Tuesday 17 April 2012

Togo: Amoussime & Asso

From Togo 2012

A day of firsts in Togo:

On our third day of distributions we awoke to torrential rains. It did abate when we left for Amoussime, a two-hour drive on a good day. The roads got more and more exciting until we were on dirt roads with the biggest potholes we have ever seen -- lots of dodging necessary. There was a great singing welcome from the children when we arrived. Thankfully the rain had stopped.

All went well. We were always a source of interest -- especially when we took photos. Today we interviewed some parents and their children about the bedkit and they were very happy with the contents.

After leaving we took more very muddy dirt roads to the village of Asso where bedkits were distributed last year. The village chief, elders, school principal, teachers, and parents gave us a great welcome. Another Canadian charity will build more school rooms and a principal's office and storage room. They gave us a tour through a typical rural village. Adobe, thatched-roof homes with chickens and goats everywhere. The two wells for the village were very deep. One of them was 110 feet. Water was pulled up in plastic jugs on ropes. We met three children who are using the bedkits that were distributed last year. We also met a young girl who showed us how to make soup wih palm nuts and beans.

The second first was that we were given two live chickens for supper. I think we are having them tomorrow. This is especially generous from such a poor village.

The third first was a flat tire with a loud bang. Fortunately our OVO partner had a mechanic who was a volunteer. The wheel was changed and after much cheering we were on our way.

The road back to Lomé was very muddy and the team was also very muddy. Supper and showers were greatly appreciated.

We feel so fortunate to have experienced such a day with the amazing chidren and people in Togo.

Best wishes from Margaret
for Team Togo 2012



Click here to see more photos in the Togo 2012 Photo Album.
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