'Mweenzu talangwi ankumo ulangwa mwida'

This is a Tonga proverb which means "Do not look at a visitor's forehead but at his stomach." This seemed appropriate since we worked on infant feeding and language enrichment all day and went to a welcoming dinner tonight.

This was our first full day of work. The assignments were made and discussed last night and, following breakfast, began work at the Haven. Caroline is directing the feeding program and supervising assessments and intervention. There are a number of fragile children here and Caroline is trying to pull them through. I cannot think of a greater experience for our students to have. Even Ian got to help while two other students are completing specific assignments. Marja is directing the language enrichment program and has incorporated language into all aspects of play as well as the feeding routine. Combined, the graduate students that are here are participating in clinical experiences that few professionals will ever have the opportunity to experience.

Tonight at 1800 (6:00 pm) the Namwianga Community had a welcoming reception for us at the Johnson Auditorium. We heard that they were planning one this morning but we didn't realize how elaborate it was to be. There were welcoming speeches by Mr. Perri, the Namwianga Superintendent, and others, and food including the worlds largest bowl of rice, roasted chicken and beef, slaw and cake. Mr. Perri made a special point to introduce Ian and hinted at the "Athletic Ball" project he was going to introduce when the crate arrives. Leonard made a special cake to be presented to us at the end which Ian went up to receive. Leonard titled this one "NICE CAKE". I'm not sure of its meaning. Maybe it's "nice" to welcome us back. Whatever, it was wonderful to receive one of Leonard's cakes. There was singing in Tonga and several special songs presented by a men's group. It was a high honor to be so welcomed. At the end, we were asked to sing a song. I'm beginning to appreciate how much our efforts are appreciated here. Be sure and check out the other Zambian blogs under "Blogs I Read".