Today was our first full day at the orphanage. There are 40 kids who are part of the orphanage, but only 24 of them live there. The rest stay with uncles, aunts, grandparents etc. for the night and then return during the day for school and activities. There ages range from infants to early twenties. The majority of them are around ages 5-8 though. One of the oldest orphans is 21. She stays there and helps to cook and do laundry in turn for a place to sleep at night. She has a baby, Victor, who is 4 months old. The father abandoned her and she raises him by herself. He is adorable!!

Baby Victor with Diana

Bestina and Gibson- two of the sweetest kids you could ever meet!

Unlike the orphanage I worked at in Kenya, this one is much more unorganized, as it does not have as much support or resources. It is just me and one other volunteer who work with the children during the day so we stay very busy. We teach the children English and Health as well as help with the cleaning and washing. They cook beans and maize over the fire and that is what the kids (as well as us while were there) eat every day for lunch. We cook the food in a small little hut so it gets very smokey! The laundry is hand washed in buckets and then hung on the line. It is a much longer process than just throwing them in a machine, but that’s all they know so it’s nothing for them. I’m getting quite used to the routine, as well. Perhaps when I return home I will start hand-washing my clothing… yeah probably not!

Communication has not been as much as a struggle as I imagined. Even though many of the younger children don't know English, I have picked up enough Swahili (and sign language) to be able to communicate efficiently! The older school age kids return at around 2-oclock and we get a chance to play with them and talk to some of the older ones who do know English. It is really interesting to hear their perspectives and answer all their random questions.

We leave at around 4pm, and catch the Dala Dala back to Kilembero, where Mama stays. The Dala Dala (like the Matatu in Kenya) is basically a van with ten seats in the back that the locals drive around to pick up people and take them to where they need to go for about 300 shillings (20 cents). Although they have 10 seats they usually transport around 20 people, so it gets very crowded and at times uncomfortable. On top of that, as we are in Africa, the driving is absolutely crazy, so it can be quite a crazy experience. It always succeeds in waking me up! It is definitely an adventure!

The kids here have already won over my heart! I can’t wait to go back tomorrow and spend more time with them. It is definitely exhausting, but so rewarding! Nothing makes me happier than dancing and singing with them and seeing the smiles on their faces.

Kwaheri and usiku mwema!

Nakupenda Natalia<3