I had a real business meeting today...when did I become a grown up??

Well, for starters….sorry its been awhile. I’ve had a few people point out to me that I suck for not updating more. Well, my apologies. The last month or two or however long is really been have been a whirlwind. There has been sadness, happiness, psychoticness and as many other “nesses” that you can possibly think of. There will be no really order to this cause honestly, I really can’t remember how things have been, it’s all a blur these days. Ok, so to start with, I got the grant! I got that big grant that is such an honor in most ways but oh my lord, is now so overwhelming! I mean this, in total honesty when I say, I genuinely never thought I’d get the grant! So, when I made this big elaborate plan for what “my next year” would be and put it all together, I planned it in a way of like, “oh yeah, lets throw that in there too, that would be cool and it will save all of Africa!” I was naive and didn’t think I would ever have to do it…well, I’m freakin’ cool like that and karma has an interesting sense of humor. I knew that already though, so I don’t know why I messed it!!!! I know it will be great and I believe in the intense plan I made for myself and I think when its all over next year I’ll be way proud…but holy mother…all I can think now is, “what have I gotten myself into?” It’ll be good. I tell myself that about a hundred times a day if not more. I’m proud that I did get the grant and I think if it gets pulled of like its suppose to then it will be a really great thing for many villages! Please keep fingers crossed for me and if you happen to run into any amazingly rich people that know a lot about business, like bill gates or something…please send them my way! I could use the help! I’ve now had a few busness meetings with the NGO’s and other organizations, talking about “money” and making work plans…I feel way too grown up. When did I become an adult that does those things? How did that happen??? I still feel like I’m ten and just want my mommy to handle it…which if I asked, she would…but I guess I’ll do it since I’m here.
So, now, I’m running around like a crazy person trying to find 2 other villages that I think will be good for the grant and have eager staff and people in the village to work on this plan. I’m getting bank info figured out and running around to all the NGO’s, CBO’s, and FBO’s that are helping me out trying to make sure everyone is still on board. (that’s a lot of something GO’s…dang!) Anyways, so it’ll be good…see I’m telling myself again! But…..next is the second meal!
Yep…that’s still around…kinda. Barely! OK, so short version. The Social welfare people have approved it but want to determine if it’s the families that need the help (food and support from gov) or if its really best to give it as a meal to the school to feed the children. Debate! So, I’ve been fighting for the meal, because there needs to be much behavior change in the village done before I believe giving it to the homes will get the food to the children directly…the grant in theory will start this behavior change…so im working on it, but until progress is made myself, the school, and the social worker are fighting to have the extra food go to the school. The social welfare people as of last week decided that since this process has already taken 8 months…they need NEW supporting data! Yep! Due to the fact that my mom won’t let me swear and I feel writing bad things on internet is not the best plan…I will just say that that news didn’t make me very happy. So, the social worker and myself have to go home to home AGAIN and get all the data over again from the 30 homes we went to last September as well as the additional 30-40 homes that my school identified as “suspected needy” but aren’t currently under the government list of OVC (orphans & vulnerable children)…score! So, yeah! Again, I’m not allowed to swear! You can imagine. I’m sure! So, after my friend from home david, that’s been here for many weeks visiting me offered to let me punch him in the face to get out some frustrations (which for the record, I didn’t but thought about) I let out a few tears and then realized, “screw it…I’ll do it and do it better and show up at their door steps at midnight just to prove my enthusiasm.” So, the social worker and I will do it. Trying to get all the necessary people in the village to accomplish this is becoming the new ridiculous task that makes me feel like going home to the US, not a horrible plan…but I won’t. It’ll happen. I’m beyond frustrated and overwhelmed, but I’ll do it. I’ll do it all. It needs to be done and If they keep throwing things at me to deter me…fine, so be it…game on!!! Haha
So, despite the set backs and also the good news its been filled with random drama but its been pretty normal. A few kids lately have been running away from school the last few weks because they are standing up for themselves and refuse to be beaten. Its still unreal to me that the children are just coming forth and taking a stand. Its awesome, but also hard. Life Skills is certainly in Metsi, the kids are proving that now, but I need to find a way to get them to find a balance. Taking a stand is amazing but dropping out or running away is not the way I want them to be handling the situation. I’ve been counseling a few kids and so far they have stayed in school and no beatings. My school head and the teachers are really wonderful. They don’t totally get it but have been really receptive to the change for the most part which is phenomenal because then not only are these kids taking a stand but getting validation from it and getting empowered for being heard when they do! It still is going to take more work and we have to work on it, but cool things are happening in Metsi…it’ll be good.
We’re planning to do a camp fire next week, not sure if it will happen but we’ll see. We have all the goodies to make s’mores (which is not in this country, the kids have no idea what they are, but are sooooooo excited) and we’re going to try to make a life skills thing out of it. I’ve given the responsibility to the kids to plan and we’ll see what happens!