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Elemiar is a sweet 8 year old little boy. He is what Zambians consider a 'single orphan.' His father died when was 4 years old. He stays in the Bauleni Compound with a step father. His mother is said to be there, but seems to spend much of her time in another compound called Chilenge. In all of the visits that our director has made to Elemiar's house, she has yet to find the mother staying there. His step father does not know Elemiar's birthday, so we will get that information just as soon as we can. When asked what he wants or needs he replied, "Potatoes, rice, Nshima and shoes. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up he said, "An accountant."
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For Tammi....
You gave Elemiar and Myaba probably the most exciting day of their lives! While driving to Manda Hill Mall they were in awe with what they were seeing. They said in Nyanja, “ We are going far.....!” That was after about three minutes outside of the compound. The mall is about a 15 minute drive. Elemiar was looking out the car window, all smiles the whole drive!
We got to the mall and had lunch first. We took them to a restaurant called Spurs. It’s got a little playroom and video games! They got their faces painted and had a great time. They would have been thrilled if that was the end of their day out, but of course it wasn’t!
After lunch, they had their first ever ride on an escalator. That was fun to watch! When we got into the mall they were again in awe. Manda Hill Mall is just like a mall in California. Only foreigners and wealthy Zambians shop there. These kids had no idea that a place like this even existed! I videotaped for a little bit while shopping, but was quickly told by a security guard that cameras are not allowed in the mall. I have no idea why! Seems weird to me!
On the shopping trip Elemiar got a very nice outfit (shorts, shirt and vest) which he put on before leaving the mall. Another pair of shorts, two new pairs of shoes and socks. This was great because the shoes he was wearing were very tight for him. Halso got a toy car.
Next we went to the grocery store, ShopRite. Again, a first for them. There we bought both families the same food items, which both kids had on their lists. We got a 10 kg bag, 22 pounds, of Mealie-meal (the local staple food) with it you can make porridge or Nshima, which is the white stuff that we serve at school. We also bought rice, potatoes, macaroni and spaghetti noodles, a bag of apples and three packages of biscuits (cookies).
Then it was time to head home, back to Bauleni. But not before their first ride in a glass elevator! That was very exciting!
We took Elemiar home first. When we arrived at his house, no one was home. He quickly went next door, got his keys from the neighbor and let himself in. Boy, talk about a latchkey kid! I felt sad leaving him alone with no adult to show all of his things to, but it seems that this is very much what he is accustomed to. The landlady lives right next to them and she was around to look after him. He was very happy with all of his new things.
Thank you so much, Tammi, for giving to Elemiar as you have. It was truly a wonderful day for all of us. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be the person who gets the pleasure of carrying out your good will!
We got to the mall and had lunch first. We took them to a restaurant called Spurs. It’s got a little playroom and video games! They got their faces painted and had a great time. They would have been thrilled if that was the end of their day out, but of course it wasn’t!
After lunch, they had their first ever ride on an escalator. That was fun to watch! When we got into the mall they were again in awe. Manda Hill Mall is just like a mall in California. Only foreigners and wealthy Zambians shop there. These kids had no idea that a place like this even existed! I videotaped for a little bit while shopping, but was quickly told by a security guard that cameras are not allowed in the mall. I have no idea why! Seems weird to me!
On the shopping trip Elemiar got a very nice outfit (shorts, shirt and vest) which he put on before leaving the mall. Another pair of shorts, two new pairs of shoes and socks. This was great because the shoes he was wearing were very tight for him. Halso got a toy car.
Next we went to the grocery store, ShopRite. Again, a first for them. There we bought both families the same food items, which both kids had on their lists. We got a 10 kg bag, 22 pounds, of Mealie-meal (the local staple food) with it you can make porridge or Nshima, which is the white stuff that we serve at school. We also bought rice, potatoes, macaroni and spaghetti noodles, a bag of apples and three packages of biscuits (cookies).
Then it was time to head home, back to Bauleni. But not before their first ride in a glass elevator! That was very exciting!
We took Elemiar home first. When we arrived at his house, no one was home. He quickly went next door, got his keys from the neighbor and let himself in. Boy, talk about a latchkey kid! I felt sad leaving him alone with no adult to show all of his things to, but it seems that this is very much what he is accustomed to. The landlady lives right next to them and she was around to look after him. He was very happy with all of his new things.
Thank you so much, Tammi, for giving to Elemiar as you have. It was truly a wonderful day for all of us. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be the person who gets the pleasure of carrying out your good will!