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Mayaba turned 8 years old today, June 23rd! She lives in the Bauleni Compound with her Aunty and Uncle. Mayaba's father died when she was 4 years old, and her mother lives in a far away village and is unable to care for her, so she came to stay with Aunt Rachel. When asked what she wants or needs, she replied, " Clothes, shoes, rice, potatoes, and Superguatte." I am not sure what Superguatte is, but I will find out! She also said, "I want to go go to the Fairgrounds in August and have fun!" There is a big event each August at the Lusaka, Fairgrounds. Mayaba has never attended, but would like to go. Our school director is planning to take her this year, thanks to Tammi. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Mayaba answered, "A teacher."
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A note to Tammi...
You gave Myaba and Elemiar 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. Myaba was surprised by her suroundings outside of the Bauleni Housing Compound. It was very obvious that she had never been in this area, which what we would all consider ‘our own backyards.’
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 Myaba got a new skirt and blouse, a sweat suit (track suit, as they call it here), a pair of socks and shoes, a pair of panties and a beautiful dolly. It was so cute when she picked out the doll. There was a rack of dolls, all white and blue eyed. As I was looking through them, way at the back, was one black doll. I showed it to her and she lit up! She was so happy to have a baby doll that looked like her! It was amazing!
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, and potatoes. It turns out this stuff, Superguatte.... she meant spaghetti! So they both got macaroni and spaghetti noodles as well. Also, 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!
After taking Elemiar home we started for Myaba's house. It is impossible to park near her house, so you will see in the video, some of the walk to her home. She had a much different greeting. Her Aunt Rachel was there and many ladies who live nearby. They were all so very happy for her. It was heartwarming.
Thank you so much, Tammi, for giving to Myaba 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 Myaba got a new skirt and blouse, a sweat suit (track suit, as they call it here), a pair of socks and shoes, a pair of panties and a beautiful dolly. It was so cute when she picked out the doll. There was a rack of dolls, all white and blue eyed. As I was looking through them, way at the back, was one black doll. I showed it to her and she lit up! She was so happy to have a baby doll that looked like her! It was amazing!
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, and potatoes. It turns out this stuff, Superguatte.... she meant spaghetti! So they both got macaroni and spaghetti noodles as well. Also, 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!
After taking Elemiar home we started for Myaba's house. It is impossible to park near her house, so you will see in the video, some of the walk to her home. She had a much different greeting. Her Aunt Rachel was there and many ladies who live nearby. They were all so very happy for her. It was heartwarming.
Thank you so much, Tammi, for giving to Myaba 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!