Malaria Negative!

Overall, Zanzibar has been great. We stayed in Nungwi, on the northern tip of Zanzibar. Our days went as follows: get up, exercise a bit, eat breakfast, lay out on the beach, eat lunch, lay out or head to the shade, take a nap in the bungalow, clean up for happy hour, then dinner, then bed. The sun is extremely intense here so we could only lay out for a few hours a day as our skin could only stand so much heat. We ate delicious food, read books, drank wine, and always made it for happy hour by 6pm. We also discovered a beach party down the beach from our bungalow, which was quite a good time. We met some interesting people and managed to have dinner with a big tour group, and then one night with a father and son who had hiked Kilimanjaro. The son, Greg, had just so happened to have went to U of A, where Michele went. He was a few years older than her, but they had known the same people, and he had recognized her. He had volunteered with the Peace Corps. for over 2 years, after he graduated college. He was placed in Paraguay and was able to bring running water to his community. It made our 4 week volunteer trip seem a bit small. He is now a lawyer in the Virgin Islands...what a life he has. We had planned to spend the last 2 days and last night on the eastern part of the island, Paje. On our last night in Nungwi, we decided to go all out and order the lobster and crab. After dinner I began to feel realllly sick, and it hit. Let's just say it was a horrible night. I wasn't sure if it was food poisoning as Michele didn't reach my level of sickness. The next morning I couldn't move, but we had to check out at 10am and head for Paje, which ended up being a 2 hour ride...absolutely miserable. When we arrived at our new bungalow, we just looked at eachother and laughed. It reaked of mildew, the bathroom looked like a prison cell, and there was no air conditioner, which is essential in this type of heat. The beach was out our front door, but the tide was almost 1 mile out from the beach. I took a quick nap, then we headed for lunch. It was awful....I ordered soup, thinking I needed something in my stomach, but the soup was onions, tomatoes, and green peppers, which I hate! There were flies and cats everywhere and a cat actually jumped up on our table to eat Michele's disgusting fish. We then decided that I could possibly have malaria and that we should get to the hospital so that I could get tested right away. It would have been a bad situation if I had gotten worse, as we were over an hour away from town. We had to pay for part of the night, but we didn't care. We had the driver take us to a nice hotel that we remembered from before, which just so happened to have one more room left. Thank God!!!!!! We then went to the hospital. I walked up to the desk and said that I needed to be tested for malaria...they said ok, go to the back. So I walked to a tiny room, sat in a chair and was searching for the needle they would be sticking me with...but didn't see one. The man then grabbed a blade from the counter, then pricked my thumb with it before I could say a word...I was appalled. All I could think was I realllllllllllly hope that blade was sanitized. About 2 minutes later the man came out and said negative...woop woop!! I say "man" because I am pretty sure he wasn't a doctor. We went back to the hotel and I slept for a few hours. I am feeling a bit better today. Just feeling quite achy all over. We are heading for Kilimanjaro tonight, then have to sleep in the airport because our flight is at 6am tomorrow for London. It is going to be a long night, that's for sure. All is good here. Hopefully I will get a chance to write in Munich! Much love!!!

Piffy!

It is my last day! I had an amazing last day at the school yesterday. Brittney came with me as she wasn't able to go to her placement. It was so great to have some assitance. Made all the difference. She couldn't believe that I have been doing it all alone. It was so nice to have some assurance. The principal, Imelda, called me into her office to say goodbye. She thanked me for all of my help and expressed the need for more. She said that they desperately need more volunteers as they are not funded by the goverment and cannot afford to hire more teachers, hence the 45 kids in my class. I explained that all I can do is express the need to CCS, but it is very difficult as everyone is in need of help here. Imelda gave me a necklace and a nice card. On the front of the envelope she wrote, "Piffy!" I had thought that she couldn't pronounce her T's, but it turns out that she never really knew my name....she was quite embarassed when she saw in my email address that my name is Tiffiny. At the end of the day, Sister Angel came into the class with her students to thank me for everything. She had 3 of the children present me with a conga and then she wrapped it around me. She had so many nice things to say. It was so sweet....I had huge tears in my eyes. I have never received a more sincere thank you in my life. The woman who I have tea with everyday, Getrude, couldn't stop crying when she had to leave. She said she will write me when she get's married in the next year and that she will never forget me. I didn't realize how much she liked me as most of our tea sessions have been in silence because of the language barrier and lack of things in common. As Ang says, "it gave me warm fuzzies inside." I was able to give each kid in my class a new pair of socks and pencil. They were ecstatic!! I now feel like I have truly impacted the lives of those around me, which is an amazing feeling. It has all been worth it!

After school, Jennifer, Michele, and I went on an adventure with one of the drivers's, Simon, to buy some more things from the donations Michele has received. We bought a huge bag of rice, tons of baby formula, soap, pampers etc. We then delivered the goods to Upendo Orphanage. Again, they were so thankful! When we walked into the children's rooms to say goodbye, we were malled by all, when I looked down, I realized Ava was attached to my leg. Michele and I became quite emotional when we left. The head of the orphanage said that Ava will be joining with her family soon, which is so exciting, but baby Gabriel has no one. We discussed the possibility of sponsoring some of the children. Very exciting!!!

We had to say goodbye to the volunteers that left for the weekend. It was so hard, as many of us have become attached to eachother. I am definitely going to miss my "family" here. The staff has expressed what a unique group we have. We have been so lucky!

We were told a few days ago that the skydiving company had a plain crash. 4 were killed, including a mzungu(white person), the pilot, the instructor, and an African on a bike. It is such a tragedy and so scary to think that 4 of our volunteers went skydiving with this company only 2 weeks ago. You just never know.

I truly feel like I did what I came here to do....I gave my helping hand and now understand that I have made my mark on some peoples lives. I will definitely stay connected with these people, and plan to come back in a few years. I plan to keep giving and will now make it an essential part of my life. If people who have nothing themselves can give, then I have no excuse. I am so thankful that I was able to experience this. Many of you have made this possible and there no words to describe my feelings of gratitude. Just know that you have truly made a difference in my life, through the words of encouragement, the donations, and love I have felt by all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart :)

Michele and I leave for Zanzibar later today. We have a few loose ends to tie up, then we are off. I will write again soon, depending on my internet access. Much love! XOXOXOXO

Happy Valentine's Day!

I had a much better day today. I went through my lessons and had the kids make Valentine's for their families. The teacher actually tried to translate for me today, which was awesome. When math time came, I started to feel extremely sick, so I sat in the back of the room, praying that I wouldn't vomit or get malaria. It passed after an hour or so...whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At least I got out of teaching math. During tea time, I spoke with a few of the visiting sisters and they expressed how they didn't want me to forget them. It was a nice feeling....they reallllly do appreciate me being their and helping the children.

I had to handwash my underwear the other day. It is considered unclean for you to send out your underwear to be laundered. I'm definitely throwing everything away that I brought here. I had to sit in the backyard with a bucket and soap. That was it!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an experience.

Last night the boys surprised us with a Valentine's Day song titled, "Happy F****** V-Day To You." It was hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tonight we are all headed to the local bar for my favorite.....cheese, chocolate, and wine!!! I'm very excited. Should be a much better Valentine's than last year, when I got a flat tire, then in an accident, then turned down a 1 way street.

After placement today, Michele, Brooke, and I had our feedback meeting with the directors of CCS. They expressed their sincere appreciation for everything we have done. It felt so good! They are such wonderful people and you can sense their gratefulness in their eyes. We gave them a few tips on things that could be improved, which they of course appreciated. It went very well.

Michele and I have pretend husbands here. Michele's is one of the drivers, Athmani, and mine is Kaleo, the local volunteer. Michele is the 2nd wife as Athmani's tribe promotes polygamy, but of course, I am the one and only. We have a good time joking around with eachother. Makes for a good laugh with everyone :)

We hung out with Sarah's, one of the staff members, boyfriend last night. He is a chef, so I asked if he cooks for Sarah. He said that he will never cook for her as it is not in their culture. I asked her about it today and she said that he would only cook for her if she was on her death bed. I couldn't believe it. He is a chef, but cannot cook for his girlfriend because it is not proper. Such a different life here. I have a deep appreciation for their culture, but could never live this way.

I am so excited for my last day. I think it may be a bit emotional for me, as I know I will never see those children again. I'm sure that they have impacted my life more than I have theirs. I have to run.....must go buy some socks and pencils for my last day.

The top picture is one of the girls cutting the lawn with a machete, below is me and Janet, then my teachers attempt of a picture of me and the class, then Anita(she sticks to me like glue and cries for her mom all day), then Gertrude with the new mop and bucket, then the boys singing their song. Enjoy!
Much love!!! XOXOXO

2 more days!

Yesterday was Michele's official b-day. I put a happy birthday sign on our door and taped it with band-aids, as I could not find proper tape. Anyone who has every received anything mildly creative from me knows how un-creative I actually am. Hahhaa, but she was thankful! School was fine yesterday, accept for Anita throwing up again. I am convinced that she either eats to much or the porridge upsets her stomach. I mentioned it to the teacher today and she just said that it is too hot for her...she has no idea what she is talking about. This language barrier killlllls me!

I delivered the mop and it was a success!!! Angel ran up behind me and hugged me tight.....they were very thankful, but a bit timid to use something new.

After school, Michele, Brooke, and I went to Upendo orphanage to play with the kids for a few hours. I met Ava, who I fell in love with. She is about 2...sooo sweet and wanted to be held the whole time. There was another volunteer there from Austria. She was so angry at the woman who work their because one of the little girls needed bigger shoes as she could barely walk because her shoes were so small. I really think that the workers are doing the best they can. They are with the children day in and day out and can only do so much. There is no possible way that they can cater to every child that needs attention. There just aren't enough hands. I went to the back again to visit the disabled children. There were 3 in the dark room, laying in their cribs. It absolutely broke my heart. I just held their hands and spoke to them in English....one of them even giggled, which warmed my heart a bit. I have always believed in hope, but for these children, I feel they have none. When they leave the orphanage, they will most likely be put in constitutions, and will have very short lives after. I will be going back with Michele on Friday to deliver food to the orphanage...should be an exciting afternoon!!

Jennifer delivered the soap and food to the Juvi Center that Michele had bought, and the kids were ecstatic!! They had to hide their soap from the warden so that he would not take it. It's such a sad place. They have no extra clothes and only get 1.5 hours out of their rooms a day. Many of these children have stolen to survive. It is a vicious cycle for them.

Last night, the chefs made an awesome cake for Michele, which tasted amazing!!!!!! Oh how I love chocolate!! We ventured to the local bar across the street for some wine and chit chat. When we made it back to our house, of course, the power was out. As they say...TAB(That's Africa Baby). :) Poor Michele can't sleep when the power is out because it is about 100 degrees in our room...I slept like a baby :)

I am quite frustrated with teaching. One of the visiting nuns came into my classroom while I was there alone, and realized that the kids were out of control. They wouldn't even listen to her...so she left and came back with a stick and started swatting. She told me that the only way they would listen was if I would hit them. I tried to explain that this is not the way we do things in America and I didn't feel right hitting the kids with the stick...I don't think she understood. I just wish I had another set of hands. One of the volunteers was supposed to come help me today, but got my hopes up as she wasn't able to make it. Thelma, one of the older ladies at the house, sees me everyday when I get home and seems to be the only one who understands how beat down I am. She explained it well.....I have no control over the classroom, can't communicate with the teachers or children, which makes me feel unuseful and horrible about myself. When I try really hard to think positively I know that I am helping....it's just so easy to see the negative. They have learned many english words from my flash cards, head, shoulder, knees, and toes, most of the alphabet song, some shapes, some colors, and how to write a few numbers. I know they have improved and love me being their to play games and give them attention, but it just doesn't feel enough. I found out today that I can't send them things from home because they have to pay a huge tax to receive packages. It seems the only way is to connect with other volunteers, send them money, and have them purchase things here to take to the school. It's never easy.

Time is winding down. I have 2 more days of school, which is very exciting! I will miss the kids , the staff, and the volunteers, but I am ready to continue my travels, and will most definitely be ready for home on the 29th of February. I can't wait to be clean!!!!!!!!!!! I am off for more errands....hope you enjoyed the pictures! Much love!!! XOXO

Arusha

Just made it back from Arusha early this morning. I had a good time. Ludovic picked me up on Friday night. My aunt pin pointed it when she said that Ludovic's personality is much like Leonardo Decaprio in the movie "Blood Diamond". He's the guy you would want to be with you if you were at war in Africa. We picked up a few beers to drink on our drive home...apparently that's the way to do it here...I've learned that there really are no laws in Tanzania. On the way back to Arusha our car overheated so we had to stop, in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, to put water in the radiator. I stayed in the car because we were surrounded by the Tanzanians who wanted to "help." I watched as Ludovic unscrewed the cap to the radiator, and was just holding my breath because even I knew that you never do that when the car is still hot. The cap exploded in the air, along with boiling hot water. Luckily, everyone was able to get out of the way. After the car cooled, we continued our CRAZY drive back. Ludovic is quite the driver, which means out of control. There was no slowing down for speed bumps or people crossing the street. I almost had a heart attack a few times. We made it safely to his house. We made some din din and chatted for most of the night. He told me of his crazy African stories. While he was in South Africa getting his pilots license, he and some of his buddies were sitting in their house when a group of African men charged through the door with guns. Ludovic and his friends were tied together and held at gunpoint while the gang took everything they had. Luckily no one was seriously injured. Recently, he was being followed by a UN vehicle, so he pulled over to see what the issue was. The people in the car had stolen the vehicle 30 minutes prior and pulled out a gun and pointed it at Ludovic, he said that he just ran and ran for as long as he could. He later found out that this gang was from Kenya and had killed a bartendar in Arusha and was going around the area stealing and mugging people. I was extremely paranoid after hearing all of this. You just never know around here.

Ludovic works for an American company as a charter pilot. He was called in to work on Sunday, so I hung out at the house, with time for myself, which was great!!!! His new roommate, Eugene, arrived later so we all went out for drinks and an amazing dinner. It was a good time. I had to be back at my house at 7:20 this morning so we all got up at 5:30 for them to bring me back. Soooooo nice of them to bring me as I reallllllly didn't want to take the bus.

Work was a bit rough today. Poor Zebron is in pain again. He wimpered all day long. He wouldn't let me clean his ear today so I held him and he fell asleep on my shoulder. It breaks my heart as he must be feeling so sick. There is absolutely nothing I can do in this situation, which is the hardest part. Michele is headed to buy food for the Juvi Center and the orphanage today. It seems that there is a mass shortage, so she is using some donation money for this, which is wonderful. We have this week to get everthing accomplished, so it will be a busy one to say the least. I really want to spend some more time at the orphanage, so I will try my best to get there in the afternoons. I'm hoping we will have time to go buy some socks for some of my kids and maybe some extra clothes as well. 4 more days of class. Time has just flown by. It's unbelievable. Much love to you all! XOXOXO

Mo-Town (Moshi)

The last few days have been pretty uneventful. School was as usual yesterday.....frustrating. I try to take deep breaths when the kids are out of control, but I still fill with rage. I was trying to contain one of my problem kids, then one of the little girls came up and started hitting him...so I just decided to let them duke it out. They wrestled on the floor for about 10 minutes....I think I might continue with this tactic. Hahha. I thought of something else to purchase with the donation money....pillows for the hospital. The only pillows they had when Lindsay was there was blankets, wrapped in sheets...it was like laying on a rock. Pillows would be a nice plus after someone has surgery or is infected with malaria. Speaking of, my friend Brooke has malaria in the house...we are all on edge!

Last night we all went out to a bar with a bunch of the locals, but I was feeling a bit off, so decided to make it an early night. I curled on the couch and watched Braveheart with a few of the volunteers....it was so nice to veg and not think about anything that is going on here.

Today we ventured to the Keys Hotel to lay by the pool. It was a perfect Saturday afternoon...even got some color which was needed very badly. Ludovic, my Uncle Daniel's nephew, is coming to pick me up from Arusha tonight. It's such a small world. We are going back to Arusha for the night...dinner and out on the town I am assuming. Should be fun I'm sure.

That's about all I have for now. All is good here. 1 more week of volunteering left. It is bittersweet. Much love!!

TAB (That's Africa Baby)

The last few days have been quite eventful. Tuesday night, many of us headed to a local bar, Glacier. We had a blast. We sipped on the local brew and some Kinyagi, which tastes like a mix of vodka and rum. A few of the local volunteers came, so we all got our groove on....let's just say that us white volunteers aren't the best dancers when dancing next to the locals...it was a funny site. I was able to spend some time talking with Kaleo, one of the local volunteers. He is 22 and just went back secondary school. Many of the volunteers are trying to help him pay for school fees and books. He is such a wonderful human being. He lives with his family, which consists of 6 siblings, and he has taken over running Watoto Rau, a nursery school. This school began under a tree and has evolved into about 25 to 30 children gathering in a mosque. One of the travel agents here just donated desks, and they are in the process of getting bathrooms installed. Kaleo was so proud to talk about the progress of his school. It's amazing how many of the Tanzanians give and give, when they themselves don't have much....hearts of gold.

Some of us were having such a great time that we decided to forget about our curfew at the house. I felt like I was in high school all over again when we showed up 2 hours late. We were tiptoeing into our rooms....we didn't get caught..whew!!!

Yesterday I spoke with Sister Cecilia and told her that the children do not listen to me and I need her help. She giggled and said that they do listen, I am a good teacher, the children just forget. I laughed back! She agreed to teach the last 30-45 minutes of math in Swahili, so at least that helps a teeny tiny bit. After school, we went to Arusha to sit in on the Rwanda trials. One of the trials has been going on since 2001.....they move very slowly here. This specific case was a woman and her son charged for genocide. It was an interesting experience.

I was able to talk to my parents the other night, for the first time since I have been there...I was sooooooo happy. They have been trying to call every day, but they were given the wrong numbers. It was so nice to hear familiar voices.

Today was another rough day. Sister Cecilia left me for about 45 minutes with all of the kids. They went bananas....when this happens, it is impossible to teach as I am holding crying Janet and running around saying hapana(no), kaa(sit), and nyamaza(be quiet). 2 of the 4 year olds got in a serious punching fight, but all I could do was break them up and put the instigator in the corner...of course he left the corner right when I turned my back. I told the teacher when she came in, but she looked at me like "so what." FRUSTRATION. I asked where she had been and she had gone down the street to a fire. She told me and the other teacher to go over there. It was soooo sad. I watched this house be burnt to the ground. Apparently a father and daughter were in an argument and she poured kerosine all over the house and lit it on fire. No one was hurt..thankfully.

I have been bugging them about the water situation, and today they said that the plumber was coming later today, so that is a plus. Making headway! I also asked about Zebron's ear again, and the mother had apparently taken him to the doctor. I notice that he is not in pain anymore, but it is still seeping and he has a deep deep cough. When he was a baby his eardrum was damaged and there was water sitting in it...that is the only thing I could understand in this conversation. I am assuming that he has permanent damage, but I'm not sure to what extent. My next goal is to figure out a better situation for the 10 year old boy. He seems to be very smart and catches on quickly, so I am going to speak with the staff at the house to see if they can talk to the teachers for me. He should not be in a nursery school at the age of 10, just because he has a mental disability. Once the water is fixed, I am going to have the teacher have a discussion about being sanitary. This will be exciting!! When I get home from school everyday, I run to the bathroom to wash my hands with soap and the water from my hands is brown from holding so many little hands. I realize that kids play in the dirt, pick their noses, and do many other disgusting things with their hands, but I just think that if some of them wash their hands before putting them in their mouths, this may save some of them from sickness. I spoke with Michele today about buying some of my kids socks(they all have huge holes in their socks) and extra clothes for the school when they pee their pants or get sick on themselves. I realize this is not a necessity, but it still makes a tiny difference. I plan to buy a mop next week for the teachers. Every day, before porridge, they get on their knees and wash the floors of the classrooms with rags and a bucket of water...I figured a mop would make their lives a bit easier. I feel like if I can get these things accomplished, I will have done all that I can.

I am reading the book "Giving" by Bill Clinton. I highly recommend reading this book....it is extremely positive and definitely gives me a little boost of hope every day.

After school today, Michele and I booked our flights to Zanzibar for the week after our trip. We decided to go back as we felt we didn't have enough time there and it was also our cheapest option. It will be so nice to relax and reflect on the beach for 6 days after our volunteering experience.

The top picture is the 10 year old, Justini, and my 2 troublemakers, the one below that is Janet, she is almost 2...she got tired and decided to take a nap on the ground, below that is my Zabron...I sit him here daily to clean out his ear..I can't believe he smiled for me!, below that is color time, below is my extreme troublemaker who was trying to shoot a rubberband at my head today with his pencil...his socks need some help, and the last one is a few of the volunteers and Brooke, Michele, Michelle, and me. Gotta run...there isn't enough time in a day. Much love to you all! XXOXOXO!

Brick Wall

I'm quite discouraged today. I had a meltdown in class today...the teacher left me with 45 students today because she had to speak with a parent. The kids went absolutely insane...kicking, hanging on me, screaming, pushing, hitting....this is all while I am trying to get them to understand the concept of numbers. I was absolutely enraged and wanted to spank them all...don't worry..I refrained, but I have come to my limit and must ask for help now. I have been putting this off, thinking that I can handle it, but now I know I can't. I am like a substitute teacher to them, so they do not listen, and when they do, it is only when the teacher walks around with a swatting stick and actually translates for me. I am constantly carrying crying children in my arms. We have also accepted a 10 year old boy into our class....I asked the teacher why he can't go to a special school for disabled children and her only response was that he likes to play with smaller children....NOT A GOOD IDEA!!!!!!!! There is nothing I can do about it, as I do not want to step on anyone's toes. I love the kids and understand that they are young and just want attention, but I wish I had some assistance.

When I got home for lunch.....I realized that everyone had similar days to mine....we are all emotionally beat. Mona works at the juvi detention center and is just beside herself. There is nothing anyone can do to help these kids. She said that one of the kids wanted her to talk to his dad to apologize for him....many of these kids have stolen food to survive or simply do not want to go to school. There is one kid who has murdered and another who has raped. It is such a sad place. Holly, one of my roommates, feels that there is no hope. She works with a women's group where they are all infected with HIV/AIDS. She has began teaching their children english....the children that do not pass their exams do not get to go to secondary school, therefore, they are done. The families can't affored tutors, so they are unable to continue with their education. Brick wall.

We were discussing the orphanages the other night and realized that none of us know where the kids go after they are kicked out of the orphanges at age 5 or 6. Some of the volunteers have asked the workers, and all they say is that it is very sad what happens to them. We are pretty sure that they are just sent to the streets to fend for themselves. It is absolutely apalling.

Many people warned me that I would reach a place like this, but I didn't realize it would feel this awful to feel like there is absolutely nothing that you can do to help besides give hugs, smiles, and attention. I brought soap to the school today, but when I went to put it in the bathroom, I realized that the kids have no running water...again..I couldn't believe it. Looks like I will be sending hand sanitizer despensers instead. The kleenex was definitely a hit though....yay for that!!! Poor Zabron still has his ear infection...it is unbelievable. I am constantly cleaning out his poor ear and trying to make him laugh...I have attached a picture of him above.

I have to run out....we have a meeting about our event for tomorrow......we are going to Arusha tomorrow to watch the Rwanda trials. Should be very interesting. XOXOXO!

Zanzibar

Hi there! Just got back from a great weekend in Zanzibar last night. We flew out early early on Saturday morning. We had a driver pick us up at the airport and take us to our hotel in Stone town. We had the choice of staying in Stone town, or the other side of the island, which is more resort-like. We opted for Stone town, since it was much cheaper and it was difficult to justify spending $175 per night, since we are living around soooo much extreme poverty. Our hotel was a little less than wonderful, but the sheets were clean, they had air conditioner, it was a great location, and free breakfast!! After we arrived we headed out for the city tour, which we definitely could have done without. Our guide was more interested in his cell than us....and we are pretty sure that he just memorized the whole tour in english, but doesn't understand english all that well. Stone town is very poor and every building is crumbling. They want to keep the buildings historical so they do not restore anything. After the tour we beached it. Zanzibar is an amazing place. At night we went to an amazing seafood dinner....I think they must have some of the best in the world. We then ventured to the bar across the street from our hotel since it is not safe to be out past 11. We quickly realized that the people of Zanzibar do not want to be apart of Tanzania, so there are many political uprises here....sorry dad!!!...but we didn't experience any of that while we were there. Sunday morning we headed to the northeast of the island, which was absolutely amazing!!!!!!!! I've never seen anything like it...white sand, clear water, few people....sooo beautiful!!! We wished that we had stayed on that side of the island. Michele and I are contemplating going back during our last week as we found out today that the price to fly to Mauritius is more than our flight here.

Today was a rough day at my placement. There were over 40 kids today and I just couldn't keep track. Apparently all of the sick ones are back, and they are overpowering me. It is alll very frustrating, but I am doing all I can do...and that I know. After placement Michele and I went to town and purchased many boxes of tissue, soap, paper, pencils, sharpeners, rulers, workbooks etc. Many people have donated to the fund so we are stalking up for the kids. I cannot wait to bring the tissue and soap tomorrow. I am going to have the teacher explain the importance of washing hands after going to the bathroom. I think this could save the kids from a lot of sickness. I see them walking out of the bathroom with their hands soaking wet with their pee, then put their hands in their mouth. I think I am going to work to send some soap dispencers, toilet paper, and driers to my school after I get home. This would make a huge difference in their health. It is the little things like this that we take fore granted.

I'm absolutely exhausted....it could be partly from my horrific sunburn, but I'm sure these kids are wearing me down...in a good way :) It seems that the malaria is spreading....I am pouring on the deet a few times a day...fingers crossed. I am being stared at, so I must say goodbye. Much love...buzus!!!!!!

TGIF :)

Hey there...I was finally able to load some pics. At least you have an idea what I am up to and can have some visuals in your mind when I write my blog. This morning, Michele and I went to St. Joseph's hospital to be with Lindsay. Let's just say, this hospital was less than great. I couldn't even believe it. On the bright side, the nurses were very nice and attentive to Lindsay and the surgery went great. We were able to bring her home with us this afternoon..thank goodness!! Apparently many of the patients get malaria in the hospital as the mosquitos pass it from one patient to the other. Before we left, they wheeled in a woman who had just had surgery. They asked me and Brittany if we could help lift her and put her in the bed...I couldn't believe it!!!!!!!! So of course I helped....she was a bigger woman and 4 of us managed to lift her over to the head, but unfortuneatly we banged her head against the headboard on the way....wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. She was completely naked and exposed to us....so much for privacy in hospitals...they have none! Lindsay said that some tourists even came into her room to look at her. There is no such thing as a front desk and they most definitely do not serve food to the patients. It is the responsibility for the family members and friends to bring meals. It was quite an experience. I am headed back to the house for din din and possibly a night out on the town. We head for Zanzibar tomorrow morning at 5:30. I need some color on this skin of mine!! Buzus to you all! Keep the emails coming...puts a smile on my face :)