At least once every trip we have a day that feels like it goes down in the history books of the project. Tuesday was definitely one of those days. The ceremony was successful beyond our wildest dreams. We took video of most of it and hope we will have a chance to share it with you at some point. For now, we will let the photos tell the story.
We arrived to find the women had worked magic with the toilet paper streamers. The building looked great!
The banner team set to work immediately putting on the last minute touches.
Blowing up the heart balloons. It was so much fun to work as a team to get the place ready!
Outside the women washed the reed mats as seating for the children during the ceremony.
The banner is ready and Luke and team hang it.
Finally all is in place and we await our guests.
The Permanent Secretary was not able to make it herself and sent a charming representative in her stead.
Cheri greeting the government official.
Early that morning we had put together a simple program for the event.
Jen is handing one to the government folks.
Once we were all seated, the women sang a beautiful welcome song to begin the ceremony. This doubled as stall time for the media who arrived late and needed time to set up their microphones and cameras.
Grace, Eunice’s mom, did us a HUGE favor and agreed at the last minute to be the mistress of ceremonies. (She is at the end of the table reading the paper). She did a fantastic job!
Theresa and Jen gave some background on the project. Theresa began by saying, “I never imagined that I would in my life do something as great at this for this community of Kantolomba.”
Next we were treated to a wonderful surprise: The youngest children had prepared some songs expressing their gratitude to Living Compassion for all they have done. The lyrics to one: Teacher, teacher we came here empty handed and now we can read and write.
Then the older children delivered poems they had written for Cheri (“Mother Cheri”) as the head of Living Compassion (also a complete surprise).
Two of the poems:
Before God answered our prayers through you our future was very uncertain. We were out on the streets with no one to take care of us. It was when you came with your generous help that we found ourselves saved at school. Once again we are now assured of a bright future. We thank you, Mother Cheri.
I was once hopeless and beaten. My life was gloom. No food, no education. I did not enjoy life. I did all sorts of bad things because of my situation. I was frustrated. Now I am able to smile and enjoy life. Once again, the Bible says you reap what you sow. God will reward you for your work. Thank you, Mother Cheri.
It was easy to project that the whole room was very moved.
Cheri, beyond surprised by the focus of the children’s messages.
Before delivering a speech, the government official expressed how impressed he was by the project and specifically commended the teachers for the quality of the children’s English.
Cheri then spoke, sharing her gratitude for all we have received in working here in Zambia.
Appropriately, the Living Compassion team ended the ceremony with more beautiful singing.
We took the government folks on a tour of the property after the ceremony.
They were very supportive of our efforts.
When the guests were gone and the dust settled, we congratulated one another on an incredible day indeed. Then the musungus headed to town just in time to shop for pots for the cooking team before the stores closed.