[Stan]
Let me tell you about a couple of school visits we made this week as we are progressing toward 2 more projects.  The first visit was on Wednesday at the EPC (Escola Primaria Completa) de Inhagoia B.  This is an elementary school that we were recommended to us by the district director after three meetings with him to explain who we are, what we do, and how we do it.  This visit on Wednesday was the third visit to Inhagoia school.  This time they had their school council present along with 5 students about 10 years of age.  We were in a small room around a coffee table; very tight quarters.  After some small talk we started the meeting.  I told the adults I wanted to speak to the students and they could listen.  I drew the image of a pail with water and asked them what would happen if they were carrying this water to their home and there were holes in the pail.  They responded that they would arrive with no water.  Then I turned to the adults and said, "This school's pail has holes.  You need to patch the holes if you expect to move forward.  The help we can give you is dependent on how well you patch those holes and what plan you have to use the resources."  I suggested they get volunteers from the community to help repair the damaged electrical wires and fixtures.  They said they didn't think anyone would help because it is a government school that is supposed to provide everything.  I asked if the government was providing now.  They said no.  I told them they need a plan to move forward on their own.  The community has all it needs to make the school whatever they want it to be.  We also discussed a savings plan.  I told them if they would do their part we could help them get the 220 desks they want.  I think I got the message across.

Inhagoia B School

     The next visit was Saturday morning at the EP de Mateque.  This school needs so much; it is tempting to just give it to them.  But they need to step forward and do their part.  They have received very little from the government since the school was formed 6 years ago.  The buildings they do have the community built.  There are no desks, no teachers' desks, no computers for anyone, including the teachers, only a few books (about 1 book for every 5 students).  Students sit on the concrete floor if they have a classroom, or on the ground under the shade of one of 3 trees in the school yard.  I felt as much compassion for the teachers as I did for the students.  There are 1500 students that come in 3 shifts of about 500 each.  Anyway, this meeting was set up for Saturday morning and I expected to have a few people there from the school council similar to our meeting in Inhagoia.  We met outside on the sandy ground in the shade of one of those trees.  The people kept coming and coming.  There had to be 3-400 people there.  We talked about the same principles of self-reliance, work, and sustainability.  Based on the work we had been doing with the school director for several weeks I proposed to the community we would provide materials for them to refurbish the classrooms so they could be closed and locked along with electricity if they would do the work.  With the buildings secured and a guard hired we would then provide desks and some additional books.  (We will not provide enough books for every student in every subject.  It is common for books to be shared.  Parents will need to provide the rest of the books.)  It was rather intimidating to be standing in the middle of 400 people telling them what they needed to do to get our help.  But I felt the spirit guiding the direction of things and it turned out well.  There is still much work to do and not all the final decisions have been made as to what we will do, but I feel we have the support of the community; that they will be willing to work and provide for their children the best they can.

A few of the 350+ people who showed up at Mateque school

     I came across an interesting statistic the other day that will help to underscore the challenges of educating the children of this country.  Based on the info I was given, 50% of the country's population is under the age of 15.  How do you deal with that if you are the government?
     Pres. Koch assigned Teril to organize a Christmas musical program for the mission to be presented in 3 locations.  We will not go to the other 2 places, but will send the plan to them to use.  This will be an interesting Christmas for us.  We are now attending the Polana Ward instead of T-3.  We can walk to church.  Pres. Koch wants us to attend here because he feels they could use the help; even though we are not proselyting in any way.  But there are things we can do on Sundays to help strengthen the ward.

Cute kids from the new Polana Ward

Teril has pictures on her computer, so she will have to post them from there.  I enjoy keeping in touch with family via video chat and hearing about all your doings.  The blessings of the Lord are so glaringly apparent in the lives of the Mozambican saints. It is a marvel to see.  This same miracle, I am sure, is evident the world over.  Don't forget to thank the Lord in all things; for He truly is blessing you.  Love to all,
Elder Petersen, DAD, Grandpa