Day 6 of action at the Ballanta and JTR! What's new you may ask? Well we're here to tell you!
The day started off strong, greeted by the Sierra Leonian sun shining in through the shades. Following yet another prompt arrival on Salonion time for the team breakfast, we proceeded to go our separate ways to tackle our tasks for the day.
The team parted ways at 9am sharp(ish). The musicians were shocked at the news that Mr. Coward not being joining them due to the JTR having lost Mme Desmarchelier, and waved him a sad goodbye. However, the sweet melancholy didn't last long as we soon discovered how much free space we had on the bus…
It was the last day of music lessons, so the musicians left their resources and wished all their students the best of luck with the continuation of their instruments. But, even after everyone finished teaching, Alix was still on the dance floor showing off her moves, throwing all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes, barely reaching her next breath before her body gracefully contorted into a new sequence of wiggles, jiggles and jives.
The day started off strong, greeted by the Sierra Leonian sun shining in through the shades. Following yet another prompt arrival on Salonion time for the team breakfast, we proceeded to go our separate ways to tackle our tasks for the day.
The team parted ways at 9am sharp(ish). The musicians were shocked at the news that Mr. Coward not being joining them due to the JTR having lost Mme Desmarchelier, and waved him a sad goodbye. However, the sweet melancholy didn't last long as we soon discovered how much free space we had on the bus…
It was the last day of music lessons, so the musicians left their resources and wished all their students the best of luck with the continuation of their instruments. But, even after everyone finished teaching, Alix was still on the dance floor showing off her moves, throwing all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes, barely reaching her next breath before her body gracefully contorted into a new sequence of wiggles, jiggles and jives.
The JTR lot arrived, once again on Salonian time, and went straight to work. We were unfortunately a man down, however the teams carried on in great spirit. Despite challenges of navigating tests and maths lessons, the teams adapted to the surroundings and joined groups, played games and were swarmed with hugs upon leaving each lesson. Mia and Chris returned to their roots at Prep 5 Blue, joined by Flo, Madison and Elsie. James and Archie once again switched into bi-lingual mode, putting on a masterclass in 'Frère Jacques', and Sophie and Edson ventured to go where no member has yet: Prep 3. I'm sure you can imagine the enthusiasm they were greeted with. They then started their walk to the Ballanta, picking up the standard selection of meat and vegetable pies to share with the musicians (alongside some much needed water!).
We soon reconnected, and moved in tandem to the SOS Africa Village. Here, the lesser musically inclined 'roadies' were utilised to move the instruments to the performance area. We were greeted by a slightly more subdued audience to what we were used to, although this myth was soon dispelled when Theo's Drum solo flew off the drums and into their hearts.
After much dancing with children of all ages, the instruments were heaved back to the buses, or rather bus. Whilst awaiting our second chariot, there was time for conversation, chatter and kick-ups with the children, until it was time to head out to our next destination: Milton Margai School for the Blind.
I don't think words can quite convey the feeling of the utter sympathy and wholehearted pain the whole group felt, upon watching as the pupils walked into the hall and took their seats. It was as if the rough water of partying, loud music and fun had been stilled by a simple touch, that rippled across everyone present. It was heartwarming to witness the pure, innocent joy of the kids as the sound of Mr Walton's Trombone and Grace and Mr Coward's trumpets, filled the air.
Following another superb performance from the musicians, the team were beginning to pack up when the headmaster invited us to stay to listen to the choir. Mme Desmarchelier put it in the most beautiful way: 'the voices of Angels'. We were all reduced to tears as first the children's choir, then the main group sang three songs for us in what can only be described as a mesmerising performance, one we certainly will hold dear to us forever.
After talking to the Children for a while and reloading the buses, the crew departed for the affectionately named 'family home' (the hotel). Following our arrival, and topping up our water supplies for the evening, the singer 'Fantacee Wiz' paid us a visit. She will be making a surprise appearance to play at the concert tomorrow night alongside our musicians at the Ballanta.
As we write this, we have once again returned to The Papaya, enjoying the Salonian cool of the evening, the company of good friends brought closer by our adventures, and the DIY water bottle lamps.
Let's day 7, commence! (Christian and Adam)
