Tomorrow we, the 'American whites', as the children call us, will leave Mahadaga and be replaced by a team of 13 'French whites' who will be refurbishing the school library and operating a summer program similar to ours but nonacademic.
At our closing party, the children saw their photos and heard themselves talking on the big screen, famous for a day. We must have shown our little 9-minute slideshow 5 or 6 times, once for the school director, Francoise, and a few parents who could make it. One mother cried as she heard her son, who does not like school because he can't yet read at 10, speak proudly about his life and plans. We watched the rest of our movie, ate popcorn, and took a short hike to the cliffs to play. The children were thrilled literally beyond words to receive our gifts to them; a pad of paper, one sticker, a ruler, pencil, bright eraser & sharpener, chalk and a sponge, one M&M each, an empty bottle, and a small photo of them at their home. Youmanli (the same boy who can't read) asked our translator, 'Why are they giving us gifts? They came to teach us; we should be giving something to them!' Abraham, our little singer and dancer, made plans on the walk home with me to come with me to the States. He spoke very seriously; he checked with both of his parents (but admitted he didn't ask his sister), and they gave him permission to come, as long as he is back here by Sunday :).
Tomorrow we leave bright and early, in a private van, for Ouagadougou, where we'll have a few days to type up our notes, do some shopping, and enjoy some local restaurants. The staff and residents here have prayed for our safety in our travels and in fact the van driver takes advantage of a military escort that is available for large vehicles. So we are quite confident that we'll be in good hands as we travel.
Next post from Ouaga - -
-Angela
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