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Tranformation

We’ve had another productive, though very windy, day at the school today! We’ve completed all of the updates and letters for the students who have been in attendance the last few days, and I even re-took the photos for all of Grades 5, 6 and 7 because the indoor photos I took of them before weren’t the best. Tomorrow will involve more tracking down the kids who have been absent the last few days, but the bulk of the work is done!

Because we have been so far ahead of schedule, I was able to take down two Stories of Transformation this afternoon. These are stories of students that attend Hope Community School in spite of incredible circumstances. I am looking forward to sharing these stories of strength and perseverance with you all very soon. These stories, which were the most powerful part of my first trip to Zambia and Hope Ministries, continue to show me the great work that is already being done as well as the great deal more there is to do.

While waiting for a ride to the office this afternoon, some of the translators that helped us with the sponsorship updates told me some of the best stories from the children this week. I’ve included two below so you can get a taste of the fun and confusion we’ve had this week!

• When asking a student how long it takes him to walk to school, Mumbi, the office manager, said that he couldn’t give an answer, so she tried to break it down for him. She asked him what time he leaves for school. “10AM,” he said. Then she asked him what time he arrives at school, to which he gave the rather surprising answer “9AM.”
• Getrude, one of the new members of the office staff, asked on student what he wants to be when he grows up. He confidently answered that he wanted to be a lawyer. Surprised, she asked him what a lawyer does. He answers, “A lawyer works in the hospitals.”

And, as promised to all Chicagoans, and Americans in general, my best purchase this trip (possibly in this life)…”Obama Pops.” Also known as “Obama Lollis.” Pictures for your enjoyment below. (The best part: the random woman blowing President Obama a kiss. 🙂

Enjoy, and talk to you all tomorrow!