Rain stopped in transit and after over 2 hours in that cramped damn Hyundai van, we had the pleasure of working in the frigid temperature of about 85 degrees and endurable humidity - which changed around 1:00, just reverted to 95 and high humidity after we finished. The gods were with us. We took a 45 minute detour ("roads" very loosely used term in this case - were unbelievable) on leaving the distribution site to a remote village (Asso) - there is no electricity in the village and it is what would be considered a poor village. SCAW is building a new school here with construction starting next month. Let me add some perspective, a new school here is a 120 feet by 30 cement block structure on a cement slab with a tin roof in which there 3 classrooms with construction brick walls (with every 5 or 6 bricks left purposely out for ventilation). After that, we walked around the "text-book" African village - see following pictures. It had 2 hand dug wells, a cow, a bull, a few chickens, and goats as well as a few fruit bearing trees in the gathering areas. We remained for about an hour but before we headed back to the van, the chief presented us with a very generous gift considering the state of the village. 2 live chickens. Bill the cook will be happy! We then started back to Lome and got a flat on the bush road just out of town. The chief quickly arranged to have a local chap fix it for us and off we were. Upon arrival in Lome, the chickens are still alive but will be our dinner on Friday. White men 1, chickens 0. Made it back to Lome after a total 2:15 drive back (arrived at 4:15) with all being famished (no lunch).
We have distribution process down pat at this point and we can distribute 500 kits to 500 kids and take their pictures in 90 minutes.
All are just winding down after a marathon day (were up at 6:00am) with a cool drink and a rehash of the day.
Closing thought at end of day?
Funny how it is, there are happy kids all around the world regardless of wealth with education and health being the only apparent pre-requisites.
We were always the centre of attention!
This is what the school yards looked liked as parents and kids headed out with kits in hand.
The kids absolutely loved having their pictures taken. Can you tell?
One of my partners in crime - Eleanor a lawyer from Boston - great to know and work with
"Main" road between Amoussime and Asso.
Gift and future dinner - RIP!
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