These kids are so photogenic. This is Tshoga, Maathari, and Mahloedi, looking dramatic.

Remember the Christmas Card drawing? Here's the real photo. You can't see that I'm riding it because my hat fell off and I had to climb down and fetch it.

This is a photo of most of the other volunteers. They ran (or walked) in a marathon together. I opted out because I was sick and we went on the big hike right after words. I was a supporter instead. The other supporters and I went and got breakfast at the equivalent of Burger King and then came back to cheer people over the finish line.

This was me on the day of our welcoming ceremony. It was suggested we wear traditional clothing to the event. When my school found out the teachers organized a few outfits for me. The principal's won out. There was a lot of pulling and tugging, wrapping and pinning. Then they took the skirt off because I looked to flat, and padded me with a towel. I was feeling a little rag-dollish by the end (thus the enthused expression). The other two volunteers being welcomed didn't go through with the traditional clothing-much to my surprise. I felt like Bridget Jones. Consequently I was chosen to give the speech. I made a splash when I danced across the stage to the podium. I even kept my speech short (unheard of here), so the crowd loved me! That's how I remember it.

Taxi

Does this van look familiar? All the fond memories of Dad's Toyota van came flooding back when I found out my sole means of transport would be taxis that happen to be that exact van, slightly modified on the inside. The taxis fit 16 passengers. This is a pretty nice one. I was just in one today that had to swerve back and fourth to keep going, but it's because he was almost out of gas. It's always an adventure!

This mango tree is in our yard.

This is a photo of my Koko (grandmother) in the house in the entry room outside the kitchen. She's preparing little bags of juice that she freezes and sells to neighborhood kids. I don't get into the ice much, but I'm addicted to the chees snacks (like cheetohs) she sells.

Here are the women of the house in uniform, ready for their first day of school after the December break. Chetty, Maathari, Maatlale, and little Maathari