Some Good and Bad News

WOW- look at what they've accomplished!!!! Using hoes, axes, shovels and lots of muscle power our stumping team have managed to clear a huge space for the proposed Health Post. We even have a qualified builder, with papers, living in our community who has volunteered his services. Keeping costs to a minimum by utilizing their labour and expertise is how these eager villagers are demonstrating their determination to bring health care into Mbayi. Often starting off hungry and so grateful for the hot meal supplied by your donations these men and women amaze me with their perseverance and dedication. How I admire them!

As the time is nearing for this year's maize harvest there is, unfortunately, much despair and worry throughout this area. The rainy season, which usually starts in October, planting time, was delayed and precipitation patchy throughout December. We even experienced a dry spell during the fertilization period. The rains finally came, too late, and then heavier than usual in late March, soaked the corn that did survive the drought, when it should have been drying on the stalks. Sadly, the harvest will be poor. We are hoping to salvage enough to feed the most vulnerable. Currently we are still using the supplies from last year's bumper crop - which we grind in our own mill - as the maize meal distributed to those unable to provide for themselves.

We are thrilled, though, that our chickens continue to be a hit! Mrs. Bubala, our manager and chief stockperson - with her assistants - is still raising the plumpest, tastiest chickens around!