My boys.

I know they aren't really my boys, but God's.  But I call them my boys because there is 2 sets of 14 boys here at Amani.  So, when I say my boys everyone knows I'm talking about the 14 boys who live in cottage C.

I cannot begin to express how fun it has been getting to know these 14 little trouble makers.  They are all so full of character... So energetic, mischievous, joyful, silly, and loving.  Some times they sure do test my patience... but the days when they actually listen and respect me make it that much more rewarding.  Today, at naptime after they recieved their hugs they got into bed.  I commented on how well our little mischief maker- Joseph- got into his bed and listened so well, the others began trickling in, getting their hugs and then climbing into bed "How about me Auntie?"  They asked, to which I replied "Oh, you have listened so well! You are such a big boy!"  Pretty soon all the boys were laying quietly in their beds... probably the first time I've ever had them ALL listen to me. Amazing what a little bit of praise can do for little boys.

Meet Edwin.

Edwin is one of the sweetest little boys I know.  He is so quiet and loves to whisper to me "Auntie... Auntie..."  and then just smiles.  He also loves to be tickled- and his laugh is so contagious. He loves bedtime hugs, and singing songs. 

Meet Frank.

Frank has two sides- he can either be extremely mischievous, or extremely sweet.  He insists on kissing my cheek before naptime and bedtime. He also loves to please- "Oh, Frank, do you think you can go to bed like a big boy?"  "Oh, yes, Auntie!" .   But when he's angry he just glares at you. 

Meet Enoch.

Oh. This child.  He knows how to get out of trouble. Every. Time.  He has a face he makes- his mouth goes into a perfect O shape, his eyes get really big, and his eyebrows go up- then everyone laughs.  He can be a grumpy old man and walk around glaring at everyone and then quickly snap out of it once tickled. 

Meet Moses.

Moses is so smart.. he a Frank have very similar personalities.  They can be so charming one minute and then very disobedient the next- but their sweet kisses make up for it. Moses loves to be louder than all the other kids, if it's greeting you, singing songs, or reciting nursery rhythms in preschool- he's plain loud, but super adorable. 

Meet Michael.

Michael has Cerebral Palsy, and since I was here in the spring he has made leaps and bounds.  He is a determined little man!  He crawls everywhere, and always knows exactly what he wants.  He is so easy to please...  He tried standing on his own the other day, and got so excited he would just topple over into my lap, but he tried so hard!  So, so proud of the progress he's making.  

Meet Joseph. 

Joseph is a handful.  Always on the go, whether it means getting into mischief or asking a million questions "Auntie what's yo's name?"  To which I reply something crazy like "auntie Penelope" or tell him "You know my name." Then he laughs.  He can be ridiculously sweet and want nothing but to sit in your lap, or be incredibly naughty.

Meet Sande.

  

Many people get very confused with this little guys name.  Most volunteers call him San-dee.  But his name is really Sunday. Sande just learned to walk, and still is walking around like a mummy- arms stretched out front waiting to catch him when he falls.  Sande is such a good, happy baby- except when he's teething... then not so much.  He is also very ticklish and whenever I zip up his bedtime onesie, he laughs a deep little laugh.  Such a funny boy! 

Meet Isaiah.

Isaiah looks exactly like Oscar the Grouch. Not that he's grouchy though- but when he smiles his toothless smile and his brown eyes get really big, it's so true.  This little man just learned to walk and is all over the place now.  He is always so content and giggling about something... and boy does he love to eat!  

 Meet Malachi.

This little one loves to be carried.  He also knows how to throw a good tantrum.  He's such a cutie and he knows that nobody likes to say "no" to his little arms lifted high begging to be carried. He also loves songs, and whenever I sing he starts to boogie.  He also insists on bedtime hugs.  

Meet Vincent. 

Vincent is something else.  He hardly ever talks and always is busy building something or playing something by himself.  He loves to be alone.  Sometimes he surprises me by saying full sentences like "Auntie kwistianna, here's a toy!"  or breaking out into "Jesus loves the little children".  He likes doing what his brothers do, so if that means running around the bedroom at bedtime... that's what he's doing!  Little stinker.

Meet Richard.  

Oh, Richard.  Richard has the super sweet, I'm still a baby voice.  He can be a little stinker, but his cuteness is always in his favor.  He loves being indepent- brushing his teeth, choosing his pjs...etc. But he also loves snuggles and sitting in laps. He loves being in preschool! 

Meet Eric.

Eric is such a sweetheart.  95% of the time he is quiet, content and smiling. His smile is so big, and he is simply adorable.  He has been doing so well in preschool, and surprised me by knowing all his shapes.  He loves getting my attention and smiling at me. He loves his younger brothers and pushing them on their little bikes. 

Meet Christopher.

Christopher is something else.  He has two HUGE dimples when he laughs.  He also can be very whiny when he wants to be.  He loves being praised for doing good, and that is one of the ways you can get him to listen well.  He has that mischievous side too... like throwing pjs around the room at bedtime. 

Meet William.

William... oh, where to start... William loves to help with the babies, and he has a heart of gold.  Watching him help his younger brother absolutely melts my heart- he is just so loving! He also can sing and leads worship sometimes during preschool. He is so obedient.  Such a good little boy, and wise beyond his years. 

Handing out gifts on Christmas. 

Love these boys and am so excited that I get to spend the next 4 months with them!