What thoughts keep you awake or greet you first on waking? 

What thoughts can you not shake? 

I will let you in on what’s on my mind if you are interested. 

If you are not, I understand. 

I often sigh and move on when I receive a parallel invitation.   

In November 2023 had the joy of teaching young adults near Lome, Togo. 

I noticed groups of children walking to and from school. The chatter (in French) caught my ears; the neat and proudly worn uniforms, my eyes. The shared joy and delight of the children touched and warmed my soul. 

I asked questions here and there to find that the school is indeed on the same property where I was teaching and run by the same organization. 

I requested a visit. 

It’s a bamboo L shaped structure. In one corner of a sandy play area there is a single netball hoop with no net. The student body of about 250 children, Kindergarten to about Grade 6, under the tutelage of about 10 faculty, using merger supplies, are heads down and studying, reading, or writing notes off more-than-used chalkboards. 

In one room there was beautiful singing. 

As I walked through each bamboo room I saw joy and serious study occurring. 

I found out that when the weather changes all are sent home to safety until bad weather passes. 

Contact me if you’d like to assist – and build a classroom or two. 

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