We are slowly adjusting to things like the heat- (even though for the locals here it is winter) -thanks to the addition of some fans in our rooms purchased two years ago when the Shantz team of Dylan, Justin, Nathan, Jonathan, Terry and Jane were here. We are also more accustomed to getting in and out of bed with the mosquito nets and are feeling more at home with the language, trying our best to embrace at least a few Swahili greetings and responses with those who welcome us "mzungu" both while walking down the street and during various service projects.
The guys returned to the school today which is approx. 3/4's of a mile one way down from the diocese guest house. It is a lovely down hill walk there with lake Victoria in sight as you go. Returning back in he heat is another story!! Jane and Katie also walked down to tour the facilities a second time this time during schools hours which allowed them to meet with both teachers and students as some classes were session.
Highlights were:
Meeting a new male math teacher there who Jane could actually play the Mennonite game with as she discovered Sheri knows his aunt from a previous service project here in Shirati!
Meeting two students in the sewing class who were busy make Zach's shirt that he had ordered at market on Monday! ( the teacher is also a tailor in town by the market!) One of these sewing students. girls walks 5 miles one way to school each day for her classes and has no parents. Thankfully a donor is paying for her school. Other classes offers at the school are electrical, auto, computers, English and Life Skills.
Fred was in and out making contacts and buying supplies in preparations for our jobs next week with some time spent with the guys. Terry, Anson and Zach continued to enjoy their time with the welding students working on the tech tables which will help the school meet technical school requirements. Those who had better English were excited to talking with and Zach and Anson to compare details about their lives here and in Canada. Most young people indicate their wish to go to Canada for better opportunities. One student was surprised to learn that Zach was not a father yet!
Connie spent her morning at the hospital visiting each ward. Two nurses who saw her arrive took her around unexpectedly and translated for her allowing her to meet and visit with each patient and in the children's ward, speak with each mother who was staying with her child. She was also happy to be allowed to help serve breakfast to these patients. Meals for children and young mothers who have just delivered babies are the only ones food is provided for at the hospital.
At noon all 3 women once again joined Leisha, Mama Ellen and Grace with driver Caeesi, this time for a visit to a Sarugi Secondary School, on behalf of Mama Maisha. Since this a school partnered with CACHA and an active lunch program initiated by Erla Koch of Ontario, Fred and less hi decideddecided it would be a good school to visit.
Once again the girls were totally engaged in the entire presentation and, despite the fact that it started late and ws not over when the bell went for the end of school, none of the 120 girls moved. Instead they stayed engrossed listening to Leisha who spoke first in English then Mama Ellen who translated into Swahili.
When Jane explained the kits and Connie demonstrated the way to use a Days for Girls kits, one girl called out, "Wow!" In a big voice before the entire group burst into applause. Later when individual photos were taken with each girl as they were presented with their kit, the same girl called out to us, ' I love you!" As she clutched her DfG kit and left for home!
The only disappointment was that we did not have enough kits to give each of the 120 girls present this time. And so the lower two levels of classes were asked to leave after the educational part, before the presentation of gifts to the older ones. Some of these younger girls remained outside the pavillion and asked if they could please also have a kit. This was heart breaking for us and has given us motivation and homework upon our return home to make sure these girls are not forgotten.
Before supper were finally able to initiate ping pong on the special table at the hospital created years ago by Lloyd Koch and friends. We were joined by IT head Challo from the hospital joining us. It was an action-packed hour of fun despite the mosquitos and the fast approaching darkness which made seeing the ball challenging.
All in all it was another amazing day with a lot of on-depth sharing occurring during our post-supper debrief time.