Entry 9.

Ok, now I officially miss Avery. Spending my morning volunteering at the Butterfly House preschool program kicked me right back into mom-mode (in a good way). Back to wiping little noses, encouraging kids to share, building with legos and kicking a ball around in the sunshine. At home, Avery is obsessed with tracing her hands with her crayons. These kids liked taking turns: me tracing their hands and them tracing mine.

Just as graham crackers or goldfish are typical American preschool snacks, these kids look forward to porridge mixed with milk and sugar.
Serious cuteness. The only reason they sat long enough for a picture is because they all wanted to see themselves on the camera display afterwards!

As much as this morning reminded me of home, it also brought to light the harsh realities of this life. One of the sweetest little angels there was sold to strangers by her mother for 400 rand ($53), so that her mom could have money to buy booze. There has been many a day in my mothering career that I would hypothetically consider trading a screaming baby for a nice fruity cocktail, but to actually sell your child?! Fortunately, her grandparents got wind of the transaction and rescued the girl. Unfortunately, her grandfather passed away this week and her grandmother is not physically able to care for her.

Matt, can we adopt an adorable African toddler? Pleeeease!

As if entertaining 9 children for a couple hours wasn't enough work, we had a mural to finish. Aren't these colors downright delicious? Reminds me of something... hmm... jellybeans maybe? *wink* Can you tell I am going through Jelly Belly withdrawls?

Not entirely complete, but all the color is done! Tomorrow we finish it off with black.