Today was an eventful day. We gained one of our recovered team members back (Becky, but not yet Grace), but lost one to Malaria (we missed your work ethic and cheer today Dan).
We had the great fortune to be here for the monthly birthday celebration. With so many children, there is a birthday celebration just once a month. All of the children gather in the veranda/dining room, and the ones with birthdays that month are called up front to be recognized. Some of the little ones, not understanding the purpose, think they are in trouble and burst into tears. The birthday kids help serve out that special of all birthday treats; cake and ice-cream! My what a babble. Laughing, clapping, screaming, crying, and calling fill the room. Even with a 1” square X 2” high piece of cake, and an egg-sized plop of ice-cream, I am amazed at how much ends up on the table, the floor, faces, hands, arms, and hair. What fun they have:-) Jeff and Carla decided to use this occasion to share out some of the 20 lbs of M&Ms brought by Grace. Each child got some, and a few managed to get lots :-) When the sugar high was at its peak everyone went out to the play-yard to blow and chase bubbles. It was a very successful birthday party.
Today was also the day for the visit of Robert the crafts-seller. He set up his 'wares in the school house and we all went shopping! So many beautiful items. Everyone found something to take home as a reminder of this trip. Some found lots. I'm glad that I didn't have more $ on me, or I would have kept buying. As it was I had to borrow some from Bill :-) Lots of jewelry, wooden bowls and figurines, cloth, paintings, belts, bags, baskets, and musical instruments. There were lots of amazingly carved and beautifully painted items made from soap-stone quarried from Robert's local village.
And, unfortunately, the rain, which has held off all week, arrived around 2:00 and ended our workday. With all of these activities, it was our least productive day over-all, but many tasks were still accomplished. Bill and Jonathan completed the complicated task of designing, making, and installing the forming structure for the 1st flight of stairs. Bill has covered the nearest plywood form with calculations and sketches. Everyone joined in the frenzied mixing of concrete required to fill the forms, and the first flight of steps was complete! Hooray!
Due to the early end to our work day, everyone had energy and time to catch up on our emails and contacts back home. That really gave the already tenuous internet connection a real workout:-) We also played some cards and heard many stories from team members that have gone on other missions.
With Sunday being our day of rest, we have a long break in which to recover and gather strength for the final 4 day push next week.
John Trentini
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