January 23rd, Saturday

What an exciting day! Bridget planned and announced a Children's Day. We planned several games, storytelling, and a craft. It started at 10 am and was planned to end at 12, but the mayhem that began about 11 ended it by 11:30. When there were about 100 children (like there was at 10 am) it was fine and they were divided into four groups. My first group about 20 children and we made necklaces of pony beads and plastic lacing. The second group was 32 and we still did fine. The next group was a mob. By that time about 50-60 more children had arrived and they all flocked to whatever group they chose. My small area was wall to wall children all with their arms outstretched yelling mommy, mommy. I tried desperately to keep things under control, even enlisting the help of some of the staff that had arrived. It was useless, so we shut it down. (I'm afraid I lost it for a bit) I felt really bad because some of the children that had been there on time missed out on making a necklace. But I think Bridget knows what group missed out and we will get them in another day to make them. Devin's group doing the parachute also turned into a mob. He had to gather the parachute and bring it in. He was afraid someone would be injured.

Bottom line was we found out what to do and what not to do when another one is planned. I will work in a classroom where I can close the door and no one but the assigned group can enter. I don't know how Devin will handle the parachute game in the future - that has to be played outside in the open.

Shortly after the games ended, one of the Fulani men came to the porch area and told us that a calf had been born. I went with him to see. What he had tried to tell us was that it would soon be born. Just one hoof was visible. I was able to get video of the process. I won't go into detail here for the sake of the squeamish.

After lunch, Priscilla, a 13 year old Nigerian girl I have mentioned before, asked if she could plait my hair. So, once lunch was cleared, she started on my head - whoaaaaaaaa - I've taken two ibuprofen so far. She is almost half way done, but her dad called her. I don't know if she will finish today, or if I will be attending church with half a head plaited. I guess it doesn't matter, I will be wearing my Nigerian dress and head wrap.