Soon we were having three legged races, sack races, and relays. Most of the kids loved it, although a few were hesitant. It was so much fun watching them play games they had never heard of before. The smiles on their faces were brighter than anything I've ever seen! CMF had a lunch for them, and then began playing more games and relays. It started raining near the end, but that didn't stop the fun. Some of the kids (and a few adults) played in the rain a little bit, and soon games were replaced with singing under a pavilion out of the rain.
While we were at field day, there was one girl in particular from one of the other schools that really attached to me. She was hanging on Ian and me when we first got there, and she sat by us when she ate lunch. When we started to sing songs, she came and sat in my lap and insisted that I hold her even when we stood to sing. She wouldn't let me put her down. She didn't speak any English to me, although I think she understood some of what I said. We mostly communicated in smiles, but that was enough. She was the most gorgeous little girl I had ever seen! She had long, dark eyelashes, and beautiful ringlets that framed her face. It wasn't until later that I learned she was from the school that was started for the kids that live in the dump. I never would have known! She seemed so neatly put together and so happy. Seeing how much joy these kids have, despite their living conditions, has really put things into perspective for me.
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