Goodbye St. Agnes... (and many other things... I just couldn't come up with a catchy title)

Saturday: Today I went to St. Agnes’ Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting.  I certainly stood out, and was publically thanked for the work I am doing with the children (which in all honesty could barely be called “work”).  They invited me to give a speech, as well.  If you remember, in my last post I mentioned that it is common to be put on the spot publically, this was no different.  I thanked the teachers for their work, I thanked the administration for allowing me the opportunity, and I thanked the parents for sending their kids to school.  Education is a blessing that I have taken for granted.  I talked a little bit about Joy of a Child, and then invited David to talk about JOAC more.  When we arrived back the house I had the urge to do something out of the ordinary, so I invited Patrick (one of the JOAC boys) to go to Enciche with me to buy chapatti flour.  Chapatti is comparable to Indian bread called Naan.  It was fun to talk to Patrick about his life and treat him to a “sweetie” of his choice.  Brian and I made the chapatti together, once we arrived at the house.  It was a nice treat, and was enjoyed by all… especially me. Kamari, Shiba’s son, and I have a little feud.  I have reported him in “Family Court” for crying every time he sees me (obviously, this is a joke), but today was the first time in almost 5 weeks that he let me hold him without bawling his eyes out!  David took a picture so I would remember the moment forever. Ha.  I think we will end up being really good friends, a person cannot have enough 1 ½ year old friendsJ. After dinner, we had another dance competition and Davin directed a skit to end the evening.  I love playing, dancing, and singing with these children.  They are brilliant, talented, and they have bright futures ahead.

Sunday: Today I woke up with a little sinus flu.  I have been sneezing all day and I have a sore throat.  I am also missing my dad, as it is Father’s Day!  Happy Father’s Dad, Dado.  You are incredible, and I am so thankful to God that He made me your daughter.  You have raised me practically on your own, and you deserve to be publically affirmed for that feat. I love you more than you know, and I appreciate your love and support in all things I do.  I wish you were here with me today.  Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Fathers play such an important role in the development of their children, sometimes that is so overlooked.  So thank you.  We had church here on the lawn complete with performances by the children and another sermon by yours truly.  After church, we finished off the chapatti flour, and then I helped Ruth, Moreen, and Brian remove the beans from their pods.  As is standard for every Sunday night, the children go around talking about what they learned in church. Ruth had memorized John 3:16 IN ENGLISH and recited it for the whole family.  I teared up.  I am so proud of this young woman.  She is so eager to learn, and it breaks my heart that she hasn’t had the opportunity to finish primary school... yet. 

Monday: I woke up still pretty sick.  The sinus bug has gotten worse, so working at St. Agnes was really hard because I was very drowsy.  I announced it would be my second to last time volunteering with them, so Barnabas (the Head Teacher) asked if I would talk to the director of the school.  She and I sat together and chatted for awhile, but I didn’t really have much time.  When I arrived back at the house I was exhausted.  I ate lunch, and then went into the girls’ room and they were resting, so I rested with them. We had our Bible study, and then Ruth and I took a nap (a real one).  For those of you who know me, it is VERY unusual that I am able to take a nap, so as you can imagine I was really tired.  I woke up feeling still very sick and drowsy.  Before I told David and Esther, Shivan crawled into my lap and just rested her head on my shoulder.  I began to tear up again… what am I going to do when a little girl doesn’t come with arms open wanted to be held?  The reality of leaving has finally started to hit (as I have one week left in this house). Esther and David, along with Joseph, took me to town and treated me to oranges, apples, garlic, organic-made in Uganda honey, chapatti, and popcorn as a snack.  I am so humbled by their generosity.   We were in the middle of the bustling town when I began to cry again.  When we got home, Joseph mixed boiled water, crushed oranges, and raw garlic into a tea-like substance.  It was strong, but it definitely improved my health. I was so thankful for their support.

Tuesday: I woke up feeling much better.  I am still not 100%, but I hope to be by tomorrow for my last day at the school.  Today I took Kakuru out into town to hang out with her one on one.  I asked her if she wanted soda, she said, “No.” I asked her if she wanted juice, she said, “Yes.” “What kind? Splash?” “No.” “Ribena (black current juice-my favorite when I’m here)?” “No” “What then?” “Safi.” So we went around looking for Safi, and finally found some.  We got popcorn, and then sat down in a shop after I purchased Ribena for myself.  I asked her, “Do you want chocolate?” and typically the answer to this question is always, “YES!!!” but she said, “No.” Ha! I was delighted by her honesty.  I asked, “What do you want?” She responded, “Cake.”  So, I got some cake.  Kakuru speaks very little English, but touch goes a far way.  We walked through town hand in hand, mostly silent.  Every once in a while she would say a phrase in English that she had likely spent the last five silent minutes forming.  One of them was, “Auntie, thank you for buying anything. God bless you.”  It was so sweet.  Later in the day, Joseph taught the ladies some English, explaining the difference between “I, we, they, you...” When the kids got home and changed into their house attire, Davin casually asked me, “Do you know China?” I said, “I know it’s a country, but I have never been there.”  He said, “They make everything!” Kids say the funniest things. To kick my cold to the curb, David and Esther took me to Enciche and bought me a bunch of fruits and vegetables that soon turned into a lovely salad made by Esther.  I drove the car back, which was quite an experience.  I have never driven a car with the steering wheel on the right side.  It was a trip.

Wednesday: Today was my last day in the school.  I traded information with a lot of the teachers, and got a lot of great feedback and encouragement from my time there.  They held an impromptu assembly before lunch to send me off.  The kids performed, and I prayed for their futures and the school. It was a nice way to say goodbye. The ladies and I studied John 5, and then I spent some time playing the guitar. The afternoon has been pretty low-key.  I am REALLY excited to see Danelle tomorrow.

Hanging out with David and Esther’s seven month old son everyday is pretty great… except I am his favorite to “susu” (pee) on. 

Upcoming:

Thursday: Joseph, David, and I are going to Kampala/Entebbe to pick DANELLE up from the airport!! I am so excited for her coming. 

June 28-July2nd: RWANDA!

July 3^rd or 4^th-6^th: New Hope Institute

July 6^th or 7^th-12^th: Come Let’s Dance to see friends and visit the Kids’ House.

July 12^th-13^th: Traveling home. It seems too soon…