Compassion International Children - Ambo

The majority of our week was spent with about 200 children ranging from 1 yr to 15 yrs old. These children are all sponsored by Compassion International. The compound is in the center of their “neighborhood”. On the compound is a Church, two old school rooms and 5 new class rooms which the Mocha Club helped to build this past year. These children are rough… they find strength in their numbers. We are definitely out numbered by the children. The first morning with the children was absolute chaos It was hard, frustrating, overwhelming and tiring. We took a short break for lunch and our team fell apart. The thought of being with these kids for three weeks sent us all over the edge. We all wanted to quit and not go back. However, God was so gracious. Morning and afternoon was like day and night. It was such a great times with the kids. We got them under control and where able to actually enjoy spending time with them. We split the groups up between boys and girls and then by age group. The kids spent about an hour and a half in the classroom learning English which they loved. The other hour and a half was spent playing games. I was in charge of games. It is very difficult to teach children games when you cannot even speak the same language. I had an interpreter in and out but for the most part I was on my own. By the end of the week we were able to understand each other fairly well and they were listening much better. I have to admit that one of the reasons they listened better was because of the stick that I held in my hand all day. Now before you gasp in fear and disappointment let me explain a bit. One thing I have learned is how much important cultural relevance is when another culture especially Africa. What works in America does not work in Africa. What is practiced, accepted and encouraged in Africa is not in America. So… in Africa kids behave and respond when you have a stick in your hand. Often just the threat is enough but other times a hit on the desk in a class room was required by a translator. It is weird because it is not just a fear thing. It is just what works. So, I quickly found a stick. This is Africa.