I have learned that I do in fact get extremely homesick and I was a bit terrified trying to sleep the first night. All the worries of everyone back home crept in and resulted in a serious lack of sleep. I woke at 4am the first morning and made an extremely expensive phone call home when it was finally late enough I could see where the heck I was. It was a pretty amazing view I must say. I just needed a moment to say holy crap this is so much harder than I expected out loud and have someone say thats ok! The first day was a whirlwind of seeing the farm, meeting all the staff and women and staying awake. Mum, as Mary is fondly called, makes you feel so loved and at home that I am so thankful because the evenings can be lonely as the lone intern here.
This is unlike any other place I have ever seen and makes me realize how little of the world I have seen and how lucky I am with my living situation but I am fascinated by everything and love how different it is. Matatus are everywhere and traffic is insane! The roads make Saskatchewan look pristine and people are swerving around holes, people, animals and vehicles. Im glad I don't have to drive here! The countryside is gorgeous! The hills are always topped with mist in the mornings and the smells are amazing(for the most part!). Town is a mix of donkeys pulling carts, cows and goats randomly walking around, then mercedes and businessmen. I have also seen a grand total of 5 other "Mzungu"! Yes, i'm counting!
My second night I woke up at 2am and only another 45minutes so i'm amazing I was still functioning.
I got a tour of the Daycare program where when I walked in the door 71 children mobbed me yelling HOW ARE YOU and all grabbing my hands. It was a terrifying amount of attention but they were so funny with so many different personalities and always yelling HOW ARE YOU
Day 2 we did 6 home visits to the nearby slums and other communities to see the homes of the women in the WEEP program and to learn about their businesses they are building. They are extremely sweet and welcoming and I already know I am going to miss them if I adore them all three days in. I am so impressed by their courage, determination,and talent and am going to have a lot of new skirts and dresses! I need them because this "colder weather" might make me into a sweaty puddle!
Day 3 was exhausting and fun. Today I did painting with the daycare children and also did a quick lesson on brushing teeth. We gave them some crayons pens notebooks and of course treats and it happened to be their last day before a month holiday so my first project had to be competed quick like this. I left tired and extremely sticky but feeling very loved. They are an extremely bright group and the teachers are working hard to teach them and make sure they are safe during the day. We already have next week completely packed because of the easter holiday and the work days promise to go by quickly. I found out I have weekends off so I need to figure out what the heck to do to fill the time and not break the bank!
Well it's almost time to head home for the day and I am still working on catching up on sleep so I can form proper thoughts.
Keep Fit and Have fun!
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