We started out early again today for a two-plus hour trek to Kpessou, a village Northeast of home base Lomé.
We encountered not one but two forks in the road and our driver had to flag down passing mopeds to ask for directions. After some misinformation from a geographically challenged traveler, we pointed the van in the correct direction and bumped our way over predominately clay roads to our destination.
Once again, we were greeted by a throng of children in a rainbow assortment of SCAW shirts and grinning parents – all of whom acted like we were rock stars. We are all, unfortunately, getting used to being treated that way!!!
We were quite fortunate today, since the king of the local tribe was in attendance. That was an honor for us and he greeted us warmly, dressed in beautiful garments. We were treated to some wonderful dancing by a dance troupe dressed in matching costumes and a rather sizable group of drummers. The drummers actually continued to play the entire two hours that we were at the site. Talk about energy!
The distribution went well, mostly because Monsieur Robert mapped out, in advance and in detail, the methodology for photographing 43 little people in one frame. It looked great!
The distribution part of our day ended with an exciting spot check by the local gendarmes, who required our driver to show his papers and open the back of the van for a quick look. Our poor driver has had quite the day.
We capped off the day with a visit to an orphanage. We planned on staying for 15 minutes but ended up visiting for two hours. The children put on a wonderful dancing demonstration of authentic traditional Togolese dance. The drumming was absolutely beautiful!
Tomorrow is a much-needed day off. We plan to shop, do some visiting, and attend another lovely evening church service. We hope to recharge our batteries so that Monday’s distribution is once again full of energy and smiles.
Eleanor Uddo
for Team Togo 2012
Click here to see the photos in the Togo 2012 Photo Album.
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