Yesterday I finally got a package in the mail from my dad. It included a GREAT gift for the library--finger puppets! The staff loves them and plans to use them with the disabled kids at Ann Stein, the creche (kindergarten) kids, etc. Thanks, Dad!

Today Mnjama came for our final evaluation. We had a good discussion, largely about the program itself. We talked about how the program originally started to send interns to the Rothschild libraries. Those libraries, though, are really failing. I'm sure Cara can give more detail, but Mnjama agrees. It's too bad! But Mnjama had the idea, which the three of us have discussed, that future interns could get more professional enrichment by living and working in Gabs. We'll discuss more once we're Stateside, I'm sure.

We also encouraged Mnjama--who asked what we thought--to send Max to the U.S., if anyone. He really has been pretty exemplary for what he had to work with. He has a vision for the library and a commitment, and I think he would learn a lot. Mnjama was right, saying that of the station librarians we know, Max is most willing to challenge the status quo, and that's a necessary attribute for someone to gain from a U.S. visit. I'd love to show him around.

Ashley and I also went and bought our gifts for the staff. We did end up settling on two plastic chairs for the trailer. I think the staff is happy.

While sitting with the staff having tea, as usual, we had an interesting discussion. Folks here--especially kids--like to yell "lekgoa" at us when we're walking around, which means "white person" but also "rich person" or any generic leader/powerful type. Kedi laughed and asked how that made me feel. I said I didn't like it, because I would never imagine yelling "black person" at someone. She said she understood--that it must feel like there's nowhere for me to hide. Yes! That's it. But she said it's really just excitement. I think she's very right, but it truly will be nice to blend in a little more again, back in Wisconsin. I'm used to getting unwanted stares, comments, and epithets in the U.S., too, but it's a little more subtle and I have more of a community to turn to.

One more day...