Clinic well

Here's the well digging team we hired for the clinic well.  They use the old fashion method of doing it by hand, slowly turning the pipe that works its way down, inch by inch, to fresh water.  Lucky for them and us that we have lots of clay and sand underground with very few rocks.  Notice the young man helping his team by sitting on the pipe!

Matthew 25:36

 

UN Representative Moussah (Burkino-Faso) and Nathalie checking out the food stuff for the special meal that the 500 detainees in our local prison enjoyed yesterday, the International Day of the Prisoner.  Thanks to the support of Cross International and Catholic Relief Services, the prisoners were treated to rice, beans and chicken along with fresh juice.

The special day began with the liturgy which was followed by a music program.  Photos are not allowed of the prisoners so that's all we've got to show you.  I can tell you that the detainees were deeply appreciative.

Update- Jean Raymond

This is the photo I posted a while back (in the spring) of Jean Raymond.  So cruel were the other children in his area that Jean Raymond refused to go to school.

This photo was taken yesterday when Jean Raymond got back from school.  He has new friends and is doing very well in school.  He has no trouble pronouncing words anymore, can drink normally now and, most significantly, can smile.

Smile Train with Surgical Volunteers International are to be praised for their fantastic work.

Update- brothers

Judeson

Getro

I've been asked a couple of times for an update on the three brothers who were in an accident back in early July.  I am very happy to report that the three are doing amazingly well.  The oldest, Jameson, had his mandible repaired and is fine now but with fewer teeth.  He was absent when the photo was taken.  Judeson (above) has pins in his leg but gets around pretty well.  No soccer for the immediate future.  Getro who suffered a fractured skull is on the mend and is attending school.  Thanks to all who made donations to help them.  The boys and their family are most grateful and ask God to bestow His blessings on you.

Update: kitchen and dining room

Our crew had a steep learning curve on this part of the project.  They are now in the groove and the roofing struts and panels are going up.  The larger panels weigh in at 300 pounds so you know this is challenging.  We are very relieved to see this progress.

Sisters

Margaret and Christine

Christine was here this week not just to visit her sister, Margaret, but to work on our Master Plan.  Christine visited us last summer and decided to make Pwoje Espwa her Master's Thesis subject.  She has produced a masterful work that incorporates weather, climate, appropriate building technologies, children's social and psychological needs... What a terrific gift to the children of Espwa!

Rain.....Grrrrrr

The rain started pouring down almost as soon as the crew gathered this morning to work on the roof.  That's Ely sitting about twenty feet up trying to stay dry.  Good thing he's thin.