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| Sally Jo, Doug, 5,000 bedkit recipient, Messenh |
The Togo team 2016 happily completed our distribution
of 5,000 bedkits today. It was another hot and humid day as the van bounced
along the dusty roads. The landscape changed from city to villages, heavy
traffic to ambling pedestrians. The fields growing corn, cassava and the
ever-present mango trees had the cameras clicking.
Arriving at the site we were greeted by a
rainbow of children wearing the t-shirts, shorts and skirts from the bedkit. We
really have enjoyed dancing with the adults, “high fiving” the kids and using
the bubble wands to bring laughter.
The area was really well shaded so the
children were comfortable out of the sun and the young volunteers did a great
job of lining them up for the photographs.
100, 200, 300, 400 and finally 500 back
packs and mattresses had found new owners. A photograph of the lucky #5,000th
child was taken. Our mission was accomplished.
After a wrap up meeting with our AED
(Action Enfance et Developpement) partners, there were thanks and hugs all
around. We know we have made a difference for the children and their families.
Murray’s dream that every child should have “the comfort of a good night’s
sleep” is closer to reality.
On the return journey we passed a village
where a couple of children were hanging around. Time to give them a soccer
ball! A crowd gathered within minutes as the ball and pump were given to one
lucky boy. But of course the game requires many players so we know that more
children will feel the love of strangers as they play soccer in their village.
Sally Jo Martin for Team Togo 2016
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