Day 16: Storm, School and an Emotional Treasure Trash

We started on a buzz as a wind storm (verging on dangerous) attacked our campsite in the night. It was so exciting waking up to scenes of over-turned chairs and palm leaves fallen to the ground but nothing was hurt as we were all tucked up in our safari tents.

We had porridge for breakfast which enabled us to face our penultimate day at school. Words cannot describe how much we all love going to school and watching the impact we're having, not only the children but the library we are creating. 

I feel so close to my groups and me and PJ are extremely lucky to have the kids we do. As much as we loved working with the kids last week, the individual personalities of each kid that develops is truly special and just betters this whole experience. 

MG and MW are thoroughly enjoying their time at school, especially the hysterics of their Standard 6 group playing Heads, Bodies and Legs.

After our lessons, we visited the library and saw the amazing transformation of the library which now has a painted doorstep, painted walls and two of the bookcases inside. We worked for an hour decorating the blank walls with a tree that we're going to add our handprints to as leaves, the Book Bus' strap line which is 'Improving Children's Lives One Book At A Time' and a Quentin Blake illustration, which has been drawn by myself and MW. When the extra bookcases are added, the benches are fixed in and we add the books, I truly think that it will be a legacy that could last forever. 

We've spent the evening planning our lessons tomorrow and packing our 'surprise bags' we'll be supplying each kid with tomorrow (which will consist of one book, various craft items and a few (sharpened) coloured pencils.) We finished the night with a more emotional Treasure Trash than usual, with everyone commenting on the effect this trip has had on themselves and as heartbreaking as tomorrow will be saying goodbye to all our kids, who are now more friends than students, I think Saturday will be full of much needed rest and reflection.

We are packing up at 6am tomorrow morning in order to head half-way back to the airport for the next two days straight after school, in order to make the airport transfer easier. However it means that tonight is the last night on the edge of Lake Malawi which, I think, is making many of us emotional. Although this campsite doesn't have hippos and elephants, the beach incredible and every member of staff is so friendly and helps us to scare away the baboons before they steal our food which is greatly appreciated. 

But as I am exhausted and currently being unsuccessfully attacked by Mosquitos, I must bid you goodnight. Thank you again and again for all the money that has been donated and for following our blog. Goodnight from all of us here on Lake Malawi.

ARC
(with the help of MW and MG, however MG does not condone with the use of 'words cannot describe')