Looking to the Hills, Part Two

Friday, August 6

After a good night's sleep in Hopefield, we awoke to the sounds of the morning, roosters crowing, people going off to work.  We also readied ourselves for another day at the school.  The day before we were asked by Headmaster Koti to prepare and opening devotional ceremony complete with an inspirational speech.  I agreed to do the devotional.  Ben Lukens and Kristina Frenette agreed to do the speech.

Only one portion of our group arrived on time for the opening devotional (the group of which I was a part).  Not even the headmaster nor most of the teachers were there.  But I led the devotional and we sent the children to their classrooms.  Those of us that were present also went into the classes with the children.

The older Hopefield learners and our group were scheduled to go to a neighboring school to meet with the students and recruit them to come to Hopefield when they reached the older grade levels. 

We had an assembly in the school yard.  Ben and Kristina did they speech.   Everyone seemed to enjoy it.  Some of the learners did some skits, and the Hopefield Choir performed some songs.

After another enjoyable morning, we returned to Hopefield and had lunch.  By then it was time for adjournment.  School usually adjourns around 1:00 on Fridays.  It was then after 2:00. 

Not having any more students to went to a near  by reservoir and then into town to pick up some sodas and snacks.  We then returned to our host families for a good night of fellowship and sleep.

These "home stays" are very enjoyable.  Life is at once different and the same.  Most of us in New York do have indoor plumbing with sinks and showers and toilets.  The household in which I stayed had none of these.  There was an outhouse with a flush toilet.  But we didn't go out there after the house was locked up by our host.  We washed in a basin with water heated on the stove.  (It was interesting shaving this way.)  So life is somewhat different than that to which we are used.  But much is the same.  We can talk about the world cup.  They watch a South African soap opera on TV.  Children go to school.  Parents work.  And we all are blessed.

Blessings,

Rick Cowles