What an amazing day! First think Thursday morning we went to Shongweni primary. As we walked into the school we were greeeted by the songs and dances of the children, filling the entire couryard. With incredible enthusiasm they sang songs about never giving up. Despite life's many hardships here the children are loving, respectful, and most of all happy. They smiled and waved to us as they sang, and the little ones scootched closer and closer to us they could be first in line for hugs when they were done.
After they had finished our group presented the school with all toys and games we had collected in Phoenix. Seeing their reactions made it more than worth hauling over 100lbs of suitcases through multiple airports.
As the children went back to start their school day we set to work. One group did touch up paint on the exterior of the building, and another covered the inside walls with butterflys and other colorful creatures to brighten up the interior of the classrooms.
Around lunch time the group headed back to the creche where the local woman were waiting with their beautifully designed baskets, placemats, pillow cases, and other items.
We spent the rest of the afternoon working, until it was time to call it quits and head back to to the community center for the incredible feast prepared for us by the woman of Shongweni. Before dinner the older boys in the village were brought in and all three soccer teams were presented with new uniforms, cleats, and soccer socks. Once again the response was overwhelming, and half an hour later the boys were still singing and taking turns showing off their dance moves. The team captains said a few words, and then the groups went outside for team pictures in their new uniforms.
After dinner we went back to the hotel, tired, but I think mostly overwhelmed by the magnitude of such an incredible day.
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