July 27th

8 pm

yesterday was our first day at Otino-Waa. we basically just got a tour and saw how everything was ran and went over our schedules. The orphanage is Beyond Amazing. there is 3 1/2 circles of houses, circle 1 holds the secondary kids (junior/ high school age). Circle 2 is the primary kids (elementary) The students are tested in at their own level. Most of them came from no education, obviously orphaned, most parents died in the war or AIDS. There was also Vocational students that learn basically a trade. Its all very organized and they have paid teachers ( they only make $200/ week!) EVERYONE has been so nice and welcoming! They always greet us with "you are welcome". Its very intense, only cause America isn't like that at all. Everyone smiles and says hi. On the streets people stare but then wave and say hi. Most people have welcomed us with hugs and handshakes. They even have a Ugandan handshake and hug. very simple and nice!
The orphanage has a cafe that's open to the public that sells cinnamon rolls, muffins, coffee, ice cream and some hot foods. Gifts, such as hand woven baskets, clothes, jewelery, books, and misc African trinkets. The money goes toward Otino-Waa and the children. the staffing is pretty well organized and knowledgable. Its pretty overwhelming how welcoming and awesome everyone has been and all they do for the children!
They don't live in luxury by any means. They have a roof, but no screens or inside kitchens. The stoves are made by the women out of clay. They make toast or porridge for breakfast. its always Posho and Beans for lunch. Posho is basically ground Mais. Its not bad just kind of blah. coming from home and having a choice for every meal is hard. We're all assigned to a house to eat lunch with. My house's mom is Florence, very sweet! I have a hard time understanding her though, she's been a mom from the beginning. Each mom has 8 kids. either all girls or all boys. My girls range from 8-13, very sweet, but very Shy! They barely speak when i talk to them. Today i taught them tic tac toe. They really enjoyed it. I finally got them to open up a little.
Yesterday it came out that i decorate cakes so I'll be teaching the kitchen some things. they sell cakes there for 35,000 schillings, which is about 17 bucks, which i guess is good for Uganda. One girl I worked with is Mirrium, she was really responsive and willing to learn. She replicated the cake I had made yesterday. She's a sweetie!