In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.
Mother Teresa

What a great day. One of the assignments I gave the girls last week was to write a story about their lives. I asked them to write in Swahili, and told them that I would translate each story into English. I had a hidden motive for this project. First and most importantly, it would allow me to learn more about these wonderful girls whom I have been teaching for the past 3 weeks. Secondly, after translating the stories into English, I will share them with my students at Western Secondary in the Pen Pal project.

Alex and I worked this weekend and finished all of the translation. As you can imagine, the stories all touched my heart. The common thread among all of them was their noted appreciation for the English class. After reading the stories, it was affirmed once again how much they are struggling at home and how little they have. Most of them have at least 4 siblings and hope to use their tailoring vocation to provide for their families. I have been thinking for awhile now, about how I could repay these girls for the joy they have given me during my time here in Africa. I wanted to come up with something that would bring forth their inner beauty.

Today, with the help of the director who acted as a translator, I told the girls that Wednesday, we would be going on a fieldtrip. I explained that as a group we would be going to the market where each of them could pick out their favourite kitenge (clothing fabric). After the fabric has been chosen, Silvano will take their measurements and create an outfit of their choice.

I wish I could capture in words the excitement that filled the room. They began to sing, dance around, and then they lifted me up and twirled me around the room. Although I won't be in Africa when the outfits are finished, Gervais promised that he would e-mail me a picture.

Another great update... I went today to the English school with Silvano. We were greeted by a man outside the school, and after asking him for direction, he explained that his name was "teacher Dan" a 29 year old Tanzanian who had studied abroad. He had co-founded the school and was planning to come to Canada next year to finish university in political science. He told me that he would personally teach Silvano English every night for 8 months. He even brought us to his home (which by the way was absolutely amazing) and explained that even if Silvano is late at work, he could come directly to Dan's house and have his lesson there. His enthusiasm was radiant as he explained the curriculum he would follow as well as the audio and VHS tapes he would provide Silvano for his studies at home. To boot, he told me that since Silvano would be taking classes for 8 months, he would teach him computer skills as well as provide him with resources free of charge to use with the tailoring students. Teacher Dan also told me that he would keep in touch via e-mail on a weekly basis to keep me informed of Silvano's progress... Can it get any better??
Someone or something is definitley looking over this situation, and for that I am ever so thankful. Silvano and I were pretty much skipping with excitement on our way out. I hope that this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership.