KNOWLEDGE IS POWER...
BOOKS ARE
LIBERATING...
AND THE DAY WAS INTOXICATING...
BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS HAD FINALLY ARRIVED!!
After making it across the border without torture, we could see the books safely to their destiny. This was to be a glorious day of celebration. Dadani School would finally have possession of the books. After an opening of prayer, the children sang in precious harmony "I want to thank you Lord, I want to thank you Lord. I want to thank you, for the rest of my life..." Boys formed a brigade and loaded the books on stage. At first there was a hushed silence,, still they put box after box on stage, stacking them on top of each other. Now, with every box the excitement grew until there was a throbbing, continuous "aaaahhhhhh...." emanating from the youngsters' throats and it swelled to a crescendo.
Mr. Kumalo introduced me and I spoke to the children
about the Proverb, "People without a vision perish," and recalled how this
school started with only one boy who had a vision of a good education. He came
to Kumalo, Dadani and Caleb (biology teacher) and told them, you are the best
teachers, please teach me so I can be well educated. " So, they started with
just one boy who had a dream... And they had a vision for Dadani. Kumalo,
Dadani and Caleb told the boy, "but you are only one boy." He said "Don't worry,
I will convince all my friends to come here." That one boy is now a man in the
Ukraine working as an important aviation engineer. Now about 345 children attend
Dadani Technological and Vocational School. And it all started with just one
boy and dreams. I told them of Kumalo's dream of a library. The journey of the
books. And summed it up with, they must have a dream, work hard, get educated,
sacrifice (like giving your prized Mickey Mouse watch away) and show
gratitude.
The books are a precious gift to these children. They have never stepped foot in a library. Now they can compete better with children who have. These boxes are not just books. These boxes are full of dreams, hopes, new horizons, un-imaginings, bold adventures, life shaping possibilities and more!
Gladys Dadani, designed this wonderful celebration and she continues to inspire the children to "REACH."
As a conclusion, we
formally handed over some of the books to Mr. Dadani and Kumalo as a symbol of
giving them ALL the books. The children finished by singing a very touching song
"Thank you Jesus, Amen," in English then in their native
language.
Our cups were full to overflowing.
Young girls danced their traditional dances for us. It was only their voices and clapping that provided the "music," and it stirred our blood. Mr. Dadani was so moved, he jumped up and danced with them! Two of the boys joined in to make an awesome dance. Then two older girls quoted a poem about the importance and liberation of education.
Eighteen older boys carried all the books to the library and could not resist opening the boxes. Nyasha the librarian grabbed the scissors and started ripping into the boxes. Two years was a long time for her to wait. Everyone was so respectful in how they handled the books.
There are thousands of books from a book drive done by Kenwood Church. Now it is all paying off. There are encyclopedias, math books of all levels, history, "how to," reading, science, computers, novels and so many more.
The one that really thrilled them was one of the little books with sounds. They were absolutely delighted to touch the choo choo box and hear the sound while reading the story. The innocence is enchanting.
The books are where they are supposed to be and will be joyfully read. HHTH wants to thank all of you who helped or prayed for this project to finally reach fruition. To see this kind of gratitude is so heartwarming. I only wish you could witness it yourself. You must come visit Wayne and I when we have the short DVD completed of this visit, and we will share it with you.
More to come from "the Bush."
But it wasn't over yet...
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