So many hands!

After church today, we were invited to the private primary girls boarding school. (The name will be filled in once I am able to remember what it is.)

We had tried to approach some of the girl earlier this week, but had been told we needed to have permission, so we were excited to visit. We weren't exactly sure what we were getting into, but the headmistress sent us off with the prefects of each class and we went around to different grades to visit and answer questions.

The girls were all very excited to have us at their school. They would sing for us and then ask us to sing for them. They often asked to hear our national anthem and they were very interested in anything American.

Questions ranged from how many counties were in the state we lived (53, Darla only missed this number by one today) to if we were homesick. They had so many questions to ask about knowledge and about our personal lives, which was interesting and a bonding experience for all of us.

Another questions they ask is "Why is your hair different than ours?" We tried to explain that it is just another way in how we are different, and that there are people that look just like them in the United States too. They really asked tough questions that were difficult to answer in a way that is appropriate.

Touching our hair was also a big draw. I took my hair out of my ponytail today and let a few classes to touch it. They giggle and tell me how soft it is. One girl started braiding it today. When they touch your hair, they usually move to your face and then they looked at our ears and earings today. So many hands on your skin and in your hair, you feel more like an attraction at a petting zoo than a person in a classroom. Then, you are reminded you are human when they ask you to tell them about your family back in the U.S.A..

The school we visited is one of the best schools in the country and has girls from all over Kenya. All of the girls were extremely intelligent.

With them, we sang High School Musical, talked about our families and life at home, learned about each other's countries and had some physical contact. I think we qualify as friends.

(Sorry for no pictures! I had no idea the tour of the school would involve as many people and I was taking a break day from the camera around my neck that afternoon.)