There was a request to visit the school where some of the children go. Grace Academy is an operation run and created by a woman from Abbotsford BC. The school supports well over one hundred children whom are mostly HIV positive and staffs 72 adults to maintain the facility. It is a shining example of another operation in Ndola saving orphaned children. I personally believe that Mercy Touch is well on its way to becoming as successful as Grace Academy, if not more.
There was no messing around this morning after arrival to the farm. It has dawned upon us that tomorrow our time will be limited due to the feeding program taking place. Varnishing, staining, planing, assembly and cutting are all happening at the same time, and an illusion of efficiency has been established. A big shout out to everyone that helped keep the working crews fed and watered this week as they worked just as tirelessly as everyone else. The lunches, drinks, snacks and suppers were amazing and so well done.
Colleen, Andrea, Sandra, Regina, and I went on a walk about this morning also to personally visit some of the villagers. Seeing their farms, children and families was heartwarming. We toured their farm and witnessed their irrigation operations. A pump system has been set up that operates by oscillating your feet up and down on a planked pump system that feeds a hose held by a person in the field. Two hours a day is spent operating this pump to provide adequate water to the crops during the dry season; talk about a work out!
The completion of 15 beds became our final milestone today. Our planers are destroyed and/or broken (4 in total) and time has run out. We will not be assembling the beds as the roof is not complete and they will have to be installed after the new house is finished. Unfortunately today the carriage bolts required for final assembly of the beds, so it looks like the final picture will have to take place tomorrow. A mock-up will be assembled for the contractors to work with as an example so they can ensure assembly is as per our initial design.
The school house is packed tight with beds, ladders, legs and miscellaneous parts for the beds to be assembled following the completion of the first house. We have all gleamed with pride of our work for a job well done.
Prior to a very late supper, the mission team set out to personally visit the houses of some of the farm workers; Samuel Dominque and Joseph. Both these men have children and wives in which they support through working the farm together. The housing is provided by Mercy Touch, and their food is subsidized as well. We brought an entire duffle bag full of clothing for both families and small gifts for the wives. The gratitude and thanks shown from these families is as heartwarming and genuine as everyone else we have helped thus far.
Following another night on the farm with a wonderful supper, dancing and singing from the children, and the exchange of stories, we ventured off for the 45 minute ride home. Our final day on the farm will be upon us quicker than imagined.
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