In the above picture , I believe that Dee Dee is passing out silly bands. They were a huge hit! So much so that it was difficult to make sure everyone got one. At one point , we noticed a little boy w/ an armful and others looking a bit sad. We helped get that worked out. :0) And as you can see they liked the camera here as well. Love that little face at the bottom of that shot.
I love their sign!! " I thank God for Canaan and my life. Please feel at home!"
"Before I was born God knew me..... Jer 1 : 5"
We were able to get a little tour of the girls dorm. As you can see, very simple.There was a bin in the corner with clothes that the children shared and there were very few personal items around. Each room had about 15 children w/ one room parent. Did you notice that there are no pillows on their beds??
Here is my team leader Kari Gibson " Mama Kiki" and one of the room parents.
One of the things that we were going to do today was to break into groups and go around to the schools different classrooms.I had some things prepared but was having an awful time getting the ipod charged. Some of us missed out getting in w/ a group so we walked down to the school to see where we could jump in. Here is a beautiful sight we saw on the way.
A short walk through the village and we were there.
As you can see the classrooms were very overcrowded. There were about 150 children in a classroom. I was amazed at how well behaved and respectful the children were and how well the teacher dealt with such a large group. I realize that they had visitors but I do believe that there is something to what I am saying. I was in awe of the classrooms. There was so little in them but so very much in what was. Make sense? There was a chalkboard and posters all over the wall. The posters were homemade and the focused content on them was incredible. I saw very little books and am guessing that most of their learning came from those posters. I was so convicted as I thought of all the things we think we need or we just really want to have in order to teach our children. Thanks to Dee Dee a fellow team member who was good at journaling our daily events and so kind to share her journal, I can share with you that one child had to bring her baby sister to school with her because both of her parents died and there was no one to watch the baby. This is just one story ... so many more. I wish it was easy to scoop them up and give them a home and a family to call their own.
After our time at the school ,it was time for some more fun with the kids.
