The week
This week has been difficult. Many of the other volunteers have left, including the last person from my original group back in May. Upendo has been crazy, there is so much abuse that me and the other volunteers don't even know where to begin to try and change the way things are done. Other than that things have been good, I'm feeling good, although I did have Malaria two weeks ago. I'm continueing to improve my swahili, and I still love it here. I hope everything at home is going well, and I hope you all have fun at Marc and Amanda's wedding this weekend! I'm planning on going to Zanzibar and on another safari before I leave, and possibly a stay at a Maasai village (we'll see if I have enough time or not). I'll try to update more frequently, I just never get to the internet anymore it seems. Hakuna Shida Love Maggie
posted by Maggie @ 11:24 AM
4 Comments:
Sunday July 9 about 3 p.m.
Hujambo Maggie,
Asante for remembering my birthday!
Uncle Al and I just returned from the cottage. We had fantastic weather and were able to enjoy the lake and the ambience.
Not able to connect with the internet while there. It felt strange not to be able to read your journal. I always felt reassured about your welfare by just reading your words to all of us. Very happy to read that you have gotten over the malaria.
Back to work tomorrow. Will fill you in more when you return.
The situation with the children is so sad. I can only begin to imagine how heart wrenching the daily struggle is there.
I am much older than you, but continue to battle my frustration over the seemingly daily battle with a sense of powerlessness to improve something, sometimes anything. There are so many tragic situations or individuals with so many layers of pain or turmoil.
My heart goes out to you and to the children. I hope that you keep reminding yourself that, whatever joy or comfort you bring the little ones, it is so much more than they would have had without your presence.
I also hope that you will experience all of the other journeys you had mentioned--Zanzibar, etc. It will round out the whole experience for you.
You will educate the rest of the family about a part of the world most of us will only see through you.
We miss you and look forward to your return.
Ninakupenda
Aunt Daisy and Uncle Al
Maggie, You are a wonder. You are touching so many lives. I know it's frustrating but you are out there trying. So many of us say we will do something and we don't. You are making a difference.
We love and miss you. Love, Aunt Pat
I love you Maggie.
You have opened up a door that can never be closed. Thank you for bringing us an awareness of the pain and suffering of the children.
Your example is the best way to help the children. Providing the children with daily doses of respect, love and kindness has amazing power.
I learned along time ago that one of my limitations was being able to endure the suffering of others. I have always chosen to avoid being in tragic situations whenever I could.
You are truly blessing these children by standing beside them and enduring their pain.
I hope you can feel the big hugs I keep sending your way.
Please come home soon.
Love Mom
Hey Maggie
I note so many people adding in their own Swahili. I am hoping that what they are saying is what they mean to say. I asked Daisy what her signoff meant, "ninakupenda" and she said it means I ove you. Without benefit of a dictionary it looks like it breaks down to "upenda" where you are,and "ninak" which obviously does not relate to Ninook of the North. What do it mean? Thank you for sharing your adventure and your observations. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Ninakupenda
Uncle Al
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