FHS in Bandawe

I write now to thank you Mrs Dallas, Mrs Easton, Mr Innes and Mrs Connington for organising such an amazing, life changing trip.
The expedition really opened my eyes and I believe I have finally began to appreciate what I have: my loving family, my school, my friends, my Church, my God. My safety, my security, my health, my peace, my food, my clothing… and so the list continues.

I would really like to travel to Malawi again, especially: Bandawe.

I believe the trip has also made me less selfish. I have finally began to strive to help those who are in greater need than myself.

I now look forward to giving presentations and sharing the Malawians’ happiness with many and I cannot wait for some of our new friends to come to Scotland.
Zoe

That’s both an intimation and a request.

Alison has uploaded her selection of photos for all to see here. Here’s a wee sample:

And you too can have your own photo album. If you’re not sure where to start, read the tutorial.

Update

Rebecca has now added a few photos to her album.

Mrs Easton has also created an album but, as yet, there’s nothing there (the perils of using Vista). Maybe we need a drum roll to build the anticipation.

Another update

The drums have rolled and the EastieBeastie album is available for your viewing pleasure.

And another update

I’ve revised the uploading instructions and I would recommend that you use the Gallery Remote client . It means installing a couple of programs but makes life easier in the long run.

Hello everyone

As we were travelling back, we did a high-tec high-precision survey of what we thought was important (oh, OK, we actually just jotted down three things we each thought of on a dod of paper).

We’re ALL clear on the need to continue fundraising, and well done to the Orr girls who (correctly, a lot of us think) say that this (and other activities) should be extended further throughout the school, involving more staff and pupils. Other things that are important to us all are the need to get more BAGSS staff and pupils over on a reciprocal visit.

I’ll collate all the responses shortly, and upload them for everyone to see and ponder.

A thought or two from me:

The beauty of the lake was surpassed only by the warmth of the people.

Our pupils were a huge credit to themselves, their folks, and the school community. I hope they know how much I enjoyed their company, but I’d like to put it in writing here, to make it official.

Funny that one of the poorest countries in the world is one of the most welcoming and giving: I’ve thought about that a lot, along with the meaning of the word destitute.

You will all hear lots of tales about the welcome we got from the BAGSS girls, and the send-off: if you weren’t there, listen to the tales, imagine how it was, and then multiply by three: two thrilling occasions that demonstrated in very real ways how much our visit meant, and how important it is for both sides that we continue this partnership, getting the maximum benefit out of it for everyone involved.

Thanks again to Mrs Dallas for undertaking this huge, daunting task and bringing it off so spectacularly.

Neil Innes

Despite what must have been a rather epic journey, everyone arrived back home last night in great spirits. There were smiles and hugs all round.

There was even a welcoming committee.

Not quite sure what everyone else thought of the cheer that went up when they first appreared through the doors though.

The group should just have touched down at Schipol Airport in Amsterdam about now (15:30 - the flight was slightly late). They now have a 4 hour wait before embarking on the final leg from Schipol to Glasgow.

It must be very frustrating to be so close to home and have to wait. Still, it gives them plenty of time to buy extra pressies for everyone

Looking forward to seeing everyone again this evening.

As the group begins the main leg of its homeward journey, this txt arrived from Rebecca:

Hi! I am rlly missin gd fd so plz cld u get pain au chocolat + other yummy stuff!”

Now there’s a hearfelt plea if ever there was one.

I wonder what everyone else has missed being away from home?

On wednesday 9th July, Christie celebrated her 18th birthday. She had a wonderful day and it was certainly one she will never forget. Thanks to all who made it so special, not forgetting the black mamba that dropped in!!

We had a call from Christie yesterday , just after an emotional farewell had been said to the girls at BAGSS. Hard to believe the group have started their journey home now, bringing with them lots of happy memories and links which will stretch well into the future. Safe journey home guys, looking forward to seeing you and hearing of your amazing trip.

OK, here’s the scenario:

You’re in Africa.

It’s late.

Everyone’s asleep (except you).

You hear a strange noise!

So what would you do?

Well, the obvious answer, surely, would be to txt home, thousands of miles away, with this plea:

“HELP - there’s a ghecko tap-dancing on my door and everyone is asleep. What will I do??”

Now, the real question is, “What would you advise?”

Kathleen has txted to say how cool it was to see a snake up close when it fell out of a nearby tree.

Scary thing is that the snake was a Black Mamba - one of Africa’s most venomous.

Let’s hope that it was a little too dazed from its fall to be bothered with a group trying to see a cool snake.

It seems that nature is reminding them of its presence.

The group has had a busy couple of days, visiting an orphanage and two other schools in the area.

But they’ve also had time to relax, visiting a ‘gorgeous and idyllic’ beach and playing volleyball. But then they had a little reminder that nature can be scary as well a beautiful. The area they are visiting is on a geological faultline and they experienced an earth tremor . ‘Very, very scary’ according to Rebecca.