Rapid Rate

Suddenly I am working at the rate of an American again. So much happening and then in the midst of all that, I am daily reminded of where I am and what it is like to live here. For example,
yesterday while visiting my neighbors (actually collecting Nell and Pearl) I found out that the new baby they have was actually born in the field out front of our house. The baby was the mother's 3rd and she waited a bit too long to get started to the hospital....also we live in a very remote area..my car is the only one anywhere near us. They felt hesitant to ask me because of their views of Mzungu's. It broke my heart that they didn't ask and I think I have very clearly made them understand my help is there if needed in the future. I went to sleep last night envisioning this poor woman lying in the field without so much as a blanket....again, the realities in Africa hit hard when they hit. This situation is coupled with the trip Shawna and I took to the Light in Africa Children's Center....essentially a home for kids without parents. We sat on the dirty hard ground outside while kids climbed all over us calling us "mama". My constitution is strong in many regards...but not, when it comes to children. I left with a gigantic lump in my throat and visions of exactly how many beds I could fit in my basement in Chicago...and how Nell and Pearl would react to a few new siblings....another visual that I know will never escape my mind. Just so easy to know that I could give them a life that is better than what they are getting presently...I'll wish and hope for the best in their future....but how does one who is as lucky and grateful as me not take some responsibility for these kids?? Not sleeping to well after this visit....
On a lighter note...one of our rabbits is pregnant??!!!! So our 8 pets are about to double? How many rabbits do rabbits birth?? How long is the gestation period??? It's pretty funny to think we are going to be overrun by little bunnies soon....Nell is beside herself....
Time is flying with visitors here...life speeds up....Elena and her boys will be joining us in two weeks and Shawna and Elle are going to take a little jaunt to Zanzibar!!!
All is well....albeit a bit heavy today...thus is the reality of Africa.
Love to you all!!!!
Sarah