they provided the laughter.

I can't help but think of Pastor Jackson's and Baraka's kids and family on a daily basis. WIth no proper goodbye, things do not seem complete, and i anticipate my return (whenever that may be) even more because of it.
Their daughters were full of joy and love. So smart and obedient. It makes me think if they were placed in a different culture, say more westernized, if they would still be smiling every second.

Being with the kids at the Americana Center all day today contributed to thought after thought of the kids in Yei...to here in America. Don't get me wrong, i love the kids at Americana deeply, but there are so many behavioral and anger issues, and many times, the kids just close up. Of couse, this is expected, and these are some of the main reasons for the center and why the workers and the volunteers are there: to alleviate and help them. I know they have these reactions because of such a change in environment, as it is a TOTALLY different world over here. So many adjustments are needed to be made with the move, that are very difficult. Not to mention many of these kids have seen and experienced more violence, death and hardness of hearts than we will and can ever imagine.

I am very thankful i have been given the opportunity to work with these kids, and have a heart for spending time with them. Which is why it is pretty amazing and awesome that i have been placed in Clarkston to do Mission Year. Clarkston is right outside the city limits of Atlanta and has a very large East African Population...mostly Sudanese. I will be able to continue working with such beautiful people as they learn to transition here in the States. ...In the meantime i will share some photos taken one of the many afternoons being completely silly for a good few hours...with the kids.