Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! Hope you guys all enjoy a big feast...though I'm sure it won't compare to the hot dogs, mashed potatoes, and for a special treat- ice cream with M&Ms, that we had for our dinner! Actually, all jokes aside, we had a great Thanksgiving, even if it wasn't a typical American one.

Another week is almost over, time is flying by! This week saw the opening of an American daycare in Kowak (we're still trying to come up with a name for it). For whatever reason, all the neighborhood kids finally got over their fear of white people this week (maybe it's because we've been here a month and haven't eaten anyone yet, we've been told that's what some kids think white people do!), and have made our front porch/courtyard their afternoon hangout spot. It started on Sunday when we were playing Bananagrams outside (thanks Fran!) and attracted a little audience. The kids were fascinated by the pieces (they look like scrabble tiles for those who don't know the game), and started spelling words, which evolved into making towers out of the tiles, which evolved into using them as dominoes. Who knew there were so many uses! Anyways, between Bananagrams and the discovery that we have some coloring books and crayons, they were hooked!

All week we have had kids knocking on our door in the afternoon, asking if they can come play. They stand outside our gate and yell, "Mzungo!" which is a Swahili term for white people. Yesterday, at one point, I think we had 15 kids playing in our yard- some coloring, others playing cards or with Bananagrams. Occasionally we bust out our cameras or computers- which they get the biggest kick out of- they love having their picture taken. One afternoon we gathered a bunch of random pots and bottles and had them playing drums...I'm sure the neighbors love us! The best part is that they leave right when we ask them to, and they always clean up after themselves!! It's been fun, the kids are great, and hopefully it will help our Swahili. Who knows how long this will last...I'm guessing they'll come for awhile, well, at least until the coloring books run out!!