Vital and Exhausting Work

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.