Kenya 2011: Kiddies

It's been five weeks that we've been here. While it feels a long time ago since that late tuesday evening waiting to board our plane to DC, life here in Kenya seems to have flown by.

Many of my stories will just have to wait until I'm with you in the flesh, but I believe some more sharing about the kids are in order. Despite all the amazing things we've experienced throughout this country, we all agree that what has made this trip are the kids here in Rafiki. These children have so much joy and energy, it's hard to imagine their life before Rafiki, parentless and living in grim circumstances. They are cute and hilarious, kind and affectionate. But they are kids. And with 96 other brothers and sisters, they all know how to push eachother's buttons. This being said, there are many disciplining moments throughout the day where we have sharpened our parenting skills, but in general our time with them has been all too sweet.

Joseph, looking unusually bashful

Meet my good friend, Joseph. He's one of the smartest, most clever 6th graders I've ever met. He asks great questions and has such a good heart. Something will happen, and sometimes  I just look at him and from the shared grin on his face, I know he's thinking the same thing I am.

David, ready to cheer on the older boys in soccer

King David. He's in my second grade class that I help out in, but he's also someone I love to hang out with on the playground. Not that you could tell from this picture, but he's got the biggest deer-in-the-headlights look you've ever seen, especially when he's excited in the classroom. It kills me every time. I'm pretty sure he's crushin on me by the sheepish grin he gives when he meanders by...and quite frankly, I don't mind a bit.

Crazy Hannah, Brenda, and Lillian

My girl Brenda, the tallest one there... She was the kid I sat by during my first dinner here, and she just keeps growing on me. She is charming and sincere, and makes me laugh...especially when she walks by me in line, flashing me her perfectly timed cross-eyed expression. Needless to say it takes alot for me to keep in the giggles. Oh yeah, and she's a twin...

Brenda and Belis, grade 3 

Anywho, that's just a snapshot of some of the kids here. Here's some more footage of after-dinner hang out time (thanks Wendell Husebo for use of some pics).

Jane, Victor, Lillian

Learning some scouts positions with Momma Lydia in charge

Kirk and Lucia cheezin' it up

Storytelling with Mr Perkins...they like the gollum voice most

Faaaantastic.