The truck is loaded and off they go to school!.  The first day of school was greeted with great anticipation here at the Healing 2 the Nations base in YIrimadio, tho it started much later than we are used to in the US.  First reports were that it would start in mid September, but there was one delay and then another and the actual starting date was October 3rd.

Hawa had purchased supplies and prepared bags for each student before she left for her trip to the states in early September; textbooks according to their grade, composition notebooks, little blackboards, chalk and sponge eraser, pens, pencils and a sharpener. Some of the students also got a ruler or set of mathmatical instuments. 

Beaming smiles lit up faces and eager fingers reached for each bag, quickly opening them and exploring the contents.  No fancy, hi tech I phone or MP3 player was ever greeted with more excitement. Shouts of joy accompanied the discovery of such trophies as this set of simple mathematical instruments-- a compass, pencil, small ruler, and triangle--all in a little metal box with a hinged lid.  A few items were missing-- and it seemed each scholar knew just what they were supposed to have received.  Paul made a list and purchased the missing items on Tuesday.

Meanwhile other things continue as nomal.  The widows who receive a monthly bad of rice arrive to pick up this welcome addition to their meager budget.  50 K of rice costs as much here as it would in the states. The problem is that their income is a small fraction of what you are making-- and I do mean SMALL fraction.  The average person in Mali survives on less pay in a week as you likely make in an hour!  No Starbucks or Pizza Hut takeouts.
Paul sits and chats with each lady who comes.  Relationship is such an important part of life here.  No grab and go!  There are extended greetings at each meeting.  Good afternoon!...  How is the family?...Are your children well?  ...And your husband?.... I have only begun to scratch the suface of the combinations that may be asked.  ("Tooro te" --"No problem"-- is usually a safe bet if I am not sure of the appropriate answer.)