Christmas in Mwanza

Am now fully recovered from Malaria, and life has definitely taken a turn for the better. It's amazing how good health can change everything.

Christmas with the children at Hisani was absolutely wonderful. We arrived at the compound at 9:00 in the morning, and helped give out their Christmas breakfast treat, which was hot tea and ample fried pasty triangles. All the kids had new t-shirts to wear too.

We all walked to the nearby Catholic church for Christmas Day mass. My heart was warmed when one of the older Standard 3 boys held my hand the whole way. His friends teased him, but he steadfastedly refused to let go. His name is Godfrey, although we call him Kulwa. The love of kids is just wonderful.

After mass, we went back to Hisani were the children had a huge Christmas lunch with rice, beans, vegetables, fruit, chicken, sweet potatoes and a whole bottle of soda.
After lunch, we gave out their presents of candy, snacks, pencils, stickers, and cards. I think every child ate every piece of candy that day! Later, we put on music and had a big dance party with the children. It was so much fun.

That night a group of volunteers went to Tunza Lodge, on the shores of Lake Victoria, for our own celebration. We had a great meal, played pool, and reveled in the fact that we're in Africa for the holidays. We're taking the children there on Saturday for a special beach outing. They can swim, play volleyball, build sand castles, and generally have a good time. We will buy them sodas and chips (french fries) as a treat too.

As I come close to marking one month in Africa, I'm beginning to see how impossible it will be to leave this place. I'm always dirty, there are always bugs. mice, and constant stares, and yet I feel very content and happy. Live for the moment!!!