Monday, January 10, 2011

The Real Deal!

We started our first day of training and things absolutely couldn't have gone better! Unless maybe things had started on time but then this is Africa! We had 37 people attend the Child Support Specialist class to learn how to work with orphans who are sad and grieving. They were so engaged in the activities. But then we all were — Kelsey had them using clay balls and then molding pieces together to symbolize how we can take hurts and eventually absorb them and still remain whole. Michelle used a bottle illustration to show what happens when you bottle up emotions and blow your cork. One of the long-time health workers who attends is blind. He didn't want to miss out on anything and allowed me to help him draw his bottle.

The walk to Chipulukusu from our guest house is about 25 minutes, invigorating, and so colorful — kids playing jacks with no ball, just rocks; hopscotching on blocks drawn in the dirt, little boys caring for baby brothers, small stands selling a pyramid of tomatoes.... Best of all, everyone in our crew is staying healthy and in great spirits. This is what we've been waiting for. Now after months of planning we're finally rolling out the training. A very good feeling!

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