Swimming

I have found myself doing things and saying things that mothers say to their children.
Lindsay and I have been taking groups of 10 to a swimming pool in Accra for the past two weeks. Before we get out of the car I give the “ be respectful speech” along with “ don’t run”, said that many times. We took a group of girls the first time and had a blast! They had never been in water that they couldn’t stand up in. The feeling of not being in control was nothing they had ever felt. It was so funny to see big girls hang on you and float and squeeze into small blow up tubes. Lindsay and I had met a guy that offered to give them free swimming lessons, they did great. I felt very proud of them. Yesterday we took a group of boys, some were fearless, some swam with water wings while others had a death grip on your neck. I loved it. The feeling of being needed and them trusting that you will catch them when the jump in the water.

Only 2 ½ months left! When I think about it I get excited to see family and friends, but I know that my heart will be broken and thinking of leaving these kids kills me. I know that they will be ok and may have learned some things from me, but I will forever carry them in my heart and will never be that same. Learning to love, laugh and live they way they do, will I hope never leave me. I have heard it said that if you have lived in Africa that your heart will never leave, I know this will be true for me.