So I now only have one more day at the hospital; I leave on Saturday for Lome. I am ready to be home, but I really hope to live here for an extended period of time someday. Anyway, this weekend, I got to travel up to Kara on a six hour taxi ride cramped into a civic with six other adults, two kids, and three chickens that really kept eyin me. But it was worth it, for I got to see the nation's biggest sporting event of the year. It was the championship of a week of fighting,village verse village. It was amazing. All boys in the viallages must do it to become a man, the crowd was massive, and the president was there. It was just me and Richard, the other volunteers who work at the hospital were apparently told not to go by their embassies because it was dangerous. I learnt this after. Oh so thats why there were fifteen tanks. Cool Richard. But it was one of those things I willnever forget, and very few outside Togo see.
Also, last thursday, and again today, I got to work in the orphanage. Its amazing there. The kids are so awesome, so playful and nice, yet they have literally nothing. Some have thin mats to sleep on, thats it. The rest have concrete or dirt. It is truly terrible conditions to live in, conditions that kids should not be forced to live in. I will put some pictures up when I can; I would like to do something to try to help these kids out. They are incredible; they deserve better. We played basketball all afternoon the first day, and then today I painted the wall for a while also. The kids were obsessed with seeing an American, and they fought to be the closest to me. It is amazing how little we have to do to help improve these kids' lives. All they need is for us to show up.
On anther note, the extremely nice french murse, fred, got Malaria two days ago, and is not looking great. Your prayers would be appreciated. But my next post will be from Ghana (on my 18 hour layover), wrapping the trip up!
Way to go,Michael. You have done a great job of surviving and contributing to this country. All of us have learned through your experience and sharing via blog. We have been with you in thought and prayer all these weeks. I am so happy you will be working your way home.
ReplyDeleteDid the nurse who contracted malaria take the pills? I know mosquitoes are the carrier but maybe you should make a nice bonfire of your scrubs before you leave just incase little friends want to come home with you.
Everyone is proud of you, Michael. Your grandfather would love to have a nice visit with you after you get home and rest.
I saw on TV this morning that it is amazing the degree that a caring loving kindergarten teacher affects the child/adult for the the rest of his/her life.
ReplyDeleteTruly, your Mom Wendy has affected not only her young students but she lives through her boys, especially in your actions and empathy for these children. There is no greater memorial to her memory.
My aunt,your gr, gr aunt was a missionary to the Congo in the 1940"s and fifties. Her first child, a girl died there for the lack of medical care.
We all pray that you will have a safe trip home this weekend. We all love you very much
D Dad
Michael, super stuff! Thanks for sharing. Come home safely. Uncle Larry
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