This morning we woke up at 3:00 AM, confused at the time.
I didn't sleep very well even though I was so tired.
I was excited and anxious, and there were about 30 dogs outside my window
barking all night long.
We got up and spent the day at St. Augustine school in Arusha.
It was filled with hundreds of beautiful children learning and studying
together. There was a beautiful church that had been under construction
for 13 years next to the school with beautiful stained glass windows.
Two cows roamed the grounds and were used for fresh milk for the kids.
Sister Beatrice took our group to EVERY class in the school
(it took several hours) to meet all the children.
Christian and I got to teach a class to a group of 4-5-year-old children.
Oh my gosh! These were the CUTEST kids ever!
We sang primary songs, played games, and the kids recited the Lord's
prayer for us (at level 1000).
The children wanted to know why my pinkie was missing and why I was
burned. They were so concerned and asked lots of questions.
They touched my scars and my face, and I showed the children
photos of the Nies back home.
They were amazed, especially by Jane and Lottie and their
orange hair! They also were fascinated by Angus!! They had never
seen anything like that before!
A lot of the people here live in poverty but are so happy.
They are radiant and joyful.
They taught me a good lesson about true happiness.
It's not about things that bring us joy; it's about people and experiences.
It's about God and His grace; the children here prove that daily,
and I was so touched and inspired.
This trek is going to be made into a documentary film
and everything is being filmed and documented.
That will be cool once it comes out later next year.
After lunch, we went to St. Joseph's hospital in Moshi.
K2 Adventure Foundation is helping to sponsor and maintain this facility.
It's incredible to see the quality of
health care compared to the quality we receive
in the United States. I am so very thankful!
Our group helped make bricks for future hospital additions,
painting, cleaning and worked the front desk checking in patients.
Since we had several healthcare professionals with us, they were
able to examine patients and train the staff.
Christian and I cut up gauze and sanitized the surgical tools.
To end the day, we visited Summit Happy Home, where several lucky
children were cared for.
The children get beds, clothing, 3 meals a day, and loving teachers and staff
to support and care for them, transportation to school, and
toys to play with.
K2 foundation supports this orphanage for
displaced children left to survive on their own.
They even have an orphanage dog to play with!
Before leaving, we painted our hands and signed our names on the wall
at the entry of the orphanage.
I hope to go back again one day with my own children.
It was a long day of service and love.
Tomorrow we begin our adventure!
This is what I eat every day:
It's pretty bland, but I am so worried I am going to get sick
and won't be able to hike (we've had at least three from our group get
deathly ill, and one had to drop out).
