Today we met another sponsored child, eleven year old Mohaila. We first visited the World Vision office in Mapoteng and met the people who check on and care for the children, ensure they and their families have what they need, advocate for the communities, and collect and distribute our letters and pictures.
We went to Mohaila's house, which has a gorgeous view of the mountains, what looks to be some stellar rock climbing, and a large garden. Mohaila's classmates and teachers came as well and sang for us and prayed the most beautiful prayers. His mother and neighbors cooked a delicious meal. We had no idea we would eat this well on our visits! Trent figured out why Julius was so willing to shuttle sponsors to the various sites, however - he gets some great lunches!
Today's visit was less overwhelming than Monday's (no donkeys! and fewer people), but no less poignant. Leaving them felt a bit like leaving our Mexico families after serving with them. We have Basotho families now. We may not see them again for a long time, perhaps not this side of heaven, but we will meet them again someday and will have a joyous reunion with many traditional Basotho yells!
Shelley was waiting for us back and Mohokare (we were running on African time today. Now I know the reason for "Africa time" - it's because "not far, not far" means not far on the paved road, but another thirty minutes plus to navigate the dirt trails then another "little bit" waiting on friends and classmates and neighbors.). We went with M'e Mamanyane to the Cash and Carry, which is the Lesotho Costco! Very large tub of peanut butter - was bigger than Paul!
Friends who adopted from Lesotho last year donated money for MIS. Shelley and M'e Mamanyane assessed the needs and we bought supplies for the children. LOTS of supplies - food and detergent and washclothes, etc.
We stored it at Ministry of Hope for the time being because Shelley's in the process of moving. The children helped carry in supplies.
At first Palamang acted sheepish and scared with the children, but later he got his toys from his backpack and started showing them off. Then he gave away two of his cars and played with friends.
The last two days were wonderful but also tiring for the little guy, but he has really blossomed. He's laughing and playing A LOT, and teasing and talking. I'm surprised how much he knows. Tonight he counted to six (I'm not sure why - I think he meant to count to three so he could jump to me but got carried away!).
Bedtime was a little later (Rio was on television, you see). Paul ran and got the story we've been reading. At the end, when we say "God loves Palamang" he pointed to himself, then he pointed to me and Trent and Sam as if to remind us to say, "And Mama loves Palamang, and Daddy loves Palamang, and Sam loves Palamang." Big grins and goodnight hugs and kisses.
Blessings,
Kristi, Trent, Sam and Paul
ps - Passport is finished! We should get it tomorrow before our US Embassy appointment at 10 am our time!
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Tears of joy :-) Especially at the "...loves Palamang" sequence :-) Can't wait to meet up with the Thompson family of four after you're back in the states!
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