10th March - Emily

Habari!! We woke up to the sights of Hugo swimming and Coco getting her physio on whilst the sun was coming up. We then got the privilege of going to Future Hope School Vipingo, armed with colouring books, pens, rugby balls, footballs, yoyos, flip flops and some ‘Hamish Hagas’ books (?!!!) 

On route we picked up Marriane and we arrived at the school. We were greeted by the headmaster and were taken on a tour round the school. We went outside to be welcomed by grade one and were shown there excitement to see us by numerous children climbing on us and various sunglasses going on walkabouts. With grade one we joined in on a sack race with then with some have better degrees of success then others and a tomato race. We then learnt how to play letterbox (a bit like duck duck goose), though our niche knowledge of Swahli may of let us down slightly trying to learn the song (Juma sorry if we let u down!!). After a failed attempt of trying to teach ‘splat’ we then played a new version of “what’s the time mr wolf”, which is obvs what’s the time mr lion! We then played with the four and five year olds some more. Jake then became a tree with children finding really impressive ways to scale him without his help and at one point had 8 children climbing all over him!! Coco and I then became a main attraction as are ginger hair was braided, stroked and played with! Afterwards they went and practiced many nursery rhymes in English and Swhalli and then came back and showed us. This included a version of old McDonald had a farm, which caused mass confusion amongst the group of how the chorus of old McDonald actually goes (future unis WATCH OUT!!)

After break time we spilt up and went to different classes to help with reading, or go and colour with the children or in the case of Will and James go and play hot wheels, which resulted in the class huddled around his phone watching F1 highlights. Meanwhile, in colouring with Anna and I (#dreamteam!), we were greeted with a welcome and many kids banging on the seat next to them for Anna and I. We were treated then to a lunch of rice, chicken and banana before returning to the sweetest children for more games and climbing. After returning back to the playground, and the cutest little girl, Sala fast asleep in my arms, the older children took the time to point out Hugo and James and tell me how bad they both were with children… ooofff (Hugo and James ur amazing, tough crowd….)The teachers then took us of a walk around the local village which was v eye opening. When we came back we played a couple last few games, and the children then tried to help brush all the dirt off us.

Once back we threw our selfs into the pool and Coco and I felt the need to show of are lifeguarding skills, for no reason, with aspiring actress Anna playing the role of casualty. Safe to say all performances were pretty convincing with Janet actually believing Anna was drowning and Coco and I were bay watching a rescue (sorry Janet ILY!!) (no Anna’s were hurt in the process of Cocos and I’s sudden urge). 

To end the day we were headed out to Vipingo ridge beach bar WHEN SUDDENLY, Tilda called for potential turtle egg manoeuvring.

After the bumpiest trip we arrived at the beach to no sign of turtles but rather a group bonding activity of taking pictures by the sea and the sea engulfing us. Once we broke into the bus through the passenger seat due to the bus not wanting to play ball we arrived at the beach bar were we had drinks and food and sundowners. I want all my days to look and end like this!!!!

Future Hope school is the most amazing school, all pupils are either HIV+, parents affected by HIV or are orphans. We would all like to thank them for allowing us to come and help and are looking forward to returning home and starting fundraising efforts for the school. 

Until tomorrows adventures!