Our team has now arrived at our final destination: Yako! After arriving via bus and truck on Sunday afternoon, Sarah, Bekah, and I (Emily) had the opportunity to visit a children's Bible club meeting in the nearby village of Doure with missionaries Mike and Amy and local pastor Valentin. Although there was a language gap, it was wonderful to see the children's excitement. We were then invited to have tea at the pastor's home, where we sat with the two pastors and other missionaries to enjoy tea, fresh bread, and "monkey bread" (fruit from the baobab tree). It was a wonderful way to experience the local culture and begin our stay in Yako!
Monday began early (6:15am!) as Angela, Sarah, Bekah, and I traveled to the village of Gobila for our first day of classroom observations. Lynn, a local missionary and founder of the school, introduced us to the staff and interns and set us up to observe in two separate classrooms. Angela and Sarah observed in a CE1 (3rd grade) classroom while Bekah and I were in a CE2 (4th grade) classroom. Although the purpose of our observations will be to offer constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement, what stood out to me the most was the warmth of the teachers and how much the kids here are like the kids back home! The kid who gives the funny answers, the one who gets distracted, the one with a learning disability, they're all here! It turns out that kids are kids, no matter where you go :)
We've also been enjoying spending time in the school/orphanage where we are staying. We have been able to spend time interacting with the babies and children, and it is so clear that the people working here have big hearts for these children. Whether they have been orphaned, abandoned, or are here temporarily for health care, these children are being given a second chance at life! There are struggles, of course, but so many rewards!
During our time here, Doug and Matt have also been able to spend time with Lauren, who is currently teaching and working at the orphanage in Yako. It has been wonderful reunion for them and they have been able to help with painting and other work around the orphanage, including playing with the children! They also had the opportunity to do their own observations of gym classes at the Gobila school this morning, which will tie into Matt's project and work while he is here.
Although I could go into much more detail, I will have to wrap up for now! This evening we will be meeting with the teachers we observed the other day, so it's time to go and do some more prep work! The next few days will be busy and we continue to pray for safety and good health as we build relationships with the people here in Yako.
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