We’ve had a wonderful three days since we last posted. On Wednesday, the group participated in a scavenger hunt to learn the city‐village of Roma and the surrounding area. It was purposely the first time any of us were allowed to be in Roma so everyone had an equal, uninformed chance at winning. The group was split into six smaller groups of 4 or 5 each and the drivers dropped them at the edge of Roma precisely at 10:00 am. They were to make several stops in Roma and at the National University of Lesotho, buy “fat cakes” (really greasy and delicious fried balls of dough) and “Chappies” (gum that tastes like musk—seriously), buy a stamp at the post office, and get a signature from the police station. Scott estimated that the hunt would take between 2‐3 hours.
Crystal (Scott Rosenberg’s wife) and I sat down to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee and were having a great conversation when, much to our surprise, the first team returned in a record 38 minutes! They successfully completed the hunt, with another team on their heels, and even negotiated a taxi back to Thorns. After the race, many students chose to walk back to Roma to further explore. Many of us bought traditional Basotho blankets (which would come in handy during yesterday’s snow—but more on that later). After lunch, we had lectures on history and transportation and development from two local professors.
Wednesday evening was particularly special. We returned to Kennedy’s place and Little Angels orphanage for a bonfire and traditional drumming ceremony. The sky was so clear—literally billions of stars—and many of us were able to finally see and understand what is meant by the “Milky Way.” We had fun trying to pick out the constellations—although they are different in this hemisphere (at least that’s what we decided when we couldn’t identify any). We all took turns drumming and enjoyed the evening immensely.
On Thursday and Friday the group split into two and worked at different sites: the first site was a Habitat for Humanity sponsored building of a house for a woman who is living with and raising 8 orphans; and the second, a preschool, where we erected a playground system and did decorative painting. There was one unifying theme at both sites—the cold weather. It is seriously cold here. Yesterday’s high of about 40 degrees, coupled with cloudy weather and high altitude made for a tough day. The talk among the group each morning is usually a comparison of how many layers we’re wearing (I did 6 layers on top this morning and two on my legs). There have been frequent references to feeling like the little brother in A Christmas Story
going out to play in the cold. If we all look fat in our pictures—trust us—it’s just the layers!!! (A brief digression here and note to group 1—this cold is nothing like the cold you experienced last time, per Scott, Ben and Kent [or “Bent” as I’ve come to call them—like Brangelina] and is much worse).
We had snow on the ground this morning as we headed out to the worksites again. I have to admit my own ignorance about what was meant by “winter” in Africa. I don’t think any of us were prepared for true winter. We’re making do, however, and helping each other out with extra leggings, long sleeved shirts and socks. One of the men on the trip is wearing women’s leggings under his jeans. When I mentioned the fact that Joe Namath famously wore pantyhose everyone looked at me somewhat cluelessly, leaving me feeling quite old (not an unfamiliar feeling for me on this trip).
We had two days of really hard but rewarding work. The group on the Habitat site had to move close to 1,000 cinder blocks—TWICE! I was really moved when, during our daily debrief meeting prior to dinner, one of the students shared that when she felt that she couldn’t go on one step further, she remembered the eight children who will live in that house and why she is here helping. The group at the preschool site had the pleasure of many Basotho children eagerly watching their progress on the playground. This playground sits on a cliff with the most spectacular view of the valley below. The pictures do not do it justice. It is one of the most beautiful views any of us have seen.
Tomorrow morning we leave for Ramabanta for two well‐earned and well‐deserved days of R&R, followed by two workdays on Monday and Tuesday. Please remember that we will NOT be able to post to the blog or send or receive email during that time. The next time you can expect to hear from us is Tuesday afternoon.So….it’s over and out for now. Khosto!
A few hours in to our project
Our near finished project!
The view from our playground!
June 27th, 2009 - 10:12 am
Hello to everyone in Lesotho Group 2!!
We have loved hearing from you.
Could you please pass on a special birthday wish to Megan Shubs who will
be celebrating her 20th birthday on June 28th.
Megs:
We love you very much and are very proud of you!!!
We hope that this is your best birthday ever!!!
We know it will be your most fulfilling.
Lots of Love,
Mom and Dad
June 28th, 2009 - 10:31 pm
Hello Kent and Everyone,
We are really missing you but are so happy of the wonderful work you are doing. God Bless you and the whole group. We went to a baseball tournament in W. Virginia this weekend with John’s baseball team. They won the tournament, John played well, had a triple!
We visited Grandma and Grandpa in Conn. last week. They both are doing well and are happy to hear about your trip and work. Grandma said she will keep praying for you! As usual we love the pictures, keep them coming and be safe.
We love you, Mom and Dad
June 29th, 2009 - 12:10 am
WOW!!!! What a view!!!!!
We look forward each day to the e-mails with news of Lesotho! We can tell you are having an incredible time and doing such wonderful work!
Know that we are praying for all of you, along with many, many others.
Please tell our little girl Breanna, that we love her, miss her and are SO VERY PROUD of her and the group!
Love you, Mom, Dad, Brenton, Rufus, Callie, Bailey and Pumpkin
June 29th, 2009 - 1:18 am
Ben, your playground skills are immaculate!
July 1st, 2009 - 10:30 am
Hey Tori:
I hoped you packed enough clothes. Sorry you had to leave your 5 lb boots at the airport.
I forward the blog information and any emails we get to all your friends and family. We are soooo proud of you. Love Mom, Dad, Steven, Cathleen & Will
Heading to the camp ground for the weekend, probably won’t be able to check blog until Tuesday the 7th.