Each day here seems to top the previous. I breathe Uganda in each morning and am greeted by children down the hill who shout their hellos without restraint. Each morning, each child, over and over with their smiles and greetings for the day.
This day began with another breakfast artfully prepared by Joseph and the daily trip down the hill to the vocational school. With the sounds of carpentry and brickwork and the whirr of sewing machines in the background, we heard from the young people as to why they were attending this school. As moments pass one or two decide they will share their story. Nearly all had not enough money to pay for completing their education so found the KIDA vocational schools were a good option for them to make a living. Supplies are short but they have big dreams for their lives and their families that overcome their challenges in completing their traditional education.
After thunder and lightning crackled over our head for 30 minutes we took a wet and muddy trip down the hill in the afternoon. In Marjorie’s small office women sat cramped side-by-side in this hot and humid room as they worked on the incredibly detailed process of making baskets. Splitting vegetation they picked from the swamp and painstakingly wrapping it with locally dyed straw, the baskets came to life. After several hours of watching them create I was able to purchase several of their completed projects. The money earned is going back into their SACCO accounts to purchase more supplies in order to make enough baskets to sell at market. A suitcase full of this artwork will find its way home with me as gifts for friends, family and the Green and Yellow fundraiser this fall.
In the middle of the basket making we received notice from the hospital that a baby had just arrived. Just 5 hours old we were able to see this new life ushered in with the help of the KIDA midwives. This boy the 13th child for this mother, Justine, who still counted her blessings for this gift of life. Justine shared that she was planning on getting a tubal ligation but was scared of the surgery. Knowing this, Marjorie brought another woman in to talk to her about it and ease her fears. We surrounded her with a baby blanket and new clothing from donations by our FORf faithful. As we laid hands on her and her little boy, Marjorie prayed over them as this life began. Through Marjorie’s translation Justine expressed joy that her baby was blessed by Americans. Because of that she asked me to name this new little man. (I have an idea but will sleep on it tonight). What a joy it will be to watch this little one grow up as I visit KIDA over the years.
Tomorrow we will head into the remote villages surrounding KIDA to visit both primary, secondary and boarding schools. We will meet some of the OVC children who attend these schools. We will also be hand- delivering the beautiful and heartfelt notes many of you wrote at the festival last fall.
As the evening ends and I reread my posts I find that I have not fully captured the stories and spirit of this trip. The sights and sounds are important, but it is mostly the smiles, laughter and hearts of the Ugandans that may just be larger than words on a page can capture.
Until tomorrow!