Today I went to KCCL for the last time this year. We had decided to have a party, so I brought along some cupcakes. There were around seven people on the bus, which wasn't as much as we had hoped. The ride was about half an hour, and we were all relieved to be getting out of the bus when we arrived.
All of the kids were playing outside in the garden when we arrived, so we went inside and set up the food and got our painting equipment out. We then called all of the kids in, and there were a few words said (regarding the overall experience of KCCL, and when we would be back, etc). There were photos taken, and two KCCL children cut the cake.
We then started to hand out the food to everybody, at first we were afraid that there wasn't going to be enough, but luckily there was more than enough to go around. We had brought along chocolate chip cookies, cake, crisps, popcorn, cupcakes, coke, etc. All the kids got at least one piece of cake, and could pick freely from everything else. Shanti and I headed out with bowls of crisps and popcorn (as after receiving the cake most of the kids had gone outside) and were greeted with (what seemed like) millions of hands reaching out to grab the food - quickly followed by a chorus of "thank you!"'s.
While this was going on I spoke to a number of children that had never approached me before. They seemed to be fascinated with my blonde hair, and repeated my name to themselves frequently, as if liking the feeling of it in their mouthes. The kids were all really sweet, and I loved how you could talk to them about absolutely anything and make it fun.
We left the food inside for the kids and went into the courtyard to continue painting. Shanti and I worked on some flowers, while the others did various other pictures on the wall (giraffes, flamingos, and much more). Some KCCL kids came to paint with us, and we had a lot more time to talk and interact with them. However, we soon had to pack up.
The children all seemed so happy to have the party, some even squealing in excitement, and it was great to see them having such a wonderful time. I think that (during the course of our visits) we made a direct impact, and changed the way that they felt about themselves, and us. I was definitely inspired by the strength of these people, and it made me appreciate the luxuries that I have all the more. I can't wait to visit these kids again next year, I can't wait to make their school even more beautiful. I have lots of ideas for new paintings!
(photos coming)
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