Before our 7:00 am departure for the second last distribution, we loaded three hockey bags and two knapsacks filled with donations from generous friends and family (hats, flip flops, shoes, t-shirts, sunglasses, school supplies and sports equipment). Lyle used metres and metres and metres of rope to 'hogtie' the bags to the top of the van. The bumpy roads and huge potholes were no match for Lyle's knots!
Even though the distance to Mwangaza school was relatively short, the trip turned into an 1 1/2 adventure because there are almost NO street signs and Tanzania does not have GPS. When we FINALLY arrived at the school, the overseas volunteers greeted us with smiles, laughter and huge hugs.
Today was the hottest day yet with absolutely no breeze in the school's inner courtyard! The temperature was 33 degrees celsius with incredible humidity! We will NEVER EVER complain about the heat and humidity in SW Ontario again!
Following the distribution, we delivered the bags of donations to Matumaini school- a residential school for children with physical disabilities (ages 7-21). Since 1969, this incredible facility has been operated by the Salvation Army. Of the 210 children, 57 are albino. Sixteen teachers provide Form 1-7 education for all and almost all graduates advance to two designated high schools in Tanzania. Some regular supplies, like food are funded by Salvation Armies around the world, including Canada. A new boys dormitory is close to completion and Lt. Thomas Siana is seeking donations for metal framed bunk beds ($360 Canadian) as bedbugs pose a problem with wooden beds.
We were moved by the compassion of the staff and the caring actions of the students toward each other. Having seen some of the conditions from where these children came, it is heartwarming to see them In a place that can better accommodate their uniqueness. God bless!
Ruth Sealey & Kay McLean for Team Tanzania 2017
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