Travels, New Faces and Gifts from PA
According to our local radio station, the government is experiencing a ‘kriz gaz’, in other words a fuel shortage. This is the first time in my memory we have been given a reason for no electricity. Thankfully its a macro problem not micro – no problem purchasing fuel for vehicles – this time. Although it’s inconvenient and frustrating not being able to communicate with you, we continue to be as busy as the proverbial bees.
Since Jack’s departure from the Sen Rafayel project at summer’s end, Auguste and I have become the conduit for purchasing and delivering any and ALL building, plumbing, wiring materials up the mountain. We could probably rebuild the National Palace with our new skills. Our poor truck is paying the price. A new starter is on my list of “Things to purchase in Canada”. Danius is coming to-morrow to check the tires/brakes.
Lusnot has become a valuable member of the team, keeping the office open and functioning efficiently when we travel to Sen Rafayel. He will rewrite his Philo exams in July. For those sponsoring Gaby, Lusnot is his brother.
On their first visit, instead of the papers requested, they brought book lists. I had to laugh when I saw the body language Auguste captured digitally. Nothing is easy here, nor does it go smoothly. After explaining again what we were requesting and why, the boys left to find the papers we needed. It took them a few days as their living conditions are fluid to say the least.
They have been given floor space to sleep by Mme. Marie-Micheline, a friend of a sister of an aunt. After visiting the one-room home and speaking with Mme., we admitted them to the program for the year. The room which houses Mme., her 5 children and the 3 brothers, is about 8X8. No kitchen, no running water, no privacy. There is a latrine out back, however IF it could be reached, it is full and in need of expensive cleaning . Cleaning is a non-issue as it is inaccessible, swamp which surrounds it never dries. This makes mosquitos (marengwen) and by extension malaria a big issue.
On Wednesday, I head to Canada for a week to attend the fundraiser at Acheson’s in Orangeville. We’re one staff member short as Mme. Carmene is off for the month of December. Last week she received notice that her house has been marked for demolition by the state for the new airport. It is located miles from her house, yet the katye is being razed, with little and more often than not no remuneration. After losing both sons, now her home is going. The new tikay we are renting for Inea and Dina is also marked for demolition. With so many already living in makeshift tents, the number is swelling instead of dwindling. Many in Fosenmichel have already had their homes destroyed. It is a nightmare from which there is no waking. If this is prosperity, the price is too high.
It will be a difficult Christmas for many.
Kembe pa lage
Sharon