What an experience this has been so far! Above you'll see some photos of the children, teachers, and volunteers I am working with at the Sunflower crèche in Vrygrond. Like one of my colleagues-turned-friend said, "this township is like something out of a movie." The houses are made out of scrap metal and empty cargo containers. Severe poverty afflicts the community. The good news is that our school is at least structurally in decent shape; it has running water and brick and mortar walls. However, it is still far below any standard you are I would preconceive. I will post pictures depicting the quality of the facility later on.

I've been working with two other volunteers, Tessa and Wendy. They are both returning fellows and wonderful people. Tessa is from Melbourne, Australia and despite her lack of athleticism is a wicked dancer. Wendy is an extremely personable and compassionate Guatemalan. They are both very warm people, we make a great team!

Our goal coming in is really to assist the teachers in their implementation of lesson plans which have been provided to them from the NGO True North. They have partnered with the preschools to provide learning services to help the children succeed in k-12 education. The first few days have had ups and downs. Despite very different circumstances, kids are kids. Meaning, they like to listen and learn as much as they enjoy playing games and rough housing. And they also LOVE bubbles. They went crazy and smiles were instantly on every face as the teacher started using the bubble machine I had brought them.

Today, Wendy and I discussed with Eleanor, the go-to teacher, what resources she thinks would help the students learn. She mentioned several things, including writing books that catalogue students' progress and outfits for fantasy play (doctor, fireman, police man, nurse, etc…). Next tuesday I will be going to a local warehouse store - think meijer and sam's club - to make some purchases.

You have donated close to $550! That's not an exact number yet, but it's close. I can't thank you all enough. Things are quite cheap in South Africa, for instance 15 minute cab rides are about $5-6 US dollars. So, there is a good chance we will be able to provide quite a few things for these kids! I know they are going to be ecstatic when they see what we are able to bring them. I can't wait to share with you. Stay tuned!
-John