A few weeks ago, I
posted some information and pics (on FB) about the very vital and exhausting
charcoal producing process. For most people here in Damongo, it is the only
fuel for cooking and thus a staple and part of life. There is no Kingsford in
the stores here. 🤣
The first step is
to gather very large tree limbs up to 100 pounds. Next, the wood is set fire
and covered with fresh leaves and dirt. Then, it smolders for a week or so.
When it is finished and cooled, it is then excavated, sifted, and placed in
bags. From beginning to end, at least 15 hours of labor each from 3 people
working on one mound that produces 5 bags at $5-6 per bag.
My own role is
generally to haul the wood to be burnt and the finished product to its
destination in my truck. These being my good friends, I also provide a few
drinks.🤣 These particular workers are
volunteering their service free of charge for the church. Back-breaking
work, done on weekend off-time for free, for a common purpose. Well done,
indeed.
Oh, lest I forget: with smiles on the faces. Smiles are very common here. The women, in particular, still have to find time to clean, dress and feed their children, and take care of the family laundry by hand, regardless of this commitment.
I am continually amazed about how life here - simple, yet riddled with hardships most westerners cannot fathom - is generally led without complaint. Most of them don't know the life we know in the US (the life many of us DO complain about). Come to think of it, maybe not knowing that life is why I see so many smiles here.
