Handprints and Hammer marks

Sorry I have been quiet, as they say here, but this last week has been busy. Let me catch you up on all our adventures. We visited two new schools to start the pad project. We started with Hobanaka Primary and Secondary schools, and over the course of 2afternoons we talked to around 430 girls and distributed pad kits to them all. I gave the first talk, and then the girls just jumped right in and did the next two talks. We did it in 3 groups since the biggest room they had only held about 150 girls. I don't think many people have a love affair with public speaking, and even though they are just teenage girls, their power seems to increase as their numbers do. I was so proud of Sarah and Caroline and how they spoke to the groups.

Dad and Anthony came with us to help haul the pads and see the schools. I assumed they would just wait outside while we gave the talks, so I gave them no warning of what happens when we visit schools sometimes. During our first talk I left them with Zach, one of the make teachers. As soon as they dropped the pads in the classroom, they walked outside to find an assembled group of boys. My best guess-about 90 of them. Zach introduced Dad and Anthony with this: "These are visitors from America who have come to talk to you and tell you very important things to help you in your future." I think they started out that epic talk with, "Ummmm........Okay." Even though I have come to expect such on-the-spot-off-the-cuff speaking requests, it still daunts me sometimes, especially when you walk out of an unlit class room into blinding sun and 90 expectant pairs of eyes. Poor dears. I think dad pulled out every motivational topic he had up his sleeves, and they were saved when Anthony finally found his voice and contributed, "Anyone wanna play futbol?" Then were a smashing hit from then on. They had us in giggle fits that evening in the retelling of their awkward tale. The next day there was a rugby game in progress, so they were saved from the on-demand speech, and I think Anthony and his rugby skills will soon become legend.

(Brian working on the shelves)

The house is coming along quite nicely, and the kids are doing their share as well. Even though it takes twice as long and looks half as nice, they've been helping paint and fix their home too. Vincent is quite a good painter actually, and the little munchkins were quickly delegated to other tasks that wouldn't leave lasting handprints and hammer marks on every exposed surface of the house.

(Vincent and Daniel working on the front door)

(Zed, Arnold, Naomi, and Brian with Miss Caroline)

 

Eddah has been arranging and rearranging the sewing kit my mom sent her. When she opened it up she whispered, "Wow, this is for me?" I think it may literally kill Arnold that there is a box of sharp, potentially dangerous, small objects and containers that he is not allowed to play with.....it now has a designated spot on the highest shelf in the house that is conveniently out of his reach.

Fret not, I have also been taking the group to do fun stuff, so it will never be said that traveling with Jess is all work and no play. We've hiked up the hill for sunrises, jumped back and for the between hemispheres, and played chess by candlelight (not so much for the romance of it, but because the power was out).

I will try my best to post one more time this trip to keep you up to date on our final adventures.

Jessie

 

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