I continue to visit to my friend's small shop most Saturdays in order to read books to the local kids. Last year, an EMI intern did this every Saturday around the same time, so he developed quite a following of kids who would expect him. This year, I've been doing it much more informally and sporadically, so I usually just read to my friend's kids, Jordan & Janet, and perhaps 2-4 others who gather around. Today, I arrived around 4:30, and Jordan & Janet were taking a nap, and no other kids were hanging around the shop, so I thought I'd just be leaving right away. But their auntie decided to wake up the kids, so I read a few books to them. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by a small mob of 2-8-year-olds. It's the biggest crowd of kids I've read to since the formal Saturday readings of last year ended. It was fun, although a bit chaotic. Jordan, who's in 2nd grade, even read them a book!
I feel bad for the kids because most of them can't understand what I'm reading most of the time anyway, so they lose focus quickly. But they did seem to enjoy the occasion - maybe it was just the novelty of hanging out with a "mzungu." They definitely enjoy the more-interactive or rhythmic books. I found a book of babies dressed up as different insects - they thought that was pretty funny. Then I was sure to end with what has probably become their favorite: a Veggie Tales book, throughout which I attempt to do all the funny voices of the different characters. The book ends with "Toodle-doo!" so as we departed, we all waved goodbye saying "toodle-doo" over and over. =) The large crowd and general enthusiasm from the kids was a good encouragement. At first, I didn't really feel like going today, but I'm really glad I did. It was a good reminder of how, even though it takes more energy for me (spreadsheets come a lot more naturally), I do really enjoy building relationships here.
