I’m having an amazing time with the kids from MCC. I’ve known about the school for 5 years now and have supported them both through my church (Community Church Hornsby) and my school (Mercy College Chatswood, another MCC.) So my expectations have been high, and coming into Mathare Valley was almost like coming on to a TV set, that’s how familiar I’ve been with the kids’ faces and the location.
However, nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming welcome the kids gave us, lining the road and singing and dancing to “Welcome, welcome to our school” and “God is so good”. It literally brought tears to my eyes and set a wonderful tone for my stay in Kenya.
Since that first day I’ve tried a variety of activities in the school – handing out t-shirts, reading storybooks, puppet plays, watching lessons and dancing, trying to teach the recorder and even teaching a lesson on Kenyan tribal History (yes, I had to do some homework!) The highlight for me was playing volleyball for an extended break – the group changed from the Form Ones to the younger kids and later some local adults and the Principal Patrick. I love how sport is the same in every country, there are no awkward communication problems and the laughter is infectious.
Of course another great joy is just watching the kids’ faces when they see and learn something exciting – whether it’s touching our white skin, reading ‘Romeo and Juliet’, doing hip hop dancing, shaking jingle bells, being read an Aussie storybook, getting a new pair of shoes, climbing on our bus or watching the men saw a bookcase. Their smiles have cemented a firm place in my heart and I’m really looking forward to what the next week has in store.
Clare Dorey,
Sydney, Australia
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1 comment:
Clare,
I am touched by your ability to relate so easily to the children and every one.Sports is another passion that you share.It was good that you came and we are all looking forward to more relation with Mercy Catholic College.
Patrick
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