Success

You know there is success when you see growth and accomplishment.  Even though I technically have finished gathering my data for my research project, I don't think that you are ever finished being a researcher.  With the exception of Thursday when I had to go to Kampala for supplies I have continued to read to the children.  During this week I observed some things that were worthy of being noted...

1.  Reread the two books from the first day... there was a lot of interest and a lot more participation.  The children responded to my questions when I asked what is this or what sound does it make.

2.  I can't seem to make it to my reading spot with books in hand as the children are so eager to look at them.  I actually have to sit on one while reading the other or they are distracted.  I think I can make the clear assumption that these children like their books!

3. A very heart warming story... the first few days I was here, school was not in session yet so there were few children around.  Louis, our campus cook's grandson, was the only little one around and he was scared of me.  He is 18 months old and I am the first white person he had ever met.  Every time I would come near he would get this look of fear on his face, start crying, and hide with grandma. While I have been reading to the older children, he has been observing and now smiles and laughs when I come around.  He has even said... "bye mamma" as he left my apartment.  Yesterday I walked down to read and the older children had not gotten out of chapel yet.  Louis was the only little one so I walked up to talk with him... he put his hand out and said "book".  I am not sure if there was more shock or joy as this child had never been spoken to in English before I arrived... he had never seen a book ... nor had he been read to!  Success with books... I think so!