2010-12 Trip Report - St. Joseph Parish

year. As part of his many responsibilities, Father Maningi runs this vocational training center where
young artisans learn furniture making skills. It was his shop that produced the excellent, yet affordable
desks our school is fortunate to have. In advance of our dinner, Father was kind enough to visit several
guesthouses in the area to see typical furnishings and styles and also to send someone to the local
market to price items such as plates, linens, glasses, kitchen appliances, etc. ‐‐ all the things we need to
setup shop. The information was invaluable in helping us refine our budget expectations and think
through if we should consider importing any class of item (e.g., linens or small appliances) in order to
save money or improve quality. To be even more helpful, Father Maningi has directed his shop to
manufacture sample furniture pieces to see how well they fit and look in our soon to be completed
guestrooms.
Friday was the last day of the school year for the Kindergarten program. By coincidence of us being here
last year for “graduation”, it has now become somewhat of a tradition that we spring for a special meal
of rice and beef (called “Pilau”) for the children…a tab the three of us were happy to pick up. Just as last
year, most of the children came to school Friday with a plate they brought from home for this rare treat.
We learned that last year many of the children felt poorly after the feast as their digestive systems are
simply not used to such a meal. Even rice is a rarity in many of their diets, much less beef. For the
children who had no plates, the teacher put out a large circular platter on the floor for the ten or so of
them to share from. Expecting a free‐for‐all at the least, we setup cameras to catch what we were sure
would be the ensuing mayhem. But after a prayer of thanksgiving, the children slowly, carefully and
silently shared their meal being sure not to drop even a grain of rice. Try that in a classroom here!
After Pilau‐fest 2010 was over, it was time to say goodbye and start our trek to the airport. During these
hellos and goodbyes, you get a real sense for how important our collective efforts are to these poor
children on the flipside of our planet. They are so eager to hold your hand that you have to spread your
fingers out so ten children can hold onto you instead of just two. One of our school’s 1 st grade girls who
came for the festivities said in perfectly clear English, “I am sad. I don’t want you to go home.”
As ambassadors for you, the donors, we accepted on your behalf the thanks of the bishop, the priests,
the teachers, the cooks, the builders, the night watchman, the parish, the village, and most especially,
the children of Mailisita. There is no way to adequately distil and express back to you the magnitude
and sincerity of their very genuine gratitude.
Thank you and God Bless
(Asante sana na Mungu akubariki)
Nathan, Stan & Father Val
P.S. remember the Mailisita Foundation (www.mailisita.org) if you need help lessening your tax burden this coming
season