The Three C's

Yesterday was a great day because of how much closer I became with many of the LOAMO staff and students in the classroom.  I never had anything less than a smile on my face.

In between subjects, Class 3 and I had the opportunity to play the game ‘Simon Says.’

Every person in the room, including Madam Juliet the teacher, was completely into every move.  Everyone was laughing at me, and smiling together.  I have never seen so much love and happiness in any room.  Seeing how happy the kids were learning a game I played when I was their age made my day.

Yesterday, Gitte and I got the opportunity to give a girl in Class 3, Noela, clothing that was donated.  After pulling out a dress and a pair of socks, that would be common in the US, she already had her hands over her mouth as if she was about to cry.  We continued to give her clothes, and she became even more grateful.  When we finished giving her clothes, I could tell she was close to tears.  I couldn’t blame her though, because I was as well.  She hugged both of us and her satchel was so filled with her new clothes it wouldn’t even close.

Today, at the school, I told the pupils of Class 3 that our group would be leaving on Friday. They asked me if we really had to leave.  I explained that although the school has been fantastic, we missed our friends and family back home.  Some of the students pleaded for me to bring my family back and stay there forever.  I told them if I could I would.  (Transition)  It is amazing to see how much we have impacted them and their education after only a few days of being in their classrooms.

After school today, I got the opportunity to go on a second home visit.  This was the home of two students at LOAMO, a boy in Kinder, Miguel, and a boy in Class 4, Meejooly.  Last year in late June, the boys’ father passed away after being sick with Meningitis for two days.  Their mother, Rachel, is a very strong, kind lady.

Unlike many of the other home visits, Rachel makes 250,000 shillings a month, equivalent to 156 American dollars.  She pays for both of the boys’ schooling, the house rent, food and a house girl. 

On their wall is a picture of her deceased husband.  From the picture, the way she welcomed us, and how she treats her children, you can tell how much love and care is in their household. You could feel it as soon as you walked in and it was inspiring to see.

Without the income of Salaman, the husband, they had to move and completely change their style of life although that is inevitable. She told us they struggled before, but now they have a different kind of hardship.

The three C’s:  Charming, Cheery, and Charismatic.  These are three traits my mom wants me to have because she finds them so valuable.  I see these traits in everyone here.  It is amazing to see that because it is so rare at home, to have all three.  It is inspiring because it is not only changing my perspective on how people live and treat others, but it is changing my perspective on the world around me.