A Day to Reflect

Today we went to the school early to set up for the clinic. My dad and Patrick went to the airport early this morning. When they got there they found out the generater was not even in the country. They promised it by Monday. We will see!!
We began the clinic with the “baby class” or preschool. They were so afraid that some were crying and others were just shaking. I found myself holding them around their bellies to reassure them it was okay. I tickled them and spoke to them in Swahili, to try to relax them. I found myself in tears most of the day. The children were covered with scabes and ring worm. Some had malnutrution. One little boy named Andrew, looked as if his leg might be broken. His shin was bludging out and had an open wound. We saw almost 150 students in 5 hours. There was Sarah with scabes covering her head, Frances with ear infection and eye problems, Andy with ring worm, a student with Malaria, and the list goes on and on. It was overwhelming and at times I had to step outside and take a break. Each child was given worm medicine, a pencil, and a blessing by a team member. As I walked around outside later, one child who had ear drops and cotton put in and was given a toothbruch because her teeth were needing attention, was glowing and the center of attention for all her classmates.
I had taken a break and a preschool teacher came running up to me to set up a time I would come to her class. I told her I would come at 1:30. She was honored I was coming.
At 1:30 I went to the Preschool class. I was welcomed by the students. They sang songs for me about the villages and where they live. The teacher asked if she could teach a lesson on colors. She used homemade posters to review colors using numbers sewn on platic in different colors. The 1 was red, the 2 was black, etc. I was so impressed with how eager the students were to participate in the class. They sang a lot of sond during the lesson. The teacher later explained that she did this to get there attention. I then watched another preschool teacher work with the students on domestic animals. They were making animal soiunds of cows, goats, cats, dogs, etc. It was so impressive. I thanked them for them allowing me to watch and praised them for all their hard work and dedication to the students.
I then went back to the clinic for a while. A young made came through the clinic that had been beaten by his family. He had scare marks and fresh marks all over him. Your heart just breaks. In a world filled with so much these children have so little. I think I have learned to be more appreciative of things and to show love and kindness when possible. I think living in the US thsi is difficult to do. There are so may who will take advantage of you. I need to find a way to live my life with good intent.
In a time for youth, when they should be enjoying fun and laughter…they are suffering hunger and ill living conditions. I wish there was more I could do… No one should live as these poor children are living!

I was fortunate to be invited to watch a 3rd grade math class. The teacher showed me the marks of her students for this session of school. They were very impressive. She was very proud. I bragged and bragged on her and all her hard work. I took a picture of her and her class. She was so pleased!

We were leaving for the guest house when they decided they wanted to finish the desks they had started. They had made 8 desks and 8 benches in on day. It was neatto see the students jump in and want to learn what to do. They were almost fighting to get a chance to use the sand paper. The chour came back and the did very well in the competition. They qualified 10 different songs or groups to go to national! It was very good.
The German Doctors gave them a brand new guitar.
Very tried and well worn we headed for the guest house to order pizza. Yes, you can even have pizza delievered in Kenya. It was not Papa’s but it was outstanding! Then tonight, we are packing up and gearing up for our safari tomorrow. We leave at 8am to go out to Masai Mara for 2 nights and 3 days. We are staying in tents, but mom assures me they are better then MASH!!!! We hope to do a night Safari, but at least we will do 2 full days of safari. I hope to see lions, zebras, cheetahs and much much more. I will not be able to post for several days. I will keep track of our travels ands post on Monday when we return.
A big special kiss for Megan and Kyle! (And you too Charley!!!)
Hugs and laughter,
Bethany