Day 11 (August 5)

Yua has done it again. After collecting water samples from various sources (hand-dug wells, hand pumped boreholes, and the dammed irrigation pond) we met with community members for a farewell. Initially, the crowd was slimmer than the massive welcome on August 1^st, but the crowds soon came. The Chairman was again designated to be Paul, who had chaired the welcome as well. Paul spoke, and Pok and Trotta and Joe and Danielle, whose cheers were returned when the crowds lifted their arms and hollered “Yua! Yua! Yua!”

As the dancers were introduced intermittently, the Chair would direct them off the floor, and the women would dance more vigorously. As they danced and clapped, the Sons and Daughters of Dr. Akunzule, a troupe of young women roughly fourteen years of age, sang a farewell song to us in English of such beauty it moved many of us to tears.

We broke for a short period to see some of the wares the community produces. We saw ornate spears and arrows, small sculptures of men and crocodiles, woven baskets some of which are covered in leather and shells, horned warrior helmets, and leather goods of local design and pattern including small purses, larger bags, and sandals.

What moved us most was the community’s presentation of gifts. First, Trotta was called to stand as he was presented with a hand woven smock of local design, and a woven sash which read “YUA – NAU PARTNERSHIP”. Danielle, Jared, Ben, and Jaina were presented with similar garb, the women’s being of a longer design reaching mid-calf and including a long head wrap.

--Jared