The day started with yet another nice breakfast spread out for us. Sister Regina insisted on feeding us up with an extra portion of sausages. However we were down to seven. Ruth didn’t feel well with sickness and a headache. We gathered for prayer and then discussion deepened about what we should do. The decision was made to stick together and all continue to Theta with bucket at the ready.
Another bumpy journey to Theta via the flour mill and water shop. Seeing as the van was already full with the team and bags we had fun finding the necessary space. George repeated his stirling job negotiating the potholes and motorbikes. Another warm welcome at Theta on a warm day.
We quickly assumed our positions for our last day of interviews, this time for children new to sponsorship program. However the other class children had other ideas on their mind: “Where’s the football?” “Can we have a football?” “Can you ask Grace for the football?” In the end the new footballs were extracted from the PE bag and off they played. (By the way where have all the clipboards gone?)
Photographing the children is great fun. Asking children to pose with calls of “cheka cheka” gains the necessary smiles, all with the help from our interpreters. (Or are the smiles the result of Swahili jokes about us?) The interviews reveal more stories about reality of family life here. Yet surprisingly the children seem full of joy and energy.
Finally lunch gives us a chance to sit down in the shade and enjoy the hospitality of our hosts. All tired from a week of emotion and our time in the sun and rain.
After avoiding the geese on the way back we dispersed for the afternoon. Some did painting whilst others went off for home visits. I’ve always wanted to paint in Africa and jumped at the chance to became a painter for the afternoon. We painted the schools corrugated iron walls Red, green, blue, red , green, blue. (picture below) I ended up with a strange case of blue spots over hands, arms and face.
As the school day came to a close we had a chance to sit down and relax in the late afternoon sun whilst some of the accounts were discussed. The young twins (Joel and Ephantus) we’re demanding us all to join their fun. Our attention was rewarded with their infectious smiles.
As the sun set we had to leave and we made our way out of Theta along the bumpy mud roads this time via Edwin’s house which is constructed out of car remains. Home to a supper of pancakes, lentils, rice, beans and arrowroot. Whilst the day is ending, the realization is dawning. “How many new children have we taken on?”
Lawrence
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Great fun visiting the ladies group from the church. They surprised us buy wearing their football kit taken out at an earlier date. The women are very excited about playing football each week after church. They long for more kit and football boots so that they can win more games!!
Now to find new sponsors for the one hundred children looking for help.
Sharon