Eastleigh - Feb 8

The drive into Eastleigh did not feel as overwhelming this morning (I am not sure if that is a good thing).   We gathered some of the teaching aides & Canada tattoos and went into the pre-school area.   There are 3 classes in this area consisting of 3-5 years old.    Jucinta (the headmaster) gathered them together in a classroom.   They sang a number of songs to us and we attempted to teach them the hokey-pokey.   We headed into the courtyard and taught them duck-duck-goose.    Erica & I sat down and started giving the children tattoo's.   They were a hit - thanks Jamie!  

Next was the primary class.  Enrollment into Primary classes is not according to age but to ability.    This class consisted of 6-13 years old and they were at Grade 1-3 levels.  We were able to give these children tattoos as well.   It does not matter the age of the children, everyone's eyes light up when they see the tattoo on their skin.   Mark then was given the teacher's book and discussed how to use polite words in a sentence and the importance of them.     A highlight for Mark was the opportunity to do this and the attentiveness of the class (especially one of the older boys).

Later we went back to the level 3 Iftin class.   Once again, we dispersed into groups with the women.   Here we had to come up adjectives for the first letter of each name around the table.   It was a great way to learn the names of the women again as well as for them to learn about adjectives.    We also took a picture of each lady.   A friend from work (thanks Christine) lent us her Polaroid printer.   We were given a bunch of Manitoba lanyards and purchased some plastic sleeves.   We are making a type of photo ID for each of these women.   They all seemed to be genuinely pleased about the idea.   We still had enough tattoos left-over to give them some as well.

After lunch we went on another home visit.    We took another crate of soda to share as well as groceries and a water filter.   We visited a lady who has 6 children and she lives in a one room apartment.   Her husband has divorced her because she is from a "lesser" clan and his family does not like her.    It was heartbreaking to be there.   She has no way of supporting herself.   The center at Eastleigh is trying to figure out a way to sponsor some of her children so they can get an education.

This is the family that received the water filter today.

Duck, Duck, Goose

Later in the day, we went to watch Emma, the Kenny's daughter, in her swim meet.   We then went to the Village Market and purchased our plane tickets to Malindi and had some supper.    We are all very tired tonight.   It has been a long, hot, wonderful day.