Finally, internet that works reliably! (For now at least) So, I said I would dedicate an entire post about the kids and here it is. As we all know, I always joke about adopting/kidnapping small African children…if you know me well enough you know there is a hint of seriousness in those comments. Being here and actually seeing them with my own eyes, I realize I was never joking and have been plotting my ninja kidnap moves all along. Okay, not really but just sayin’ With that said, our first day here I couldn’t figure out why all the kids were laughing and pointing at us. They kept screaming “Obroni” and when we would look at them they would wave. We were told Obroni means “white man.” It all makes sense now. Our first day, I heard giggling and turned around to see that about 20 schoolchildren were following us and had been for about 10 minutes. I heard the whispers and patter of small feel and when I turned around they all stopped in their tracks and started waving. Sami told us that when they say Obroni we should reply with “Obebini” – black man. This incites raucous laughter and more waving. My heart melts each and every time. I never get tired of hearing Obroni and Jenny and Joyce are constantly waiting for me while I ooh and ahhh with the children. Its extremely likely that many of the children have never seen a white person. Here is a picture of the children who followed us on our first day.
One of our clients took us to see her business and her home and along the way there was this little boy who was so curious as to what we were doing. He kind of lingered around watching our every move. Finally I asked if I could take his picture. He agreed. The look on his face when I showed him the picture..it was like he was seeing himself for the first time. He had the most beautiful eyes…I can’t stop thinking about him. His name is Simon. Here is a picture of the little man that I can’t stop thinking about.
The children here have this very hardened aura about them. They seem to be wise beyond their years and given the poverty they are living in, I can understand why. Its really hard not being able to tell them everything will be okay. However, they do know how to have a good time, they are always laughing and playing tricks on each other. And, the good news is, most of the women we are working with are making enough money from the loans and their businesses that they are able to send their children to school. Education is the first rung in the ladder out of poverty. One step at a time.
My friend Simon let me take a picture with him. I plan to have it printed for him so he can have a copy.
Here are more pictures of the kids…I’ve started keeping a bag full of suckers in my purse as a gateway to their hearts. I’m sure the white skin is enough but this way they have to get close to me 🙂 Don’t worry, giving candy to children here is not considered weird and creepy. Next on my list – see if I can get one of the women to kangaroo-wrap (for lack of a better word to call it) her small baby on my back. It is the cutest thing when you see a women from the front and two small feet poking out the side. I’ll for sure post pics when that happens. For now, these will have to suffice.
This little girl was present during one of our interviews…she apparently is not in school because it was during school hours and all the other children were in classes and wearing their uniforms. Many families cannot afford to pay school fees for their children.
These kids were hanging out dancing below the rooftop deck where we were having beers in Pokuase…I decided to join them and have them teach me how to dance considering everyone here seems to have been born with rhythm. Wait ’til you see my new moves.
One of my favorite shots thus far..
And last but not least…me with some of the primary school children in Ofankor. Eek…I love them all!
Stay tuned for more!
I miss you. I love to see you happy and following your dreams Chas. What an adventure. If you have room, I’ll take the little girl in the pink sandals from the last picture 😉 Seriously though, how adorable are all these kids?! I’m glad you are able to share your experience with them and I’m sure they are teaching you a lot too. Lots of love. Stay safe and stay sane! – Annie
Neicey…darling! Love LOVE your blogs. Cannot wait for the next one.
Miss you but the opportunity could not be passed up.
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