We finished painting the classrooms today! I focused on the plants section of the wall in grade one, something bright and colorful that energizes the room, and I'm quite proud of it. Although it probably wouldn't have looked as good without Shania's sketches. A big thanks to the high school volunteers who helped us last week; we were able to finish this project on time because of them. Now all that's left is reorganizing the rooms to prepare for the teachers' arrival tomorrow; we're excited to see their reactions. We left after lunch to go back to the community center and sort through the suitcases of donations we brought. Some of us also repaired the playground, played with the kids, or helped prepare LNI meals. I remember packing those meals in high school; they're a vital source of nutrition for the kids at the center. I played with the kids during the repairs; it was easy to keep them busy with the parachute we brought. I played games with them and got to know a few of the children. I feel like we all accomplished a lot today.
-Libby A.
Lumela!! Today was full of joy! As we got to the work site, a few members of the group went with Scott to continue working on the playground, while a lot of us stayed back to finish painting in our classrooms. The past few days really showcased the idea that “it takes a village.” In the classroom I was working on, each of us had our own small part that we finished, whether it was shading in plants, adding details in black, or painting in animals, and together, we finished with such beautiful and educational artworks!! I was really proud of how we all worked together and allowed connection alongside collaboration to truly blossom. Once we were done, we collected our donations, and brought them to the community center in Ramabanta, and seeing all of the clothing, toys, and school supplies that we collectively gathered was great (and it’s even better that they will be helping some of those that we’ve been playing, talking, and hanging out with at the community center). Some of our group that have been a part of/are interested in LNI were able to cook the meals for the kids, and it was a very touching experience to see, in real time and in real life, what the impact of these meals are to those around us. Seeing all of the kids eating, playing, and talking with one another and us was amazing, as it truly continues to share how important connection is— no matter who we are, what we look like, and where we come from. One heartwarming piece that I have to share is that one girl wrote a goodbye note to me that was full of love and prayer towards my work, and it was so touching to further see how connection brings such positive impact between those I’ve interacted with and myself! I am so excited to see how the teachers react to the classrooms tomorrow, but I am a little sad that it’s our last day in Ramabanta tomorrow. Bittersweet, but always full of love!
-Shania S.