FKM: Puppet

If you would like to support me in my return to Kenya, as little as a dollar, you can donate directly to the Christian Relief Fund website and indicate that your donation is for "Emily's Kenya Trip Fundraiser."

Friday Kenya Memory: July 10, 2009

I got to go watch some of the students play futbol, or American soccer.  We walked through the slums to the soccer field and sat on the sidelines, eager to watch the school team play against the neighborhood team.  I got out my little journal and began to teach the children surrounding me how to play Tic-Tac-Toe, and then Puppet, which is a less morbid term I made up for Hangman.  They would have played this game forever if we had the time.  These children are so bright and clever.  English is not their first language (it is usually their third!), but they guessed every word.

After we played Puppet, we sang songs until the soccer games were over.  Everyone's favorite was the song I taught them, Yesu ni Bwana.  One little girl named Sarah said, "We will sing this song every day and think of you."  Lavin stayed by my side the entire time, singing the loudest of all.  She has gained so much confidence this week.

We finally got up to leave and Lavin took my hand.  I took the hand of another girl as well, and then there was a great line of us, holding hands and walking through the slums ahead of everyone else.  We took detours and shortcuts while loudly singing, "Jesus loves me.  Jesus loves you.  Yesu ni Bwana..."  Everyone smiled and waved as we skipped past them.  It was so much fun. 

Telling my new dear friends that Sunday would be my last day at their school was so difficult.  One girl said, "We will never forget your face," and I nearly began to cry.

Lavin said goodbye over and over again, holding me close.  I cannot help but feel pangs of sadness wash through my chest each time I see her tattered shoes.  Before I leave, I want to give her my sneakers.