Spring 2014

  Spring 2014

   David and I chose to do our medical volunteering trip in Tanzania this year so we could visit our Kabongo kids at the same time.

Our charming duplex. The kids stayed on
the right, and we had the left half.

   We were only able to stay for one weekend in Eldoret but we took advantage of every minute by renting a duplex cabin at the Club for us all. We brought everyone new running shoes and David got the gang going with a 4km. morning run...no lingering allowed! This was the only way to earn that breakfast buffet!

Sharon works on a painting kit
 

Moses, Veronicah, Kelvin and Sharon in the pool
They are all great swimmers now

   Then the FUN began! I had brought a large suitcase full of games, toys, puzzles and clothes including new bathing suits (gymnastic outfits actually, young girls in Africa are very modest and like to cover up).


David helps Moses and Kelvin put
together a model car

Moses snaps a "selfie"

  We did arts and crafts in the morning and enjoyed pool time in the afternoon. The all can swim independently, thanks to their swimming lessons. Grandma sat by the pool with us but only dunked her tootsies.

Veronicah tries on her new
American backpack

New American double-breasted jackets (and ties!)
Church is the main event of the week and they like
to get dressed up for the singing, dancing and praying

In the evening we were joined for dinner by Brother Paul and our dear friends, the Mabeyas. We had brought the movie "Ice Age" and the kids were enthralled as they watched it on our laptop.

Watching the movie Ice Age - they loved it

They take computer classes  from Teacher Sammy but unfortunately, cable  connection has not yet been run to the school. Instead, Sammy goes to town every week and downloads news and programs onto a jumpdrive and shares it with the class. Brother Paul says they hope to have direct cable access in another year.
    We spent some time with the teachers to review their grades. They still struggle in school and probably always will, since they got a late start in the educational journey. At the end of the first term (April 2014) Kelvin is in grade 6 and scored 272, (out of total possible perfect grade of 500) and his target goal, per Teacher Sammy was 320. Sharon, also in grade 6 scored 295 and her goal had also been 320. Veronicah, in grade 5, scored 292, and she is quite close to reaching her target goal of 300. Moses is doing well, and his reading and writing is improving. Sharon wants very badly to be one of the top 10 students in her class, and Kelvin is quite competitive, so this may encourage him to work harder. Veronicah is a social butterfly but loves to read and enjoys helping Moses with his lessons. She also requests extra work and doesn't hesitate to ask questions in the classroom. They continue to have extra tutoring with Teacher Sammy which is essential.We have arranged for them all to sit in the front of the classroom so they stay attentive. Their next set of exams will be at the end of July and I will report their grades to you then.
      The weekend went by SOOOO fast and soon it was time for those last hugs.

Time to say goodbye for another year.
 Be good kids and study hard!
And do what your Grandma says!!!
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I will be adding grades, Teacher Sammy's assessments and notes from the children as I get them.
Check in every couple months to see what's new!!!