Hi. This is Emi, Marybeth’s niece.
I have finally arrived in Namibia
! It started on Friday when
I left JFK airport. About five hours into my flight, our plane landed in Cape Verde
to
refuel. I wish I could have gotten out to look, but we were only there for an
hour (and I was sleeping). 12 hours later, I arrived in Johannesburg
(Saturday night). I stayed at a
local hotel, and then next day (Sunday), I took a 25 hour train ride to Cape Town
. The train ride
was really nice and there were many beautiful views. I passed Soweto
and some beautiful vineyards along the
way. It was very relaxing but impossible to sleep. Oh well. It was nice anyway.
Everyday, in Namibia
,
I’ll be at the BNC (Bernard
Nordkamp
Center
).
This is a center for 70 orphans whose parents have died of AIDS. Every morning,
they receive a bowl of soup, a small roll and the occasional apple. This is
usually their only meal of the day. Everyone is so happy and energetic. They
run to the truck whenever me and the other volunteers come, and they come to
sit on your lap and hold your hand even if they have never seen or met you.
Even yesterday (my first day), as soon as I got of the truck, children rushed
to me and started climbing on me and braiding my hair. They are so friendly.:-)
Today was the craziest and happiest Valentine’s Day that I
experienced. Almost everyone at the center was dressed in red and pink and
running everywhere making valentines and singing and playing. I received and
gave many cards to and from children that I had never seen before. It was a
happy day.
Tennis has been GREAT. The kids are so happy with their new
peewee raquets because now, they can actually hit the ball. Before, there were
few raquets and the ones they did have were too heavy and too big. I will take
pictures of them tomorrow and post them.
My housemates are all really nice. There’s Erica from
Ossining, AJ from India
,
Scooter, Toby, Anna and Katarina from Germany
, and of course Marybeth.
Everyone is very friendly.:-)
I hear I’m missing snow.:’’-( Oh well… Namibian summer has
been keeping me preoccupied (a lot of sunscreen is necessary.
Miss you all and Happy Valentine’s Day!! <3
XOXO Emi
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