To my dearest Impala fans...
Today we returned to Monday's school; Chimwabve. Of all the schools which we have visited this is most definitely our favourite; not only are the children lovely (particularly a young boy named Clemence) but the community is really friendly and everyone always seems happy to see us. Some of the children even remembered our names, both from seeing us on Monday and at the community centre (which is more than can be said for Chante who is still at a loss!)
After a morning of game playing, song singing and of course the usual book reading and craft we departed from the happy group whom we left behind. Fortunately no children attempted to hang onto the back of the truck for a lift and so Doc's machete remained safely in its compartment (under his seat) and the journey home was comfortable.
We were being lulled into a false sense of security before our next journey...
After a dinner (correction...lunch to you Southern Jessie's) which was rounded off by Kirsty and Lucy's mystery fruit salad (I think it's safe to say that the green lumpy fruit was not a lemon!) we assembled in order to depart for a brick making/building session.
We were met by 'the cage,' our arch nemesis which often results in injuries galore and a smattering of blood. Wictor (the owner of Fisherman's Rest) was kind enough to put down padding this time around, two thin sheets of foam (I would like to point out that this is also what constitutes our mattresses!)
With the remaining Impalas clambering into another car which, may I add, was far too small to hold us all we set off down the bumpy track towards the school (and I mean bumpy!)
The school was particularly rural, Thorpe park was put to shame by the tumultuous terrain. Personally I would have appreciated full-on over the head theme park seat belts...instead I found myself bouncing up and down like small child trapped in a bouncy castle!
Upon arrival we were greeted by enthusiastic villagers and, after being told a little about the school and the construction project began to form a chain of brick passers. Our mission was this...we must move stacks of piles of bricks from one end of a large open square to the other where they were then piled into kilns in which they would harden. Each kiln containing an impressive 60,000 bricks!
An eventful few hours followed during which bricks were flung, the flying lumps of clay and soil were caught and numerous scratches and concussions were caused. Personally I can say that I will never again put myself in a position where Lottie is able to throw bricks towards my head!
After having watched the stacks of bricks diminish and the kiln rise we took our leave, waving goodbye to the children (amongst whom was a boy named fraction) we got back into our cage and car.
The Book Bus has been amazing to work with and we all feel a great sense of achievement after each session but there is something about seeing the fruit of your efforts immediately. Seeing the grateful looks on the faces of the community, hearing the chief thank us and Wictor commenting on the "pleasant surprise" which he experienced upon witnessing a group of feeble girls undertake a manual task! I mean crikey, girls got dirty! Sheesh that's a HUGE surprise ;)
But the knowledge that our hard work this afternoon physically helped the community, aiding them towards their goal of a structurally sound school and seeing the progress we were making really inspired us all because we now know what a difference we can make.
This evening we have made more craft materials for tomorrow, enjoyed dinner cooked by Abbie, Eleanor and Rachel and are now getting ready for bed. We are happy, a little bruised perhaps but happy. The blood has been mopped from my legs by the able Kirsty, many individuals have had antiseptic baths and scratches have been bathed.
So goodnight Impala fans, and, even though we can't quite remember what you look like, we still love you.
From the Impalas xxxx
(Catherine)
P.s little Vicky would like to inform her father that she has never before been Vicki with an I and that she hereby disowns him until he remembers his daughters name! Furthermore Steev, it's a vomiting buffalo NOT a vomiting hippo, please pay more attention!
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