Well, we’ve survived the first 24 hours of our stint as relief dorm parents in the Jr. High boys dorm, although the boys and Bob are having an ongoing rubber band and paperwad battle. If that’s the worst of what they do to us, I think we’ll make it…(especially since they aren’t targeting me!)
We are a sick campus. Some of those involved in the recent Mali outreach came home with a nasty 3-4 day virus/flu – who knows what it is out here. But it has swept the campus, leaving people with chest-cold symptoms including high fevers. Each dorm has 4-5 kids daily missing classes; dormparents have made little hospitals in their living rooms. Five out of eight of our dorm mothers are nurses, so the sickies are getting the best of care. So far, Bob and I haven’t caught this one, but our time in the dorms may take care of that!
This week is African culture week. We have local artisans on campus, displaying and selling their wares. These goods include beautiful wood carvings, gold and silver jewelry as well as other beaded work, woven clothes and robes, batiks (waxed cloth), pottery, musical instruments, and artwork. Some of the artisans are also demonstrating their work. They are fascinating to watch, and the product some of them turn out is amazing. They can also duplicate anything you show them, either from a sample or a picture. Each product is an original; they use no patterns, even for their clothing, some of which is truly beautiful. On Friday, we will be treated to a food court where we will be sampling all kinds of local foods while listening to a concert from some local musicians, complete with their bongo drums and other African instruments.
We ask that you remember the sick staff and students in your prayers. When our systems get down with other illnesses or even simple fatigue, malaria often sets in. We all appreciate your prayers on our behalf.