Upon my arrival in East London, South Africa, I was greeted at the airport by Lana, the Director for Open Arms Home, Asekhana and Namhla (two young girls), and Theodore, the Pomeranian (we also have a cat, Bobby, more on him later). The day was sunny and quite warm. We started out driving along the Indian Ocean, which was beautiful, and then wound inland where the views are spectacular - you can see for miles.
When we arrived at the home, I was greeted with many little helpers who were much smaller than my luggage and eagerly tried to carry my bags for me. Lunch was waiting for us and a tour of the home followed. This home was a family farm house prior to being the children's home. As you can imagine, there is lots of room outdoors for the children to run freely and expend a lot of energy. The home sits high up on a hilltop and has magnificent views. check it out at www.openarmshome.com
As I sat down with the children, they quickly came closer to check me out. And before you knew it, I had about 25 brightly colored barrettes throughout my hair. They love to play with my hair. One of the young boys thought I needed a little conditioning as he very gently patted oil and lotion into my hair, which actually smelled very nice. We then all, yes all 21 of us, went outdoors to play and had a great time - swinging, playing tag, frisbee - lots of room to run around madly. The sun goes down around 16.15 and it gets quite cool after that.
The children are something special. Nine of them go to primary or secondary school, eleven go to preschool, and one stays home with the house mothers. I am madly working on trying to remember names and successfully conquering a few more each day. The house mothers are also very special - loving, caring, giving individuals who reside at the home during their shifts. Lana, the quarterback, keeps us all on track.
The hugs and smiles are plentiful, and it is a real joy to be able to spend time with this family.
My sweetie! Glad to hear that you made it to East London to continue your wonderful journey. After all that pampering from the Montgomery Gang back home and in Hawaii it looks like you're all set and rearing to go. Yay!
Sounds like you're gonna have a blast in the Open Arms Home. You'll be the biggest kid amongst them all.....please don't ever grow up : )
To heck with toys, sounds like they rather play with your hair! Careful that you don't wake up bald one day.....then again, a pretty cute thought though! Ha!
Give them that infectious smile and spread your love Rita. Sweeeeeeet!
Posted by: Yui Chan | August 16, 2007 at 02:50 PM
A farmgirl at heart!!! Dad remembers putting you in the manure spreader while he completed all the farm chores....he said it was your favorite place to be!!!!
Posted by: Susan Monteen | August 19, 2007 at 09:01 PM
Ahhh, now that explains everything! Thank you Sister Susan for sharing with us that gut-busting tidbit of info on nutjob Rita and her affection for frolicking in the manure spreader. She probably thought she was the prize piggy rolling in it! Scary thing is, after all these years, she still thinks the same way! Poor Rita.....but you gotta love it! Thanks again for that gem!
Posted by: Yui Chan | August 20, 2007 at 08:01 AM
Well well well... Important information from Sue! Sure helps explain a lot... maybe not everything, but a lot. Keep the special info and insights coming, Sue!
Posted by: John Vitek | August 23, 2007 at 07:16 AM