There is dirt everywhere. Redish-orangeish dirt everywhere. On the floor, in between my toes, in my eyes, on my plate, in my bags. During dry season, the lack of rain allows the dirt to travel as it pleases. There are women walking up and down main roads wrapped in brightly colored fabric balancing huge baskets on the heads. They have their babies wrapped in sacks on their backs. Piles of oranges and other fresh fruits line the streets... 10 for 100 Kwatcha-not even 1 Dollar. The smell of body otor is common. Its a sign of hard work and long days roasting in the hot African sun.
I love it.
This week has been and continues to be experimental. I have spent some time in the crisis nursery feeding, changing, and bathing the children, sorted through donations, and even traveled to a village for the first time. I will continue doing a variety of things until I find a specific place to settle in.
I wish I had more time to write in detail, but if you got one thing from this post I want you to know my experience arriving in a village for the first time:
Yesterday we traveled to a village called Chiwong'ombe to setup a medical clinic. Rachel and I rode in the back of the truck on the way there. It was sooo bumpy because the roads are not paved. We parked the vehicle when we got the village and children came from every angle to look at us. Their little fingers creeped over the edge of the tailgate so they could peep their heads over to see us. When we stepped out of the back of the truck, it fell silent. I am not exaggerating when i say there were probably 80-100 children there. They were so close to us, nearly stepping on our feet. But they wouldn't say anything. They were just staring at us, afriad to touch us and were whispering amongst each other. I couldn't communicate with them, and they couldn't communicate with me, excpet for the little bit of english they know. We didn't even end up setting up a clinic, because there was a miscommunication. So we were only there for about 30 minutes and by the end of it, I was holding kids, they were grabbing onto my hands, etc. It was so beautiful.
Taco. Short for Takondwa. I stayed with this little boy's family in Matapila. He always came in room unexpectedly...so sweet
Kids at the water hole.
I took this picture at one of the feeding centers. They are more than likely orphans, there to get food.
This is Rosaline. She's about 2 months old and has a sweet twin brother named Chisomo.
Play day at the Crisis Nursery. We try to get the infants outside to enjoy the sun whenever we can.
These were just a few of the women waiting for us when we arrived in their village, Chiwangam'be. We bring them medical assistance once a month.
Mphatso is one of the orphans I like spending time with most. He tries to take care of other babies in the nursery by stroking their faces when they are upset. It is so sweet!
4 comments:
So glad you are loving it amy!!! I am praying that you just love your experience in Africa! Miss you friend.
Kaitlyn!
Thank you for reading! I am indeed loving it! Hope you're loving Cinci, I miss it so much... especially 4th of July. We have to hang out when I get home.
Amy-
I am so glad that you are enjoying your experience this far. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday! I cannot wait to here more! Love and Miss you!!-Colleen
Amy, I can't believe you're already having amazing experiences! Keep it up sister. It's defintely a blessing to read your blog.
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