Wednesday July 9
On Wednesday morning we met for breakfast in the restaurant and enjoyed Dr. Phil's company. Dr. Phil was very encouraging concerning the
progress of the work at the clinic/preschool. He discussed with us the possibility of sponsoring children for the preschool experience and why this
would be such an important component of the program.. He wished us well in our mission work today.
progress of the work at the clinic/preschool. He discussed with us the possibility of sponsoring children for the preschool experience and why this
would be such an important component of the program.. He wished us well in our mission work today.
The drive to the site seems to get shorter each day as we become accustomed to the hectic driving conditions, the winding S shaped curves and the
people traveling on foot alongside the road. Farmers tether their cattle, sheep and goats beside the highway. Very few people drive a car and the
highway is filled with flying buses and vans.
people traveling on foot alongside the road. Farmers tether their cattle, sheep and goats beside the highway. Very few people drive a car and the
highway is filled with flying buses and vans.
Today was very different when we arrived at the location. The medical/dental clinic is held only on Monday and Tuesday so there was no one at
the site. The family that lives there greeted us along with the job foreman and his helper. It was QUIET after the experience of the hectic clinic days.
the site. The family that lives there greeted us along with the job foreman and his helper. It was QUIET after the experience of the hectic clinic days.
There was no hesitation today and everyone knew what task lie ahead of them. The concrete blocks were waiting and the team immediately began
preparation for the work on the upper level. The mixing of the concrete was done on the concrete floor of the second floor. Sand and gravel had to
be moved up the stairs by hand in buckets. Hundred pound sacks of cement were carried upstairs. A water hose filled up a 55 gallon barrel which
then supplied buckets of water for the mix. Hoes and shovels were used to mix the ingredients. The wet cement was then carried to the forms where
it was poured in by hand. This repetitive hard work lasted all day. The forming of the concrete was completed about 4:00 pm and everyone was
exhausted.
preparation for the work on the upper level. The mixing of the concrete was done on the concrete floor of the second floor. Sand and gravel had to
be moved up the stairs by hand in buckets. Hundred pound sacks of cement were carried upstairs. A water hose filled up a 55 gallon barrel which
then supplied buckets of water for the mix. Hoes and shovels were used to mix the ingredients. The wet cement was then carried to the forms where
it was poured in by hand. This repetitive hard work lasted all day. The forming of the concrete was completed about 4:00 pm and everyone was
exhausted.
Inge (a young Dutch lady who is Dr. Phil's invaluable assistant) and I (Lana) visited one of the local grade schools. When we arrived, the school
band was practicing outside. The band consisted of drums of two different sizes. We could hear the band practicing at the construction site. The
Director/Principal invited us into her office and answered many of our questions. She was excited over the prospect of the children coming from
the preschool to her school. At this time, she does not have a kindergarten program. Children go to first grade when they are seven. We visited in
two first grade classrooms. The classrooms are very sparse compared to schools in the US. However, the children were eagerly participating in
their lessons. We were a novelty to them and they were excited to see us. We were able to learn much from our visit and identified needs that must
be addressed in the new preschool. It was a rewarding experience and one we will not forget.
band was practicing outside. The band consisted of drums of two different sizes. We could hear the band practicing at the construction site. The
Director/Principal invited us into her office and answered many of our questions. She was excited over the prospect of the children coming from
the preschool to her school. At this time, she does not have a kindergarten program. Children go to first grade when they are seven. We visited in
two first grade classrooms. The classrooms are very sparse compared to schools in the US. However, the children were eagerly participating in
their lessons. We were a novelty to them and they were excited to see us. We were able to learn much from our visit and identified needs that must
be addressed in the new preschool. It was a rewarding experience and one we will not forget.
At the end of the day, as we boarded the bus for the return trip back to the hotel, we discussed how much had been accomplished. Being here is
not only rewarding, it is fun! We laugh and joke as we make new friends and become closer in our team. We wish everyone could experience this
adventure. Bless each of you and keep us in your prayers.
not only rewarding, it is fun! We laugh and joke as we make new friends and become closer in our team. We wish everyone could experience this
adventure. Bless each of you and keep us in your prayers.
| RuthAnna and team working hard. |
| Barbara and Evelyn in the dinning area. |