Monday, January 11, 2016

After a quite early breakfast, we focused our attention on loving our enemies and praying to God that they will be forgiven during our daily devotion time. This was followed by a looooong drive to Arusha, where we took a bumpy dirt road to a small private primary English medium school. The director and founder warmly welcomed us with delicious English-style hot tea and “biscuits” (tasty chocolate cookies!), while we discussed the history and progress of the school. The school was started in 2011 with only 2 teachers, 24 students, and one classroom building, and now has grown to 117 pupils, 12 staff members, and multiple school buildings. Due to it being a non-government, private school, its funds come from sponsors who donate $25/month per child to cover their schools needs which include their mandatory school uniform, shoes, school stationary supplies, and meals while at school, in addition to school operating fees and teachers’ wages. Unfortunately, as we listened to Ian, we learned that the school does not have any electricity or running water; solely relying on collected rain water for cooking and drinking.

Once we got acquainted with the school grounds, we divided into groups to provide medical treatment, eye exams, and school uniform distribution. Dr. Sue was able to perform visual acuity tests via picture charts to the students who were suspected to have vision problems, and gave donated glasses to those children needing visual assistance. So cute and humbling to hear the kids describe the pictures Dr. Sue pointed to…and of course a selfie in their new glasses was a hit as well! As one group focused on eyes, another NP student group provided tinea capitus treatment (a common fungal infection of the scalp) and gave medical care to children complaining of other minor ailments. Lastly we had a group sorting, dispensing, and dressing the new pupils whom just started school today. All other pupils returned to school today after their 5-6 week “Christmas break.” Speaking of Christmas, the director stated that all of our donations given to him today felt “like Christmas.” Our donations to the school included school supplies, shoes and socks, toys, and soccer equipment.

Although we could spend all day with these well-mannered adorable pupils, it was time to head to our next stop, an orphanage in Arusha. We were greeted by some of the women who were called by God to start and run the orphanage. This orphanage has only been open for a year, and currently houses 10 children from the surrounding villages. Our visit was short but sweet, as several of the children were still in class for the day. This didn’t keep us from sharing toys, supplies, and a water purifier for those whom we met with. The happiness we saw on the kids’ faces playing with stuffed animals was worth our long, dusty, and bumpy travels!

Reflecting on all that we have experienced today, we realized the hardships they face in their daily lives. We are able to see their lives as standbyers, but will never be able to understand the full effect of their struggles.

Stay warm, family & friends in the chilly Midwest!

Lauren & Sara

“Sisi ni wale watu wenya tumaini kwa watu wale wenye shida.”

“We are the people to bring hope towards the needy/underprivileged/less fortunate.”