Uganda was simply amazing. We partnered with Pastor Joseph for the first ten days and spent every morning in the school he started with his wife. I taught English and science to 7th and 8th graders (well, more like faked my way through converting Fahrenheit to Celsius), helped the four-year-old baby class learn how to write the letters ‘h’ and ‘g’ and instructed the 4th graders in addition and animal science. It was a stretching time for me . . . especially with the upper level class. A handful of students just wouldn’t listen to me or pay attention so I may have tried to send them off to detention. But since detention did not exist, nor did a principal’s office (I checked), the permanent staff suggested I assign additional busy work. So I beefed up the busy work and resolved to lobby for teaching the younger ones as often as possible.
We spent nearly every evening with members of the church. Some were in more intimate settings than others but it was enlightening and refreshing to discuss Bible stories, characteristics of God and characteristics of Christian servants with our new friends.
One Sunday, Mary and I were asked to look after the young ones during the service. Good thing we’ve had plenty of practice singing Father Abraham and Yes, Jesus Loves Me. After exhausting our repertoire of kid-friendly church songs, we had them act out the parable of the lost sheep. I’m pretty sure they didn’t understand the grand meaning of what we were trying to teach them but it was hilarious to see them on their hand and knees baaaaa-ing as loud as they could.
We stayed with Pastor Sarah and her husband Watson for the second half of the month. We visited the homes of several elderly members of the church. It was inspiring to hear their stories. We also helped decorate for a wedding. I attempted to channel my inner Martha Stewart but my flower arrangements were far from stellar. I did enjoy the prep work and we were thrilled to be able to stay for the reception as guests. There were bubbles galore courtesy of a bubble machine aimed directly at the bride and groom, shiny dresses with pointy shoulders puffed up to their ears and loads of entertainment, yes entertainment, that left me speechless. Check out the video below for a little taste of what we experienced.
We wrapped up this month with a little rafting trip on the Nile and bungee jumping! Oh, Uganda will always hold a special place in my heart.
