Chaotic routine....

We are getting into a routine at the camp. After several failed experiments re how to manage the food and cleanup, I have asked the 6 groups to split into 1/2 and each do lunch and dinner. There is no refrigeration, dishwasher, or garbage handling. I do breakfast cleanup with the other volunteers in time to set out the break stuff . After the big meals where we assembly line the 250 plates, the 10 or so kids go into the utility shed and try to wash all the plates and cups and dry them before class again, or the talent show in the evening as the case may be. There is general chaos, with the boys sneaking off, the hot water running out, tea towels are wet, food goes into the sink if I dont direct traffic. They are washing plates with tea bags and chicken bones and cold water. The other 240 people try to crowd in and put their plates all around us and on the floor.It's pretty wild. Today I finally got the boys involved with plenty of praise, talk about team work and a treat after.
There are many cultural problems regardign the males and their role, although they are here to learn gender equity and nonviolence. Yesterday, Doug the other Ottawa volunteer, got told not to help the boys sweep the dorm quite forcefully, as it is not done by men here.Last night a poor sad little boy got beaten in the washroom. He is HIV positive and has had TB. He is small and thin and just different. He has been raised in a hospital.We dont know if he was beaten because he is HIV./AIDS or entered the talent show or is just diferent, but you can tell he is heartbroken today.
I had a meaingful time with a girl who came to me to tell me she is HIV positive. She was crying, lost her parents in 2003 and 2005. She is very scared, but goes regularly for CD4 counts and will be on meds soon. I was told last year that this would/might happen to me and how to handle it.
I spent a long time with her and we ended up laughing and talking about living life to the fullest and making every day a good one.I hope I helped her by being there for her to talk to.
I cant believe what these kids put up with. They are in dorms that are 30 to a room. It is 110 degrees in there at night. Last night we discovered the whole dorm is full of bed bugs, and everyone in 2 rooms is being bitten. One staff member awoke covered. I have'nt been attacked but it is awful and today they sprayed the rooms.I am not really allowed to jump ship as everyone will and Peg is hanging in there too.
In the morning the teachers have the loo from 4:30 til 5:30 and then the 75 girls try to get ready. This a.m. I snuck in to take the toilet paper (thankfully having discovered a washroom off the kitchen where we can shower.) There were 15 girls standing in small rubber wash tubs trying to bath. They then have to sweep and tidy the rooms and be at breakfast at 7 and class at 8 a.m.
Not one teenager I know could cope with this. We, the women staff, have 8 people in the room and so we are in luxury!
The talent shows at night are amazing and give me a real "cant believe I am here" feeling.. The singing, harmony, dancing, miming, poetry ( read like drama) etc are so good, I need to be able to film a bit to even get close to describing it all.The week will end with a testing day, bonfire with hot chocolate on Friday night. Lots of counselling on grief and other issues are available.The teachers usually get into it and do a few singing acts too, mostly hymns. Fantastic.

I am going to rest and wash clothes Sunday, and then go to the Bytown orphanage on Monday. Can't wait to see the kids, There are 5 here, and they have already asked me to do a BINGO.
I am very disappointed that my friend Julia, the teacher who took me riding, did not come fromThaba Tseka. I cant get through to her on the phone yet, so will just send a letter and present. She was a wonderful part of last years visit for me and I hope she is o.k. The HL staff asked me not to go there as there is tribal violence over livestock stealing and lots of guns and violence.

We really have no idea how good we have it in Canada. Pictures to follow.