A convenient destination.

Yesterday. Isai and I were able to get a glimpse of where many clothing donations end up... for us I can say it is a convenient destination. Here's how it goes. Many donations come from abroad with the intention that they will be given to people in need. (I strongly emphasize the word "many" as I cannot speak for the accountability of all organizations doing clothing donations)... At the ports there along the ocean, there are buyers that buy big sacks of assorted clothing from the containers in which they come on. The buyers then bring the sacks to the nearby countries to sell per sack. The ones who buy the sacks from them in return seek to make profit off it and the final destination will find itself either in the local markets or upon the shoulders of young boys selling bulks of clothing in the streets!

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Although I STRONGLY disagree with how this whole operation is played out with the deception involved that these donations were going to be given to those who really need it, we simply have to clothe Malaki somehow! As we went to the market yesterday, its massive with thousands of people and very little space. There are small rooms in the walls that about 3-4 women would sit in with their bulk of clothes they are trying to sell. As we were there with Malaki.. we simply said umuhungu afise.... 4 months; quickly they all began searching through their mess of clothes to give us options! The funny thing is.... you would think I would be shown clothing size 3-6 months... and possibly stretching it... 1 year! Not the case... they were showing me clothing for 2 years old etc! Not because they didn't have smaller clothing, but because its common for children to wear clothes that are way to big on them! You can get each piece just under a dollar if you can bargain good! To our surprise, we found ALOT of Carter's clothing which I love of course because its simply cute and durable. What an experience that was. The pictures above have absolutely nothing to do with the story... they are just "nice!". All our love...

1. Papi and Malaki... having to much fun!
2. Tanya and Malaki (our friend from Germany); she was smelling Malaki and loved it! yes... smelling! And boy does he smell good!
3. Malaki enjoying the pleasant heat of Buja with no blankets applied while sleeping!