Nkwagala nyo!

Today is Tuesday.  I leave on Friday.  Only 2 more full days with the children that I've come to love so dearly.

I've come to love them all a lot more than I had ever expected.  Truthfully, 2 weeks ago, I saw most of these kids as just bickering troublemakers with snotty noses and wet diapers.  Now, God has definitely given me His heart for his children.  Lately, I've found myself jumping up to wipe off the snotty faces, or realizing when someone is about to wet themselves...helping them run to the bathroom to go "su-su" before it's too late.  The child that causes trouble just wants my attention, the one who barrels into me from across the room just wants some love.  They are all so beautiful; God's beautiful children.

Here at Amani I co-teach preschool with another volunteer.  I have come to love this so very much.  At nine o'clock am we ring the bell for preschool to start.  Our 9 students, and sometimes some extra toddlers that get swept up in the crowd, come running into the classroom with huge smiles and even more excitement.  We sing songs, read a Bible story, as well as a few other books, and then sit down for writing/coloring time.  We are currently on the letter L - like the "llllllla" in "Auntie Lydia".  Then we have snack time, and finally time to play games, write with chalk, or watch Veggie Tales on my laptop.

In the evenings, I have two hours of rotating activities.  Today is my "1 on 1".  I pick one child and spend two hours of special time with him. :) I'm thinking that tonight we might bake a cake:)

I am so in love here.  I have such mixed emotions.  I need to go home; school first.  And I do miss my family something terrible, but when there are so many kids here calling me "auntie"; so much love that needs to be shared, it pains me to think of leaving...

...I only have 2 more full days.

Thank you, God, for giving me a heart for what breaks yours.  Thank you for everything that you have taught me through this experience.  I feel in my heart that this is not the end.  Lord willing, I will come back.  And maybe, just maybe, one of these times coming back to the states, I'll be carrying a little one in my arms:)

Thank you so much for all of your prayers!  I will be needing them so much as I depart from my loved ones and make the long, tiresome journey home. 

Nkwagala nyo, nyo, nyo!<3