So, I just realized this post, which I wrote on Jan. 9, never got uploaded. So here you go. :)
"Getting Ready To Go… Again"
While I would love to end this series of blog entries with exciting and inspirational stories, unfortunately this last week’s work has not been conducive to such tales. Don’t get me wrong, we have been doing a lot of important work, but it has involved doing such things as walking around to school compounds to pick up admission forms with our kids who will be advancing to a new level this year, and looking over budgets to see what can be set up at the new center and when. Important stuff, just not terribly entertaining.
What actually really was fun happened today, when Luka, Justas and I were having a brain-storming session about future possibilities for the center, fundraising opportunities, and how to get the community involved. We were discussing social things like dance parties and movie nights which will bring the neighbors in, building relationships with local business owners and officials whose support will be necessary for ensuring the sustainability of the program (Luka and Justas have always worked on this, but we want to extend their network), and what sorts of things volunteers will be able to do. I wish I could be here to see it all through!
But I must go in a just two short days, and will be saying another round of good-byes this weekend. Oddly. its easier to leave the second time, because I know for sure my relationships here will continue, and have been able to personally witness the program grow so much in just over six months. I have seen really solid evidence OIT will have continued success, and I’m excited to see the lives of the children and their families improve, and how the program will expand to help even more people. So instead of Kwa Heri (goodbye), I will say Badae (till later).
"Getting Ready To Go… Again"
While I would love to end this series of blog entries with exciting and inspirational stories, unfortunately this last week’s work has not been conducive to such tales. Don’t get me wrong, we have been doing a lot of important work, but it has involved doing such things as walking around to school compounds to pick up admission forms with our kids who will be advancing to a new level this year, and looking over budgets to see what can be set up at the new center and when. Important stuff, just not terribly entertaining.
What actually really was fun happened today, when Luka, Justas and I were having a brain-storming session about future possibilities for the center, fundraising opportunities, and how to get the community involved. We were discussing social things like dance parties and movie nights which will bring the neighbors in, building relationships with local business owners and officials whose support will be necessary for ensuring the sustainability of the program (Luka and Justas have always worked on this, but we want to extend their network), and what sorts of things volunteers will be able to do. I wish I could be here to see it all through!
But I must go in a just two short days, and will be saying another round of good-byes this weekend. Oddly. its easier to leave the second time, because I know for sure my relationships here will continue, and have been able to personally witness the program grow so much in just over six months. I have seen really solid evidence OIT will have continued success, and I’m excited to see the lives of the children and their families improve, and how the program will expand to help even more people. So instead of Kwa Heri (goodbye), I will say Badae (till later).
