This morning I got up at 7:30, just as Joe was leaving. I had breakfast and then Melania our houselady arrived at 8. She did the dishes while I took my shower. It rained a lot last night which was unusual because the rainy season is over.
I took my bike to Amani, hoping the mud wouldn't be too bad. It was! I made it half way but then the mud got thick and sticky. Walking with my bike I couldn't get more than 10 steps before the wheels gummed up and stopped rolling. Mud-flicking-stick in hand I began the slow climb to Amani. Then I gave up and called Joe to come help me! Just then two little girls came to help too. They used their little fingers to pick out the mud, and when that didn't work the three of us carried it until Joe came and saved the day.
Once at Amani I scraped off as much mud as I could (from me and the bike) and headed upstairs. I missed the education meeting I was on my way to so I went directly to the playroom. A short-term volunteer had opened it up for the morning. The playroom has by default kind of become my area since all of my art supplies are kept there. Its not always a responsibility I'm eager to take! Generally the first thing any kid will say to me at any time is "mchezo"? Which means "toys?"
When you open the playroom this is what happens: Some how all the kids know you are about to open it so about twenty of them gather around the door in a semi-not-really-line. The first task is to take out the Fussball table and the mini-bicycles. This can be so chaotic, especially if there is only one adult. Basically when you open the door they just storm in, all hoping to score a bike. Meanwhile others trying to get the fussball table out through the too-small door. It was bound to happen sooner or later and sadly, today a leg broke off the Fussball table.
On the up side, the playroom is in the process of a total makeover! Previously the room was lined with large tables with all of the toys laid out on them. Not a good use of space. We just got two huge shelving units made and things are looking so much better! I have a cupboard with doors full of art stuff and now we have these two big shelves for toys. We are going to leave two big tables with benches and now be able to use it as a classroom as well.
While cleaning through stuff I found some face paint and couldn't resist. The kids are looking much more colorful today! Unfortunately I don't have my camera... There are quite a few cheetahs running around though! The younger kids all wanted colorful masks or cheetah spots, the older ones wanted snakes down their arms and flaming skulls and crossbones! All of them were happy for a Tanzanian flag!
Plus! at lunch Joe told me Damiano, one of the older kids had washed my bike! I went down to check it out and it is like new. So nice!
Its 5pm now and Joe has some late visitors who he is giving the tour. Then we'll be ready to head home. Melania cooked us vegetable curry for dinner so we have an easy relaxing night ahead.
