We were up again with the hot African sun this morning to
depart at 7:00am for our two-hour journey to a remote village northwest of Lomé.
A sea of eager parents and children greeted us. We were treated to the joyous sound of 500
children singing and clapping. “C’est magnifique” has become a favourite. We’re
learning the words and moves, some of us faster than others.
Over the course of the next three hours, a parade of the
children in their colourful new clothes had their photos taken and then rushed
over to receive their bedkits. Wearing
their backpacks and carrying their mattresses on top of their heads, they
headed off to find their moms and dads.
As a glorious culmination of the day’s distribution,
immersed in the vibrant Togolese culture and amidst the verdant landscape, some
of the kids and parents gathered with the six of us white guys for a team
photo.
One the way home, we visited one of last year’s bedkit
recipients where we learned that all items have been well used and lovingly
cared for. In football-mad Togo, where
there is a shortage of balls, we brought a number of balls with us and bought
more here. We had the pleasure of
leaving one of them for this village.
Five days of distributions successfully completed! 3,000
more children are now enjoying the comfort of a good night’s sleep, thanks to
the generosity of our donors!
Karen Scott for Team Togo 2015
