A Mud Bath

Well, the last 36 hours have been eventful! We did a feeding program yesterday with potatoes. And the difference in the people was unbelievable! The pushing and shoving wasn't an issue and there was a queue formed before we were even out of the van. It was such an encouragement to see the change and they knew there was enough for everyone so the need to cause pandemonium was gone.

Many of the children were wearing their clothes given out at the clothing distribution.

We were also able to give out stoves and chimneys for the winter season.

Today we went up with an agenda to do a wound, give out clothes, medicine and plastic. That was the plan...there's always more when you get there. The weather has changed and the 1cm mud last time is now about 2-3inches! Makes it harder to walk with the children hanging on to you for support or just sliding along the mud in their wellies.

So when we got to the house to do the wound we had to clamber down the slope to reach the house. So we arrived warm, sweaty and covered in mud. Prewarn- wound to follow so don't scroll down if you're not keen! So we arrived and the heat of the fire hit us as we walked in! Natalie opted for the 'de-layer and and wrap around your waist' option as setting things down just wasn't an option. I didn't even have time to take my rucksack off before being thrust into the middle of the wound dressing. So I had on my five layers and rucksack and very quickly began to overheat. There was lunch being served- potatoes and an unknown meat. There was a cat wandering around. The room was two beds and the man was lying on one and the other six family members watched from the other. Natalie and I cleaned and dressed the wound as best we could in the circumstances. We're going back on Monday for a follow up appointment.

And then we went back to this little family. The husband (60) and the wife (24) have six children and they all needed treatment for worms. We also brought them food, nappies and clothes for the mother. The mother is going for a family planning meeting on Monday which could be life changing.

So a busy time with shoeboxes galore amongst everything else!