One day the Bodilys were going to go out to the bush and check the wells they have been working on. We decided to go with them for a little break from the office. The Ericksons were in town and so it worked out that we could be gone for the day. We were thinking it would only be for the morning, but it took the better part of the day. And it was so worth it! We don't get to see this part of the country often and it was so refreshing to get out of the city and into the beauty of the African bush. And this is really the bush!
We passed multiple small villages like this, just a few cement huts together. The raised structure on the right is a chicken coop where the chickens roost at night.
It was a great time to visit the bush. The maize was starting to grow, it had rained and everything was green and lush.
It was surprising to see small gardens planted in the middle of nowhere. It seemed they would clear a small patch of ground and then plant it.
And things seem to grow well out there!
These guys were so happy to have their picture taken. They sort of did a little song and dance skit for us. They don't see white people very often. The picture on the right is Sister Bodily and I by a traditional African bush home.
This was where the village was getting its water before the borehole was placed
The borehole is not complete, but when it is, it will have a handle on it and will pump water for the village. So much better than getting water from the stream! The building in the background is the school where one teacher teaches children up to 2nd grade.
This is the school. There was nothing on the walls and students were seated 2 or 3 to a rickety desk. And this blackboard is what the teacher teaches from. They were all very excited to see us!
We took their picture with the ipad and they were amazed to see themselves in the pictures.
They didn't have much in the way of school supplies, but there were certainly happy to be in school and learning something new!
African children are beautiful!
This was the morning class. There are two classrooms in the building, but they only have one teacher so the other one goes empty.
When school is over, they pack up and walk home. Some walk quite a distance, but they don't seem to mind. Having the opportunity to learn is worth the walk.
This is pretty much the extent of the village. The building in the middle is the store.
Elder Bodily was there to conduct a meeting with the group for whom the well was dug.
The men would sit on one side and the women on the other side. I love the way the women dress.
We thought this women was exceptionally beautiful and had such a nice smile!
Some of the men in the community.
This man is the oldest member of the village and was 82. We selling this tool, which is a large whip to make shima. Not that we really needed one, but we supported his business and bought one for 6 kwacha, or about 60 cents. He was such a cool guy and was just very happy.
More pictures of the village and surrounding gardens.
This is a close up of the store and it's contents. It's a good thing they grow most of what they eat because they would not be able to purchase much from this store. The storekeeper is the daughter of the owner and runs the store only during hours when school is out because she is also the school teacher! We bought some biscuits (cookies) from her and they were pretty stale!
A young girl fixing a meal. They have no stoves in The chicken coop.
their homes and cook almost solely over a charcoal
stove like this one--especially in the bush.
This is the village gathering place where members meet and play games like the one below.
If a person owns a bicycle they are very fortunate. They also had a soccer field that even had goals!
Another sign of wealth is owning a cow. This These are children walking home from
young boy is probably herding for several families. school.
He was maybe 6 years old.
We stopped at a church building. It was open with no real door, so we went in. I'm surprised the things inside had not been stolen, but they had nice benches and the musical instruments below.
LaNice thought she would give it a try, but was Bicycles are used to transport their garden
not all that successful in playing this instrument. produce many kilometers to the nearest market.
Below is a place cleared to make and sell We love how most people carry things on their
charcoal. These places are everywhere since heads. Many don't want their picture taken, but
that is the main source of cooking heat. this young man was very willing.
We saw these women walking through a boggy
area, probably returning to their homes after
working in their garden.
We also saw several ox teams that are used to work the soil. This woman was riding on the plow where the plow itself had been removed. She was enjoying the ride.
This man was following behind making sure the oxen behaved!
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Overall, it was a really great day. The meeting got started only about on hour late, which is pretty good for Africa. They had to wait until the people got there and there had to be so many women. They probably couldn't have made it any earlier as they have work at home to do before they can leave. It was beautiful to see how beautiful and green the bush is. We really enjoyed the change of scenery from the dusty, dirty city of cement and garbage. It was so refreshing to get outside the city |
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