Zabre Day 1

Yesterday, and again today, we are working in Zabre village. Zabre is about 200 km from Ouagadougou, and takes about three hours by car.

You drive South from the city about 60 km on a paved highway built by Taiwan. All of the sudden, the road changes from pavement to red dirt. It is not just any red dirt, but some of it is washboard, some of it is flat, but much of it is pitted. They say they hope to have the road fixed in time for the rainy season, so that it can wash out again. Needless to say, it is a long tough ride. You wind up driving on both sides of the road to go around pot holes and sink holes that would swallow the car. Not to mention the omnipresent bikes, mopeds, donkey carts and walkers who are doing the same.

When you come to a town or village on this highway, the entire road is covered with people shopping and trading. It is almost like driving into a parade happening in the middle of I-35. The dust made by the cars limits visibility. Add to that darkness, and it is almost impossible to get back safely.

Once we made it to Zabre, we were introduced to the school leaders and teachers. It was a great sight to help see the school we helped to build. Currently, there are 265 students enrolled.

First, we set up the clinic, and immediatey the crowds came. You will notice on the pictures how they crowded the porch. One older man, was very upset about not being seen in the order he wanted, and almost stirred the crowd up to a riot. Fortunately, the local pastor, and Ram calmed him down. Eventually, we cordoned off the porch, and handed out numbers. When we go back today, these numbers will determine who will be seen first.

Interestingly, the people of Zabre are much healthier than the ones in Yagma. The place, aside from the ubiquitous garbage bags in much cleaner. Also, they have more rain and can grow more food. Ram feeds the children of the school everyday, so they look much better than the children of Yagma.

Part of our crowd control on Friday, will be a meal of rice and goat that we, the team, have purchased for the village. We will feed them all for about $75, and give them a special meal they may not have had for some time.

A highlight for me was to be able to address the school students. The absolute joy they have for school is amazing. I tried to encourage them to finish school and go to university, and told them the more they learn, the more they can help Zabre.

We are off to Zabre again. I am posting more pictures in a different post, so please check them out.