Family

Some days I wish I could just say, “things went perfectly as planned,” but it doesn’t matter where we are, because more often than not, plans are thrown out the window.  I arrived at school only to find out Emmanuel was sick today so again I was on my own.  They children informed me they were to have a test today on plants for their natural science subject.  I had seen them taking notes yesterday, but so quickly realized, half of the children were simply writing words.  They can’t read, so how can they be learning by taking notes?  Before giving them a 7 question test, or quiz I would say, I had Vera read to the class what the notes said, 3 or 4 times.  Then they repeated after her.  As I had expected, almost ¾ of the kids had less than 3 right.  I let them finish and quickly moved on to math, something I could teach and they could work through without having to read.  Until their reading skills develop, they will have trouble learning much else.  During their “test” I put together their artwork from yesterday and before they went to break, I had them all stand for a picture.  What a bunch of goof balls!  No picture can be serious, as they yelled and made silly eyes and faces.  They make me smile, and although it can be frustrating at times, they are kids, and they are doing the best with what they have.

Back at the orphanage today, the seamstress came to work on some dresses for the girls, and shirts for the boys.  We brought the new fabric we had gotten for them, and they were all calling dibs on which they wanted for their clothes.  With the help of Della, it’s amazing how well they do.  They just need the guidance of someone who truly knows what they are doing.  Moda’s dress was nearly finished after today, and by next week, she will be proudly showing it off.  As Moda (9 years old) worked to perfect a line, she was showing signs of struggle.  Joshua (13) who was sitting next to her is very good at sewing.  He leaned over to help her, and it was so sweet to watch.  Not related at all, but like brother and sister, he leaned over her shoulder and guided her hands and showed her what to do next.  As I watched I thought to myself, if this doesn’t say family, then I don’t know what does. 

Kids with their artwork!  So goofy.

Joshua and Moda, priceless.

We said our goodbyes as we left, sad that we wouldn’t see them until Monday.  At the same time, this weekend will be a nice break, a chance to clear our heads and prepare for the next week.  We are heading to Cape Coast, about a 6 hour drive.  We will be hoping into a tro-tro (public transportation) at 8 tomorrow and with any luck, will be there some time after 2.  The Elmina Slave Castle is one stop we will be making this weekend.  Our “hotel room” is a bungalow on the beach, something we both are looking forward to.  Two weeks from today, we will be at the airport, leaving these beautiful children, and simplistic lifestyle behind.  Although we still have 14 days, the thought is tough already.