Bubbles

Kids are amazing ya know? They have strengths and abilities that adults will never have. Ive seen kids here carrying large jugs of water on their back so they can take care of their daily activities. I've watched how the older kids take care of the younger students at the deaf school and become their family, mentor and friends which most of the students dont have anywhere else because no one seems to understand the deaf community here. Everyday I see kids(both hearing and deaf) who are so happy despite their life and conditions.

There's a little girl here, Jambi is her name. She's 6.5 yrs old but is barely bigger than my 3 year old brother here. Her mother and father were addicted to drugs and wanted to throw her away but luckily her grandmother took her in(my host mom says when she first came there are belly was huge because of some disorder she had and her head was full of wingworms but she got her medicine and now she is much better). And by took her in I mean they now live in the local slum 2seconds by my house. They along with her aunt, uncle and 2 cousins do most of their business outside:laundry,bathroom, and cooking on a ... I cant remember the name but its basically 3 stones set up so you can put the pot or pan on top and the sticks to create fire under it. The little girl really wanted to go to school(they start class one here at 5 years old) and no one had any intention of putting her in it. She came to my host mother and asked her so my mother now saves 250 shillings($2.50 USD) and pays for her schooling each month.

Well all of this to say that this girl is as happy as any child that has it all in the States. Which reminded me of how much I love the innocence of children. Before they realize the expectations of the world and how their lives somehow dont measure up they simply enjoy life. i gave my brother and Jambi a container of bubbles that i got from target before I left.Simple halloween bubble necklace, 3 in a pack for one dollar. these kids laughed and scream EVERY single time the bubbles came out the wand.This uncontrollable laughter lasted a good 30 mins. It was amazing and after a day of uncomfortable heat, constant confusion that went along with attending the deaf church, and a little pms this is what I needed to turn my day around. I dont want to sound like the typical american that goes abroad and realizes how much they have because I would like to think Ive always been pretty thankful for the things l was given growing up but looking at these children and knowing their lives and their futures and seeing them happy despite all of this. I truly believe that we have very little to complain about.

I just want to love all of these kids so much haha. Esp Jambi ahhh she makes my heart melt. Dont be surprised if I bring a little person back with me to the states. Ill leave all of my clothes and stuff them in my duffle bag:)
On another note we find out our site in 2 days, one day earlier than we expected and next weekend we actually get to visit current PC volunteers in the field for a week. Im so excited to leave Machakos and just feel like an adult again as well as see what I will be doing for the next 2 years. Yay!