July 12, 2007

Last day of work!
I do computer training in the morning. Our friend, Eunice (who we met the first day and has been on Jim's gardening team), comes in for computer help. I get to connect with Eunice and help her search for a business that she can start. She is a willing and eager student on the computer! She also brings me three painted clay chickens. She does not have much because she wears the same outfit everyday, but she has given me a treasure that I smile whenever I see them.

Then the entire IT training team goes out into the Extensions for work. I get to come back with Jim's team and finish the day there. We plant a few gardens, then give out the rest of the seedlings with instructions on how to plant. Then we get to have fun with the children, US and SA.

The US CSM team (high school kids on our trip) came out to our Extension to observe. Jim got to give them a tour of the Extension, answer questions, and show the students what we are doing. They were actually very quiet, respectful and probably in awe at the poverty.

Then we finished our time there talking with the kids and passing out stickers, balloons, and small trinkets. Anyone with items were seriously mobbed. It was hard to keep order, even for a teacher! The kids were starving for attention, and adored a look, a hug or just a smile. You hope you are a shining moment in their lives.

We left that day knowing that we had done all that we could, feeling sad about leaving our new friends.