Well it's been a crazy few days at Masindi, very amazing and overwhelming at the same time. We went to Masindi Family Spirit Orphanage and met all the kids and teachers. There is such a beautiful family atmosphere there and the kids are SO cute! I always have 6 hanging off my arm at once. They all want to hold my hands and feel my white skin. It's so easy to make them smile.
We've been riding on the back of motorbikes (they're called boda bodas) to the orphanage and back. Sometimes we walk back. Yesterday I drove on the motorbike and my cap flew off and then it started pouring with rain so he had to pull into a shelter, and then someone stole my hat i think, so I don't have it anymore lol. Oh well.
I've been teaching maths and english to year 3 and 4 at the orphanage and it's been fun; challenging at the same time because they don't speak much english, so trying to explain activities is difficult! But it's awesome when they get it.
I have heard some amazing and heart-breaking stories. Everyone here has a story. There are about 13 kids at the orphanage who are HIV positive, and you can tell because they are so thin and their eyes are sunken in. One girl is only 7 years old. It makes you wonder what they must be thinking and how they cope. There is a lot of stigma attached to AIDS here and so much abuse and neglect of children with AIDS.
Masindi orphanage is doing an amazing job and really helping these kids. Some of the stories of the kids are awful, but they are doing so well at the orphanage.
Sarah has looked after us really well through VSN and has been a huge help in adjusting to the culture. I would definitely reccomend VSN to anyone because volunteering individually in Uganda can be very overwhelming at first, and VSN provides professional and personal support.
It's been really hot but our guesthouse is really nice, it's called Karibuni guesthouse and it's a really good place.
So much has happened I probably won't remember everything to write in this blog, and sorry if the photos are a bit dark.
You are giving them more then just a smile, you are showing them through your actions that someone loves them and cares for them. This is a feeling that can't be taken away! The children are so lucky to have the time with you and thank you for showing them love and extending a kind hand!
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