Had a long and very exhausting journey to Kitwe; was travelling for a total of 25 hours. The real adventure started on Friday, when, after having slept through 3 alarms (Jess, Paige's and mine) we went to Greater Joy on time and met all the children. My heart sank when I realised how much it meant to the kids, the teachers and Angelina and Ospeck, for us to come and visit them. Mr G's ice-breaker, which he has tried on all of his students, helped ease the tension, between us, straight away. The day, included us splitting into groups and taking part in a number of activities, such as arts&crafts, sports and lessons. We realised a bit too late how much of a monster the glitter was going to be, what with the kids grabbing any little speck they could and rubbing it on their face.
Anyway, Saturday had a whole range of emotions for us to overcome. We started by going to the market, we were 'advised' on the bus journey there, that it was common for everyone to barter, especially as the shopkeepers try to seize the opportunity of ripping the foreigners off!!! It was at the market that I realised, I am probably the best at bartering, having bought a canvas painting for K5 when others were paying K50, and getting a deal of 2 hats for K8, when the starting price was K15 for 1 hat. :) After visiting the market, we went back to Greater Joy, to start our mission of painting the whole school. Although we only did hard labour for a mere 3 hours, we all needed that hot shower and lavish dinner when we got back to our Lodge.
Sunday, once again, brought another wave of surprises. In the morning, we went to the Church Service. Being the first one I have ever attended, I received a pleasant surprise as soon as I got off the bus, what with the beautiful singing and the warm welcome we received by Angelina and Ospeck. Once the Service finished we all made our way to some of the houses close by. Once again, my heart sank when I saw what conditions these people were having to live in. At this point, I realised how ignorant I had been, always complaining that I want the next new thing! These kids were making car toys out of bottles and bottle tops. It's not possible to describe the emotions that each member of the family experienced when we gave them the things we had brought for them. Beyond Ourselves, has helped the children and the local community by enabling students to come and help out with the school as well bring a smile on the faces of all families who receive gifts. Sometimes visits from people, give these families more joy, than receiving a few Kwatcha's every now and again. After this, we made our way back to Greater Joy, got changed into our painting clothes and went back to our mission we had started the day before.
Sunday, once again, brought another wave of surprises. In the morning, we went to the Church Service. Being the first one I have ever attended, I received a pleasant surprise as soon as I got off the bus, what with the beautiful singing and the warm welcome we received by Angelina and Ospeck. Once the Service finished we all made our way to some of the houses close by. Once again, my heart sank when I saw what conditions these people were having to live in. At this point, I realised how ignorant I had been, always complaining that I want the next new thing! These kids were making car toys out of bottles and bottle tops. It's not possible to describe the emotions that each member of the family experienced when we gave them the things we had brought for them. Beyond Ourselves, has helped the children and the local community by enabling students to come and help out with the school as well bring a smile on the faces of all families who receive gifts. Sometimes visits from people, give these families more joy, than receiving a few Kwatcha's every now and again. After this, we made our way back to Greater Joy, got changed into our painting clothes and went back to our mission we had started the day before.
Monday, was simply hard labour for 7 hours! We managed to complete 4/5 classrooms and prime the outside.
Today, we finished off the main painting job. All classrooms have been completed and so have the outside walls. We just need to touch up on certain areas and gloss the windows. Tomorrow whilst most people are taking lessons, 3/4 people will be completingethe final touches! We are all so glad that the next to impossible mission we had started on Saturday has nearly been completed and now we can't wait for the look on the faces of the kids that go to Greater Joy!
Lesson planning still going on, as well as many jokes and laughs!
Manpreet
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