As we entered the gates each day the kids were always waving from their classroom windows eagerly awaiting our arrival. Our presence meant something new was going to happen that day.
Classes were given in dental hygiene. We brought over 200 toothbrushes and tubes of tooth paste.
One of our group gave instructions about brushing and the kids loved it when their teacher would demonstrate by using her cup to rinse her mouth then step out side the classroom door to spit it out.
After the demonstration, each child was given a little bag with their toothbrush and toothpaste. For the balance of the day each one proudly carried their bag.
The singing and dancing group that entertained us when we first arrived is referred to as the school choir. They were perfect candidates to learn the recorder, a small flute-like instrument. Over 200 were donated by Virginia school children and the Kisima kids quickly learned the basics.
Sarah brought letters from 30 first grade students from a Flagstaff Montessori school. The students want Kenyan pen pals and each letter included their photo.
Eager Kisima students read the letters and composed their responses.
Sarah took photos of each of them, then a group shot.
Each day more and more was accomplished.
More progress was made on the playground.
Our vet, Bonnie treated the cow for worms and an infection. Earlier she had examined all the animals to determine their general health and treat them if necessary. Each of them needed something.
Mosquito netting was rehung so that it covered both the upper and lower bunks and curtains installations were underway in each dorm.
By Friday afternoon the medical team had seen each of the students, both the orphans who live at the school and the day students, over two hundred in all. The most common things that were treated we're intestinal worms, scalp worms such as hookworm and ringworm, colds and congestion problems as well as mild malaria and three cases of active TB.
Sarah observing the clinic operations as the kids lined up waiting their turns. After each one was seen they we given some sort if gift.
Saturday, with the kids out of school, many more activities were planned. What is usually a quiet court yard was over run with kids when dolls were distributed to all the girls and yo-yos to the boys.
Also brightly colored strips of fabric,we're handed out and the girls braided them to make head bands.
Later in the day everyone split up into smaller groups for various games. They loved such things as Lincoln Logs and puzzles.
And, as would be expected of kids this age, they loved the interactive games on the iPad.
Also on Saturday, Sunday and Monday the clinic opened its doors to members of the community and this wonderfully weathered old man came in.
Here is another wonderful lady who visited the clinic on Monday.
Before leaving the school on Saturday, several of us visited the Talapia ponds built by the school on leased land. They are the only fish farms in the area and they provide 1000-1200 fish twice a year for consumption by the school and for income.
Kenya is a dry and dusty place right now so the ponds were a pleasant visit in the late afternoon.
This is the road back to the school.
At the end of the day we always return to our hotel tired and dusty. The red dirt gets in everything. We have to wash our clothing every night.
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