Painting

Today was my first day in South Africa! After an excellent breakfast at the bed and breakfast (B&B) our group loaded into our 15 passenger van and drove about an hour away to Uitenhage. Volkswagon was sponsoring a community service project, Show of Hands, and we were amidst a group of volunteers ready to give Htlemeza Primary School a well deserved face lift.  It was truly heartwarming to see so many people pull together to lay sod, plant vegetables and other plants, and paint classrooms.  Even youngsters were yielding wheelbarrows full of soil! Young and old alike were singing, laughing,and working together.  Bathrooms were newly installed, and a beautiful playground was being dedicated.  Yes, I did say bathrooms were installed - there had previously not been indoor restrooms. This just showed how important it is for a community to come together for the well-being of children! Our group of teachers were given the honor of painting wall murals in the preschool classroom and helping add mosaics in the wonderful bathroom. It was indeed a day I will always remember - just a few hours of my time can make such a difference! As the principal eloquently stated for a news crew, the Titanic was built by professionals and Noah's Ark was created by volunteers.
 I would love to be at Htlemeza on their first day of school Monday to see the looks on the students' faces!