Hello all
I just lost the entire post I was writing so I will begin again
I am in Durban South Africa after spending 6 days in Congo. It was an interesting and fulfilling trip. I have not sent a post because the internet and the electricity is pretty unreliable there. The roads are terrible as well.
I did 2 days training with 24 folks, mostly school administrators for small village schools. 3 of the schools are already doing grief groups as well as Anita's New Hope Center. It is very nice with all the rooms in place. The talking room has drums and great little chairs for the kids, they sang and danced for me. The little girls were playing moms by strapping their dolls on their backs. They had very impressive art that they were happy to show us.
The training was conducted in French and went very well.
We went up to a village where there were 267 kids in 6 classrooms, 60 first graders in one room. all very well behaved.
The school put on an performance for us including singing, dancing, a marching band with all the instruments made out of plastic bottles, and a performance about child soldiers. It was very impressive.
We went to the Kigali Parent school for a visit and who should be in town but our own President Bushie. We got pictures of air force one. It closest we have ever been to te guy. Anyway the school has an incredible grief group with over 300 students, It has been running for 8 years.
Well there are some of the highlights, we are going to go kayaking in the wetlands and will be back on Sunday. I will post pictures and more details the.
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6 comments:
Oh my--President Bush huh? Well, don't let that spoil what sounds like a wonderful trip so far! And what a rewarding trip it sounds like you're having! Thanks for letting us tag along in this format!
Dawn
Yes, Joan, I read and saw on the news that W. was in Africa. I think your activities are more worthwhile than his -- you accomplish things!!
Your experiences so far sound remarkable. I can't wait to hear more.
Be well. Marcia
Joan, so glad to hear that the trip is going well. can't wait to hear more.
Love, Brennan
Joan,
I have been thinking about you a lot! It must be so fascinating to see people who are grieving in a way that is culturally different and yet not so different than the kids here at TDC. Their performances must have been very moving.
Take care.
Miss you,
Jacqueline
So glad to hear from you. After several days without seeing a post from you, I was beginning to get a little worried. Sounds like your time so far has been rewarding and adventurous. Can't wait to hear more. Have fun kayaking!
Stef
Joan, we're all thinking of you and missing you here at home, but happy you are having this opportunity!
Love you,
Donna
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