a list of sorts

here are some of my favorite things thus far:
~when we leave the orphanage, we travel on a dirty dusty road that runs right in between huts on either side. the children that live in these huts sit outside and smile and wave at us. it's like a parade-- which is pretty great.
~our (the girls) room kinda smells like dirt, on the account of a little girl named jonina who creates pots out of clay that they find in sometimes strange places (mmm... like a termite hill).
~the older boys have a choir. which is totally unlike any "choir" i've ever come in contact with. imagine riverdance, the guys from 'drumline,' the jackson 5, throw in a little african flava, some rapturous joy... well. my words don't do it justice at all actually.
~these kids love to hug us all the time. they are so loving and love our attention and affection. it's great to be hugged the first thing in the morning after you wake up, and right before you go to bed.
~coconuts. a few days ago, one of the boys climbed one of the coconut trees, knocked down some coconuts, and then we were taught how to break the coconuts open. all the boys worked so hard to break them open and put holes in them. then they gave them all away to us to eat. i think they really enjoy seeing us try something for the first time.
~the stars are so amazing out here. yes, they are.
~i like that sometimes i forget that these kids have no material possessions and that i felt super sorry for them before i came. most times, they seem more joyful than our american children. they take joy in the little things: making toy trucks out of mud-clay, gathering coconuts, soccer, going for walks, singing...
~there is LIFE here, and that is good.

whitney