Hey Everybody!

I can hardly believe that we can count the number of days left here in Africa on one hand! We're both so excited to get home to you all, but we're realizing all too quickly how difficult it is going to be to say good-bye. Danny and Bridget, two volunteers who have been here with us for the past five weeks and have become our good friends, left early this morning. It was sad to see them go, and know they had a hard time leaving the kids. We hadn't really told the kids we were leaving soon yet, but Michael told them this morning that we were leaving in a few days to go back to America. When I walked in shortly after, Corfield ran over to hug me and said, "Don't leave." Let's just say I'm going to have a rough few days...

Other than the sad thought of leaving despite the excitement of coming home, things are really good here! Most of the other volunteers headed out to Zanzibar for a long weekend, so it's been a nice, quiet couple of days for us. With some money that a friend of my mom's gave us, we have been able to do a lot for the kids! When we found out about the money, we talked with Kaaya, Johanna, and Amanda to figure out what the best use would be. We determined a few different ways to divide the money and have already accomplished a lot! We came in to Arusha on Wednesday to a bookstore and were able to buy English, Kiswahili, and Math textbooks for the entire Standard One class, as well as teacher guides for the Kindergarten and Baby classes. We also got 40 new workbooks so that each child has one. AND we got 6 new thick blankets for the children's beds at the orphanage! AND THAT'S NOT ALL! When we leave here, we are headed to the market to find 13 pairs of rainboots, 1 pair of tennis shoes, and 3 backpacks! We will be giving rainboots to all of the kids in our Kindergarten class, which we measured for yesterday. Johanna suggested this since most of the kids have long walks to school in very muddy conditions. When we measured the kids shoes, we noticed that Alice's shoes were not only incredibly smelly, but we also very small on her. So, we're in search of new tennis shoes for her as well as rainboots. I think the money has gone a really long way and is helping every child in different ways. We, as well as everyone else at Peace Matunda, really appreciate it! The two regular teachers at the school came in to town to help us pick out the textbooks and seemed so excited to have some real school supplies! So, once again, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Since yesterday was Bridget and Danny's last day, we took the kids down to the river accross the street for a swim. The picture posted by Michael is of him with Jesca in the water. I took pictures and stayed with the kids on the rocks, while Michael, Bridget, and Danny stood in the water to hold the kids one-at-a-time. The water felt pretty cold, but the kids absolutely love to feel like they are swimming! Within 2 minutes of arriving at the river, at least 10 local children had come out to watch us all.

Well, I won't tell y'all about everything now, that way we still have plenty of stories to share when we get home in 4 days! This really has been an awesome experience for both of us, and it has meant a lot to us to know that you all have been behind us every step of the way....so, with that said, see you soon!

Love,
Kasey