New Meeting Day

Today was a very emotional day for me. We had the information meeting for all of our new families that we have accepted into the program. We started the meeting with introductions and then moved onto making the club rules. We had the kids and Mother’s tell us what they thought their club rules should be, so that they know, and we can make them accountable. Right from the beginning of the meeting, I stood up at the front holding back tears. I was so happy to see all of the kids and Mom’s there, on time, and so excited and eager to find out what was in store for them. Just to kick the club off, we handed out bags full of donations with clothing, shoes, toys, etc. to each family. Nikki organized all of the bags so that each family had the right size clothing, shoes, appropriate toys and things to suit that family. The meeting was a huge spirit lifter, and it really pumped everyone up; it gave them hope that their kids would actually have some opportunities in life. Cathy also explained the food voucher system to the family. We have set up a system that for the family sponsorship program, every family will get a food voucher for the super market for $25 each month. However, the food voucher will have specific items on it that they can buy, such as rice, beans, pasta, plantains, pasta sauce, salami, oil, sugar and salt. This is so that the families cannot take their $25 voucher and spend it on alcohol, and other unnecessary items. The voucher will also have the name and ID number of that person, so that they cannot sell their voucher to anyone else for money. While Cathy and Liz explained this system to the Mother’s, Nikki and I entertained the kids in the next room. Imagine 50+ kids, in one room, trying to entertain them, while keeping them quiet at the same time. It was complete chaos, but so much fun at the same time.
When the meeting was over, Nikki and I stood at the door to say goodbye to everyone. I have never felt so appreciated in my life. All of the Mother’s and children were so grateful. They were acknowledging all of the work we did to get organized for the meeting and the start of the new club. They were so happy just to receive a new mosquito net and a few shirts for their kids.
Everything really hit me today. Since I have seen poverty before, I am usually okay with handling the broken down homes and the people. But we got home today, and I had a complete emotional breakdown. The unfairness of their situations, the gratitude they showed towards us, the smiles and excitement for the hope they have received, and the amazing kids and families. Everything affected me today, and I had such a wide range of emotions that I just could not hold in.
It was the appreciation of the families and the excitement of the kids that really makes this entire trip worth it. Today was just one of those days that I will never forget.

P.S. We have limited internet access, so these blogs will be behind, and pictures to come.