Thursday, April 24, 2014

April 24th: A bittersweet goodbye to our new friends

Today wrapped up the last day of work at the Temple of Faith Primary School in George Brook. It was bittersweet because we are all feeling like it's time to go home to see friends and family; however, we are sad to say good-by to new friends here. A few tears were shed and I am sure there will be a few more, but what a awesome time we have had!

Saying goodbye

The school has a new foundation, literally and figuratively, and the wall that will hold back the bank that will form the outer wall of the new building is 90% done. Our new friends, the work crew, will finish it off by next week and will work on the rest till the funds run out. My hope is that when I come back with another team in November that we will finish and the future of the 250+ kids that attend here, the teachers that teach then and the community at large will change forever.

At the end of every volunteer trip, I reflect on what I am thankful for. On this day I am very thankful for a wonderful team who has worked hard, put up with changes on the fly, developed relationship with those around them and have done all this with a willing and glad heart.

I am also thankful for a great host partner like the We Yone Child Foundation who have kept us safe, engaged and productive over the last two weeks. WYCF's Partnership Officer, Sara Portugal, is a wonderful and committed person, and her passion for the kids in the slums of Freetown is contagious. WYFC's Founder and Programme Director, Santigie Dumbuya, is a force to be reckoned with and working with him is a pleasure in every way. He is a true inspiration.

The volunteer team with members of the George Brook community.

Tim Kasten
DWC Team Leader
Sierra Leone: April 2014

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