Burkina Faso 2009

On January 27^th 2009 a group of 8 people left Northern Ireland for Burkina Faso.  In Paris CCDG airport we met 2 more from Venezuela which brought our number to 10.

 

For over half of the group it was the first time they had been to Africa.  We arrived in Ouagadougou late evening on 28^th then made our way to the guesthouse in Koudougou.  Upon arrival we were greeted by the young people of the Church who helped us with our baggage.  The ladies of the church also had a lovely meal prepared for us.

 

Our first morning in Koudougou was spent visiting the compassion project were over 250 children are brought together and are taught about Jesus and given food and basic essentials.  This year it was great to see our 3^rd school up and running.  It opened in September 2008 and when we had been in July 2008 they had finished the building but when we returned it was painted.

 

This school caters for 150 Aids Orphans and the cost of putting a child through their education is just £5 a month.  For this they get food everyday, their education and a school uniform and shoes.

 

We also visited our 2 schools which are situated beside the Church, the 3^rd one is in the bush area outside of town.

 

At both locations we received on amazing welcome.  The children had lined up and they sang and danced for us which words can’t describe the feeling.  On this trip we also seen the new well in full operation, the pump has now been fitted so the schools have a constant supply of fresh water.  The ministry also support 3 pastors in the bush churches in the area.  We had the opportunity to share in each of these Churches were yet again the people gave us an amazing welcome, singing and dancing for us.   We were able to bring the children some sweets, pencils, balloons and stickers which they loved.  We also left some clothes for them to share out to the congregation.  Back in the Church in Koudougou we also took part in services, were we had an enjoyable experience of dancing around with our brothers and sisters!

 

Outside our compound everyday the children would gather after school and call our name.  We would go outside to them and play games and give them sweets and balloons.  On the Sunday night we had a youth meeting in our youth centre, which is based beside our guesthouse, after our time together the young people prepared a BBQ for us.

 

On our last night we had a chance to say farewell to the Church members by having them over at the guesthouse and we had a chance to fellowship with them.

 

One afternoon we went to the plot of land that was donated to us by the mayor of Koudougou.  The plans are well underway to start the building project for our high school.  This will provide further education for the children who started their primary education 6 years ago.  We plan to have our 1^st intake of high school students in September 2009.

 

We travelled back to Ouagadougou on 4^th February to catch our flight home, but before we arrived at the airport we called at the government building to meet the government official who recognised and thanked the ministry for the work which they are doing for the orphans of Koudougou.