Day deux

Well, today started off swell. Woke up and brushed my pearly whites. We went down to breakfast at 7. We could not find bowls to use so we brought our plates and thought we will figure it out if we have cereal and it will probably be eggs, something hardy. We were right, starchy that expands in our stomachs and makes you bloated and full... white rice and black beans. Ashleigh made a point that it was our first time eating rice and beans for breakfast. I also fell bad for Ashleigh, she has to hang around me, the gas ball! Black beans makes me a little toxic. We finished our tummy expanding meal and went to get really ready for the day. We discussed it and we were going to talk to Alsindoor (the cook) and ask for smaller portions. It has to happen or I am going to look pregnant and have a green gas bubble following me! My stomach as grown in size from all the starch and fiber. We then ventured into the kids' rooms and helped feed them. Lazar was my victim. Poor guy, he was wearing a lot of the rice and beans. Lasar just laughed at me and smiled during the entertainment. After I wiped the meal off of everywhere, we wheeled the kids onto the porch area. There are 31 kids here and I would say about 15 or so are in wheelchairs. Let me paint you a picture, this house is two stories and they put plywood over the steps, there is also a 180 degree turn that you have to make when on the steps. So, I opted not to attempt to wheel anyone down the ramp of death. Might I add, it gets slippery when wet. I instead lifted wheelchairs up some stairs. Less nerve racking, plus I got an arm and back workout. We made it to the porch and some workers pulled out the bongos. I thought to myself this is looking more like my kinda party. They started to pound away on the drums and we danced and spun each other and rolled around in the puddles on the dance floor. This is my favorite time, watching kids have no hesitation and know that no one is judging. I let go and danced my heart out. Ashleigh and I broke sweats! We spun and learned a new dance move that I am excited to break out. Once done getting down, we brought everyone back to the rightful rooms and we went upstairs to read about each child. We read their stories, backgrounds, and difficulties. It is all written in a positive light and they have all increased their quality of life by being here. I got sleepy so I took a nap and woke up for lunch, of course. I don't like skipping meals. We went to our main man, Alsindoor. He wasn't ready so we sat and talked with him and Nadia. Nadia made fun of Alsindoor by calling him the "man Chief." I love their sense of humor here! So pure and silly. We didn't get a chance to ask for smaller portions and now that we befriended Alsindoor, he really hooked a couple of sisters up with even more rice! So, we got our plates full of delicious rice and wait wait, bean Broth! We got a couple of pieces of mystery fish again. We ate it up and felt just as stuffed. We helped feed some kids and I was privileged enough to get Lazar again. At least this time he actually got some food in his mouth! I was taking notes from the Caregivers on technique and style. The new challenge was giving him some fruit juice. Dang it, right when I finally got a hand on the food situation, they challenge me again. We will have to work on pouring fruit juice. Lasar, again, thought I was pretty funny and laughed with me and clapped and gave me a couple of pounds and high fives! Great sport. Ashleigh and I hung up our spoons and went on our own excursion out of the barbed wired doors. We went up the street and down the streets. I heard "deux blanches" (two whites) couple of times, but we got a lot of "salutes" and "Hellos." I feel kinda famous, except for the lack of autographs, we were stared at the entire time, but everyone who was staring said hello and had smiles. So friendly in this part of the world, I'll tell you what. Well almost, We walked by a couple of 10 year old boys and one yelled, "I love you, baby." and in the same breath, "F you B." Now I really know how famous people really feel, minus the autographs. We got back to the compound and hung out with the kids and I brushed up on my Creole and sign language. Both very useful here. We called it a day but realized we haven't even attempted the shower situation yet. We analyzed our task and poured water into the camp shower bag. The water we shower with is the same we flush toilets with. Keep your mouth shut while showering. Once it was full I was lucky enough to go first and I got in there. I appreciate powerful shower heads more than ever! I had to get in the squat position, because the shower nozzle is hanging down to my stomach, and let the water trickle onto my head. Felt refreshing having chilly water run down my body. Ashleigh's turn, I heard and small, "OH... it is cold." We accomplished our showers for the week. I am now getting ready for bed and I just finished brushing my teeth while being serenaded by Porky (I named the neighbor's pig). Good night and sleep well, Porky gets rowdy at night. Nocturnal pig I guess.

Our pink castle!

Note the horned cow