Children of the compound

I got interrupted as I was typing the last post, by Newman. He was ready to escort me to the compound to take the remaining supplies that I brought. I am always escorted by someone, due to the animals around. We drove to the compound, it is where the staff that work here live with their families. The conditions there are better than on the Mahenya, where the Shangaan tribe lives, but still, very different from home. The children have learned to recognize Bret as he pulls in there with his trophies, and they will come running for the 15 pounds of candy that I brought for him to give out. Newman called the women and the children together and handed out the candy for me. I am not allowed to touch the children at all, they are very scared of me. Newman handed out the candy, one piece at a time and then again, and again, and even to the mothers. Then I asked if I could blow bubbles for them to pop, and asked Newman to translate what I was doing so they wouldn't be scared. They still were very frightened and hid behind their mothers. After a couple of times and Newman showing them what to do, they caught on. They giggled and ran for the bubbles, but not trying to pop them with their hands, trying to blow them like I was doing. I was only there for a few minutes. I left the supplies there for Martin, one of our waiters, to inventory and then use for a little school that he has started for the children. I have discovered that the parents are as excited for the supplies as the children are. I have seen grown men, laugh with tears in their eyes over the seeds that Mindy sent with me. I have seen men and women giggle at toothbrushes and the newborn kits that were donated. I have seen the look of pure joy on a child's face when they hear that they will finally have a pencil to use. Oh to be that grateful for the small and simple things that we have. I must run, time for lunch and then the afternoon hunt with Bret. Love you all!!!