Halloween hoopla...and a rat

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It’s fascinating to see how hype spreads like wildfire through this village. It started with the sound of big trucks in the distance and weeks of anticipation awaiting the arrival of two forty-foot containers filled with donations coming from the states. As the truck came into view with kids jumping up and down, singing and dancing, the spectacle erupted into 70 kids chasing after the enormous flatbed towing these two massive containers, the rest of the way in through the gates of the village. Throw in the excited smiles and giggles of about 30 staff members and all the volunteers crowded around taking pictures and videos of all the hoopla and you can imagine quite a scene. A week later and we are still sorting through and unpacking the boxes, with kids peering through the windows, in awe and wonder. As soon as we opened the boxes filled with Halloween costumes, the kids went wild. Even the ones who are new here, and have never celebrated Halloween before, they may think it strange to see us volunteers trying on wigs and horse heads, but they clearly sense that something riveting is soon to happen. All that they talk about is, ‘When can I choose my costume? When can I go to the container?’ As soon as the older ones found out that we are planning a haunted house, they went crazy with excitement! I’ll be sure to post some pics and let you know how it all turns out!
On a more frightening note, I got out of my cold shower the other day and grabbed my towel from the hook to dry off and warm up, and a rat fell into the shower with me! My scream brought the mamas running, and I was out of there so fast I didn’t see what they did with it, but they found more humor in the situation than I was comfortable with. I’ve now caught about five spiders the size of my hand, which I’m getting better at dealing with, but rats, I can’t go there. Anyway, all else is good. The kids are an endless source of entertainment and exasperation, and my days fly by one after the next. I have already been peed on twice today and I’m about to jump right back in, as soon as nap time is over. My evenings have been filled sharing stories of our daily adventures over wine and lantern light with the other volunteers. This makes the days all the more rewarding.

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Comments

[bea]

ewwwwwwww, i couldn't even deal with the spiders! you're so brave.

[lisa]

hmmm....peed on?? i shouldn't ask, but i can't help it.

[Susie iliyan]

Wow
So so amazing!

[Bibi Amy]

Yes Lisa, getting peed on is pretty much a daily occurrence during playgroup. I have about 10 kids, ages 18months to 4 years and it's become more potty training time than any sort of preschool training. At first I was constantly appalled at how filthy I get by the end of everyday, or how brown the water is when I literally wash my hands every half hour or more, but as with the spiders and constant runny noses I wipe, this is life in africa. Hakuna matata.

[SUSIE]

Rat!!!! Too much laughing!!!!!!!
Laughing can't help it, too funny, the peed on I totally get but the rat I can't help myself, laughing too much I say!!!!!!!!! Ok on a serious note how big was this rat? Sorry still laughing ha ha ha !!!!!! wait till I see you in person I will not be able to hold a straight face!!!!! Bye for now Amy I mean Ratgirl!!!!!! PS: What were you dress up as for Halloween, a rat? Love and kisses Susie

[Randa]

pee pee on Amy
Omg ! Wow what an exciting time for the children! They seem so lucky to have all of you and a Haunted House? That is amazing sis. How are you holding up otherwise? Sounds like you have settled in =). I guess the NY City rats and bugs wont have anything on you after this trip heehee. Miss you love. You are my source of inspiration. xxx