Kabala Second Time Around...

Just love this adventure I'm on.....

Going back to Kabala for a few days was just exactly what I needed. Because our Executive Director is visiting from Canada, we got to experience some pretty amazing celebrations (pictures to follow) and sneak into some extremely interesting meetings with Directors, Principals, the Head Chief etc... Just incredible to watch how development is actually carried out in places like this. To see the difference that can be made from just a little NGO like CAUSE is really quite motivating.

The cool air, the warmth of the village people and the quite pace of life in Kabala is so healing and helps put this entire adventure into perspective! The first day was spent at one of the schools that we work in. We were handing out uniforms and celebrating the success of some of the students. The entire village came to welcome us and had food, music, dancing and speeches from the head masters as well as some of the children. I must have taken a million photos (some may have to wait until I get home to show you) that afternoon. The following few days were full of report writing but I managed to sneak in a couple long runs/walks through the tropical jungle that surrounds the area. I had to laugh when yesterday - as I was running through the jungle alone - I came across a truck full of men with about 20 or so following behind, all carrying machetes! Being something you don't come across everyday, I have to admit I was a bit nervous approaching the crowd, especially being a blonde white girl all alone in the jungle....I think my exact thoughts were "Ashley, don't freak out, stay calm...OMG!" All straight faced, the men stared at me with curiousity and confusion as I came closer. All I could think to do was whisper 'good afternoon' in the most hesitant tone ever! Immediately every single one of them responded with a big welcoming 'YES GOOD AFTERNOON...HOW DE BODI? (meaning....how are you?). ' Then they all started to laugh at me and made fun of the fact that I was randomly running in the trees! :) Some of them asked if I wanted company, others asked me to marry them but all in all they were sweet and just carried on towards town. I have obviously watched too many American films about Africa! :) Here I was expecting to be attached by a bunch of harmless farmers! Oh Ashley.

---

---