Building Benches for the Machessas

When we drove up with the wood and supplies for the benches the ladies in this community started singing and dancing. It always gave me chills when they did. It's so different in person but the video is still moving.

We spent time in 4 different communities building benches for their Machessas (community centers). CFL supplied the wood and supplies needed and the children were more than wiling to help. I once had a man take a hammer out of my hand while I was in the middle of pounding in a nail because he was so excited to help. The children would watch and wait and as soon as we even looked at them they would run over and hold a nail for us or steady a board.

The younger children were sent outside to play and sing songs while the older kids got to help build the benches.

When we were done the children piled onto the benches. I don't know what they were more excited about...the benches or getting their picture taken!