Did you have a nice day? "Yes, please." This a common response to any question. Some other common phrases we hear: "Bye Muzungu!" (muzungu is a white person), Wanji (response when somebody calls your name), Kale (pronounced kah-ley and means yes, as an affirmative), "It's no problem," and Webele (thank you).
The last two days were spent at Kasubi continuing the variety show that started on Tuesday. Marvin taught a computer class on Wednesday, and today he spent the day on TAPP visits and also visited for a few hours with a student who was working with him during his workshop. Marvin's workshop went so well, he is already in bed and unable to give further details at this time. He did mention that a boda-boda is "the only way to travel" and hinted, Brenda, that one might be on the way... Kelsey spent two days under the weather and decided to "supervise" Sande's construction crew. Greg felt that God definitely "had his back" in a more literal sense. When at home, one day of concrete work would tucker him out for three days. He has now completed his third consecutive day of concrete work. He has been completely worn out, but is still standing! Deb, Sandra, Donna, Sue, and Michaela worked in the Children of Promise offices prepping for sponsor letters to go out.
Laura and Dorothy spent both days leading the educator workshop, working with Patrick Balidawa, Chairman of all Church of God schools in Uganda, and 22 headmasters (essentially principals). The theme of the workshop was Making Safer Schools. A law was passed recently, forbidding students to be beaten in the schools. Sande had already talked with a group of us in the van one day about this law, but also said that if you go into any classroom, you will see a cane in the corner. Patrick emphasized throughout the workshop that beating the students does not make safer schools. He encouraged headmasters to use the strategies we discussed in our workshop that foster a more emotionally safe environment. It was rewarding to see the teachers participate in active learning games. We provided materials and time for teachers to "make-and-take" flashcards and file folder games. We also gifted them wood blocks (lovingly provided by Ed Breeden), painted with chalkboard paint by many willing hands, and bags of teacher materials (bags lovingly sewn by our own team member, Donna). These gifts were received graciously.
Pastor Dave spent the two days leading a pastors' conference for three hours each day. He raised three questions for each Bible text: 1) What does it say? 2) What did it mean to the first readers? 3) What does it mean today? He featured lively interaction with key text from the prophet Isaiah and across the New Testament on the ministry of Jesus to form "the spirit of the leader." In the final session he provided a concise approach to the book of Revelation exploring its meaning as symbolic literature. It could not have happened without our translator, Pastor Robert Nicoli.
Once again, many newbies had their first boda-boda rides, this time for TAPP visits. TAPP is an acronym for Tumaini (hope) AIDS Prevention Program. Anyone not leading a workshop took turns visiting with women involved in TAPP and bringing gift bags and food provisions. Over the two days 11 visits were made with Sylvia, Madena, Immaculate, Harriet, Fiona, Agnes, Sissy, Annette, Viola, another Agnes, and another Harriet. All of these women are HIV/AIDS positive and caring for many children. A majority of the women do it alone because their husbands have either left them or died from HIV/AIDS. All but one of the women are currently receiving treatment. Praise the Lord! Because of their sicknesses, many are unable to work and needing money to pay rent that is overdue. When talking with Madena, who has no husband or family to help her and is in danger of being evicted, she joked about wanting gray hair like Deb's. This is because gray hair signifies old age and she strongly desires to live a long life. Fiona was in bed for a full year because her sickness made her too weak to get out of bed. One month ago, a group that was visiting with her prayed over her for strength and healing. On today's visit, Fiona was completely mobile with only slight pain in one leg. She knelt down in front of her care-taker mother to profess her gratitude over and over. She wanted to do this with the visitors as witnesses to show how wonderful her mother has been through this process for her. Of course each woman has a special story, but we wanted to take time to share just a couple with those of you reading.
We often find ourselves in the midst of a paradox. There is poverty all around and kids who are without one or both of their parents. Even with these sad circumstances, we get a glimpse of light and hope through the stories of our sponsor children. Several in the group got to meet with children of whom we know the sponsors. Sandra and Michaela met with their own sponsor children. Deb met with Lolly's young girl. Kelsey and Laura became sponsors and were able to meet Betty and Rita for the first time. Donna also was able to spend time with her namesake. Pastor Dave is hopeful that he will be able to meet his sponsor child for the first time on Monday!
As a reward for reading the whole blog, dudu are ants and nfufu is dust. The title is not related to Kelsey's very real and frequent squatty-potty trips. (Side note Gordon & Beth: she is ok.) Dudu and nfufu are EVERYWHERE.
Your blogging team:
Kelsey, Laura, and Michaela
Great job reviewing the day... I can visualize it as if I were there with you!
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