By: Liz and Hannah
Friday morning began with beautiful sunshine once more. Most of us have been sleeping well as we’ve been so tired but others have had too much caffeine or can’t stop processing the events of the previous day. More of the team have been arriving early for breakfast to grab the coffee as soon as possible. We’re so grateful to Gill for bringing the Marmite – it’s a home comfort we enjoy.
Two teams went their separate ways, one to Mabatini (which has a high rate of HIV and prostitution) the other to Mwanjelwa. It’s great to arrive at school ready to work and to be met buy hundreds of excited children. The teachers must get really annoyed as we always disrupt their lessons with our picture – taking and general presence.
Both teams worked hard through the morning interviewing many families. Even though some of the situations are becoming familiar, this doesn’t change the way each individual family touches us.
Everyone met back for another delicious lunch cooked by Manard. Lovely! Its amazing what you can do with a bean. We didn’t have time to sit around and play because……………………
………We were invited to Pastor Kenneth’s graduation ceramony! This was not your average sedate, hushed and slightly boring graduation ceremony. Rather, there was the most wonderful music and dancing and the graduation robes were a sight to behold. Sharon was heard to say to Bishop Kenneth (soon to be Dr Bishop Kenneth) “You look like a beefeater”. (see pictures below) Our wonderful translator George was unexpectedly roped in to help translate what seemed like serveral hours of speeches. Although this was indeed an unusual cultural experience, it was really heart warming to see the local community so obviously proud and delighted to share this significant achievement with their bishop. Our team were mentioned in the (many) speeches even though some of them looked as though they were ready for a snooze Zzzz!
Back at the Karibuni centre we set to work moving bits of paper around and contiuing to do the many admin jobs required. It feels as though we are beginning to see the wood through the trees. Night all.