Now I'm a real Missionary

It's official. I have become sick off the 'native' food. Ok, so it wasn't that native. It was just a donut type thing from the Wal-Mart-y store. I think. It could have been the water, or the fruit, or the wanna-be-pizza or... the list goes on. Whatever it was it cleared out my stomach in a hurry. Thank God it only took me out for a day. I'm feeling much, much better now and I'm back at 'work' at the Girl's home.

Just a note, not one person (that I'm aware of) got sick because of food from the SFV team. Someone did have a little issue with car sickness, but you can get that anywhere. So that should encourage everyone, right?

I'm taking it easy and eating mostly Ritz crackers. (There is a box of Cheez-its on the desk across from me, tempting me. I'll be strong. Or I'll tell you about my failure to resist in my next post. One of the two.)

*update... I failed. But at least I got permission first.*

I bet you're wondering what I'm doing over here. Well, frankly I'm doing whatever I'm asked. My jobs here are more hands on with the missionary staff than the kids. I'm helping them create photo packets, designs for play rooms (think of the Reign Forest room) designing and creating their Christmas brochure and card. I spend most of my time on the computer and did regret it for a little while. I was telling myself that I could do this from home. But then the missionaries reminded me that I probably wouldn't have time at home, and that because I am here, I am accomplishing in a few days what it would take them months to do. This is because I have experience on the programs and also because they have many responsibilities on their plate, while I do not.

I also help with odd jobs whenever I'm asked. The other day I went with some of the long-termers to the Night Market and helped them pick out 500 pairs of chopsticks. (They will be gifts to ZOE donors in the US or something like that.) That took a while.

One of the most enjoyable jobs that I have is to come up with designs for a children's fort/playhouse/jungle gym and matching puppet house. I know I don't have the time to build it, but it would probably be better to farm that job out to a local, because labor is so cheap here. But if I can do all the design work, and make up good plans, it should be easy for anyone with some experience to build. At least that's the hope. You can imagine the fun Jonathan and I are having with these projects.

Well, I need to go shoot some kids (with a camera) for a graphic design thing I'm doing, so I'll sign off. Love to all!!!

ps - I've reposted some of the pictures that were too dark before, that's why they may look familiar. I've found a computer with Photoshop!!! YEAH!!!