The second night of each trip we spent the night in the village of Gumbane.
This particular village has not had any contact with westerners until they met Cecilia (our contact) and then the Could You participants two years ago. Could You has built a very strong relationship with the people of Gumbane helping them tackle some fundamental issues.
The Mommas
Joseph and I at Gumbane.
Joseph was one of our translators. Christine and I spent lots of time with Joseph for the month. We became very close friends.
The wrap I am wearing over my jeans is called a Kaplana, all of the women are required to wear them in the rural areas.
Two of the women I quickly befriended, wearing their beautiful Kaplanas.
Momma Martha's house, one of the richer houses in the village of 2000 people.
The straw structure you see to the left of the image is one of the latrines that last years Could You trip introduced. The people of Gumbane had never heard the concept of a latrine, they could not conceive of relieving themselves in the same spot twice. However, the "dig a hole in the bush" method was greatly contaminating their crops and causing unsanitary living conditions.
We were pleased to see the use of latrines implemented but we also realized they are still struggling to catch onto the concept. All in due time!
These boys stopped their game of soccer and started jumping and doing flips when they saw us approaching. They were really happy to see us.
Jeff showing the boys pictures of themselves.
Were were gathered around the well discussing the issue of water.
One of the previous Could You teams built this well to help gain greater access to water keeping contaminants out. Sadly this is an incredibly poor water source, that does not tap into enough water to supply everyone, and the water that is there is salt water.. which is incredibly unhealthy to drink. Because of the poor access to clean water, the people of Gumbane are unable to grow crops, keep livestock or keep sanitary conditions.
They are basically starving and many do not live past the age of 44.
Drury (with the pink shaul) has connected us to a water treatment company and we are working closely with
Africa Works (will speak of them in greater length) to help solve the Gumbane water crisis.
Tracey Webster, our lead African correspondent connecting with one of the little Gumbane girls.
Two of the Mommas fixing Michelle's Kaplana,
"Kaplana NO!"
This is Celia our connection to Gumbane and the first westerner to enter the community.
We brought beans, rice and chicken to cook with the ladies and share dinner with 60 people.
We ended the night with songs and discussing around the fire. It was a joy to hear from their hearts and for them to ask us questions about our lives.
We all stayed the night sleeping in the homes of three families. It was such a privilege to hear from their hearts and to partner with them to help better their living situation.
