origami

Here are some photos of the boys doing their origami. We were making stars this day, which was really a big challenge (for the boys and for my mom). But, we did it. One of my boys was able to figure it out with a little help and then he assisted the other boys, which was a big help. My mom was a big help too because she was able to sit at one end of the table and help some of the kids who couldn't see what I was doing! I will use these pictures in our exhibit on Friday! I can't wait!

update

I haven't posted in forever, so I figure I should get back into it. I have a lot of new pictures, so I'll post them soon. I have been super busy while my mom was visiting, so now I'm getting back into the blog. Today. I am sitting in Praia at the Close of Service conference. This is our last official Peace Corps obligation before we leave the country. So far we have discussed how to get our plane tickets home and howt o get medical insurance after Peace Corps should we contract some awful disease related to our time here! I sure hope that doesn't happen. We even got to watch an awfully boring video concerning how to use the US labor department's health care service, FECA! It was all very interesting.

In the past weeks, I have been exposed to so much and done lots of great things. Most exciting thing so far has been the origami project. My mom came to the country bearing lots of paper for folding and a new book. So, the boys were SUPER excited, and we were asked to put together an exhibit for June 1st (Children's day). I have great photos and we have put together a ton of new origami figures for the big day. I'll post the pictures when I have time!

For now, that's about it. I'll write more as I think of it! Oh, my mom is now gone and we had a fabulous time and I miss her sooooo much.

Domestic Violence

Yesterday, news came out that a local girl was murdered by her boyfriend. She was someone that I saw on a weekly basis; she worked in a grocery store that I frequent. Apparently, her boyfriend is a Military police officer, so he had a handgun. He beat her and then shot her. Today, the store where she worked had a picture of this very young (probably 19 year old) girl in their window. The local political headquarters had her picture and written next to it they stated that this was the second handgun crime this year. A march is being organized against violence and people are extremely shocked and saddened because Mindelo is a calm town and everyone knows this girl and her boyfriend. I have been moved to tears thinking about this girl and her death. I only hope that her life will have some meaning as people gather to talk about domestic violence.