April 25th

Today I fell more in love with this village. Today I got to meet the children of Nyansonson! They are kind, curious, funny, energetic, and ridiculously abscessed with my long hair. Every other conversation that Ellen translated for me was about my “kwaleepa” (long) hair. I spent the morning dancing, laughing, singing, and carrying little children around.  Their wide eyes and shining faces are captivating; so much so I barely notice their runny noses, torn, dirty and thread bare clothes, or their bare feet. The joy that is visible through their entire being about a single piece of bubblegum is humbling and humiliating. When was the last time an American child was truly happy when given a single piece of bubble gum; it is embarrassing to think how much emphasis our society puts on expensive toys and games. We are made to believe that these things are essential to the happiness of our children; this is so clearly not the case.

It is amazing to think of the things in my own life that I used to think were essentials I have barely even missed. If you know me then you will know that there are not many material things that I view as extremely important since I did live out of my car for an entire summer. Today I washed my clothes outside in a bucket, I took a shower outside from a bag of water warmed by the sun, I walked down the road to pump water, I cooked dinner over homemade charcoal, I ate nshema with my fingers, and I read my book via candle light. I also charged my computer using solar power, which I do understand is a mild contradiction when discussing nonessentials, however my point being that I did not need electricity. It is empowering to know that I can survive without running water or electricity and all the accommodations that come with water and power.  And for you cynics out there I do realize that it has only been one night/day in the village, but I could not be happier! Looking forward to building a bathing shelter tomorrow!!