My First and Probably Last Baby Shower

I have finished outlining all the countries of the world and today I started to paint between the lines. Yesterday on my way home from the school, I passed by a very old and little man trying to roll a wheelbarrow down the road. He was struggling and having to take many breaks. I passed him as he was bent over his wheelbarrow and after I passed him I decided that it would be really bad if I didn’t try to ask him if he needed help. I struggled to understand him but I think he said he would appreciate it, because he did not get angry when I went to pick up his wheelbarrow. As we walked along, at still a very slow pace, he talked about how he hurt and was sore. These were the only things I could gather from the conversation because he was very hard to understand. When we got to the edge of the city, he thanked me and I continued on my way. It was quite an interesting experience. Today I went to paint on the map while school was in session, but mainly spent my time trying to answer the questions of the kids and playing soccer. I got a little bit done on the map. The teacher asked me if I could come into one of the classes and help them learn the ABC’s in English. It was great to be able to help out. This afternoon I was fortunate enough to be included in a baby shower. It was for the host mom of one of the other PCV’s (Peace Corps Volunteers), Rena, who is an amazingly kind woman, who has a warmth and glow around her that is very rare to find. It was a great time, there were games such as protect your balloon (baby) while trying to pop each others, baby Pictionary, Name that baby food flavor, and many other fun games. The baby shower was organized by the PCV and even though this was Rena’s fifth baby it was her first baby shower, so it was really special. I am so fortunate to have been invited and to have experience yet another cultural event like this one. Tomorrow we are getting up at the crack of dawn, well before then actually, to go out to Lydia’s farthest away school.