Typing with Benji on my lap

I am typing this with Benji in my lap. She is approx 6-7 yrs old and is about the size of Isaac. She was living with her Grandmother who is heavy into voodoo and they Campbells convinced the Grandmother to let them take Benji because she was so malnourished they feared she would die soon without severe measures. They are guessing her age according to her missing her two top teeth. That was 3 weeks ago and now she is eating and talking, although she is still very weak. She is totally precious and we have all fallen in love with her.

Today was the first full day here and it was incredable. I slept on the top bunk last night and managed to not fall completely off, even though there was no rail on the bed. But, while climbing down this morning I slipped and fell but caught myself right before I landed on my butt!! Only minor bruising! Anyway, we went to the market this morning and that was an experience of a lifetime in and of itself! I will have to explain it later because it is almost impossible to put into words. It will be easier when I have pictures. The whole time we were there people would yell "Blanc!!" which means white and they would walk by and just touch us. So unbelievable how people live. Mom and Dad.....they had meat out in pans that had flies and it was so hot. I couldn
t help imagine the look on my Mom's face!! Some of those people walked 20 miles to come there and sell grain or corn.

Later this evening we played a serious game of soccer with the boys and the 'blancs' lost. But, only by two points. I played goalie, which for my first time, I think I did pretty good. Especially considering these boys play soccer every single day and they are awesome! The girls danced and sang with us tonight. Very entertaining. At all times there are children climbing all over us wanting to be held or to just touch our hair or to look at the camera or look at pictures of themselves in the camera. We also did a craft earlier today with about 10 -12 of the kids and it was a mob scene! We painted suncatchers and they were crazy for it. Then they were wearing them as bracelets and necklaces! Most of the kids here dont speak English so imagine doing a craft with all those kids who are super pumped and dont understand any of the directions.

I hope to update again soon, although I may not be able to be on here every night.....so don't freak out MOM!!!

Love you guys so much
Leah