Super-fan-tab-u-lous!!

Yesterday was day 5 at the Haven.  We finished up our week of feeding class.  Next week I am doing toddler language class.  Our last week I should be in feeding class again.  I am excited to see what happens in the following weeks--I really hope that these children improve, although we were given the talk about what happens when one of the babies dies to prepare us in case it happens.

Today we went into Choma and went to the market and then a museum.  We were able to buy so many different kinds of things today.  And then we went to a Zambian wedding.  I have realized that all of our weddings are so boring.  The bridesmaids and groomsmen danced down the isle both ways several times.  The bride and groom also danced but not as much as the rest of the wedding party.  I took serveral pictures and videos and will post them when I get home.  Today was a totally super-fan-tab-u-lous day!!  Church tomorrow and then back at the work on Monday.

I love you Zarah and KC.

Today was day 4 at the Haven. We started groups yesterday and my group is doing dysphagia (feeding) class. Yesterday the kids were so tight and tense. Not many liked the stretches. But today so many had a great improvement! It was so wonderful.

I know I am not writing a lot but my laptop charger fried and I can no longer use my computer & will have to borrow my classmates or use my phone. Hopefully I will be able to write more later.

Day 2 at the Haven

Today after breakfast we went to chapel.  They sang beautiful songs and laughed after we each said our names.  Then we walked to the Haven.  When we got there we went into the toddler area.  Non-expressive Mary was there.  She latched on to me and we read a couple of books.  She pointed to things in the book and traded her book with a couple of boys.  When they took her for lunch she cried.  It was the most expression that I have seen out of her!  We then went to the baby house and had some baby cuddle time.  After lunch we went back to the “sick” house.  As soon as Mary saw me she climbed out of bed to come to me.  We played for a little bit and then they took her for a bath.  When she was done she waited for me in the hallway.  I was holding another baby and she walked some of the way until she was about 15 feet away.  She just stood there staring at me.  We watched four boys come running out of the bathroom naked after their baths and give hugs to everyone they could until they were called back.  Anna tried to hold Mary but she would not move.  Finally Ashley talked to her and then lead her to me.  We talked some more and played.  She played with an instrument table and I tried to get her to say “uh oh” but she wasn’t having it.  When it was time to leave I put her in her bed and she screamed.  I am quickly becoming attached to this child that has latched on to me.  I know that I cannot bring her home but I so want her to succeed!!  Tomorrow I start feeding classes….

Love you Zarah and KC.

Day One at the Haven!!

We loaded up Khaki Jacky with supplies for the Haven and then set out for our walk.  The “short-cut” takes you through a creek, a barb wire fence, up hill, down hill, and by some chickens and cows.  So many people stop to say hello and thank you for working at the Haven.  We spent time with the cute little babies for the first part of the day.  They loved to be held and cried when they were put back down.  It was so sweet!  We assessed if they were meeting their milestones and which babies had to be monitored further.  I spent time with three beautiful girls, 9 months, 5 months, and 6 weeks.  They all seemed to be meeting their milestones at this time.

 

            After lunch we went back to the Haven.  This time we spent time in the “sick house.”  The Aunties in this house did not understand us very well so we did not know what was wrong with the children.  I played with two little girls in this house.  They had the same name but one was expressive (8 months) and one was not expressive (almost 2 years).  The girl who was not expressive does not talk at all, according to the Aunties, and will be monitored further.  She got mad when I made her walk but continued to come to me when I put my hands out for her.  She did not like that I had another girl to play with but was so cuddly and sweet!!

            When we got back the three girls were back to play and had brought another friend.  A group of us kicked the soccer ball with them until dinner.  It was another good day…still missing Zarah and KC…day 2 at the Haven tomorrow, will meet the toddlers and hopefully start my research soon!!

A beautiful day

     Today was Sunday.  During this morning's church service I went to the children's class.  These beautiful, loving children were more than happy to spend time with us.  They loved to be held and to look at the pictures that we had taken.  They sang every song that was requested and then did a song similar to "Roll Call" from "Saturday Night Live."  When you name is called you say "oytz" and then after they said "select" you called someone else's name.  We introduced ourselves early but they did not until later.  We were caught off guard when our names were called.  When the children's service was over this beautiful boy (who is about KC's size, weight, and age) had me pick him up and carry him back to the church.  He cuddled with me and it felt wonderful!

     After lunch a group of us went over the the soccer football field to play.  I was the photographer.  Many Zambians came to join the game and it was a good time.  When we came back three girls (ages 8, 9, and 10) were waiting to play with some of us.  Kara, Ashley, and I learned some new hand games and tried to learn the words but it was difficult.

     After tonight's service there were seven people baptized in a wash basin in the backyard of the houses where we are staying.  It was so heartening to realize that these people did not have to be baptized, but CHOSE to be on this day  Many people crowded into the backyard to watch and then we shook the hand of all the people who had been baptized.


     It was a wonderful day.  I am missing Zarah and KC...but I am looking forward to working at the Haven this week to occupy me.

We're here!!!

So we have done a lot of traveling in the last couple of days.  On Tuesday we started in Memphis and stayed in Washington, D.C.  We got in too late to go to any of the sights and were happy just to go to sleep when we finally got into the hotel.  I got up on Wednesday and called Zarah to wish her a happy birthday and then my cousin, Megin, and her son, Joey, had breakfast with me at the hotel.  We then got on the plane and took the long trip over the Atlantic Ocean into Addis Ababa, and then finally into Lusaka, Zambia.  We all relaxed for a little while before going to have dinner.  I am really exhausted and will be going to bed soon because tomorrow we drive into Namwianga.

Almost there!

Tomorrow I leave on this wonderful adventure and am so excited!  Tonight I will spending time with my kids.  I don't think that I will get much sleep tonight as I am super excited!