Day 18 (tuesday)

Maureen playing with some of the kids.

Me talking with Eddie about his experiences at the home.

Me and Samira...such a sweet little girl.

Another of Samira...Maureen absolutely fell in love with her!

 

Got up early today but without a midnight interruption so it felt nice.  Definitely had the usual but added peanut butter to it to add some flavor.   I was sitting in the commons area for a bit watching some tv then Maureen came in to say hello.  From that point it was just about killing time since I was going to be picked up between 12 and 12:30.  The time came and I was getting ready to go it alone and just as I was getting up to leave, I got a phone call.   I asked if my ride was still coming and they insisted they were, amongst a few other excuses, and would now be here between 12:30 and 1 (the call I got was at 12:35).  When 1 rolled around and I still had no ride, I began to get a little frustrated and my ride got here shortly after 1:30 (I am absolutely learning a great deal of patience).  I discussed with them how we could more effectively communicate and we seemed to have an understanding (although this is not the first time we've had this conversation).  So we departed and eventually got back to the children's home.  We were told by a friend that if we came closer to 2 that some of the older kids would be getting back from school...that never really happened.   We were able to interact with a group of kids for a few hours and it was pretty nice.  Many of the kids ran up to me and began hanging on me and then started lifting up my shirt sleeve because they were still fascinated with my tattoos.  We played around and kicked a soccer ball around for a bit and then just sat with them for awhile.  Throughout the time today I noticed that there was very little supervision happening and several of the kids partaking in risky activities.  We broke up a couple of petty little fights and stepped in to stop the kids from some of the unsafe behaviors they were exhibiting (oh, I also fell out of a swing and it came back down and hit my head...sounds about right)...kind of surprised that there was so little supervision but that's why I'm here.  Eventually an older kid (he is 18 [he has been living here since he was 10] and he just finished senior high school) named Edward came along and was playing soccer with some other kids and I decided to gather the perspective of someone who lives there so we chatted for several minutes.  He generally liked the facility and said that it was sort of like a big family and that everyone got along pretty well.  Eddie (as he preferred to be called) also said that the lack of lighting, poor transportation, and a overall lack of supervision were things that he didn't like and that he would like to see changed.  Eddie wanted to be an actor and was hoping to go to college some day for graphic design.  He provided me with some good information and seemed to have a pretty good head on his shoulders.  As I finished talking with Eddie I noticed that Maureen was talking with a sweet little girl (whom she fell in love with) named Samira and so I talked to her for a couple minutes as well.   She was very sweet and enjoyed our company.  Eventually we left and Maureen and I headed home, stopping at ted junction along the way to pick up a few items.  Finally we got home (I can't tell you how excited I was to take a shower!) and showered and prepared some dinner (the Alaskan's left some organic wild rice and quinoa).  By now I am just a tad on the tired side but eager to write about my day and my findings.   I will add some to my general observation sheet and then try to get an early sleep.  Well, I was in the middle of chatting with my mom and my connection terminated (surely it couldn't be from overuse, I just f#%^#g recharged it a few days ago...NOPE, my broadband stick had expired!) so I will be without internet all the time. I will now be using internet cafes and the computers at the university (you really have to be careful with your usage).  Bummer :(