Well, not that it is about me . . . however I am very tired and sore from yesterday's village visitations. I will say however it is a good kind of tired. It is just after 7:30pm in Mwandi and I am about to settle in for the night. Yes, it is still very cold here . . . cold enough that I left my jacket on all day and I hide under multiple layers of blankets at night. I am still very concerned for so many of the local peoples.
I'm just returning from a wonderful meal of homemade pizza with the Waddell's as well as being able to sit by a small fire for a bit before crossing the driveway to the cottage. Yes, they are looking after me well and I hope that I am useful to them also in some way.
So what happened today?
The day began as usual with devotions at the brick yard (aka Sheltered Workshop), then we moved into employment conversations once again. These young folks are paid a fair wage to produce building blocks, care for the chickens, pigs, garden and a few tasks around the grounds. We began by talking about integrity . . . doing what is right even when no one is looking . . . and how that plays into not only the workers reputation but the team's and ultimately the company's reputation. We discussed how one's reputation will go further than their feet will travel, and if they are known to be honest, have integrity as well as good workmanship they will ultimately be sought out for new, and often better paying positions. They seemed interested and asked many questions once again. We then discussed trade jobs and how that is where much of the money is to be made at this time. It is an area where folks may become well skilled and known for an excellent job . . . even to the point of self employment, without having completed secondary school. Keith Waddle assisted and we even discussed what was needed for self-employment down the road. Next week we will look at some assessments to assist these young folks in understanding where their strengths are and what jobs may correspond with them. They were asked what they liked to do and/or what is your dream job. Answers such as an electrician, a plumber, and an administration job were mentioned as well as the "i don't know" and "I am not sure". The assessments should be helpful and interesting to them and their supervisor/instructor.
Next it was off to the OVC to sit with the counselor to work out a schedule and logistics of us both working with the children for the next 2 weeks. Then we headed over to the main building where they feed the children for staff devotions. After staff devotions and while the children were waiting for lunch, the counselor and I read a book to the children. I read in English and she translated into Losi. It was about Cecil the lost lamb and how the Shephard left the 99 to find him. We correlated it to the scripture relating the Shephard to Jesus and the sheep as us . . . he knows each by name and loves us each and every one! They then sang some songs including if you're happy and you know it. Finally it was time to eat and yes we assisted with passing out the trays of food. Today they had Nsima (much like thick grits that are picked up with their fingers), a bit of broth, a bit of cabbage and a chicken leg. As the children finished they took their trays outside and rinsed them and stacked them to be properly washed later. I wanted some pictures however much like the schools back home, pictures are now not allowed to be posted for the children's protection. Once everything was cleaned up that was all for today. The OVC is now primarily a feeding center only now as the preschool portion of the program is not currently functioning. The OVC currently serves 100 children from the ages of 1-10 years of age however, this number does include a handful of older disabled children also.
Once home, there was a sweet bowl of homemade butternut squash soup and bread waiting for me. Again, the Waddell's take such great care of me! Then it was the daily round of how in the world do I get my suitcase . . . it has been a week now. Much of the same . . . do this, do that . . . call them, no call them . . .still waiting on response and a resolution. . . this is getting so old. Thankfully I have some clothes!
Then it was off to the hospital to see one of the young men whom participates in the sheltered workshop. He had surgery for burns yesterday and is improving. No, it didn't happen at work. I will also work with him individually regarding the same employment information I share with the others as well as to share the scripture from the morning devotions with him daily as he is up to it. He seemed pleased to have visitors. Tori the Waddell's dog even snuck in to see him which really made him smile!
We spoke to several people along the path home and then I had time to journal as well as to discuss each of our events of the day as we waited on supper. All is well ✌
Peace and blessings to all . . . good night!
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