School kids

Thursday we went to visit 3 sites that had taken loans out with us in the past. The first had paid it back but wanted to see us again anyway...to ask for another loan of course. They wanted 50,000 KSh (just under $1000 CAD) to build a shed for covering their bricks that they make before they are fired so that they don't get ruined by rain. They didn't actually have anyone to sell bricks to, which doesn't seem to be a consideration here. Amazingly enough, since they paid back their first loan they obviously can sell their bricks eventually and they probably will get a second, though perhaps not as much as they want.

The second group was so fun though. They have a sewing business and masonary as well, but they run a school on the grounds. As we were pulling up on the "road" all the kids (about 100) were outside and saw the van coming so they started cheering. We pulled into the yard and they swarmed the car on the side I was on so that when I got out I was surrounded. It was exactly like being a rock star, as Dave likes to point out. There were so many I just held my hands out and they all reached up to touch me.

After the visit, the leader of the group pointed out his daughter who was attending the school and happened to be standing to one side. I pulled out my camera and took a picture of her and tried to show it to her. She became an instant celebrity herself as all the other kids saw the camera and jostled for a good look. I then took a picture of them all and showed them. The kids just love to pose and to see themselves on the digital image. It was hard to extricate myself to leave but I managed to make it out intact.