Saturday, July 4, 2009

Community Party

As we drove up to the school today, I felt so many mixed emotions. This was my last day to be with the kids. I made so many friendship in this short time, so many people I will never forget. I tried to just enjoy everything that was going on without thinking of the goodbye coming up later on.








The school has two sections, one building is for P.1, P.2.P.3(left) and nursery the other is for P.4-P.7(right). The older grade building was transformed into a church and parents, relatives, students and all the teachers where there. The desk where placed all facing the podeum, and purple and white fabric was placed around the walls. We had a guest pastor speak, Hellen, and then heard some testimonies. It was really nice to have a lot of the parents there. Hellen was even shocked as when it was time for their arrival it was pouring rain. Despite this many came out to hear me talk as well as see their children. I was called up to do a speech, I hadn't prepared anything and my stomach was turning. I introduced myself, and then I spoke about the children- how bright they are and how they can become anything they want to be. I told them how my role was to find sponsors and support the school. When I talked about the sponsors making so many of the emenities available to the school(uniforms, school supplies, food etc) one mother got up and started clapping with tears in her eyes. The rest followed, it was like nothing I have ever experienced. Their gratitude and appreciation was touching.

The children performed dances and songs(which I will upload the videos later) which was a lot of fun. When the kids walked into the room and saw all the people, their faces just lit up. They are always the main care givers so they where so happy to see someone coming out to show them support.
By time it was time to leave, the sky turned dark grey it was windy and the rain was forsure going to come. I think this made the goodby even more hard. All the younger kids kept asking"will I see you tommorow?"I think it was hardest on the older girls, who I have grown so close to. They where so down. I saw one girl, Rebecca, started to cry and she wouldn't come to say bye. When I went over to her I couldn't hold back my tears, I tried to tell everyone this was a see you soon and not a goodbye. So that lead us to 'banning' the word bye and the kids muttered see you soon.




I know I will be back. See you soon Uganda

3 comments:

Nikki said...

Goodbyes are the worst. Totally know where you are coming from as I have been home for 5 days and have never felt so down :( Good luck leaving and keep up the positive attitude about it all, I know it is hard sometimes! It sounds like you did really amazing work while you were there and that the kids received a ton of joy. I can't wait to hear more about it, and about your future plans!

gophercheeks said...

I cannot put into words how grateful I am to you for all that you are doing for Uganda and its precious tiny treasures. I read through your blog last night and after looking closer at that photos I found Sydla wearing the red and white frog shirt and pink capris that I got her. In another photo she is sitting near you with her hand in the air and was wearing the little bracelet that Manny made for her. I have to say that when that finally sunk in I was in tears. It was absolutely surreal to me to see a hopefully little girl wearing the clothes that we provided and to feel so connected to her despite our distance.
You have completely exceeded all of my expectations with regards to the communication to and from Uganda. I can't wait to read more from your trip and hope that your trip home went well. Congratulations and all the best.... you are such a gem!!

Mack said...

I hope you are able to go back soon! I've enjoyed reading your blog.

A friend sent me the link to your blog, and now I am the proud sponsor of Okello Jeremiah, age 9.

It's a wonderful thing you are doing in Uganda! I wish I could be there with you!

My grandmother was an overseas missionary for three decades following the premature death of her husband. She spent 6 years teaching at a similar school in Ethopia, and I deeply regret being too young to visit her there. Later, as a teenager, I was able to live with her at her next post in Taiwan. When I turned 20, I joined my grandma in Pakistan to teach at a Christian school she helped to run. I miss Pakistan terribly, and I would LOVE to visit again (if an American could get a visa these days), so I understand your longing to return to your work in Uganda!

All my best to the children and the amazing people who look out for them!