CHAPTER FIVE: TRAIN HARD TO HIT HARD

Bruce lee could perform one hand push- ups using only his thumb and index, perform 50 reps of one arm chin- ups, and throw a single grain of rice in the air and catch it with chop sticks. He did not gain this prowess overnight, it resulted from hours of training and dedication.  Even to this day, he still remains a legend in his own rights.

Yes, we made it! Like Brue lee, we had successfully trained hard to hit hard.

Part 1
Monday, 25th July, 2016
Being in a queue can teach you a great deal about patience: be it at the bank, bookshop, market, you name it. Sometimes it is not easy to wait in all circumstances but doing so always seems fruitful. As I sat down waiting for the agenda of the day to commence, I reflected upon the essence of patience.

Most of us were engaged in endless animated chat when we were told to group ourselves and proceed with the cleaning up of the data we had obtained over the two week period. It was quite a brief procedure and we were done in next to no time. Hence, we had lots of  time on our hands to socialise.

For the most part, our counterparts from university of utah were preparing to go out. Apparently,  they had made plans to go to the cultural centre to purchase a few more souvenirs.

There were toffees and marshmallows around for our munching away. But that alone could not satisfy the ravenous appetite of all, some went to the bus to have a hefty lunch.

I must say that Evans Amuzu presence was well celebrated and we were super grateful for his taking time off to give us a quick yet elaborate tutorial on how to use Stata, a data analysis and statistical software for professionals.

The end of the day felt like being on a flight which was soon due for landing. Tomorrow we were going to lake bosomtwe. A lake with such a mystical yet captivating history.
We left the premises of Okubi Hotel at 3: 30pm with overflowing enthusiasm for the next day.
Enthusiasm is the one of the most important things in life.

Part 2
Tuesday,  26th July, 2016
A simple hello can lead to a million things... and yes, in such a short while, we've made priceless memories and lifelong friends.

The one and half drive from the school campus to the lake point resort at lake bosomtwe proved to be absolutely worth every second. Before our eyes was a breath- taking view of the lake, which was in perpetual synchrony with the clear crystal blue sky. The lavish greenery, the ultra thick forest that surround the lake was such a specular view. There's paradise on earth!

 Life is more fun if you play game. There was a perfect display of teamwork as the men and a few women stepped on the field to play football almost immediately as we got down. Each person was giving his all and I watched in admiration as I observed the players wipe trickles of sweat off their faces. The match was very competitive and both players and spectators alike were super exhausted.

At 1pm we had to gather around for lunch which I must say was scrumptious and mouthwatering. After our tummies were filled, we were invigorated, thence headed back to the field to play volleyball.

Much vigour and strength was displayed as each team battled it on in hopes of winning the ultimate. I can still feel the euphoria in air as spectators cheered their favourites on. We could not have a perfect finish as we had to swiftly gather ourselves together for the award ceremony where our certificates were to be presented to us.
One by one, our names were mentioned and we went forward to receive our certificates.

 Following this, it was time for us to head back home... and there was the rare presence of melancholy in this atmosphere. It's definitely not a goodbye.

Through this program, i have come to appreciate more the power of kindness. Indeed, Kindness is a simple way to tell another struggling soul that there's love to be found in this world.

Throw kindness about like confetti!