Reading

How easy and accessible is it for you to read a book? Can you afford the books you'd really like to read or at least have the option of borrowing it from a local library? One thing I took for granted before moving to Africa was the freedom to read and be able to afford or borrow a book for my enjoyment as well as the enjoyment of my children.

There are 2 things that always make me think about reading. The first is that my older 2 children are turning into super speed readers. They are plowing through their homeschooling books and are longing for more. I go into South Africa and look for books and I am always disappointed. The hobby of reading is just not affordable in Africa. Books that I can get in America for $4 are over $10 here. And little easy level reading books for early readers are also around $10! It is shocking and disappointing to me that reading is not easily available or affordable to children in this part of Africa (thank you mom for the gift of a kindle before we moved because it has helped us get a few more books).

The other thing I notice is that since reading is not a luxury that many of our staff have had, it does not come easily to them to read to the kids here (many of them can read English though). I do not think that it is something they want to withhold or do purposely, but books are a novelty to the BG kids. They have a few that they get to look through during play time in the evening, but I have tried to put aside some special books with lots of pictures and the older boys will often ask me to haul out my books during play time. They would rather sit in a circle looking at my books and "reading" them than play on the play equipment. Such a simple thing that I used to take for granted, but now I see how important and special it is for these children to learn the love of reading at a young age.

For those of you who will be coming to volunteer here at Beautiful Gate, bring a few of your favorite books to read to the kids (short ones with pictures as their English is limited). They will love it and you will feel blessed by seeing their joy! Happy reading!
Anita

Political Update We drove past hundredes of people on our way to and from church today who were rallying for their candidates. It was shocking to see that many people out wearing their party colors and meeting together at soccer fields and stadiums all over Maseru. Thankfully they were spread out from each other and things seemed peaceful as we drove by, but I will get a better update from our staff tomorrow.