Hello all!
So, after many, many hours of travel and random couple-hour naps, Kasey and I have arrived at Peace Matunda Orphanage at the base of Mt. Meru -- about a 20 minute drive from Arusha or a 2 hour walk/dala dala ride (that is how we got to the internet cafe today!). We got to the orphanage Sunday morning. It is 6 kilometers up a dirt road -- however, because it is the rainy season, it was more like a foot-deep mud road. Kase and I kept giving each other the "oh-my-gosh are we going to make it up this road" stare most of the trek up.
The main building of the orphanage has 2 bunk rooms for volunteers, a bunk room for seven kids, the bedroom of Kaaya and Joyce - the people who started the orphanage, a shower (with hot water!!!!), a hole in the ground (they call this a bathroom), a living room, and a dining room. The seven kids living with us are range from age 6 to age 9; there are three girls and four boys, and they are all full of energy at every moment. Within 30 minutes of us arriving on Sunday morning, they were jumping all over us (and all rubbing their hands over my buzzed head -- apparently I feel like a mouse). The food is predominantly fruit and vegetables, with some rice and beans occasionally. We have tea and cookies twice a day also.
Our main job while we are here however is teaching at Peace Matunda School right next door. The past two days, Kasey and I have been teaching in the 'Baby class" (2-5 year olds). On Monday, we had 15 kids, and today we had around 17 -- all from the neighboring villages. Yesterday we taught English in the morning with LOTS of ABCs and did an activity in the afternoon. This morning, we taught math, i.e. counting and a little addition, and then began our journey down the muddy mountain to the city.
Kase and I are beginning to realize just how long 2 months really is...this is going to be by far the most challenging experience of our lives, but every other moment it seems to also be rewarding. Yesterday, Jesca, one of the orphan girls living with us, taught me how to count to 10 in Kiswahili.
Unfortunately, my time is up on the computer...but there will definitely be more to come this weekend....sorry for the quick ending...
Love,
Michael
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Welcome to our blog! Please explore, read, and respond! We hope you will get a feel for what we are experiencing, how we are feeling, what we are questioning, and what we are learning during our adventure. We will write as soon as we are settled in and regularly once we have felt-out life in Arusha!
Love,
Michael & Kasey
Love,
Michael & Kasey
11 comments:
papa was so excited to see the update...sounds like the children are so hungry to learn...your hair cut is a hit! How will you be able to wash your clothes...what kind of shoes do you walk in mostly...the crocs...we love you lots! Take care! Love, Grandma and and papa
Ya'll are awesome and I love you both. Take care, you're a champ!
Say
Michael and Kasey: It was so good to hear from you. I posted an earlier note but not sure where it is, so I'll try again. Sounds like you have your hands full! I'm anxious to hear all the details when you get home. Keep up the good work and thanks for making a difference for those little ones. Remember your "footprints...." Love you both. Mimi and Grandaddy
We're so glad to hear of your experiences. You will touch the children's lives (& they will touch yours). Don't forget to sing what you're teaching...they'll learn it soooo much faster.
Love to you both!!
Susan & Tom
I have cookies and tea twice a day too. And by twice I mean 11 times.
You are already making a difference in the lives of the little people and yourselves. Stay above the mud with God's Blessing!
Love,
Grammie & Grandpa
Hmmm... active kids from ages 6 to 9 -- welcome to my world! Seriously though, enjoy every moment and always remember that even the smallest things you're doing are making a life-altering difference.
We love you!
Good morning guys. Sounds like you are settling in as best you can. If it keeps raining here, we'll be going to town in the mud too.
What are the temperatures there? I am sure you prepared well though no matter what they are. We'll miss talking each day. Two months is a long time, but your investment is eternal. So are the rewards.
We'll catch up soon.
Take much care!
Walkers (dad)
Greetings Michael, it's great to hear of your safe, yet challenging arrival...so when does the dancing begin?
Peace and blessings,
ALV
Ahh it's so good to hear from both of you! You better be having a blast! :)
Hope you guys are still doing well. Can't wait to hear another update. Mike I hope you're brainstormin some sweet business ideas over there cuz I got NOTHIN
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