Day 7 - July 15th (updated with photos)
This began with an 8.00am Mass at the local Mango parish (in a mixture of French and the dominant local language). Many of us were moved by the wonderful singing + dancing of the large choir, accompanied by djembe drums. The whole atmosphere was very relaxed and the priest, a Togolese Franciscan, encouraged the congregation to ask questions and give feedback about the readings during his sermon. At the end we were given 3 welcomes, one in French, one in the local tongue and one in English by our friend Bro. Romain. Afterwards, everyone wanted to come and shake our hands and thank us for coming to work with their children. You can't help but be moved by this people's friendliness, warmth and kindness to us.
After Mass
In the afternoon, Bro. Romain drove us about 5 miles into the bush (all squeezed into his pick-up) to a nature reserve where there are hippos. Those in the back got a VERY bumpy ride thanks to those in the front egging Bro. Romain to speed up over the bumps in the dirt track, though to be fair he didn't need much persuading and apparently took great pleasure in hearing the screams we were making in the back. The hippos (2 of them) could only be seen at a distance, but everybody agreed it was a very worthwhile trip. There were six foot-high termite colonies, a fruit bat or two, wading birds and loads of colourful dragonflies.
Wot's 'appnin' Bro? Francis with his posse.
The way back was made at dusk to the accompaniment of Michael Mc and myself singing the JCB Song... "And the engine rattles my bum like berserk" has never been more appropriate :-).
Just before our bums were about to get rattled like berserk.
P.S. There are swarms of insects around at night especially due to the humid, occasionally wet conditions. The variety and size of some is just breathtaking. Massive butterflies and tiny detailed ones, bright green camoflaged grasshoppers as big as your hand, crickets, scarab bettles struggling to stay upright... It's tempting to go all David Attenborough.
Comments
Hope you're feeling much better today. If not quite 100% yet, don't worry, it won't be long. Everyone in school is asking about you and Grandma, Nan etc are keeping up to date on the website.
Keep smiling fella and enjoy the experience. Love ya loads, mum, dad and Jess, xx (and Louis of course)
Hope you're feeling better now. If not 100% yet, it won't be long. Everyone in school is asking about you, and Grandma, Nan etc are all accessing the website. Keep smiling fella and enjoy the experience. Love ya loads, Mum, Dad and Jess xxx (and Louis of course)
this is michaels girlfriend!
i stayed in your's over the weekend we tried to leave a message but your dad couldn't remember the password!
everyone was asking about you at mer mer's on saturday!
the house is still a bit like a building site but it looks great theyve done loads!
me and your mum missing you so much she was laughing at me cause im counting down the days! (13 days =])
ya maa, dad, rach, gem and the crew send their love!
hope everyones having a great time!
see you soon kidda!
lots of love soph xxxxx
it was lovely of you to ring us before.Mum kept saying 'hello' the 1st time you rang us so many times that i thought she was going to start singing a bit of lionel for me.
Hope all is well and your taking all your tablets etc (look i sound all grow up saying that)!!
The blogs have been entertaining to read and i really like the pics.Its a bit like were's wally? trying to find you.
Enjoy yourself!We miss you loads and dont forget to buy me a present!!
love mum,dad,kim and all the family!!
x x x x