June 17th 2015
Andrea Feltz
Things have been going very well the past few days here in Ndola. We have still been very busy with various projects and outings that have been planned for us. Two of the more exciting things we have done in the past few days was attending the Barefoot School's presentation for us and going back to St. Anthony's Orphanage.
After finally finishing our painting in the classrooms and beginning the mural on the outside of the school, the school preformed many different songs and dances for the Team. We arrived at around 8:30 yesterday morning to a giant group of the students, more excited than ever and ready to preform for us. they set up seats for us lined up on the opposite side from the other students watching and we sat down in anticipation for the show. the first act was the boy scout group who preformed a "march" for us, showcasing their moves and discipline. they were so excited to show us this, many of them couldn't help but smile during it, no matter how hard they tried not to. next, the choir sang a couple songs for us to welcome us. the choir was made up of kids of all ages, boys and girls. they wore either a uniform that was donated from a school in Minneapolis (small world huh?) or their own clothes. they sang beautifully and full of passion and happiness. we all had the biggest grins on our faces the entire time. next, the dancers came out and preformed a cultural dance for us, which was absolutely amazing. Lastly, another group danced with drumstick-like things which was, once again, fantastic. All of these kids were so energetic and excited to have us there and put a show on for us. We all danced afterwards (or at least tried) and introduced ourselves and made about 100 new friends. It was a truly amazing experience.
We also went back to St. Anthony's yesterday. It was fun to go back for the second time and see all of the familiar faces. So many of the kids remembered our names after a couple of days, which really shows how much attention they receive. It is really hard to go there, especially over and over because it is hard not to make friendships with some of these wonderful kids. I learned a lot upon my return. One interesting thing that i experienced was a little girl named Grace. On the first day, Grace ran up to me right as i stepped foot off of the bus, begging to be held and so energetic and happy. We spent the entire day together and she never left my side. She, along with others, tended to be very protective over whoever gave them the attention like i did, so Grace became very protective of me. After spending this day with her, and falling in love with her pretty little smile i was SO excited to come back and spend more time with her. For the first hour yesterday, i couldn't find her anywhere. i assumed she was probably napping or eating lunch and didn't think much of it, but then i finally tracked her down on the opposite side of the orphanage alone. She hadn't come to see any of us all day or even any of the other kids. When i decided to go see her, she turned and ran in the opposite direction once we made eye contact with her from the other side of the field. The change in Grace in that short of a time really made me realize the effects living at an orphanage has on these children. Grace went from being so outgoing and fun to not even allowing us to come near her or say hello. this really made the behavioral issues they develop when living alone and taking care of themselves constantly at a place like St. Anthony's become very realistic.
Overall, this trip has been the best opportunity i could have ever dreamed of. we have been able to experience such amazing things with the culture and people here that i cannot even dream of coming home yet. tomorrow we will be going to the out-reach clinic to help the people in the Bush, which we all cannot wait for.
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