We’ve been at our ministry site for about a week and a half now. I have learned that I am really not gifted in teaching nor do I like teaching, but there’s something the Lord wants me to learn here. I just haven’t figured it out yet.
So today was just a half day of teaching because we go to the slums on Tuesday and Thursday. We finished teaching in the morning and went to eat lunch before heading to the slums. It got really dark and chilly outside, so we knew rain was coming. We decided to head back to the school before it really started going. We got there just in time, but we had to use the squatty so we still got poured on!
We ran into the school to take shelter with some of the students. I was not thrilled about being around more kids in such a small space, but it is what it is. We sat around for a bit just singing and hanging out. They have these cool African drums that they use for worship in the house. Some kids started playing the drums. Somehow that turned into a legit African dance party.
Some of my teammates started doing the Macarena. Soon about 40 kids joined in and we danced the Macarena for a good 10 minutes. Then it was our turn to learn some dance moves.
The thing about African dancing is that their hips are basically disconnected from the rest of their body. They can move like I could never hope to. Nevertheless, they tried to teach me, and I attempted some real African dancing. They laughed at me. I just laughed. It was great.
One of the girls, Ruth, told me, “You have big hips, you can dance! Big buns too!” I was like oh awesome, thank you Ruth. I can’t even get mad because that’s a compliment in Africa. Yay!
The kids started singing something in Luganda, and all us white people attempted to dance along with them. It was so much fun. There were kids on the couch, on the table, and all around the room with us just laughing and dancing.
Today was probably one of my favorite days so far (not that there have been many). I’m feeling a little sick, so the morning of teaching and having kids constantly touching me was rough. I started off not in the best mood. By the end of our dance party, I was in such a good mood.
I love how the Lord can take something as simple as rain and turn it into such a joyous thing. I love how He uses little things like dancing to completely change the trajectory of my day. Just when I start to think I can’t stand seeing another child, He does something like letting me dance with them, and I see them in a whole different light.
I really have a long way to go in learning to choose joy in every situation. I know that. But I think today was a step in the right direction. I praise the Lord for rain, for dancing, and even for my kids that I get to spend every day with.
I am still in need of about $3,700 to be fully funded. If you would like to donate, please click here.
