Today, early early early this morning, we went to our volunteer placements. It was quite exciting and nerve racking, I had no idea what it was going to look like, or how the kids were going to act, or what I would be asked to do. Since I'm working with people (adults and kids) who all have HIV or AIDS, I was a little nervous about what safety precautions there would be, and how the people would act. All of the previous volunteers wrote things about how little structure there is and how difficult it is to get to know the kids... etc. But upon arrival, I found that it wasn''t all that difficult after all. The building is heavily guarded, with high walls and several security guards (we were told that those were so the kids wouldn't run away...I think it might have something to do with the reason a few of the people there have AIDS), but all the building is mostly open around a covered courtyard type area. There are really two covered areas, one for the adults, and one for the kids. There are bedrooms and facilities going off from all around the courtyard. The kids are sort of separated from the adults; there is no real block, but I don't think they like the kids to hang out with the adults. The kids are also divided mainly into groups. The toddlers and babies stay in one room, there are about 4 of them, all girls, and then there are about 15 other kids between the ages of like, 3-4 to about 9ish. Then there are like, 3 teenage girls. Then I'd say there are somewhere between 15 and 20 adults... I didn't really talk to them, or hang out with them. Some of them are very sick, and some are angry. But the kids, the kids are fantastic. They have so much energy and they are so cute. The babies especially. ADORABLE! We aren't allowed to take pictures of the kids while they are at CAASAH (prounounced Casa), but on Fridays we take them on field trips, and we can take pictures there. I can't wait to show you all how adorable they are! There is one little girl who is about 4 but looks about 2. She is very small, and has lots and lots of scars on her arms and legs, I'm not sure from what, but she has the greatest smile. And she adores hugs and playing. There is another little girl who loves to play too, but she is rather agressive, and has tantrums if you don''t do exactly what she likes. There is also a little boy with huge eyes who loves to make origami frogs, and has about a million of them all over the place. He is enchanting and sits and watches TV. The kids today were all very receptive of the new volunteers, there were 5 of us in addition to the 2 already working there. I think everyone working got some serious hugs and play time. It was a lot more fun than I expected, and I want to find some good activities to do with the kids to keep them busy... they are very active and get bored quickly, but they love to be engaged, you can see it on their faces when talking to them or playing with them, they just get so excited! I really enjoyed today, even though it really tuckered me out. I am so tired, I'm not even going out to the old city (which, by the way, I've been spelling wrong. its Pelourinho, not Pelhournio.) to watch drumming and see the big party...

but no worries... there is a party every tuesday here. LOVELY!!!