Today began as a tough day; we lost a dear member of our family, whom we had met the night before. But our day first began when we interrupted the boarders at Mzigo’s Bible Study. Eva offered us a short break to watch our dinner, a black and white goat (and soon to be red) goat, be slaughtered. Only certain members of the group had the stomach to watch. Even fewer had the courage to hold its severed head...
In order to take our minds off of our loss, we returned to Bible Study, this time joining the kids. They had been split into groups--toddlers, kids, teenagers, and adults--in order to give relevant teachings to each groups’ lives. Their enthusiastic teacher brought bursts of laughter and energy to the children while continually praising God. Once Bible Study ended, we all gathered within the church on Mzigo’s property as one parish family.
Approaching the church, we already felt the energy as gospel music was blaring in praise to God. We entered the Church, and while we danced our way to the first two pews, the entire congregation followed behind us. As more and more voices joined our assembly, the Holy Spirit consumed us as we joined them in song. The singing and dancing not only inspired so much joy but also prayer and fellowship. After four or five songs, Eva invited all sixteen of us to join her on stage and introduced us to the congregation which we immediately felt a part of. Though the sermon was longer than any we had previously heard, the passion and conviction of the preacher kept us engaged even as it was translated from Luganda to English. Despite having carefully chosen and practiced four songs, we missed the opportunity to perform them in Church. But do not worry, we’ve gotten good use out of ‘Lean on Me” and “The Cup Song,’ as nearly every child we have encountered during our trip has asked us to sing for them.
Enjoying the afternoon off, we had a nice leisure lunch at Patrick and Eva’s and time to relax at the Enro...we even had time to teach our beloved bus driver, Harold, a card game!
We then packed once more into our second home...the bus. Dodging pot holes, boda bodas, pedestrians, and wandering cattle, we arrived safely, once more, at Mzigo. We all had bottled excitement as we wondered what the Boys’ Dorm Dedication Ceremony would be like. Walking to the dorm, we each picked up a couple (arm-fulls) of children, finally arriving at the site of the ceremony with a sizeable herd of people.
The dedication began with an introduction by Patrick followed by an impressive impromptu speech by Colleen. Komi also spoke on behalf of KidsUganda. Colleen then unveiled the heartwarming plaque on the dorm covered by red cloth which was dedicated to the Youth Board and specially mentioned Colleen as the leader of KUYB and the Boys’ Dorm initiative.
Keeping the celebration going, we enjoyed sodas and snacks with all the Maranatha teachers and the Mzigo boarders. The sugar re-energized us, allowing some members of our group to keep up with the Ugandans in a futbol (soccer) game and others to play countless games with the remaining boarders.
We had the perfect ending to a culturally eye-opening day, as we celebrated the birthdays of family members Solomon and Jackie back at the Walusimbi’s. Some had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that the main course was our, luckily unnamed, friend the goat; however, no one had a problem devouring the delicious birthday cake. We shared our talents with one another, opened presents, and then said our goodbyes. Day six in Uganda came to a close...can’t believe we only have two days left :(
P.S. We hope that all of the fathers back home had an absolutely wonderful Father’s Day. Though we’ve all kidded (some not so jokingly) that we will stay in Uganda for another year or so (we’re on African time...), we miss and love you. See you soon!
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