Missionaries of Charity visit

So before being unwell, nearly two weeks ago now, I returned to Missionaries of Charity. I led the group of people who wanted to come to help with the kids. I explained to them ho hyper they often were, and how we could help at meal times. We had a group of 5 of us this time which was great because the more hands, the better, lots of little bodies wanting a cuddle and someone to play with. they were actually quite a lot calmer than usual when we arrived which was a good sign. I had a few more exciting plans for the visit today...
The smallest of babies continued to look so much healthier, one in particular I actually didn't recognise he had got so big.

I met a new helper who had volunteered to come on a regular basis who was a nurse. she had been to Liberia before working with another charity. She was lovely and obviously has the same passion for the place as I do.

A few of us did a nail painting session, it is the most hysterical scene. From no where, suddenly limbs just begin to appear, a few heads burrow their way through the crowd to the front, pushing to be the next. Feet and hands are suddenly up close and personal. What madness! The children's eyes light up, the boys even clamour for bright orange, red, turquiose adn purple splodges on their grubby little hands and feet. Giggles of delight as one by one their nails change colour. You can't help but smile. Eventually most of the little ones are satisfied at their suitably bright nails, and we look at what we can do next...

We had a traditional instrument (it's name escapes me right now!!) which is a hollow shell, surrounded by a mesh with beads. It is used at most churches adn is a very unusual looking contraption, but by holding onto the mesh and moving the shell, an awesome sound is created. So I got it out and in my very western bad rhythm began to make sounds. In walks little prince, barely walking actually, only a little tot, and starts shiking his little nappied butt in time with the sound. Bouncing up and down and jigging whilst playing with a building block I might add. It just confirmed yet again how innate the sense of rhythm and music is to the people here. Awesome!

Being as the kids were so 'calm', we got out some play-doh too. The biright colours were unfortunately a little appealing to one or two of the little mouths, but once shown what it was really for, snakes and blobs and creatures began emerging from the soft stuff. A lesson on colours in English began. Many of the children speak Bassa, though they are quite convinced if they just keep chattering to us that eventually we will understand what they're saying..I'm still hoping too!

Next I took a bit of a big risk. Lots of the kids were playing with play-doh and balloons and just having cuddles, so I decided to try out the facepaints........ I am pretty sure these kids have never seen or had face paints before so my first little victim was a little nervous. Perched on a little stool I showed her on my hand how the paint brush would put colours on her skin. With a few winces to begin with I created a small purple butterfly, with green spots on her cheek. Picking up one of the toys which had a mirror in, she had a careful long look, a little bewildered. Then a definite decision, and she pointed at her other cheek. By this time a little crowd was gathering, so next came a big red star for one of the boys. Boy, did he giggle when he saw his image in the mirror! So the face paints continued... on foreheads, cheeks, noses. Even though there was a little audience, I think it was an activity which had with it a sense of intimacy to really connect with each child. I let each one choose their colours and they just stared straight into my eyes as I concetrated on painting, saying silent prayers in my heart for each one. Maybe they knew, but for sure they barely moved a muscle. The result of each was beaming smiles and cuddles.

I left that place with my heart filled, my hands covered in paint, nail varnish on my face (???!!)and play-doh on my bum. What more can a girl want?