Stopping at H's tailor shop (hanout treza) , we were able to meet her mom and her beautiful baby girl who was sleeping in a stroller near the sewing machine table. H's brother donated this stroller so that is a hopeful sign of acceptance now that she is making a life for herself! She keeps careful accounts of her expenses and sales and the social worker checks these over each month.
Everywhere we visited, we were shown such warmth and hospitality. We drank cups and cups of sweet, Arabic coffee and tea and ate whatever was presented to us!! Our social worker friend, as our translator, was remarkable as she switched from Arabic to English! On our last day in the south, she took us to visit a local family that she knows. We were shown great hospitality and dressed up in the traditional wedding attire!
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Back in the northern capital, we were able to visit "S", also training as a nurse. She and her five year old son live in an unsafe, slum area quite a distance from downtown. She shares a tiny rooms with another woman who makes her living on the streets, and this woman also looks after the young boy after school until "S" returns from her day at her school. "S" is allowed to use the kitchen but must remain in the small bedroom the rest of the time. This is difficult especially for her active son. Recently the social worker was able to purchase a small stove for "S" to cook on which will give her more time with her son and her studies. She worries about his safety and dreams of the day when they can move to a more wholesome, safe environment.
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While Doreen was able to speak to the various teams and encourage them, I was able to share my music. The first concert was a major fundraising concert for the development agency at the British Ambassador’s residence. Expats, ambassadors and local North Africans were able to hear about the work *act* is doing with marginalized people in this country and connect with some of the workers who are making a difference! That evening a substantial amount was raised for *act* and their various projects with single moms, people with disabilities and those living in poverty.
The next event was held at *Sfax* for local North Africans, social workers and African students that are studying at the university in *Sfax*. I was told that thirty-six countries were represented that evening! Not many people spoke English and so it was touching to hear some of the audience join in when I sang “What a Wonderful World”! In *Sfax* we were hosted by two teachers, Peter and Kathy, who showed us around the Medina and offered us great hospitality. Peter was also my accompanist during the whole trip and donated several days to travel and then play at the various events. Next Page
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