It was the last official day of work we have onsite. The past three and half weeks have slipped by in a frantic haze. I have mix feelings about the day as part of me is so desperately looking forward to go home to everything I have left aside in Toronto, yet there is another part of me that wishes to continue learning and experiencing this lovely country I have developed a lot of affection and respect for. With that said, the last day was full of last minute duties from painting, pargeting to ground work and site clean-ups. The thought of finishing, or maybe it’s the thought that we will no longer need to wake up at 5:15 everyday, helped everyone move at twice the speed and twice the stamina as usual. About mid-way through the day right after we had taken lunch and took town the tents that we have been sheltering under for the past three and half weeks, a tropical thunderstorm dropped-in once again unannounced. All the locals, workers, and the students ducked under the two classrooms watched and waited as the bean-sized raindrops pounded down on the galvanized roof so mercilessly. It was a much-needed break, and a very opportune inspection of any deficiencies on the roofing. I had the pleasure of staying in the village for one last time with the film crew, Miles and David. After another lovely dinner of Fufu, the chief, who is a music teacher by day, called in the neighbours to perform song and dance at the very same space where we have met three and half weeks ago. The atmosphere is full of grace and joy; the experience of participating in the song and dance was as liberating as it was exuberating. It is undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of this trip, which prompted the thought: It’s strange, in a very good way, how I can be so far from home, yet feel so at home!
No comments:
Post a Comment