Simon Says

 Saturday, March 5, 2022

Today’s adventure was mission work at Nawantumbi School and Church. Our first hour was spent in the school with presentations and introductions of church and school leaders, parents and students. We enjoyed a few songs and dance by the school children. It’s so hot in the school ~ I wondered how they learn in there.  But when you are used to this climate, it’s probably not even noticed.  

A tour of the school proved interesting. COVID has really affected this school in many ways.  The children were not able to attend for a long time so first off we see so much disrepair.  The number of students who returned after schools finally opened was about one third.  Since the students are supposed to be paying a tuition to attend, this is a loss for the school as well. I pray they can get enough help to keep moving forward.

Breakout sessions began next with Pastor Roy teaching the leaders and pastors who have come from near and far.  Carna and Sally presented to the women some information about conflict and grief.  I heard they had a great interpreter and the women all participated in skits and such.  It had to be a wonderful session with those two. Jean, Kenzie and I took all the children to an area near a matuba or bark cloth tree. This is a very interesting tree which looks like many roots heading up to the sky.  Interesting fact ~ the bark is used for burial cloth.  Back to the blog…..there were between 80 to 100 area children all day enjoying games and coloring.  Each child was excited to receive a coloring book page and crayon to color.  When they started bringing their finished pictures back to me, I thought what a good idea to take them back to Busti Church of God.  The next activity didn’t go over as well.  I think Simon Says got lost in translation.  So we moved on to the parachute.  Now that was a hit!  We tried many versions and the children laughed and carried on for quite some time.  The girls got a big kick out of their fingernails getting painted.  Thanks Kenzie for bringing all that lovely nail polish.  The best and most difficult part for me was handing out clothing to the children.  With a limited number of items, not every child received something.  Well, everyone did enjoy a licorice stick.  😋

At the church, Pastor Roy handed out Bibles to pastors.  School supplies and toys were given and baby clothes were left for the nursery.  Toiletries were given as a small appreciation to our cooks for the day.  Also presented was a goat and some chickens to some needy and deserving women.  

As we headed back to our guesthouse, I played the day over in my head realizing how very fortunate I am.  It is such a privilege to experience another culture in their homeland.  I hope and pray they enjoyed the time we spent with them and have much hope for the future.  

Norma Jean

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