My time here is nearly over - and that is a hard thing to believe. It is a strange thing to think that I soon will leave here, and will no longer have the pleasure of seeing these people everyday. It is always a weird thing to say goodbye when you're not sure when the next time is that you will see them again.
I wrote last time that I was planning on spending the day on Saturday at El Pantano, helping out with the sponsored kids who would be working there. Plans changed though, and I spent the day at home with the kids, while Ruhtt and Shepherd were at a church meeting/workshop. It was a nice day though - and the kids were good (for the most part). At one point, I think every kid from the immediate area was over watching TV. I didn't mind - but just told them that any mess they made, they were cleaning up!
On Sunday, we went to church at the Secondary again, as Shepherd was taking the kids back to school after lunch. Kathleen brought Aggie over for the ride back to her school, and so I went back with her to the farm, and spent the afternoon wandering around and visiting with her. After she brought me back, Ruhtt and I walked over to the Kawina's and finally saw the new baby, Jesse. He is beautiful - a nice, big, healthy boy! I loved holding him! Ennes is also well, and it was nice to have a chance to visit with her. Duncan is the only member of that family that I haven't had the chance to see yet - but I am hoping to be able to see him soon, as I'm sure he has grown up a lot since last summer.
Yesterday was a BUSY day! We picked up Kathleen at the farm, and then headed into Kalomo to drop things off at El Pantano, and to buy some supplies in town. Prior to leaving, I received a generous donation to spend on projects during my time in Africa. I had asked Ruhtt how the money would best be spent here - and she told me that she thought it would be a good idea to buy some blankets and other supplies for the families at Simakakata, the blind community. So, the three of us picked up 11 blankets, boxes of laundry soap, bottles of cooking oil, a big bag of beans, and some plastic containers, toys and sweaters from the house here, and we headed out to Simakakata to visit and distribute these items.
Once we were there, we met most of the families, and handed out the supplies. They sang some songs for us (including 'Uyotusololela' - one of my favourites!) The children here are gorgeous - I couldn't get enough of their sweet faces. One little boy, Lushomo (Tonga for faith, I believe) was one of the most adorable children that I have ever seen. He was probably around 3-4 years old, and had the sweetest smile I've ever seen, which he shared freely whenever we would smile at him. I find this community amazing - they have been dealt tough cards in life, but they continue on bravely and with faith. They work together to get through - each one helping out where they can. It touched my heart, as I saw the blind people coming out, being led by the hands of small children. These children are the eyes for their parents and elders.
We visited the school briefly afterwards, and I was able to pick out some familiar faces from last year. We saw so many faces last summer that it would be impossible to recognize them all - but of course, there are some that will always stick out in my mind. I saw Wendy 1, Sonnet, Millenium, Teddy and a few more that I recognized, but can't remember the name. I looked hard for Eliza, but couldn't find her at the school, and after asking, found out that she is still at the Preschool. If there is time during this week, we will go and visit the Preschool and I will see if I can find her there. I would LOVE to see her beautiful face again!
After Simakakata, we came back to town, and visited the sponsor students at Kalomo High. I was able to meet my sponsor student, Brivery. It was such a neat experience to be able to meet him. He seems like a nice, nice boy - and I am so glad that I am able to help him in completing his school. He is in Grade 11, and I hope that he is able to keep his grades up, and complete Grade 12.
After a few more stops, we finally made it back to the house, just in time to quickly eat some supper before the college students came over for Bible study. As the power was on this week, we were actually able to have the study, and I enjoyed hearing what Shepherd had to say. After the study, I soon found my way to bed, as I was exhausted! I don't know how Ruhtt does this every single day! What a woman! I am in awe of what she does! Kathleen and I were saying that she is the only person capable of doing what she does, as nobody else would be able to do everything, let alone keep track of it all. It kind of makes me smile, as we drive through Kalomo, she is constantly honking at people and calling them over to talk to her - her sign painter, a brick layer, an electrician. Somehow she keeps them all straight - and keeps track of the work that they have done, and what they have been paid so far. She is truly an example of a servant - and if I could accomplish 1/4 of what she does, I would be happy. I know that many, many lives have been touched/changed because of her hard work and big heart.
Once again, this has turned into a huge novel. This is probably interesting to those of you that can picture the faces and places that I talk about - but not quite so interesting for the rest of you. Apologies to those of you who have never been here for all the details that I go into! I share all the details for those who do know what I am talking about.
Enjoy your day wherever you are. May it be blessed, and full of joy!
Love,
Jilly
No comments:
Post a Comment