We have had two great days in which we accomplished a lot and really began to come together as a group.

Saturday was spent at Little Angels Orphanage finishing up our greenhouse, painting and drip irrigation projects. During our group meeting on Friday night, Scott encouraged us to slow down and not be in such a hurry to get things finished that we forget the very reason we are here. As a result, Saturday was slower-paced and more relaxed. Some of our group spent the entire day playing with the children and were far more physically tired at the end of the day than those among us who worked with hammers and saws! Our new friend Kennedy (whom you first met during Group 1’s trip) held court with several of us and seemed to enjoy his captive audience.

The group who planted ten fruit trees spent over three hours watering them. It was fascinating to hear them tell the story of finding water pales, taking them the long way to the watering hole, filling them up, wheeling them back and beginning the process again. At home what do we do? We turn on the hose and let it go. Here, it literally took half a day to accomplish what we know to be a simple task at home. It was a lesson to all of us about not only the living conditions here, but also why it is difficult to sustain some of the projects we begin.

It is particularly gratifying to watch the group begin to come together. We came to Lesotho identified by different academic majors, sports teams, Greek Houses, and interests. Slowly, those differences are slipping away and what is coming to the fore is the bond of being here and being in this experience together. Even a senior administrator and the president’s wife are now just Sarah and Lin and part of the group.

We had our first whole group campfire last night at the space that we’ve come to know as only as the “Man Cave” (the Group 2 women would really like to thank Group 1 for that!) and had a great time getting to know one another and relaxing together. The conversations ran the gamut from philosophy to cultural anthropology to biology and pop culture. For those of you worried that we were too “deep” never fear, a pretty fierce dance party erupted spontaneously and lots of laughter was present. I have taken on the role of Sarah J—“Coach J” from trip one, in that I am entering into pretty vociferous political and philosophical arguments with one of our drivers. I think I’m holding my own.

Some of our plans were rained out today, unfortunately. We went to Morija and heard a lecture about Lesotho economics and culture. After a wonderful authentic Basotho lunch we had to scrub our plans to do the dinosaur footprint hike, and instead, returned to Thorns. Most of our group opted for a short hike right here in Roma to see similar dinosaur footprints. We had about 35 tour guides with all of our Basotho friends who walked with us and led the way. Everyone in our group was holding hands with his or her friends as we walked and sang (Beyonce’s Put a Ring on It!). We now understand why there is no word for stranger in Lesotho.