Tarrafal

Sister Trainers

From Sister Biven . . .

On the last entry I promised an awesome photo of Fogo.  Fogo is the island with the active volcano and it can be seen from some places on Santiago (our island).  Here is my awesome photo taken FROM Fogo looking towards the sea.  In the distance is another island, perhaps ours.

These two incredible sisters have been my missionary 'trainers' for my role as mission nurse specialist.  The taller sister is Sr Smith.  She sprained her ankle, got better, had a set back, and then it really looked like she was going to be unable to walk (and therefore unable to do a missionary work) for a week.  President and Sister Mathews wisely suggested the companionship try to teach their discussions at the chapel.  Her companion, Sr Reneer was incredibly supportive and resourceful in helping Sr Smith.  And then........ they somehow found crutches.  On the little island of Fogo.  I can't find most medical items I would like to have on the big island of Santiago, and on this little island the Lord sent them a pair of crutches!!!  And they kept working!!   I asked for this photo because they have inspired me.

Tarrafal

Last Saturday we traveled to the north end of the island to the city of Tarrafal.  Our purpose was to investigate a project proposal for a small school 10 km outside of the city.  But before we drove out to the site we stopped at the beautiful Tarrafal beach.  I took off my sandals and walked in the surf.  The world is such a beautiful place.





After enjoying the beach we got back in our vehicle, along with our translator, the project requester (a young woman who is director of four schools in the area), and a local priesthood leader.  We traveled across the high volcanic mountains to a small village and found our little school which needs a new roof.  About fifty elementary age students attend the school.  We felt such a happy feeling in this place.  We did have to fight quite a few cows, dogs and chickens for road access to get there,  but I didn't get photos of that.



There are two two latrines for the sixty students, and a beautiful outside courtyard for the students to play in during breaks.




Below is a photo of one of the classrooms.  I was so impressed with the visual aides on the wall.  The pink one is the words to the Cabo Verde national song.  Other posters showed timelines of important events on Cabo Verde.  I felt I was standing on sacred ground as we toured this location where children are taught local history.