The constant thought...

Jimi said the first day that building schools is important but building relationships with people is just as important.

I find myself thinking about the people probably more than the build most days around here. Everyday brings about new interaction that really can't be described in words.

As I lay here on a dirty mattress (with clean sheets) on the floor in front of the bathroom door, I still realize how good I have it here.

Everyday there is a little boy who wanders around the build site.  He doesn't talk and it is really hard to even get him to smile. He is probably about 4 years old, maybe 5... most days he is dressed in very dirty clothes, today in layered dirty pajamas and barefoot as usual. He has chronic nasal drainage that is caked in his nose and upper lip. Grant was trying to talk him into a wheelbarrow ride and as we stood there, he coughed a deep croopy cough and his eyes watered.  His little jaundice eyes are watery and any smile you get from him is forced.

I am helpless in this child's world.  That is a terrible feeling.  I fear a much larger problem looms on his horizon.

As I walked across the school yard shortly after this, I took a picture of Jimi talking with the headmaster of the school and shaking his hand.  Turns out he was saying goodbye because he was headed out on his bicycle to one of the far villages for a funeral of one of the students who had just died of AIDS. A third grader.  It is tragic here and the infection rates are very high.  No telling how many people we run across on a daily basis that are infected with HIV or AIDS.  Its too sad to think about.

We provide opportunity for these people. A hope. An ability. A drive and determination for a positive outcome through their education and hopeful progress in life.  It honestly is their only hope.

I wont be reading this post to the group in the morning as usual because I don't want to dampen their spirits... they all know it too well.  It would not be a morale booster for them.  I assume plenty of them are laying in their beds right now thinking similar things.

What I am asking though is for your help.  Go to the BTCV web site. http://www.bethechangevolunteers.org.  I believe there is a contribution link on there.  Help this organization out.  Maybe you know someone who has greater financial means that can help to a greater extent.  Contribute or contact them to see how you can help.  Maybe you have a healthy way to generate revenue for this organization?  I can honestly say it is money well spent.

Its about people. I am glad none of your loved ones... nor mine, were born into this.  THANK GOD.  That seems selfish, but it is the truth.  Im not man enough to deal with watching my child go through something like this.

Do what you can, if you can.  Give a special thanks to God for what we have at home and pray for these people.  He does bless them in many ways but in a very different way.  It is very obvious that God lives in so many of these people because they radiate it in so many ways.  Africa is so much different than I ever imagined.

Goodnight from Africa.

-Dusty