Today was pretty much a hard day for all of us. Emotionally and physically. We all had to be up early in order to leave before 7:30 to make it to the church for a meeting of the area pastors. We had a prayer meeting with them. Before we got there, we had a stop at McDonalds since the dining hall hadn’t been opened by the time we left (tastes the same as America). Once we arrived at Entabeni, we learned a lesson from Dennis about using encouraging words instead of always feeling the need to let people know what they should do better.
After the meeting, we had snacks while we mingled. We had the samoosa’s that we helped make the day before. Jodye and I were laughing at one point because they tried to give me a samoosa, but they weren’t positive it wasn’t fish. So before I could eat any, I had to give them to her to take a bite of. Lucky we did this because the ones they thought were corn were really fish. The corn ones were good! 
After snacks, we headed to the orphanage to throw a carnival for them. When we arrived they were sooo happy to see us. I couldn’t decide who was more happy, them or Shawna who was literally bouncing on her seat dying to hug them. She was one of the few in our group who went last year. The kids were all so lovable. When we had to leave them, it was heart-breaking. Especially when Alex had to put down this boy who clung to him, and the boy started crying.
We headed to a restaurant called Nando’s afterward hoping to raise our spirits. We all had chicken, and it was pretty good. After Nando’s we headed to the church to set up for VBS. When we pulled up the kids were already there! One of the first people to make it to the bus was Asanda wearing a little pink shirt that I had pulled from our clothes drive for her. She was so excited to see me, and I have to admit, I couldn’t wait to jump off the bus and hug her too!
We did our VBS, which was EXHAUSTING, and helped the kids get their snacks before rushing them off before it got dark. It’s too dangerous for them to walk home after dark here. We wanted to walk them home, but Dennis quickly stopped us informing us that it is safer for them if we’re not with them. Plus he said something about bayonets. Not messing with that.
We had dinner with the church group and practiced singing for the services the next few days. After practice I hit my wall (not literally, emotionally). I got homesick and sad and you name it. But I’m going to be okay. I just need sleep.
A few things that are different here. . .
The kids all call me and the other girls “auntie”. I asked about this and basically that’s what they call the women who work at the church.
The kids travel in packs for safety.
Most of the older siblings take care of the youngest kids in the family, and trust us completely with them.
The kids don’t wear shoes a lot. They have them, but choose not to use them.
Okay, it’s off to bed for me. I’m having trouble keeping my eyes open.
Awesome Barb!! Thanks for all the great details and your perspective. I love it!