We just finished our 4th week of work and none of us can believe how quickly the time is flying now. Next week will be our last with the “big kids” before we have one more week working with the “little kids.” These children can be wild and have an overabundance of energy with a significant lack of resources to exert it, but they are all really good kids. Usually they are jumping off the walls by the end of the day while the 3 of us simultaneously pull out our hair. Although we all have moments when we’re ready to throw in the towel, it tends to fade quickly when one of the little boys tells us how pretty we look. They certainly know how to get their way.
Although only two of the children are related by blood, it is fascinating to observe their interactions and relationships with one another. Sibling rivalry is in full effect as they fight for the attention of the 3 of us and also each other. We aren’t allowed to know the entire history of any of these children as they belong to the government and must be protected, but it seems they’ve all been together for quite a while now. They fight like mad 80% of the time, but they also love each other dearly and look out for one another. This is their family.
By most Fridays we tend to feel overworked and underappreciated, but this usually dissipates by the start of the following week on Monday when we’re all excited to see the kids again. By this point in our journey we’ve all started to establish relationships with these children and it’s hard to think about leaving here and not knowing how they will grow and develop. I think the best solution for everyone would be for each of us to take a couple children home in August. (Kidding) But in all sincerity, it will be tough to leave.
Earlier this week we gave Table Mountain another shot and had a much more impressive showing this time as compared to our first hike. We were almost able to cut our time in half and made it to the top in just over an hour. It seems that the beer consumed the night before our first hike was the main culprit slowing everybody down, and we were all able to perform much better in its absence. We made it to the top of the mountain just in time for some breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean.
This weekend we will stay in Cape Town to tour Robben Island on Saturday and attend a church service in one of the townships Sunday morning. We are also working to finalize our travel plans for when we leave here in 2 weeks to set out on a 13 day adventure. Stay tuned.
The sunset from the top of Table Mountain
Amy and I at the top of the mountain
We did the hike with 3 individuals from England who are also staying at the AVIVA House
Laura and Amy with the sun setting behind them
One of our art projects with the kids this week. We made these picture frames so that we can put a picture of all of us in it before we leave. The hardest part of this whole project was to get everybody to sit still long enough to take a picture. In fact, we were never successful.
At the park, one of the children wearing my shades
Laura playing with the kids at the park
One of the boys playing criquet at the park
Tree climbing
They are all little gymnasts
No comments:
Post a Comment