This morning we took a bus ride to a pier where our group boarded two dugout canoes. We enjoyed the 30-minute ride along the river where we saw quite a few beautiful birds. When we arrived at the village of twelve thatched roof huts, we were greeted by most of the 48 men, women, and children who lived there.
The 28-year-old vice-president spoke to us and explained some of their customs. Then we walked to the one-room school. Grand Circle is planning on building a new four-room school for them when they get enough donations.
We then went in groups of four or five to eat lunch with a family in their home. We were lucky that the husband in the house where we ate lunch spoke English. He had to speak English all of the time when he went to college in Kansas City. He had speared tilapia for us this morning in only twenty minutes.
After lunch, we walked down to the village market where they sold their handmade crafts. They sold beautiful wood carvings, masks, and beaded jewelry. Their skill was very impressive.
After we shopped, they performed some ethnic music and dances. They invited us to dance with them too. Cha-Cha-Cha thanked them for their hospitality, and presented food that our group had purchased. We got rice, macaroni, kidney beans, baby formula, oil, and other things that they needed. Then villagers gathered around us and said good-bye as we boarded the canoes and waved good-bye.
When we got back to the hotel, some of us went swimming in the hotel pool. Dinner was served at 7:00.
Villager taking us in dugout canoe to his home
The people greeted us playing percussion instruments and singing.
The one room school
Our hosts for the home-hosted lunch
Villagers watching Cha-Cha-Cha thanking them for their wonderful hospitality, and presenting the food our group bought for them.