Amazing Experiences.....

Global Fund Conference

Sister Victoria and I attended an all day conference at the premier hotel in Maseru, the Lesotho Sun. I was asked if I would like to take the place of Sr. Margaret, who has been to this function many times. The Global Fund administers huge sums of money for the developing world, much of it donated by foreign governments. The process includes specific proposal and accountability methods. Round 5 and 6 proposals included large HIV/AIDS initiatives such as testing and acquisition of drugs, but also
many small ones. These included drama presentations and films aimed at youth, training of pastors and traditional healers and much more. Renovations of homes led by children in Thaba Tseka and community support for Orphans and Vulnerable (OVC) Children were also funded. The 16 groups and individuals that had received funding had to present their projects and results. The Global Fund also did a summary of funds dispersed. It was an incredibly interesting day. The Ministry of Health, Education and the National AIDS Commission all presented large projects. Round 7 of funding is underway and the call for Round 8 will go out soon. This was all conducted in English and the people I met/saw as well as the facility and meals were
really fantastic. What an unexpected opportunity to see how development works at a completely different level.



Field Day for 75 Preschoolers

Not for the faint of heart….I helped take 75 children under five years to a field day on
Friday. There were 5 adults- don’t forget I can’t talk to the kids or really control them
And don’t know most of their names. Also, I can’t really communicate to any of the
adults very well either. A huge bus arrived and chaos ruled as they crowd jammed the
doors. From there on it was pretty much hilarious as we unloaded them at a large
field with no toilets. We cared for them, and fed them til 3 o’clock, including digging
latrines and feeding them chicken and bread. A few of the kids ran in races and relays
but generally they just played and we tried to keep and eye on them . Many had toilet
accidents and several spent the day with no pants. The other schools had colors and
costumes and there was great competitive spirit and cheering. Beautiful mountains in
the background and the Basotho dress of the teachers and the fact that it was all so
crazy made it another “ can’t believe I am here” experience. All heads were accounted
for on the bus before we left, but that was the only vestige of Canadian propriety I
experienced !


A Wedding

I was invited to a wedding by the Sisters Sunday. They know the family and assisted
in the decorating, a sideline business for Sr. Exinia ( as well as catering and sewing).
The tent was hugs and there were 200 guests. The ceremony included a full mass and
Church service and a large hot buffet was served. They welcomed me and did part of
the ceremony in English because I was there. The women looked stunning in African
dress that I only wish I could describe . It was a beautiful, though long, day and I felt
perhaps I should have stayed with the kids as this was my last full weekend. But it
was a privilege to be invited to attend and a nice look at how the upper echelons here
celebrate and their wedding traditions.