It's a new day! (by: Emily)

It's my lunch break on Monday and I decided to go to town to quickly check my e-mail. On the way here, I was once again amazed by Africa and the people here. I always feel like I'm being watched....it's almost like I'm a celebrity or something...well, maybe not quite that crazy, but people are definitely looking at me! I am becoming friends with some of the children here in the town, and I saw one of the boys today. That put a huge smile on my face! You are definitely treated much differently here for being a mzungu. For one thing, there is an African price and a Mzungu price. There are actually signs up for things that will say the African price and the Mzungu price. If you go to a store or take a boda boda or anything they will always try to charge you more for being a mzungu. I'm happy that I finally know how much I should pay and when I'm being ripped off big time. I'm not really a fan of this extra attention...I'm really not used to it! But I mean, who is used to people wanting to come up to you and touch your skin or your hair? It's definitely weird for me at times!

I'm getting used to all of the things that used to make me pull my camera out and get me squealing with excitement! I've stopped taking pictures of goats, cows, and chickens on the roads. I've also come to enjoy the geicos that crawl on the walls of the guest house I sleep in. I'm just really enjoying everything about Africa.

Every afternoon when the children wake up from their nap they either have activity time or one on one outing time with an auntie or uncle (that's what they call us..cute, eh??) Alyssa wants to do slip and slide with the kids today, so we'll have to see how that goes! I'm sure they'll love it! I love just playing with the kids...it's so much fun! All you have to down is sit down and almost instantly you will be covered in babies...they will circle you and jump on you and all want to sit on your lap. The girls (and even a couple of the boys) LOVE doing my hair! It is usually a very painful process as they attempt to braid and twist my hair...I actually saw one of the boys run off with a fistful of my hair on Sunday. But, I know they love it so I let them play with it for a bit! I may end up with dreads one of these days though...they sure make lots of tangles and knots..haha! I love these kids!

Oh, and mom and dad. Just thought I'd throw this out there. I've met a couple who is your age and has kids who are grown up and going off to university...and, they're adopting a little boy from Amani! SO...if you happen to want me to bring a little baby home...let me know;) (don't worry, I'm just joking!)...it's actually a very long process to adopt...way more complicated than I ever imagined before! Especially if you're from Canada...it's a much quicker process for Americans!

Speaking of Americans... I LOVE them! They're so much fun! They all say the craziest things here...and it's started to rub off on me!

I'm loving this place and never wanting to leave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Em