Thursday we went to Neema orphange dubbed the baby farm by former volunteers. It was babies everywhere, it was great that we were able to cuddle and hold the babies, who are well taken care of, but can only get so much one on one time from the nurses and staff. Every volunteer 25 of us had a baby or toddler to hold. One of them was only 7 days old. It was sad since they are all orphans most due to their parents dying of aids. Also it was sad because when we had to leave after 2 hours we all just put our babies down and they all cried. We had a special acrobatic performance back at the house too. It wasa a busy day. On friday I went to a a placement with anoter girl since my was a no go. It was an orphanage where they homeschool the kids until 7 yrs. It was interesting, and made me appreciate my placement more. The poor kids were just copying, they didn't understand what they were doing. For you teacher people -they had no comprehension of the concept of subtraction. I used little toy gorillas to help explain one on one, but it was a challenge. And when he had done some right and was starting to understand, the teacher said he did't double space it and made him erase the whole page. I stood up for him, but he still had to erase it. Sigh.

Yestersday lots of people went out clubbing but it was a big hasell since curfew is 11pm and they had to get a hotel room. I jsut stayed home and relaxed, it was good since I was very tired. Today, we had a very lazy morning, it's nice since we work hard all week and never sleep in. Then after lunch people came home and a bunch of us took off to the art market- I bargained down a painting from 12000 to 8000. only 8 dollars. It's lovcely and the man I bought it from actually painted it, and it's of Chagga people and he's chagga I love it. I have lots of time to get mroe, but I am being very careful to only buy stuff I really love and not just stuff. You want anything????

Alright, we're doing a day hike of kili tomorrow since I can't do the whole thing. It will be a taste of smoething to come back for. I'll let you know how it goes, I'm off now to shop a little more. Talk to you all soon. Missing you guys today.

Hugs, Laura

PS: The more comments you write the more I love you.

written by  Laura Collins on October 4, 2008 from Moshi, Tanzania
from the travel blog: My Adventure in Tanzania
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hey babe
sounds like you're still having the time of your life over there. you better stil come home sometime!!!! things are quiet over here but moving along i'm 8 more weeks of practicum to go! shelley and i are counting down! it's been busy for sure but anything is better than ubc right now!

thinking about doing a little skiing this year on Cypress with Shannon - you should come with us when you get back!

written by  karen on October 4, 2008

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Hey you,
It's great reading all these updates, and even greater to hear you're having so much fun learning more about Chagga and Masai cultures. Something I found a little bit frustrating when I went to Monduli was the teacher/student interaction, and the way in which students are (for lack of a better word) "forced" to learn. I totally identify with you, but I hope you'll get used to it soon.
Have a blast on Kili, Laura. I'm thinking of you! Hugs, Sandra

written by  Sandra B on October 5, 2008

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the BABY farm???? i winced when i read that... :S
on one hand it sounds so amazing that you get to see all the animals in the wild up close, free of bars....and the rain, i hear the rain in africa is amazing...it's brown and dry one day, and then it rains and the next day it's beautiful and green...u'll have to let me know if that's true!
and then on the other hand you see the baby orphans because their parents have died from aids and it just makes me sad.

Ur time in Africa sounds so wonderful, but i'm sure that it's also tough to see bad things....looking forward for ur next posts....

miss youuu!
and yes ski/board in dec, maybe a trip down to the states cuz karen and i have the entire month off???

written by  shannon on October 5, 2008

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Laura, nice work on the blog. Pretty sad business, AIDS anywhere, but particularly in lots of Africa. Sorry. Glad the other less grim parts of the trip are interesting and cool as well.

Hope you are having a good time. I was talking to your Pops this morning in church and he mentioned your blog. I like him just fine. He asked me how many guitars I have and so I started talking music with him. I don't think maybe what we listen to intersects much!

We'll say prayers for you.

Bruce McIver

written by  Bruce McIver on October 5, 2008

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Hey hun,

It's great to read what you are getting up to. It sounds like you are having an amazing experience and getting to see it all, even though some of it can be sad. I wish I was there seeing it all too. All is well in London, Clare was here this weekend for Dad's birthday and we had a good time. She will be here when you come back this way in November and is looking forward to seeing you. I'm counting down the days until my trip! Take care and try out that Banana beer!! xx

written by  Jenny Laver on October 6, 2008

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Wow wow wow!!! It sounds so amazing- visiting the Crater, seeing all the animals up close, bargaining at the market, and learning all about life on another continent. Despite the babies crying at your departure I'm sure the extra care could only be appreciated. We have Brian Rude (missionary to AIDS patients in El Salvador) visiting the seminary this week so I am keenly aware of that tradgedy going on in our midst. Sometimes it's too easy to become disconected on this continent... I enjoy learning and re-connecting in your blog!

Love and hugs from me and Trevor!

written by  Jane and Trevor on October 7, 2008

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