Village of Tonota

On Saturday, 1 August...Kb, Luke and I went into the village of Tonota. I've been going to Tonota for two months leading Bible Studies. But on this day we went into another area of the village with some other missy friends. They have been going every Saturday for two years during the school year to feed the children. When I found out about their work, I wanted to go and help. There were 60 children who came this day. We had meat and palechi for them. The children came to the Kgotla - where the chief's office is located and where public meetings are held. As the food was being prepared, the children started out watching a kid's Christian video. Next was a Bible study with a skit to help them understand the Armor of God.

When the food was ready, everyone lined up in front of a bucket of water to wash their hands. They dipped a cup into the bucket and poured the water over each other's hands! It was so cute to see two, three and four year-olds helping each other wash their hands. (The washing is more cermonial than sanitary since there is no soap).

The preschool kids went and sat side by side in the sun. It was a chilly day. They were so adorable. The children lined up at the table to get their plate of food. Most of the children ate with their fingers as utensils. That's how Africans eat palechi. Palechi is cornmeal and water...boiled until it is very thick. This is the number one source of food in Africa, and they love it.

The way to eat palechi is to get a piece with your fingers, roll it into a ball and make a dent in it with your thumb. Then scoop the meat or vegetables into the dented part and put it in your mouth. It truly is an African experience. Palechi has other names in other countries.. In Zambia, they call it Nshema and in Kenya they call it Pop.

It was a joy to help the other workers touch the lives (and stomachs) of these precious children. I am so glad that Kb, Luke and I could experience this together. It's a wonderful way to take the gospel into a village and meet a physical need.