Day 6
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Ngodzi
Today was a day of extreme emotions for many of us-from being moved to tears by the desperate conditions of the local school to the elation of hearing the church choir practicing for the opening ceremonies in their partly finished church.
The school headmaster, Mr. Vincent, gave the gals the official tour of the school today, and we witnessed the barren conditions in which the children learn. The younger grades sit on the floor with no school supplies. To make drawings they have to do it on the ground outside with their finger. We presented them with a globe and a soccer ball and they were extremely appreciative. We were told their most urgent need was a new toilet facility. They have the bricks, but the mortar is expensive. We will return in the morning with some of the school supplies we have brought with us.
Hank spent the day in the Lifeline Malawi clinic where he saw first hand the great medical needs here, from many children with pneumonia to both children and adults with AIDS. He was very excited to see the clinic extension that was being built in 2005 when he visited there, now in full use and well equipped.
At the church work site we poured the concrete lintels over the windows and doorways. We installed the doorframes and finished the windows in the west wall of the church. There is only two-thirds of the east wall to finish. After three days it is incredible to see the progress!
Connie had the most fun shopping today at the outdoor market place. We bought some beautiful carvings that we bartered for, a new experience for most of us. We were all very shy barterers in the beginning, but became more confident as time went on.
“I left with a bunch of pussycats and came back with some tigers.” – Fred.
Chelsey exchanged her hat, wallet, and a pen for a beautiful carved table.
On the way back, we stopped at the church and the choir was singing on the stage.
“Awe inspiring” - Connie
“This IS the reason we are here” – Hank
“I just couldn’t believe it. They were there practicing already.” – Garnet
“Wow. Like heaven on earth.” – Janet
“They were so lively and joyous, they lifted me up.” – Betty & Paul
Baggage finally arrived yesterday (Forgot to mention it in yesterday’s blog). Hallelujah!!!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Ngodzi
Today was a day of extreme emotions for many of us-from being moved to tears by the desperate conditions of the local school to the elation of hearing the church choir practicing for the opening ceremonies in their partly finished church.
The school headmaster, Mr. Vincent, gave the gals the official tour of the school today, and we witnessed the barren conditions in which the children learn. The younger grades sit on the floor with no school supplies. To make drawings they have to do it on the ground outside with their finger. We presented them with a globe and a soccer ball and they were extremely appreciative. We were told their most urgent need was a new toilet facility. They have the bricks, but the mortar is expensive. We will return in the morning with some of the school supplies we have brought with us.
Hank spent the day in the Lifeline Malawi clinic where he saw first hand the great medical needs here, from many children with pneumonia to both children and adults with AIDS. He was very excited to see the clinic extension that was being built in 2005 when he visited there, now in full use and well equipped.
At the church work site we poured the concrete lintels over the windows and doorways. We installed the doorframes and finished the windows in the west wall of the church. There is only two-thirds of the east wall to finish. After three days it is incredible to see the progress!
Connie had the most fun shopping today at the outdoor market place. We bought some beautiful carvings that we bartered for, a new experience for most of us. We were all very shy barterers in the beginning, but became more confident as time went on.
“I left with a bunch of pussycats and came back with some tigers.” – Fred.
Chelsey exchanged her hat, wallet, and a pen for a beautiful carved table.
On the way back, we stopped at the church and the choir was singing on the stage.
“Awe inspiring” - Connie
“This IS the reason we are here” – Hank
“I just couldn’t believe it. They were there practicing already.” – Garnet
“Wow. Like heaven on earth.” – Janet
“They were so lively and joyous, they lifted me up.” – Betty & Paul
Baggage finally arrived yesterday (Forgot to mention it in yesterday’s blog). Hallelujah!!!
posted by Dr. Hendrik Visser at 3:46 PM
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