Hello all--we obviously have limited internet access. Just a quick post to say all is well--very well--we are really enjoying our time. Matt wrote a longer post including our recent work at Bauleni, so check that out. Today, we went to church--heard a nice service made beautiful by the choir. We are at an internet cafe, having just spent some time and kwachas (the money here) at the market. Sister Nama and Mikaela have been as wonderful and helpful as we had heard they would be. We are also lucky enough to have met Mikaela;s daughter, Mooge (sp?). She is great, as well, though we are meeting her under less than ideal circumstances for her, as she, and all students, have been sent home from college due to protests surrounding... well, that is not entirely discernable, but it is clear that the minister of education is not well-respected. She is a new appointee and apparently her credentials include being a news reporter. Kind of like Bush giving a job to his buddy Brownie--we all know how well that worked out. Also, the students have to pay to come back to school when it is opened--scheduled for two weeks away; this will surely keep some students from coming back. Not good.
Brief first impressions--it is as impoverished here as you would imagine; and of course there are the very rich (no middle class, really). We have seen children laboring, breaking up rocks on a huge pile. There are wonderful things happening here as well, as witnessed at the Bauleni school where we are staying. There are beautiful plants here, and the people are really kind. We are making friends with the HUGE pigs (award-winning, we are told; sounds kind of like a state fair competition) outside here at Bauleni--we fall asleep to their squeals : ).
Hope to check in again soon--otherwise, trust that we are in excellent hands and having a great time as we do our work. Tomorrow--meetings at the Ministry of Education with deputies of education; hopefully, though, they may be dealing with the protest situation.
Derek does not have time to post, but signs off on this messaging... : )
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The pigs were a big highlight for me too. Aren't they hysterical? Did Nama help you get good bargains at the market? She is a master haggler! Glad you guys got there finally.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are having a good time. I would have loved to see Matt dance. probably shouldn't have disclosed, We'll figure out a way to have that dance off. Has Derek found a soccer ball for the field? Would be fun to play with the kids. Please tell Mikela and Nama hello and give hugs for me. Amy
ReplyDeleteSounds like an amazing trip so far. Can't wait to see the next post. And I too would love to see a dance off that includes Derek! Might have to organize that upon your return. Jen
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work and hope you have a good meeting with the Dept. of Education and hopefully during that meeting you can move forward to bring some positive momentum for better services.
ReplyDeleteWe really enjoy reading your updates here in the cubicle and we miss you all. Have a fun time and please, keep reinforcing the stereotype that our people cannot dance.
ReplyDeleteHappy to be able to follow your work vicariously through your blog. Can't wait to put some images to the text! K - trust you are loving the piglets... Ma/Pap are tending to house; Andi is down at Tech - left in a fit; Kent decided to join me in Greece and is en route to Santorini as I type this; Ad is driving through a storm in Chi-town en route to his new digs; I am preparing for everything. :) Can't wait to catch up mid-Sept on both our excursions...
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