Happy Dance

When there are good days, or slightly less emotional days I must write. I have been getting more comfortable with the children in my class, we play puzzle games, have story time and sing songs. Despite some learning delays in several children these kids are very bright, and they love to learn. I am also learning some Afrikaans, one of the 11 official languages of South Africa, from my class. I still struggle to understand what many of the children; including the older ones are saying to me. These children are absolutely little bundles of joy and brighten up many parts of my day. Today I learned that I cannot adopt several of the kids in my class because they will be returning to their family. *Does happy dance!!!* Many parents who place their children in Christine Revell’s Children home is because hardships have fallen on the family and they want to provide a better means for the child. It is a relief to know that the families are being reunited and whole once again. I cannot contain the joy that fills my heart knowing that there are many happy endings to a sad beginning.

I have been feeling slightly food sick, it’s kind of like home sick but with food. I miss all the artificial ingredients, MSG, processed foods and many other unhealthy things that are home to many Americans. It is very difficult going into a store and not recognizing any brands that are on the shelfs. I tried to pick up Ritz Crackers or something very similar and I ended up with this healthy, wheat, cracker. To my dismay I was very disappointed. The inability to knowing exactly what I am buying, leaves an uneasy feeling in my stomach. The food is very healthy in South Africa, it’s not processed as much and there are a lot more options for healthy eating.  Besides missing the unhealthy food I am doing very well in South Africa. The volunteers at my host house rented a car so we are officially driving on the other side of the road.

Something Amazing is working very hard to figuring out ways for individual persons, businesses and churches to donate in order to help the orphanage. Due to the high cost of mailing packages we may be forced to take monetary donations. 100% of the donations will be going to the orphanage. We are still in the process of figuring out the best solution and avenue of helping. More information is to come, I just want to keep everyone update.

Until Next time

Stay awesome,

Jill