We went to Thaba-Bosiu again today to work on a playground for a day care and worked on a vocational center in that area. The playground area went better than expected and we got most of the main structure done. Hopefully we will finish tomorrow. The kids were extremely delighted to have us there and watched us like we were live television. They had a competition to see who could get the most friends and played their own version of Simon Says by repeating anything and everything we did. It was really difficult to gather rocks to help stabilize the poles for the playground with the kids clinging to our legs. We met the day cares administrator, Kennedy, and he was one of the most upfront characters we met. He was very open about having HIV and what it was like to deal with it. This was surprising for us because it is typically frowned upon to mention your status in Lesotho and is usually kept a secret.
The second half of our group spent the day building a greenhouse from the ground up as well as painting shipping containers that will house a resource center for community members. At first, we weren't entirely sure how to be helpful with the many community members who came to support us in our work. Some of the group felt they had more to contribute than they were able to because of the surplus of volunteers. But, we were able to dig the holes for the poles much quicker than expected (lots of practice from the fruit trees on our first day) and were able to have the poles into the ground and cemented before lunch. By the second half of the day we were able to complete all of the holes for the fence posts; it was only slightly difficult because we had no idea what the poles looked like or the greater plan for the fence. The storage containers were finished quickly after lunch and members started sawing plywood to make shelves for the resource centers and library.
We ended the day with a lecture from Thobo who spoke with us about his position with the UN in Lesotho. We were given a quick lesson on the recent political situation in Lesotho. It was very interesting to hear the different political parties and structures in Lesotho compared to the US. It was a good start to the week and everyone sends their love to those dedicated to our blog postings. Thanks to our loyal readers (mostly Kieran's mom)! See you all soon!
Leighanne, Isaac, Maggie R., Jordyn, & Hannah
A little message for Jordyn's brother: Happy 13th Birthday!!! :) Have a great birthday at basketball camp and I can't wait to celebrate your birthday when I get back! I'm still on the hunt for the perfect giraffe or baby elephant to bring back as your gift so stay curious. All my love, Jordyn. (oh Mom, Dad, Billy, Brittany, etc. love you guys too)
Also, I'm not sure when you leave (or have left), but I hope you're having an amazing time in Europe, Ma! I miss you mucho (and of course everyone else), and even though I'm in Africa I still am a little jelly of your travels. I hope it's everything you were hoping for, but I'm sure my jetlagged-self will be ready to take on some quality fam time :) love and miss you all, Kinney-Bourrets!- Nan