This morning started with a relatively short (45km) drive but the earthen road was washboard like for 2/3 of the way which reduced our speed significantly. However, our tremendous driver Messah got us to Mission Tove safe and sound. He is indeed a master at his craft.
Upon arrival in Mission Tove we were literally swarmed by 500 children clad in a rainbow's hue of bright color calling out "Bonjour et Bien Venu!" (Good day and welcome!). Wow, what a personal welcome. As with any large group of young boys and girls, they were a boisterous lot indeed; however, with the support of the local team, all was in place and under control quickly as we prepared for our first picture: 100 children which is the largest taken to date in the five years of SCAW Togo activity. Not easy to get 100 kids to smile at once! The kids were very patient though during set-up and, needless to say, under the astute camera work of Bob, a wonderful picture was created.
Due to the relative proximity of Mission Tove, and the smooth working of the SCAW delivery team, we were back at the at home base by noon and all made a bee-line to their showers. Hot Day. with 102.6 degrees measured locally. Lunch was served: a great spaghetti meal which was wolfed down in no time flat. For anyone thinking that the SCAW team would loose weight in Africa, forget it ... and our great cook Bill would comment to the contrary! Merci, Bill!
With only one delivery left, we are looking forward to yet another of Freddy's end-of-delivery balloon chases which has become a favorite of the SCAW team and the children. One has to see to appreciate the joy of watching Freddy being chased by approximately 200 kids while he holds an inflated balloon aloft ready for a threatened release at any second. Drive the kids into a joyous rampage and is a great spectacle. Run, Freddy, Run! ! ! !
In closing, it is funny that, despite the early starts, long bumpy rides, heat, humidity, dust, fatigue, and being away from family and friends; we have all looked each other in the eye and within ourselves and have felt the pangs of sadness knowing tomorrow is the last day we will interact with the beautiful and precious young girls and boys of this great and proud people.
As they say here: "à demain" (till tomorrow!)
Cheers,
Dan Chiasson
for Team Togo 2012
Click here to see the photos in the Togo 2012 Photo Album.
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