Just another Monday...

Wow what a great weekend! Lots of new experiences- lots of fun and not a lot of sleep thanks to my mean friend- known as- jet lag.
There are several other girls here that have been here awhile and one is going back to the states soon so we made a trip to one of the malls in the city. Then to a movie- National Treasure 2- I never saw the first one- but this one was indeed very good. Saturday morning I had my “orientation” and got the run down of the rules of the home and the school and what they would like for me to do.
M-F I’ll be helping with the PE classes at the school (grades PreK and K) and then walking back to the home with the Preschool class and helping there in the afternoons. So my day will only be from 8:30-4, unless I choose to stay longer. Most days I will stay through dinner and help with coordinating chores and such- but until I start to get adequate sleep I’m already beat by about 2pm. (waking up before 6 each morning isn’t much fun) Then on Saturdays I’ll be in the home with all the children from 11a-8p. It’s not the early shift so for that I’m thankful!
This week, as of Wednesday I’ll be traveling to the other children’s home on the southern most island and will stay there until Friday. Jeff and Colene were going down, and because I’m going with all the kids and am the only volunteer as of now to be staying the entire month with them- they thought it would be good for me to scope out the place and meet the staff they have there. So I’ll do my normal Saturday when I return and then rest on Sunday.
I’ve been to a small veggie and fruit market that’s right down the road- I’ve gotta say the cucumber and mango- oh man the mango is soooo delicious! I’m excited to try the pineapple tonight! I believe I am going to stay in the condos with Kim, next door to the Longs, but I’m not entirely sure yet. I could stay there or with the kids in the home- I think I’m suppose to decide tonight- so stay tuned for my exact location!
I’ve already got a dentist appointment for Today, of which I am very excited about. I loved Dr. Diane last time I was here- and it’s definitely time to see her again ☺

A few fun and interesting things I’ve observed- for you to think about:
-So children in the states- specially in 5-7 years old hate cleaning their own plates- and wouldn’t dream of having to eat off someone else’ s plate- but what about someone else’s leftovers? Well- I guess kids that have had a former life on the streets still cling to old habits when the lunch is just that good- Little Darwin when putting his dish away scooped up what was left of the child previous to him to stack their dish and ate up! He just looked up at me and smiled ☺

Anyway- So I went back to the house for the afternoon and was given the job of cutting the girls’ hair once word got out that I have cut hair in the past. Thankfully all the girls have very long hair- so it was pretty easy. I’ve never had such a crowd of kids gathered around to watch and get so excited about a hair cut! So much fun!! Once I can transfer pics from my camera I will post them here. :) I ended up cutting some of the volunteer’s hair as well- their trial with the philippino beautician was less than successful so I guess they were brave enough to give me a shot- and I ust say It was done in great success!!

Hopefully I sleep better tonight- I’ve moved in to live with Kim. I’ll go to the other home on the south island Wed. and not come back till Friday- so I should have lots of good stories then.

Thank you for all the prayers and support and encouragement! One of these days- maybe I’ll feel normal again. ☺

Tessa