a huge smile on his face. They always ask about my brothers as well. Yesterday they were asking if my brothers knew that I had older brothers here. There are certain parts of my day that make it all worth it. A certain smile or a certain joke.
Don't worry about me because I am good. Prayers are always needed but that is normal. I have to make a college decision soon.........crap. I am not going to write about any of the boys today because I think that this e-mail is pretty long. Please tell me if you ever feel like I am repeating myself. I miss you guys. New Pictures are up!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Gross Truth
There has been a request to hear more about the lizard that lives in my bathroom. I have named him Herbert and he is about the size of my pinky finger. I am getting very attached to him and am getting worried cause I haven't seen him in a few days. Where the heck is he? Ok- I'm done with that.
This Sunday is Easter and I was starting to get sad because this is my first Easter away from my family. When the older boys found out that it was my first Easter away from my family they told me that they would all go with me to church and be a replacement family. This means a lot considering some of the boys who are going to come with me are ones that have stopped going to church.
I found out a very sickening fact about the Aunties that work in the home. They work 24/7.....literally. The feed, change, wash, discipline, and take care of the children. There are about 4 Aunties in each house and around 50-60 kids in each house. They are so patient and hard working. Now here is the gross but real truth. These Aunties are paid $1,200 a year which is $100 a month which ends up being 14 cents an hour!!!!!!! They are expected to live off of 14 cents an hour and they work harder than most people I know. I know that some of you are thinking that that must be a lot in Ghana but the truth is that 14 cents is the equivalent of 14 pesewa which can't even buy a five minute tro ride into Danquah Circle from where I live. Now as sickening as this fact is I will give you an even more disturbing fact..... the average worker in Ghana makes $500 a year. I am in such shock that they are paid so lousy. Ok I am done with my rant.
I have started to make friend with a couple of the girls named Ester and Gifte. I believe that Ester is 17 and Gifte 16. They are very shy.
I don't have time to write about any of the boys today but I will try to do it tomorrow. Sorry this is such a short update.
This Sunday is Easter and I was starting to get sad because this is my first Easter away from my family. When the older boys found out that it was my first Easter away from my family they told me that they would all go with me to church and be a replacement family. This means a lot considering some of the boys who are going to come with me are ones that have stopped going to church.
I found out a very sickening fact about the Aunties that work in the home. They work 24/7.....literally. The feed, change, wash, discipline, and take care of the children. There are about 4 Aunties in each house and around 50-60 kids in each house. They are so patient and hard working. Now here is the gross but real truth. These Aunties are paid $1,200 a year which is $100 a month which ends up being 14 cents an hour!!!!!!! They are expected to live off of 14 cents an hour and they work harder than most people I know. I know that some of you are thinking that that must be a lot in Ghana but the truth is that 14 cents is the equivalent of 14 pesewa which can't even buy a five minute tro ride into Danquah Circle from where I live. Now as sickening as this fact is I will give you an even more disturbing fact..... the average worker in Ghana makes $500 a year. I am in such shock that they are paid so lousy. Ok I am done with my rant.
I have started to make friend with a couple of the girls named Ester and Gifte. I believe that Ester is 17 and Gifte 16. They are very shy.
I don't have time to write about any of the boys today but I will try to do it tomorrow. Sorry this is such a short update.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
No Longer A Strange Face
I have a couple of things to write to you about today. I can't believe it but this past Sunday marked the 1 month I have been here in Ghana. Time is flying past and I am starting to get a little bit worried about leaving. I am considering extending my stay but that would mean a lot of sacrifice and more money. I have to do some thinking on my part as well as talking to my parents. Don't worry they already know that I am thinking this so I am not just throwing it at them in an e-mail. As of right now I have some teenage boy standing behind me reading this e-mail so I hope that this makes him go away.
I know that I wrote to you guys about Seth in the first e-mail I wrote with the biographies of the boys. I had a really nice conversation with him yesterday and it was a hard one as well. We talked about some things that were light as well as topics that are heavy on his heart. He wants to be a cook when he grows up but struggles getting experience. He spilled hot water on himself the other day and burned his whole finger. It is one huge blister raised about a half inch off his skin. He told me about how he came here 12 years ago. He came with his sister who is younger than him but he had 7 other siblings. They didn't come to the home and he doesn't know what happened to them. It was hard to talk to him about it because I don't know what to say. I don't want to be invading his space but when he brings up things I want to ask more questions. As for now I let it stay and maybe eventually he will become comfortable enough with me to tell me the rest of his story.
I worry about these kids because they have been through so much and don't discuss it with anyone. If they were in America they would be getting proper counseling and help. They don't even tell each other their story. Yakubu told me that most boys just want to move on and thinking about their past is too difficult. I understand that but at the same time I am wondering if that is an unhealthy way of going about things- but then again what do I know? The kids are becoming more comfortable with me because they offer me food when they are eating and tell me things that the normally wouldn't tell me. They taught me how to clean the gutters the other day (sick!) I am starting to read their body language and they can tell my mood by mine as well. It is really neat how when you get to know someone better you can tell what they are thinking just by looking at them.
It is a good feeling when every night when I have to leave for dinner they don't want me to leave. They tell me to stay just a little longer or to come back after dinner. I am no longer a strange face or a random Obruni. I am someone consistent in their lives and they know to expect me every weekday and sometimes on weekends. The little boys have started to cling to me lately. They always want me to help dress them instead of the Aunties. If they get cut they will come to me and have me help them clean it. I really feel like I belong here. That's not to say that I don't have my moments of doubt but at least right now I am feeling sure of where I am and what I am doing. Life is Good and being here has taught me to be optimistic more than anything I have experienced and most of you know that I can be pretty negative.
I will write about Daniel today:
Daniel is 16. He is very quiet but a genuinely sweet boy. He hasn't been in school lately and I was surprised to find out why. Daniel got angry with another student and cut them with something in the classroom. He was so ashamed when he told me that he has been suspended for 2 months. I couldn't believe it! But he is very sensitive. He has no problem teasing the other boys but has trouble when they tease him. I wasn't sure whether to write about him getting in trouble in the e-mail because it gives him a bad image when he is really a sweet kid. I think that when you have been through anything like what these children deal with you are bound to have some moments of regret. He loves to play football (soccer) and dance to hip hop. He sleeps a lot because he has football training about 3 hours a day.
I know that I wrote to you guys about Seth in the first e-mail I wrote with the biographies of the boys. I had a really nice conversation with him yesterday and it was a hard one as well. We talked about some things that were light as well as topics that are heavy on his heart. He wants to be a cook when he grows up but struggles getting experience. He spilled hot water on himself the other day and burned his whole finger. It is one huge blister raised about a half inch off his skin. He told me about how he came here 12 years ago. He came with his sister who is younger than him but he had 7 other siblings. They didn't come to the home and he doesn't know what happened to them. It was hard to talk to him about it because I don't know what to say. I don't want to be invading his space but when he brings up things I want to ask more questions. As for now I let it stay and maybe eventually he will become comfortable enough with me to tell me the rest of his story.
I worry about these kids because they have been through so much and don't discuss it with anyone. If they were in America they would be getting proper counseling and help. They don't even tell each other their story. Yakubu told me that most boys just want to move on and thinking about their past is too difficult. I understand that but at the same time I am wondering if that is an unhealthy way of going about things- but then again what do I know? The kids are becoming more comfortable with me because they offer me food when they are eating and tell me things that the normally wouldn't tell me. They taught me how to clean the gutters the other day (sick!) I am starting to read their body language and they can tell my mood by mine as well. It is really neat how when you get to know someone better you can tell what they are thinking just by looking at them.
It is a good feeling when every night when I have to leave for dinner they don't want me to leave. They tell me to stay just a little longer or to come back after dinner. I am no longer a strange face or a random Obruni. I am someone consistent in their lives and they know to expect me every weekday and sometimes on weekends. The little boys have started to cling to me lately. They always want me to help dress them instead of the Aunties. If they get cut they will come to me and have me help them clean it. I really feel like I belong here. That's not to say that I don't have my moments of doubt but at least right now I am feeling sure of where I am and what I am doing. Life is Good and being here has taught me to be optimistic more than anything I have experienced and most of you know that I can be pretty negative.
I will write about Daniel today:
Daniel is 16. He is very quiet but a genuinely sweet boy. He hasn't been in school lately and I was surprised to find out why. Daniel got angry with another student and cut them with something in the classroom. He was so ashamed when he told me that he has been suspended for 2 months. I couldn't believe it! But he is very sensitive. He has no problem teasing the other boys but has trouble when they tease him. I wasn't sure whether to write about him getting in trouble in the e-mail because it gives him a bad image when he is really a sweet kid. I think that when you have been through anything like what these children deal with you are bound to have some moments of regret. He loves to play football (soccer) and dance to hip hop. He sleeps a lot because he has football training about 3 hours a day.
Monday, March 17, 2008
I hate Wisdom Teeth
So....
My wisdom teeth are coming in......ouch! My friend Christina left last night. I think out of everyone that has left so far it was hardest to watch her leave. It is hard for me because since all the volunteers live in Britain they will go home and be a couple hours away and will go on day trips and travel together....then there is me. The American that probably won't see any of them for a few years at least. But I know that we will keep in touch. A couple of us anyway.
The two boys of the day:
Moses: Moses is 13. His smile makes my day every time I see him. Consistently everyday he walks up to me and says "Hi! I am Claire who are you?" and I respond "I am Moses it is so nice to meet you!". He cracks up every time and I can't help but laugh even though it happens every day. I can be all the way across the orphanage and he will run over to me to greet me. He is so welcoming and loves to beat me at football (not that it is hard). I am still learning about him and what he does in school and his interests but I needed to write about him now because he makes me so happy every time I see him. He has so much joy and life in him. It is contagious. I will let you know when I learn more about him as a person.
Elvis (Okos): Elvis is 14. He will turn 15 on May 19 (he is angry with me because I leave a couple days before his birthday). His mom is an Auntie and he has 7 siblings. One of his sisters is named Tracy (she is so adorable!!) He acts way older and looks way older than he is although he has his moments. The boys had a game boy donated to them and he is very good at all those games. He is the best at haggling prices on taxis for me and is very protective. Sometimes he gets easily offended by the other boys but just because he is younger. He is always leaving the home to go get his older brother food. He loves fried plantain and yam. Lately I haven't seen much of him. I am not sure why but he has been quiet.
My wisdom teeth are coming in......ouch! My friend Christina left last night. I think out of everyone that has left so far it was hardest to watch her leave. It is hard for me because since all the volunteers live in Britain they will go home and be a couple hours away and will go on day trips and travel together....then there is me. The American that probably won't see any of them for a few years at least. But I know that we will keep in touch. A couple of us anyway.
The two boys of the day:
Moses: Moses is 13. His smile makes my day every time I see him. Consistently everyday he walks up to me and says "Hi! I am Claire who are you?" and I respond "I am Moses it is so nice to meet you!". He cracks up every time and I can't help but laugh even though it happens every day. I can be all the way across the orphanage and he will run over to me to greet me. He is so welcoming and loves to beat me at football (not that it is hard). I am still learning about him and what he does in school and his interests but I needed to write about him now because he makes me so happy every time I see him. He has so much joy and life in him. It is contagious. I will let you know when I learn more about him as a person.
Elvis (Okos): Elvis is 14. He will turn 15 on May 19 (he is angry with me because I leave a couple days before his birthday). His mom is an Auntie and he has 7 siblings. One of his sisters is named Tracy (she is so adorable!!) He acts way older and looks way older than he is although he has his moments. The boys had a game boy donated to them and he is very good at all those games. He is the best at haggling prices on taxis for me and is very protective. Sometimes he gets easily offended by the other boys but just because he is younger. He is always leaving the home to go get his older brother food. He loves fried plantain and yam. Lately I haven't seen much of him. I am not sure why but he has been quiet.
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