Volunteers' blog

'Twas the weekend before Christmas,
When all through the house.
(Despite 18 girls being here) not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse (thank Allah we don’t have these here).
There were no stockings were hung by the chimney (although if there were they would have been hung) with care,
And no hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there (this is why Santa can make it across the whole world in one night – he just has to kick a few gifts off the side of the sleigh for the Euros living in these countries and then he keeps on flying). The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Terres d’Amanar danced in their heads.
And Latifa in her 'kerchief (more of a headscarf, really), and I in my cap (beanie),
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,When out on the lawn (no, actually it was in the salon) there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter (thank you Claire for the new DVD player).Our awesome weekend began when Maryk and Cees kindly brought us the DVD player that Claire had donated for the girls. There was much excitement, and after a Friday night session of Disney’s Magic English the girls are all wandering around saying,
“Hello Mummy. I love you.”
“Hello Bambi. I love you”
Maybe not the most useful conversation starters, but great for when they head home!
The girls were so thrilled – they were glued to the TV after dinner, until it was time for homework. (On a Friday night!)

And, the next day. Well, Claire, you have made one man at the Asni souq very happy. At 5 dirhams per DVD, the girls came home on Saturday loaded up with entertainment! I was a bit worried, but they have bought Berber movies (incredibly poorly made, but I think it is nice for them to watch something a little familiar) and some music. This was mainly funded by some visitors to the house who gave some of the girls some money for cleaning the house. Although only a few girls got the money, their purchases benefited everybody.

On Sunday, we took the girls to Terres d’Amanar. Outside of Tahannout, this huge leisure centre has (among other things) a high ropes course and some big flying foxes. We spent the day trying out the equipment, then completing the course, then flying through the air attached to some very long cables. The views were stunning!

The girls had such a ball!!

They were all utterly exhausted when we got home – just a perfect night for watching one of their DVDs. This morning, everyone had woken up in states of agony as every muscle in all of our bodies hurts! The tales from school are hilarious – I imagine we are not their teachers’ favourite people at the moment!

I am off now for the Christmas and New year period to renew my visa. So, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!