Patience Pains But It Pays!

I cannot believe another week has gone by. I last wrote on Monday and it is already Saturday afternoon.

I didn't end up going to the church at 6:30 in the moring like I had planned but that is only because we had to be up and organized to clean out the stair case and office as an inspection person was coming to check on the welfare of the kids. I don't want people to think we were trying to hide anything but I will hands down admit the stair well and office was a disaster and needed attention badly. We spent an entire afternoon going through bags of clothes, toys, diapers, mattresses, broken down TVs and even an old washer that was torn apart. We found a termite hill, giant dead grasshoppers and rat kaka between it all. It is so funny to think, 4 weeks ago, if you asked me to get my hands dirty and do something other than spend time with the kids - I would of thrown a silent temper tantrum and been in a huff because it wasn't what I wanted to do. Now, I see the need for these things and I understand that things need to be done even when it isn't on MY top priority list. It was also kindof fun sitting in the sun, sorting through many donations and laughing with my friends.

We also finally did the slip and slide for the kids. What a blast! The kids had so much fun in their diapers, laying on their tummies and having Michael and Kaitie fling them down the mat. I was in charge of the water and bubbles until I got bit one of those ginat flying ants... I actually embarrassed myself with the way I acted. Yes, it hurt - ALOT but I don't think it was entirely necessary for me to throw the water hose down and scream "Ow Ow Ow" while holding my arm and prancing around like I was 4.... Really Tarrah.... Hahaha.

Another day was spent braiding my hair. If you have me on facebook, you have seen my hair already. It took a LONG time - 10 hours not including the breaks I had to take to make my Cabeena(butt) unsleepy and it really does hurt! Susan told me "Patience pains but it pays" and I couldn't agree with her more! I wasn't so sure of it at first, but the long hair is finally growing on me and it is fun being able to play around with it. I would say it was a good decision all in all.

On friday I will be travelling about an hour outside of Jinja to go to an African village for a day with Natalie. I am so excited to see a real African Village. I will be sure to take many pictures!

I am also going to spend a day travelling around Jinja to take all the pictures I have missed. I finally found the Lions Club so I am so excited to visit and take pictures of it. I also cannot wait to get back to Lethbridge so I can officially become a Lion!

Back at Amani, The kids are doing really well. I have spent alot of time with a couple of the "special needs" kids.... Massaging, stretching and playing with them. I am enjoying this and seeing the progress they are making because I have taken an hour out of my day to spend some time with them. I really want to take one of the girls that has Cerebral Palsey to the pool so she can stretch out and move freely in the water. I love spending the afternoons outside and listening to the little gems the kids come up with.... When you ask D 'Who his best friend is...' he pats his tummy and says 'Right here!'. Or a couple of the kids always reply with 'But I'm not gonna cry, Aunty' when you tell them they will get a spanking. I laugh every day for new reasons and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Kwagala Nyo*