Birthday Bashes and Dancing Sashes

A quick bit about Wednesday... another day of workshops and visits.

We received most of our bags.  At least everyone has their clothes except Alex. :( And several others are missing supply bags.  But we were able to make our jja jja gift bags and bags for the teachers.  They were all so excited about their gifts!

Wednesday was also a special day for one of our group... Chelsea turned 18!! Colleen surprised her with a delicious banana cake!  As she blew out her candles, we think her secret wish was for Laura to stop making "kid" jokes about her... since she is now an adult ;)

Several of us had the honor of joining a bible study with some women from TAPP.  Carma, Kelsey, Chelsea, Sandra, Deb, Sue, and I (Alex) worshiped with these women and shared in a scripture lesson led by Sandra.  She did an amazing job of connecting with the women on a personal level that was very appropriate for their lives right now.  She read from the Message, and it spoke of how we often have to pack up our tents and relocate (something many of these women experience), but soon we will have a permanent residence in heaven and we'll never have to relocate again.  It was very moving to see the women respond with cheers and clapping.  The women thanked us with a dance and invited us to join in the dancing... to all our credit, we did our best.  Auntie Deb, however, was asked to be in a dance contest... she reluctantly took her place but once the singing began, she blended in with the African women around her, wearing the traditional African sash worn when dancing... and she won the contest!  No rigging was involved whatsoever. ;)  She was given a name, but it has escaped my mind at the moment.  It had something to do with mushrooms.

Now onto today (Thursday)... our last day of workshops.

Laura and Sharon finished the education workshop with lots of laughter! We played many games and activities. I had the teachers split into groups and compete to build the tallest tower out of straws and a roll of tape. We had to wait at least 5 minutes for laughter to subside before talking about the process and applications of the activity. They were having so much fun! We also passed out the teacher gift bags - full of teaching materials. I know it wasn't much, not even enough for one classroom, but it was graciously received. They were practically giddy and I heard one woman say with a big smile, "We are just like children." Patrick Balidawa, chairman of all Church of God schools in Uganda, closed us after lunch with a short presentation, showing thanks and handing out certificates of participation. While I look forward to experiencing new things after the completion of the workshops, I am already missing my new friends!

Denise joined the computer workshop to enlighten everyone on Excel.  From what we've heard, it went really well.  At the end of the workshop, the participants received nice-looking certificates with the Church of God in Africa symbol included.  It was very special for everyone.

Carma, Kelsey, and Chelsea finished up their music workshop, and they had a blast singing and dancing.  Be sure to ask Carma to show you her new bootylicious moves... haha African dance moves that is... it's all about the hips.

Sue and Sandra worked in the Children of Promise office organizing pictures and letters of sponsor kids.  It was very fulfilling work to see how these children are able to go to school and receive necessary funds.

Deb and Alex had quite an educational day.  I "taught" two classes... one was P6 (6th grade) and the other P7 (7th), and Deb was there for moral support. :) I began by talking about the United States for about 15 minutes... then I ran out of things to say.  The students, however, had a lot of interesting questions.  For example, did you know that the United States is responsible for introducing homosexuality to Uganda?  Well, one boy in P7 asked us why that is... Deb and I looked at one another and I said, "You got this one."  The first thing she told this boy was that they would have to agree to disagree... and she went on to explain why that simply is not true.  The P7 teacher asked us what President Obama's achievements were... Deb and I shared a panicked look and she bravely took that question as well.  She used this as an opportunity to explain how people can have different opinions but they still deserve respect... an important lesson for these children.  One more unique but tough question we were asked was, "Why did Americans celebrate after the death of Osama bin Laden?"  I decided to let Deb rest for a bit so I took that one.  We had other questions about US climate, transportation, and culture.  But I was astonished at the knowledge these 11/12-year-olds had about the world.  They went deep into the heart of issues and asked questions that don't have easy answers... that shows great promise for the future of Uganda.

Around 3:30 we were invited to an African tea party with the jja jjas.  It was an exciting experience as we walked into the room to the sounds and sights of singing and dancing grandmothers.  Goats and chickens and pigs, oh my!  The room was filled with the smell of barnyard animals, but it was a wonderful celebration of life.  Each of us was responsible for delivering at least two animals to the jja jjas.  Carma and Sandra had particularly stubborn goats, and Carma was overheard sweet-talking the goat, trying to get him to come closer.  We were all excited to carry and give away the piglets, but they were not quite as excited.  They were squealing and squirming and pooping everywhere, so much so that the African women were afraid to take them.  Carma and Alex discovered that they just want to be held close and cuddled... :) The chickens were surprisingly calm.  The women expressed their thanks through dance... no matter what age or ailment, they swung their hips and moved their feet as only Africans can.  We have pictures and video to help you truly see the beauty in this.

"Wild thing! You make my heart sing!" Or... you make my stomach pleased! We ate dinner at a restaurant called The Lawns to celebrate Tim Stevenson's birthday.  Our group joined the six Stevensons at a beautiful open air restaurant.  Several of us braved the exotic cuisine... Laura was delighted by a tasty ostrich, Chelsea feasted on scrumptious antelope, and Alex enjoyed a wonderful wildebeast.  As a girl, Laura was sometimes nicknamed "wildebeast" (get it? Willowby...), but we discovered that her response to that name can now be "Why thank you... I"m delicious!"

We ended our night by setting things on fire at the Stevenson home... candles and sparklers on Tim's cake!  A lovely evening was had by all.

Bye Muzungus! (white travelers)
Laura and Alex
YBC-2012-UPPT