Lost our hearts again!

It only took minutes at the Kasompe Community School of Peace to lose our hearts all over again! The kids are wonderful! They had a welcoming ceremony to greet us this morning. After singing a welcome song, 11 children came marching down the middle aisle of the church each bearing a gift for one of us. The little presents were wrapped in bright paper and very securely taped shut. When we finally got them unwrapped we discovered delightful little soap stone maps of Zambia with all of the towns marked where we have visited. Jac and I received beautifully carved wooden bowls. Even though the children delivered the presents, we know our good friend and always perfect hostess, Margaret, was the one who arranged the event.

The new IGA classes started this morning in one room with about 30 participants and the bead making classes convened in another room with 16 participants. They had a number of bead bracelets and necklaces to show us that they had already made. They have a few pieces on consignment in a small stall in downtown Chingola but so far business has been slow. We are going to talk to the lady that runs the souvenir shop at the Ndola airport and see if she would buy a few for her shop. We will also be bringing some items back to the US to sell at future HealthEd Connect events. The group is actually making very attractive items. Cherry is working with them now to refine the products for consistent quality. An extensive discussion about a name for the beadmaking group ensued this morning. They tell us they are nearing a decision.

The school had 146 children present today. The teachers indicated the enrollment will increase significantly by the end of January. Many of the children are working with their parents planting crops and won't be able to go to school until planting season is over. We had a warm welcome from Mpaso, the little blind boy that we have all become attached to. The team begins to dwindle tomorrow with 2 members heading back to the US. The SIFE students and Cherry leave on Friday. Jac and I will be staying another week to make government contacts, have meetings with the local leaders, and help develop strategies for the future. Onward!