Day 18 - Visit with King Letsie III (7/12/11)

Today we had a brief morning of teaching with the students at the Roma school for only about 45 minutes at most which was quite nice because we had a big date with the King. I was kind of neat being walked into a special room and waiting patiently for the King to come meet us. I was the only one allowed to take photographs which made me nervous, but I can honestly say that I nailed the job :)

The meeting with the King was neat. Honestly at first I thought it was going to be dull because he seemed really shy and quiet, but he eventually opened up and laughed a little. I think the life of the king must be a rather drab job at times meeting with all kinds of people and being proper all the time. Leave it to me to break the ice and ask a question to the King just to make him laugh. He is celebrating is birthday soon and I asked hi. If he had big plans for the day. He laughed and said, "No ... that he is just going to do what he is told" which I thought was funny for a King to say he is going to wait to be told what to do!

Overall good experience, I got to show him a few pictures from my recent visits which he enjoyed and then had the chance to arrange a large group picture before we went. Turned out decent considering the body guard who took it felt like he was 85 ft away and wasn't sure how to hold a camera straight. Perfect, look out Photoshop editing software, we have some work to do :)

This evening is round number two of track and field day with the Bona Pele Community Centre kids. Noah and I are running another track meet which we hope to make as real of a track meet as possible. I laughed to myself yesterday because as we sat together to plan events, some of which just needed to be fun play time Asti it's, Noah kindly reminded me that the events need to be legitimate as possible and as close to a State of Illinois track program as possible. Dear God .. Hahaha, a little serious are we? :) Oh well, this is just teaching me about how to be patient with others.

We had 21 kids tonight 10 of which were girls and 11 that were boys . We ran a consecutive meet which really went well. I could tell that my girls really had a lot of fun. That alone made this so valuable to me because I could see and had heard of their excitement. We awarded ribbons to the kids and had a legit event.

Sad new though, yesterday was our last day with Lineo (pronounced Dineo) which makes me sad. She was such a nice lady and really made me happy. She went out of her way to help me get some sweet treasures for my home. Because of her I have a traditional beer glass and a large pot which I watched a woman make from start to finish with both my name and her name carved in it with the date. It looks awesome. Goodbye Lineo, I am thankful for you.





- With all my thanks :)

Location:Maseru, Lesotho