BUSH BACK COUNTRY BORE HOLE CELEBRATION

This is the welcoming committee that greeted us at the latest Bore Hole Celebration just south of Harare.  These people were so grateful  

These Elders went with us to help unload the gift rewards that were handed out after the Celebration.  Each graduate of the sanitation class received 2 long bars of soap, a hygiene kit, orange drink, cookies, mosquito net and a certificate.  They were most grateful for receiving these items.

On the way to the Celebration we had to stop at a Medical Clinic and pick up the items for the hand out, they were big and heavy, but the Elders handled them very well.  When we got there we noticed a small wheel barrow that was outside the clinic, and we noticed that it had a blanket neatly folded in the bottom, we inquired about the wheelbarrow, and they said that someone had brought a sick older lady from about 2 miles away to the clinic, because she was to sick to walk.

This is a photo of the wheel barrow that brought the woman to the clinic.  You can tell it has been down the road a few times.

Outside the clinic was this wonderful SUGGESTION BOX!!

For What.

There was no waiting room, so the people had to make do with whatever the could, and you could tell that they were very sick, but very patient.

We had to travel about 25 kilometer to the Bore Hole site, and it was truly in the bush, and the roads were rough and very dirty.  It was so hot that day, and the journey was very long.  We were treated to some wonderful sights along the way.

We came across this magnificent tree that was out in the middle of no where, and there were no other trees around it.  You could tell that it was a gathering place for animals as well as anyone else that was wandering by.  Out here there are no autos, and you either walk or ride one of the animals of choice.  We did see a few bicycles.

This was part of the welcoming committee that greeted us as we drove into the village.  To tell you the truth we were both overcome by emotions when these people displayed to us their thankfulness for what had been done for them.  They were so happy.

They were singing and dancing like we had never seen before, and each separate village that was affected by one of the Bore Holes did their own separate dance and display.

One of the women that could really make a high pitched wobble with her mouth was trying to show Sister Heck how it was done.  Believe it or not she can now make the African noise perfectly.

This woman was doing some sort of dance where she would take a twig and clean the dirt, and do some sort of dance at the same time.  No one could tell us what it represented, but it was fun to watch.

They even let school out a little early so the students could watch the fun!

These young gals and guys could really dance, and they would leap so high into the air, and hit the ground so hard you wondered how they didn't break something.  They were excellent dancers!

They had these 3 young men that played the drums, and boy could they play the drums.  This was the real thing, and the drums are said to be original and very old.  They maintained a very steady rhythm.

Sister Heck was teaching the kids how to do the Hula Hula.

Took this video, but it probably will not play.  This is one of the main modes of transportation this far back, they also use the ox to plow their field with.

They all love to wear bright colors, but the are also very aware of the heat.  Notice the baby on the woman back, and how they carry big loads.

These people just wanted to have their pictures taken.  Then they expressed their gratitude.

We were handing out the items in a classroom that was probably 120 degrees on the inside, but they would have waited all day for them.

Sister Heck fell in love with this little doll!!!

These gals were so happy to get their handouts and this is how they headed for their villages.

After a long hard days work, these Elders were ready to get back to teaching the gospel.  All in all in was one of the best days of our mission.  We really did enjoy it.