Blog 11 - visit to the Mama's homes

Day 11

Hello all, we hope everything is going well back home. Everything is going smoothly here. We were sad today because we had to say goodbye to many people that have become our friends. It was our last day working at the schools and women’s group.

            In the morning most people woke up around 7:20 for a breakfast scheduled at 7:30. However, not everybody was ready at the planned time, therefore, breakfast started a couple minutes late. Breakfast included pancakes, toast, eggs, bananas, and papayas. Some of the eggs were coated in salt making them taste bad and difficult to swallow. While eating breakfast, everybody got to choose where they said their goodbyes. Ashlea choose St. Louis and Ben picked Upendo. Each group left around 8:30 for their destination.

            While Ashlea was walking to St. Louis she was looking forward to seeing a girl named Beatrice who is in P3: the equivalent to third grade. When Ashlea arrived she went straight to the P3 class and read to some of them in groups. After she read with the kids for about 20 minutes, she taught them the difference between nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Even though, she put in a lot of effort, the children could not sit still. Next, came portage break. The group of volunteers  went to the courtyard and played with school kids. After they were done with their with their break we went back into the classrooms to teach math. However, this time the kids paid attention to Jenna and me. After awhile the volunteers took a break in the headmasters office to enjoy an soda and chapati. When we finished, Mr. Moshi and the tech guy brought us to see their technology. Sadly, we didn’t get to see it because it was locked. Then the tech guy showed us the church where the kids go to every Friday. Then all of a sudden the tech guy asked Jenna and I if we wanted to have kids or if we wanted to get married. Then he continued to talk to us about this subject and the both us were very scared. Then he gave Jenna a bracelet and told her that it was to remember him. So Jenna and I ran over to Jason and Jim. Shortly after that Ashlea and them left. On the way out the tech guy told Jenna that he would wait for her. From there, we headed back to the lodge.

            When Ben was riding in the dala dala to the orphanage, named Upendo, he was excited to see all the little kids. He arrived there and all the kids were outside ready to play. After unloading the dala dala, we went to the kids who immediately wanted to be held. It was tough having to pick which ones to hold because there weren’t enough volunteers for all the kids. After playing outside for a bit, we walked to the playroom. Ben looked for Jessica, the girl who he played with the previous day, but somebody was already playing with her. Therefore, he kicked a soccer ball around with another kid and pushed the merry-go-round. While pushing the merry-go-round he spotted a kid who was falling asleep in the chair. He went to pick up the girl who’s name was Esther. She ended up taking a nap on him. Eventually, it was milk time and then more play time. When it was time for lunch the kids ended up being very fussy and you could tell that they were ready for a nap. It was difficult to say goodbye because the kids were crying and wanted us to stay.

            Back at the lodge people rested in their rooms while others played Uno. Lunch consisted of rice, beef, vegetables, watermelon, and coleslaw. After we finish eating we got ready to go meet up with the mama’s for one last time. Most of us took the dala dala and some took taxi. When we arrived to the mama’s headquarters there was chairs setup in a circle and talked for a while. The mama’s thanked us for our service. They also thanked Baba Dick for everything he has done for them. Eventually, it was time for us to visit their homes. The students were split into groups of two. Ben was partnered with Jake. They were matched with a set of mamas and began walking to one of their houses. Ben and Jake were a bit nervous since the mamas didn’t speak English. However, one mama spoke a very little bit of English. The walk lasted no more than 5 minutes. When we got to the house we went inside and saw a small area with a couch, radio, and TV. From there we went down a narrow hall that had 3 bedrooms off of it. We then helped the mamas make diner in the kitchen that was located in the hallway. Both of us were surprised to cook in the hall and became thankful for the kitchens we have at our homes. While waiting for the water to boil, a tour of the outside was provided. The mama showed us hens, rabbits, the toilet, and shower. After touring outside, we went back in and finished up the diner of rice and beans. Ben doesn’t like baked beans but he chocked down the food to avoid being rude. Next, they ventured over to the other mama’s house. We met her son on the porch who spoke good English and talked with him. Before we knew it, we needed to head back to meet up with the others. Ashlea and Taylor visit was not as eventful as Ben and Jake. They visited one of the two mamas house. Unlike, Ben and Jake we did not get to go inside their house but, we did get to see the animals that they had. She had ducks, chickens, cats, birds, and goats. In the middle of her dirt yard she had built a bird house. After we toured her yard we meet her one of her sons. Then we walked back and meet up with the rest of the group. We then said are final goodbyes and hided back to the lodge. Next, we had dinner which include noodles with peas and carrots, chicken, watermelon, pineapple, bananas and French fires. After diner we had reflection time and journaled about the endless impact that we can have on the world.

            All of us are looking forward to the safari tomorrow. We are excited to see the animals and spend time together. Also, we are able to wear shorts and a t-shirt all day, which will be a nice change of pace. We hope all is well back in Minnesota and can’t wait to share our experiences with you.

Ashlea- Congratulations to my aunt for having a baby. I can’t wait to see you guys soon.

Ben- See you soon Mom, Sara, and Katie