More kids

This is Mohamed Allieu and I. Mommy Karen likes to call him Giggles and I think it fits perfectly. He has the greatest laugh that just brightens my day and a smile with dimples all the girls would love. Mohamed is a huge help around Jonathan House. We send him often to run errands and if I ever have a question about how something is done or how it works I can count on Mohamed to either have the answer or find it for me. The first time I ever went to town and to the market was with Mohamed and he has proven to be a great teacher as now I can do almost everything on my own. This school year Mohamed will be entering JSS 3 which is like our 9th grade. He is smart and I know he will do well. Mohamed had been staying with his grandmother after losing his parents, but since she was not able to care for him he came to stay here. God chose him to be a part of this family and a special part he is.
Since we have no electricity we have to iron the old fashioned way (though it is not old fashioned to them, just me). I know my grandma will recognize this iron. We take coals from the kitchen fire and place them inside the iron and wait for it to warm up- then iron away. Mohamed is a pro at it and since my hands are not as strong as everyone elses I don't do it very often (come to think of it I don't often iron in the States either). The handle can get a bit hot for me. It amazes me what everyone can handle here- even in the kitchen the women and girls can lift the lids on the pots, stick their fingers in the boiling water to check it, pull coals out of the fire and more all with bare hands. I am not sure when I will build up that tolerance as I am not trying too hard.

These two girls are some of the youngest at JH- Elizabeth (Betty) and Nancy. Both have been here since they were infants and just like any other family- being the youngests means they are the most spoiled and think they rule the house. Kayla (Roger Hatch's daughter) was actually here when Betty was born and named her. They are a lot of fun even if they do have some strong personalities. All the children love them and are great at helping to care for them.

Here are most of the kids at Jonathan House and I. It was taken while my family was here so it is a few months old, but still worth sharing. I cannot believe I only have two months left- it is flying by. I want to say a quick Happy birthday to my dad and aunt Lorie. I love and miss you both.