Well, I'm finally back to rights after suffering that second bout of Malaria. I did catch a case of ringworm from one of the children, but that's nothing that a little cream couldn't fix!
We've now been working at the second orphanage, Watoto, for three weeks now. Watoto is operated more like a large family, and there is a lot of affection both given to and received by the children.
They have 12 nursery (3-5 years) children, and they are a delight to teach and be around. Everyday we arrive is an occasion; 12 excited children racing to hug, kiss and play. My heart nearly bursts with all this love. It is a challenge to teach the little ones, as their English has only just begun, but they are such dedicated little learners (well for 20 minutes or so).
Last week we were all drained, so on Friday afternoon we had a field day instead of classes. We walked them over to the local soccer pitch, and proceeded to teach simon says, red light green light, and jump rope games.
I continue to build good friendships in our local community, and have spent a fair amount of time with two men, Furaha and Nelson. They are both students in their early 20's, and are absolutely solid friends. I've attended their church, and am constantly trying to work on my Swahili with them. I've met the other family members, and have been invited to stay at their home if ever I need a place.
The hospitality in Africa is quite lovely. You get twice as much back as you give. Initially I felt hesitant about meeting locals. Some of it was the language barrier, but you also have trepidation about being asked for money, or marriage. Most of the time this does not happen, and the good friends I've made here will last for the rest of my life. I just wish I could scoop them all up and finance a vacation/learing trip to America for them.
In other news, our compound has been without water for a week. A large main about 5 miles away burst, and they simply are taking their time fixing it. We collect rainwater in buckets, transfer them to water bottles, and each of us is allocated 2-4 bottles a day to wash, do laundry or cook. We flush only 1-2x a day, so that is not very pleasant. Frankly, I'm rather impressed with my ability to go w/o power, water and other creature comforts. This trip really has adjusted many of my ways of thinking - and I'm only 1/3 of the way done.
In other news, I've got a boyfriend. His name is Faryad and he is from Pakistan. He is a manager at the local fisheries here. We met on Christmas and have been dating ever since. His job contract is up in May, and he is heading home then. My commitment in Malawi ends in May as well, so it seems logical to head there before going home. His family lives in the Hunza Valley, under the shadow of K2 (Himilayas). They have a working farm there, and I just think it sounds fabulous.
I've tried again to post photos, but am still struggling with uploading. I will keep at it!
