Detlef and Seila Madagascar Mission

April 1, 2010

Yesterday, March 31, 2010, was the last day of service for Elder David and Sister Judy Peterson. Today we take them to the airport. They will be returning home to the US and first on the list is the wedding of a grandchild. Second, they are relocating to Utah and need to find a house. They have been a tremendous help to both of us and we wish them well. There was a surprise celebration that all the missionaries planned and attended. Judy knew everything that went on in the mission, but this time she was surprised. There was a tribute to their efforts by President Donnelly, presentation of lays to them from Elder and Sister Bennett from Tahaiti and a French song of farewell, a guitar and song presentation by the local drivers in Malagasy accompanied by the Malagasy missionaries, then confessions of the missionaries. That was really enjoyable. We had to leave but appreciated the love and heartfelt outpouring of that event.

The Ridges and we attended the open house tour-of the American Embassy. It is located near the airport and is an enormous building surrounded by a high wall. Inside the grounds are beautiful. It is set up for two to three times the current personnel. At the end of the tour the construction manager gave a slide overview of many of the new building throughout the world. Explained the detail in construction to keep the compound safe from outside disturbance should there be any. There is a good distance from the road to the compound wall to the road. Very large rocks are lining the outer limit to prevent taxibes (busses) or other vehicles from going up on the grass or approaching the wall. It is a "green" building complete with filtration systems, recycling of waste water, air conditioning, reserve energy resources and hi-tech security. It is a lovely building. For me the most impressive was his complement to the Malagasy people. There were always a contingent of 1200 or more Malagasys working on various parts of the building. They were trained on the job since the technology was beyond anything they were familiar with. For example, there is no copper in Madagascar. They are unfamiliar with it as a plumbing material. Workers were taught on site how to sweat a joint and every other plumbing skill that was needed. Then they were put on the job. He expressed surprise and respect for their work ethic. They never complained and worked tirelessly. They were an inspiration to the project manager. The building was completed four and a half months early and considerably under budget. I am sure the Malagasy had a lot to do with that particular success. It confirmed to me what we have seen in the character of the people. They want to work and improve themselves and take every opportunity to do so. The ambassador expressed his hope that this country would grow and flourish. The US position remains the same, that the two factions in government must come to consensus and work together toward open elections opening the way for the economy to grow and bless the people. One of the embassy staff in answer to a question said that the US involvement in helping the country continues. Only the humanitarian part was restricted. However, that is not reflected in the US press. We thought that all aid was cut off from Madagascar.

Right now the situation is like that in many places. Those in power protect themselves. There is no money to really make a difference in maintaining and improving the country. The people do the best they can. Last week we saw a crew scrubbing the tile walls of a short tunnel into the center of the city from our part of town. The other tunnel to the airport has not yet been cleaned. It is a struggling country. Humanitarian projects are carried out by other organizations including our church. American citizens in the country were invited to the open house.
We met a man involved with study abroad, a young man from Philadelphia working toward opening a toothpaste factory with the goal of selling at an affordable product and targeting children. He hopes to encourage oral hygiene. Right now toothpaste is too expensive. The local people brush their teeth with charcoal and salt. This would make toothpaste at 1 cent and toothbrushes at 2 cents within their reach.
A third person I met was a French journalist (US citizen) who was covering the humanitarian efforts of a catholic organization working here in Madagascar. Both of these young man were very interesting to talk with.

Well water for washing clothes