So Many Changes in 5 Years ⏳

Hi Linda here. Wow lots of changes for me in 5 years. First – roads that weren’t too bad then are much worse now.

Still lots of tap taps and trucks piled high with people and their belongings, animals, wood and more while dodging traffic. Lots of congested vehicles trying to pass on a one way road and motos driving quite fast, passing you here, there, and everywhere, following no rules at all.

The compound has sure changed and especially the school. There were no offices at the school, no kitchen, no high school, no church building and now has better bathrooms and 2 urinals and an outside tap for water to drink and wash hands. The kids come to school in perfectly dressed and clean uniforms.

The HATS kids have of course all grown a lot. So good to see them again. I got lots of hugs and kisses when I came back. Dieunel no longer cries a lot like he did five years ago now it is the younger ones who do.

Of course Dickie Mac Donald’s name AKA Dickieson wins the prize for the one everyone wants to take home in a suitcase.

Our Jonathan, Dickieson and Markenson

Today was a fun day. We started with church. This morning in church Karen put on a skit to go along with her message on ‘not falling under temptation and do not steal.’ To listen to the voice of God and not the voice of Satan. I played the voice of the evil one. I encouraged them to take what they wanted on the table that was set up where Joan was selling things for the students of Karen’s little school that was set up on the stage. Bob was the voice of God telling them not to do it. Heather, Dieunel and Josie were students in school and Karen was giving them an English exam. The students were cheating on the exam and were stealing from each other and also from the table with cookies, candy etc that Joan was selling in the school yard. Three students in the congregation – Moise, Leica and Judel went on stage to buy from Joan and when her back was turned they also took something and quickly put it in their pockets. It was a good lesson for all of us.

Church

Dickieson and Magdala sitting with Bob and Linda in church

Our students in church

The precious hats kids singing in church

More people at our service including our precious little Flo and Rose at the front

Did I mention that it is hot here? Hot especially for us Canadians who do not live here. I sweat more than I thought I ever could. Meanwhile Karen is cool as a cucumber.

Thank you Karen, Keith and Joan for all your patience with us during this week – especially since we did not have Liette here to lead us. Everyone pulled together nicely and a good job was accomplished for Liette.

God bless.

~Linda