Swimming Day

The kids joined us at our hotel for swimming, lunch and crafts today. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate 100% with us, but we still managed two swimming sessions during the day. I joined the drivers to pick up the kids in the morning. They were so cute, waiting to go swimming. It is quite a treat for them. The older girls helped get everyone ready and we were off. A special thanks to David Coddington (Michael's brother) and Catholic Relief Services for the vans!

The kids couldn't wait to get into the swimming pool. We adults, however, were a bit timid. Gerry and Scott were the first to jump in. The rest of us had to tiptoe in as the water was soooooo cold. Once we got used to it, it was great! We learned a few things from last year, so we had plastic rings and floaties for them to keep them safe and the women were able to swim this time! Doug and Doris took the younger kids to the playground.

While we waited for lunch to be served, Christine and Doug (Doug is 76, mind you!) led the kids in exercises to keep them warm. There were a lot of chattering teeth after swimming. Lunch consisted of goat stew, roasted goat and french fries. The kids loved it. Kerry treated everyone to a cake to celebrate her daughter's birthday. Savannah turned 16 yesterday, so Kerry wanted to be able to celebrate the special day with the kids since she could not be with Savannah. And, boy, do they LOVE cake! Thanks, Savannah, for sharing your cake with us and HOREC!

After lunch we asked the kids to do crafts. They made angel ornaments for us to take back to the US. Global Hope will be having a fundraising dinner in December and we thought this would be a nice gift for those attending the dinner. The kids at HOREC agreed as they appreciate the support of all of their friends in America. We left them a few ornaments to hang on their tree this Christmas, too. Jennifer and Christine generally set a tree up for them each year and they celebrate Christmas and the kids' birthdays. Since many of the kids do not know their birthday, Christmas, Jesus' birthday, is a good time for them to celebrate their lives, too. It's great!

And, then the sun came out and we went for round two of swimming with all of the kids, includig the younger ones. They did not want to get out of the water. Their teeth were chattering, but they could not, would not get out.

Salome and Jackie, Christine's daughters, joined us at the pool after lunch. It was great to see Salome again. She is in her last semester at school and has done really well. She gave me a letter to take back to Marty and the Durango team for supporting her through school. You all have truly made a difference in this young woman's life.

What a great day with the kids. They all seemed so happy. And, the staff was really happy, too. They got a break from cooking and cleaning and doing laundry today. Did the day with the kids really have to end? They are just so lovable and amazing, it is hard to say goodbye to them. We blew them kisses and loaded them up with hugs before they left.

Before she left, Beverlyne secretly handed me a note. I read it as I returned to the room. The tears flowed. To think she might feel the same way about me as I feel about her brings such joy to my heart. Beverlyne would like to either be a teacher or an air hostess when she grows up. Secretly (and selfishly) I hope its the latter so she can come to America and see me.

We all felt so great after today (sans Doris, who is actually feeling fairly sick) that some of us (Karen, Amber, Kerry and me) decided to take a walk into town to Naivas, the local grocery store. It was a great experience and we were like kids in a candy store. We bought some chocolate and Coke Lights (perfect combo, eh?) as well as donuts and samosas (not quite like the US, but good enough for now!) We also bought some supplies for the HOREC staff that they needed. It was so much fun to take part in the local culture.

This most wonderful day even got better. It was African Night at the hotel and we were treated to some African dancing lessons. See the post about Kerry's video! It is great!

Lala Salama! Bwana Yasifiwe! God is sooooooo good!

For our family and friends who continue to support us, we love you and thank you for all your prayers and support. We are all doing great (even Doris who is sick seems high in spirits and is trying to enjoy the time here). It will be hard to leave when the week ends.