Besoa Footbridge

We were very excited to head back to the Antsirabe area!  This time we were going to have a Handover Ceremony for the Besoa Footbridge which began construction in August (or July?).

We brought Gaby along as our site monitor so that we could visit Monandona about a water project that was done there and then to go on to Mahavelona and check on the repairs made to a water project there.  Travel was great and we arrived just right!  We called the Senior couple there (Elder and Sister Tolman) and they came with us to watch the ceremony and to help with refreshments after.

It was fun to be where there are wider streets, fewer people, and posse posse again!

However, zebu and cows still do cross in the middle of town!

Out on the small, dusty road to Besoa we had to wait for the zebu cart to pull over.
There just isn't enough room for passing on these very narrow roads!

After an opening prayer, the Fokontany President gave a very nice welcoming
and a thank you for the Church to make it possible for the children to continue
going to school during rainy season by having a bridge to cross over!  Also, it will
allow many to attend church during the rainy season.  Without the bridge it is impossible to get across.

Next, the District President spoke.  He gave a wonderful talk!
I am so impressed with the leaders of the church in Madagascar!

You would never think it would be hard to cross this tiny sping, but this dry season.
They say during rainy season the water rises to the top of this bridge!

The contrctor (builder of the bridge) presented the plaque to the Fokontany President.

                     

When all was done at the bridge, it was time to set up the refreshments.
We invited everyone who was there - including the villagers.  It was a pretty big crowd
and I had only planned for 20, but there was plenty!  I had made brownies and we had peanuts,
candy, cookies, crackers, and drinks (orange fanta, water, and gasy water).

We headed back over the dusty, narrow, bumpy roads and made our way to Monandona.

The water station in Monandona was looking good and working well.

We met with some of the ward members to talk about a few issues and then with the
water committee to see if people are paying their fees and if repairs are being made.

That evening we had dinner with the Tolmans!  It was delicious and I loved their home!
Then styed the night at a hotel in Antsirabe and left early in the morning for Ampefy.

The drive was long!  But I loved the scenery!  We left at 5:30 am and people were already out and busy

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Next post will our 1st Ampefy/Mahavelona visit.