21 June 2010

Today did not start off on the best foot but when does it start off well with nearly 20 kids mad at you? Let me explain.. Yesterday while P was on her rampage she decided that all the kids shoes needed to be taken away since non of them got polished so everyone had to go to school barefoot. So Hyena and I were on shoe patrol and had to take any and all shoes we could find cuz kids were trying to sneak them into the backpacks to wear them later. They were NOT happy! Especially the older ones but I was so proud and impressed with all the younger ones because not one of them put up an argument or gave me any trouble which made it a little easier.

Tude was my biggest struggle today she had told me that she refused to go to school but later started walking there (or so I thought). When Hyena and I were about to leave to make sure that Mr. GQ and Tude did infact go to school Hats stopped us to tell us that Tude did not, that she had stopped down at the guards shack and then decided to walk to L's house (one of our workers) to get a pair of her daughters shoes. I was pretty mad at this point because she gave me so much trouble in the morning, disobeyed again and I was mad at Scar because I specifically asked him to drive her to school because I knew she would not go. When she got bak her and I sat down to talk about it and she was throwing every excuse out there that she could and go on and on about the million and one things that she was mad about which was just making me more angry, I also found out that she yelled at one of our workers today and threatned to hit her with an ax. I told her that when Scar returned we would all sit down together so we could discuss things and come up with a punishment for her.

Hyena and I then went to talk to her headmaster cuz we wanted him to know that the reason she missed school today was because she was being dishonest so if she needed to do something to make up her unexcused absence we would support him I also wanted to find out if she was lashing out at her teachers like she was to the workers at the orphanage because that is not acceptable behavior. I really like her head master and we decided that she will go see the school counslor this week to talk about things because we both feel like there is something that is really bothering her, I will go back next week to talk to him again and see how things are going. I really hope that we can help her but more importantly I hope that she will allow us to help her, we all really care for her ( we care for all the children) and just want what is best for each of them!

When I got back I went down to help care for Bugzy but Little Rat saw me and was very clingy and jealous that I was holding him so I brought both of them up to my flat with me, I sat her on the sofa chair for a moment while I did something with Bugzy and when I looked over she had fallen asleep sitting up- poor baby was so tired! I laid her down on the couch but then decided with all the people coming in and out she would proabably sleep better in in her bed so I took her down.

Some kids came to get the monthly food that we give them ( a nearby residence who has a few orphans). Then all the kids got back from school it was apparent that some of the kids were still mad at me but they all did their chores quickly and without arguing. Then Rock, Mana, Obama and Abraham built a play house so I went in and played with them, Lips then came over and we made mud birthday cakes for Abraham, Obama, Simon and Me since all of our birthdays are in July. Our game then turned into me being queen and the play house being my castle- Hands was my security guard and Rock and Mana were the bad guys, they would kidnap me and Hands would have to come save me we played that for awhile then we all played hide and seek which really was me trying to hide but they would all watch where I went and then attack!

While all the kids were bathing I played with Baby Girl and Jump for a bit til it was there turn to bathe, I then went to turn the lights on since it was starting to get dark- all the batteries were in the red so we couldn't turn them on with out the generator- well we couldn't get the generator to start even after putting gas in it so that means no electricity tonight. I went around and found every candle and flashlight I could find so they could have light at dinner, devotional, and while putting the kids to bed.

While we were eating supper R came and got me, her sons wife who is pregnant was in alot of pain and needed to go to the clinic- oh great I was the only driver (by driver I mean I have tried to drive a standard a few times in America and failed miserably and I have driven one here a couple times) but being the only driver and not willing to let a mom or her baby be in danger since I am scared to drive I took TS (a guard) and we set off. Let me just say that when someone down there says that something is close they have no idea what they are talking about finally me and my white knuckles ( from holding the wheel so tight) -remember there is no electricity at all, we are on small bumpy dirt roads in the middle of nowhere- got safely to the lady and the lady safely to the clinic only to find out that she needs to go to Mutare cuz it is more serious then they thought. Are you flipping serious!? You know it's and hour and a half away- that I have very little standard driving experience and that it's pitch black outside! I of course will do it if I have to but as I was driving back to the orphange to tell Hyena he was in charge all night and what was going on I had my fingers, toes, eyes, nose, ears and everything else I could think of crossed in the hope that Scar was back and would take her. Thanks to my lucky stars he was home so I ran up to him slightly panicked and begging for him to take her and bless his heart he did!

Oh I think I forgot to mention that a GoGo ( old lady) and her son came today they had walked more then 45 kilometers cuz they heard there was a doctor coming to the clinic tomorrow that could help her cuz she can't see, so they were asking if they could get a ride tomorrow of course I said yes an put them up in a room down by the guard to stay for the night- people here amaze me! Also I found out that Nala thinks she is pregnant but has been experiencing some pain and is worried since she had a miscarriage in January and also wanted to go to the clinic tomorrow. Also did I mention that I was alone all day today? Rafiki and Timon had to go to town with Scar, Sarabi was still gone so it was Hyena and I which I am so grateful that he was here - I would have lost it with out him! Well I am exaushted and my nerves are shot! Good Night!

Kourtni and the not so good
busy, stressful, long, tiring
yet still great day!!

I can't help but love all these kids! Every last one of them! Even when they push my buttons I am still 100% head over heels in love with them!


Volume

Simon

The kids getting water for bath time

20 June 2010

P came and picked me up around 7 we stopped by her place to eat breakfast and grab a few things before we left, I tried the computer one more time then finally we were on the road to get back to my kids! I was soooooooooooooo happy to see them! I went down and visited and checked on all my kids, it was so great to see them!

Hyena then started a soccer game with most of them so I went down to watch. Simon was being very clingly to me and wouldn't let me put him down so I didn't play but it was fun to watch we have some amazing soccer players! We then came back up for lunch after lunch I played on the little playground and teeter totter that we have. It was funny cuz Rafiki was laying on the one side/middle so I went and jumped on the other side and it scared her half to death the kids laughed so hard and thought it was so funny so of course I did it multiple times! :)

Then it was time for the kids to do more chores ( P was kind of on a ramapage of wanting everything done) I went down with some of the kids to water the garden and then Rock and Futbol took me to pick some goose berries ( freaking delicious fruit! YUMMY) I then played with Little Rat and Simon both of which were pretty clingy to me today but of course I don't mind! I then went with Scar down the street to talk to someone about giving us some bricks. While we were in the car he was asking me about my religion and and was really impressed with things I was telling him and stuff- it was a great missionary moment.

When we got back a lady was here with a bunch of me to visit Drama ( she's the newest child here). It was a bit alarming to all of us so we all had our guard up. Then Hyena, Mr. GQ, Tude, Mama, Rock, Futbol, Froggy, Obama, Hips, me and a couplde of others played a big game of keep away from the other team. It was alot of fun then it was baths, dinner, devotional and bed. Thinker has a cold and his chest has been hurting so I had Scar take him to the clinic, always someone to worry about and keep an eye on! I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!

Boys helping sew some tarps together


Boys getting ready for a futball game


Froggy


Rafiki and Timon


The boys playing on the swingset


Futball time

19 June 2010

This morning P needs me to go to town and help her with some computer stuff so Scar and I left early. When we got there Scar dropped me off at her flat where we tried to get the internet to work but as usual it wasn't working from her house so we went to the internet cafe and worked for a bit from there but then the battery on the laptop broke so we couldn't work on it any more. We then walked across the street for lunch but they only sold breakfast at the time so she had an omlet and I had "frenchie toast" what they did was made french toast and then put bacon and cheese between two slices and then warmed it i[- delicious!

Then she surprised me by telling me we were going to Nyzura- the boarding school- to take some stuff to the kids that are there. I was so excited I was finally going to see B.B! Both her and Teach cried a little bit when they saw me, it was so great to see them again! We talked to the headmaster and asked about bringing them home for the weekend, I hope so much that he will allow us to do it, I want all my kids to be together where they are supposed to be!

We then went back to P's to try the internet and of course it wasn't working. Since it was getting later she wanted me to spend the night in town but since she lives in a retirement type place she is no allowed to have visitors stay the night. So she drove me down the street to almost like a small B&B where I stayed the night. I wasn't very thrilled with the idea since I wanted to be with my kids but the lady was very nice and funny and I enjoyed getting to know her, she made me watch her english medical soapies with her- they were terrible acting but it was good to sit and relax. I went to bed early since I am still not feeling well but I really missed my kids! You'll be in my heart!

Hands


Abraham

A few of some of our grounds

Rafiki and I with Little Rat, Volume, N and Dee-Dee

18 June 2010

Today since the kids were at school and things were taken care of here we decided to have a bit of a low key morning ( the sudden cold weather has us all feeling a bit under the weather and my leg has still been bothering me). So while Timon slept Rafiki went down to check on the preschoolers and I brought Baby Girl and Little Rat up here with me. We colored and danced to music then played on the couch and looked out the window. When Rafiki got back and Timon woke up I took the little girls back down and the 3 of us just hung out, it was really cold today so we had to really bundle up to stay warm, I ended up falling asleep and took a pretty good nap.

When the kids got home from school we decided that we wanted to take them to the damn again so they had to quickly wash their school uniforms and get things ready for tomorrow since it is the sabbath. Timon, Rafiki and I then took all the kids that are old enough to walk there to the damn ( there were 21 of them). We stayed there for quite a while talking, throwing things down the rock ( little round fruits from a nearby tree and a ball) and of course we slid down the rock where me and like 4 of the kids got holes in our pants. I probably shouldn't encourage it but it is so much fun and it's nice to let the kids be kids and do something fun and care free.

When we got back they all had to bathe and then it was time for supper. After supper the kids led their own devotional ( it is always so humbling to me to see how devoted to God these kids are- they are so grateful for what they have, I am so proud of our kids!) We then brought the fun kids cd down and danced and sang with them. It was so great to just let everyone hang loose and be silly and man oh man do we have some great dancers!

I am so in love with these kids! I wish I could take them all home and protect them from everything and help them become the amazing, smart, talented kids I know they are! I love them so much! YOU'LL BE IN MY HEART FROM NOW AND FOREVER MORE! ( i started singing this song to them last year and everytime I hear it I think of them! I love them so much!)






Playing on the dam

we made it!

17 June 2010

Well last night after I wrote we brought the music out and started dancing- we then warmed up our feet in some hot water cuz it got really cold really fast. After that Rafiki and Timon went to bed and Zazu and I stayed up talking and listening to music. We heard a truck leaving and it was like 10:00pm so Zazu and I went out and started yelling for the guard but no one was answering or coming so we walked down to where our cars are and there was no truck and no guard we kept calling out for the guard but still got no response so we started walking towards the gate and the guard finally came running to us. We asked him what was going on and he said that one of the workers needed a ride home so Scar said that D could take her- we were a bit concerned and angry because what if there was an emergency or something and the guard wasn't around- this is not the first time something like this has happened so something needs to be done.

Zazu and I were apparently sleep talking to eachother all night which is funny and random since neither of us have ever done that before. So we woke up extra tired today and I think with the sudden cold weather that it is throwing all of us off. There was a funeral in the community today so Scar wanted the 4 of us girls to go. We took a bag of Maize with us, they had their church group there and the chief came so after we all did our hellos and introduced ourselves the church group preformed a song and had us get up and dance with them. They wore these huge drums and played them while they sang and danced it was actually really interesting, we left before the did the actual burial and stuff.

On the way back we stopped by the clinic because Obama wasn't feeling well, while we were waiting I decided that I would make them vegetable soup for diner since it was so cold. So when we got back I began cutting the veggies with the help of Rafiki, Timon, Sarabi and Nala. We then decided to do a test cake run for the birthdays that are coming up so Zazu, Sarabi and I worked on that we had an adults women day.

I then went down to play with Volume, N, Dee-Dee and Baby Girl for a bit and by play with them I mean they "did" my hair for me. I then got a pleasant surprise by seeing Simon ( he had to go back to the doctor to get his legs checked so he has been gone for a few days). The kids then got home from school so while they were up doing classes with Mr. B I did an exercise class with: Mr Leech, Dee-Dee, Queen, Drama, N, Volume, Simon, Baby Girl and Jump. It was so cute seeing them doing push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks, and laps.

Some of them had to go up to class so I began making supper- with the help of many little ones under my feet. I then continued playing with kids and caring for crying babies. Then the older kids came down so I was trying to help them with their homework while keeping all the little ones entertained. I felt like I argued with alot of kids today it seemed like no one was listening to me and taking baths when it was time to- it could have just been me tho since I was tired and not feeling to well.

Finally it was dinner time, it wasn't really a soup since we added to much rice so it more so became rice and veggies. It wasn't a huge hit by all but some of them really enjoyed it we then gave everyone a very small piece of cake and that got a huge response! After nightly devotional it was homework time Mr. GQ, Tude and Lips weren't really willing to do it so it was like pulling teeth trying to get them to get it done, they finally finished so I sent them down to bed.

We started our girls night! We invited Sarabi and Nala to come join us and Nala's daughter Chicken was here as well. The aunties washed our hair and then we all painted our fingernails and danced, they showed us how to do their African dances and we showed them how to do our American dances we had so much fun laughing and being together. We finished the night by having chocolate and tea before saying goodnight and watching them walk home. We finished our nightly tasks and called it a night. GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!












Dancer, Hair, Little Rat, Hands, Baby Girl and Rock


Rock and Babygirl

Me with Clown and Little Rat

Clown and Little Rat

Rock and the fire he built all by himself

Dee-Dee, N, and Volume licking out the chocolate bowl

The women cooking

Scar and Sarabi

We soaked our feet in some hot water, it was cold out

Washing our faces

16 June 2010

Dear Journal

This morning since the 4 of us are going into town I went down and played with Volume, N, Little Rat and Baby Girl before we left. As I was sitting there holding Baby Girl I was pointing to things and Volume and N would tell me what the things were in Shona and when I got them wrong they would laugh and make funny faces. It cracked me up how they would break up the pronounciation so I could "understand" it more ADORABLE! It was time for preschool so I walked them to class as I was walking away Baby Girl kind of yelled for me so I looked back and she was holding her bottle up for me to go get as I walked to her she walked towards me holding the bottle on top of her head SO STINKING CUTE! I helped make buns until we left.

The 4 of us loaded into the truck to go to Mutare Zazu and Rafiki were in front and Timon and I sat in the back. When we got into town we stopped by Paula's flat we visited for a bit then went to go run errands, as we were walking to the truck some people from the World Food Program were there to give us some food. Well there was alot more food then we expected there were like 24 bags ( 50kgs or more each bag) and 2 boxes so it took up 2/3 of the back of the pick up so Timon and I didn't have much room to sit- as we were driving off I was on the phone with dad the bags started shifting and falling on Timon and I so we were laughing and pounding on the truck for Zazu to stop the truck and come help us. Dad was a little concerned cuz I had to hang up and he didn't know what was going on so I had to send him a text to explain what had happened.

Our first stop was at the green market where Timon bought a bag and we bought honey, stop #2 was at an internet place where we had to pick up Paula's computer, we then walked to 2 different grocery stores to grab groceries before we stopped by some street vendors to get some more fruits and vegetables. We then decided to go get some lunch so we stopped by a place that had wireless internet so we could use the computer. We then stopped back by Paula's and visited for a moment ( or two) and then headed home. Home being the orphanage! :)

When we pulled up and I got out of the truck Tude was running full speed and literally jumped on me with the biggest hug! So sweet and tender ( Tude is very to herself and quiet so it is sweet when she does stuff like this). Then like a billion other kids ( Hips, Mama, Dancer, Mana, Clown, Rock, Lips, Queen, and more) met us with huge hugs and helped us carry stuff inside these kids are so sweet and amazing!! I love them so much! We then kind of just hung out with the kids a bit it was actually pretty cold so I made the kids stay inside. They are so cute and I am so in love with them!

Scar then came up he is so funny and sarcastic and just jokes with us the whole time. He told us that the scar is from killing a lion with a razor blade. He was trying to get D ( the guard) to lie to us and tell us that's what it's from but he wouldn't so Scar said he'd fire him for lying. He is so funny and seriously the best thing that the orphanage did was to hire him and Sarabi! It's such a relief! Then Tude and Mr. GQ came up here to do their homework- we were laughing and joking around the whole time so they just sat there and laughed at us. I am so in love with these kids and it was so nice to come home after being away all day! YOU"LL BE IN MY HEART!






One of our Matrons making buns


Little Rat

Baby Girl

Our preschoolers

15 June 2010

Dear Journal

This morning I woke on maybe the wrong side of the bed, I have been in so much pain with my leg still ( I don't know what it is but it is worse then the nerve damage I had last year) also my allergies have gotten worse so I was up most the night dealing with them. So sad to say I was a bit on the grumpy and down side but that changes so quickly when I see this kids so I watched as they got loaded in Big Blue to go to school. Rafiki, Timon and I were asked to go on the out reach program (FMSC); what it is is when we go to the elementary schools and feed all the kids especially those who are malnourished and in need of food.

The ladies went and fetched the water and got the fire ready so we could begin cooking 78 packets (each packet makes 6 servings). It took awhile to cook so the ladies were teaching us things in Shona and put their Dukus on our heads (the wraps that they were on their heads). We then went and met the head master- he is super nice and has such a great school and big dreams for all of his students- which is a huge difference then the school our kids currently go to. At break time (10:00) we begin feeding everyone- it started off with just the preschool and then we had grades 1-6 come out we fed over 570 kids and even had to turn a few ( more like a lot) of kids away cuz we were out of food. It is such a great humbling experience to feed these children that are so grateful and kind for something so simple. I sure do love it here and once again realize that I am so spoiled and take so much for granted!

When we got back Rafiki, Timon and I decided that we wanted some Naches for us so that we don't eat the ones that we bought for the kids so we went and bought some more. Hats wanted us to take a local with us so that if something happened we'd be safe so he sent Wonton with us. Wonton is such a great, funny, helpful guy. He laughed at my driving ( I did kill it a couple times), while we were out we decided to got to Murange to get a soda, .50 for a bottle but you have to drink it there so you can return the bottles. When we got back we read books to Volume, N, Dee-Dee and Rock ( he was home sick from school) Rafiki and Timon then let me take a short nap while they mad lunch- my leg is still killing me- they made yummy egg salad sandwiches.

After lunch the kids had to go do classes with Mr. B so we brought Giggles, Bugzy and Little Rat up to our flat to play for awhile, I then went down and held Baby Girl for ahwile who ended up falling asleep in my arms- nothing beats holding a sleeping baby even when she is almost 2 years old- i held her as long as I could but then had to put her in her bed so I could go take care of the other kids since they were done with their classes.

Hips, Queen, Lips, Froggy and Drama started singing and dancing for us, Mr. GQ came and sat next to me to do his homework- he was attempting to teach us Shona but it's not an easy language to learn so her just laughed and laughed at us. It was funny cuz Rafiki said "hey look it's the chicken bird that Zazu likes" (guinea fowl) I turned to him and asked him what it was he looked at me and said "doves." We started laughing so hard which again just made him laugh at us once again.

Then Little Rat and Baby Girl came out and sat on my lap, we played and watched the older kids. They all had to go take their baths so Volume, Baby Girl and I were walking back to my flat I said "look Baby Girl the moon (while pointing to the moon) Volume who was holding my hand looked up at me and said "Auntie Kourtn then said what moon is in Shona which I of course don't remember" So I copied her and with a big smile on her face she said "yay!" while we kept walking hand in hand. It was such a sweet tender moment to have her teach me something like that (she has become my little buddy). We played up in the flat til it was suppertime- I took them back down and we sat and watched as Hips, Hands, Lips and Braids were teaching Rafiki how to dance HILARIOUS we then ate our food, rice and beans, possibly my favorite meal here.

The 3 of us then came back to the flat Zazu and Scar were now back, I showed Scar the light up frisbee we brought and he was like " I want to go scare the gaurds, they will think it is a ghost" so we all went outside while he showed them. Then Timon and I taught them how to actually throw the frisbee, he then wanted to go down and show the kids, the too thought it was the coolest thing! I love how excited they get from the simpilest things! Something I could learn. We then told them all good night and brought Tude back up to do her homework. She needs an extra push and I am more then happy to be the one to do it. She is such a sweet, loving, kind girl and I want to help her be the best she can be! MY HEART IS SO IN AFRICA!

P.S. on a side note Scar is so funny!! The other day he was telling us that he calls himself "genuine authentic leather" also he has a scar on his forehead he said that the story is one that he will have to tell us tomorrow but the key points are: he could have married the chiefs daughter and that it gave him the opportunity to go to Europe and study abroad. He also said that he was considered a hero and that we need to put the pieces together and come up with the true story of what happened. He is such a great funny guy and I am so thrilled he is here for the kids!







Me washing the kids hands


The line of some of the kids waiting for food


Rafiki dishing out the food






Kids eating


The women cooking the FMSC food


Rafiki, Timon and I in our Dukus


Rafiki's turn to cook


Timon and I cooking


Us with our guard and some of the cooks


This is the FMSC food

Mr.GQ on his way to school

Breakfast on the go