Bargain Hunters

So we set out on our shopping trip this morning...74 people loaded up on two buses and we set out for Gikomba the 2nd largest market in Africa (yes that's right 2nd largest on the entire content). There were 60 kids and 14 staff-this included some of the kids and staff from Eastleigh.

You are going to imagine what 74 people can do with $450 U.S. We all split up and each student received 450 Ksh which is equivalent to about $7. (now i consider myself a bargain hunter/shopper) THESE KIDS ARE AMAZING...Every student was able to buy a pair of shoes, and each one of them was able to bargain their way into a deal of at least one shirt and even a air of pants/shorts. I asked one of the kids, Charles, what he purchased and he showed me, a pair of shoes, 2 t-shirts, a pair of jeans, a half ear of corn and 5 sweets(candy). FOR $7!!! All of the kids were able to shop, we then went back to Eastliegh for lunch...all 74 people were able to then eat lunch, still under the original total...Can you believe it?

THE SMILES ON THE KIDS FACES=PRICELESS

One of the rules for going shopping today was that we could not be around the kids when they were shopping, because if a white person is around the child will not a get a bargain. The kids knew this as well-but what they did was so sweet. When Jerram and I were walking around we would see the kids and they would look at us and not say anything, but i would wink at them and they would SMILE and giggle and squeeze my hand and keep walking straight past us. AWESOME.

The only think I bought today was a Coke, 4 sausage links, 8 ears of roasted maze(local favorite) for 64 Ksh, which equates to a dollar...

Today was a great way to end our three weeks! Everyday the kids end Chapel with an encouragement and the SMILES we saw today will be my encouragement for a long time!!!