Friday, May 2, 2014:  We’re almost halfway through our trip and are happy with all the work that is being accomplished here in Muko.  We’re getting used to sleeping under mosquito netting each night, and are happy to know that there is less malaria here in the Kabale area than in the rest of the country, according to Father John.  Of course since a low rate is still 3 cases a week.  On our way out of Kabale today we made a stop at the lumber yard to pay for materials for construction of shelving, Dave then returned later in the day to purchase the gutters  for the ACT center, and arrange for the materials preparation and delivery.  It wouldn’t have taken as long as it did, but it was like negotiating with the Teamsters!  Eventually we were on our way, spending our time loading pictures onto the laptop and chatting about the upcoming day.  Arriving at the center we quickly set up and began receiving our MukoHOPE children (ages 13 years old and up).  As with the younger children the day before, each child was greeted, presented with a gift from their sponsor, photographed, had their eyes tested, height and shoe size recorded, and was then interviewed.  We hope that all the information gathered will help their American sponsors to get to know their orphan better! All the gifts and letters were much appreciated.  Elizabeth was thrilled to be able to spend time with both of her orphans today, Moses and Eudia, and the Vieles were overjoyed to see their Grace.   Karen had a chance to talk to John Bosco, our orphan who would like to come study in the United States.  The whole process isn’t an easy one, but we still have hope! 

 Afterwards, Karen and Diana again treated the girls to mini-manicures with polish and materials donated by Tina Regan of Serenity Hair and Nail Salon in Holt, MI.  There were many giggles and proud smiles as the girls showed off their pink nails.  The boys meanwhile headed out to a nearby field for another fast-paced and enthusiastic game of barefoot football (soccer) with their new balls. Elizabeth watched from a nearby hill, surrounded by giggling children, and there were shout of muzungu! (white person) every time Dave or David touched the ball! A hearty lunch of matooke, yams, g-nuts, rice and cabbage was served to the children, staff and volunteers, and then the team sat down for a talk with the children.  As with the group yesterday, Karen, assisted by Josiah, led a discussion on the importance of education, hygiene, and how men and women should treat each other, among other things.  We then left for Kabale, in a van packed with sixteen people, whom we dropped off along the way.  After dinner and devotionals, Karen and Elizabeth rehearsed for the weekend’s music and then we all headed to bed.

 

 

 

Saturday, May 03, 2014:  Upon arriving at the ACT center we were once again greeted by the sound of violins on the back porch.   We quickly loaded the sponsor gifts to take with us for our visit to Murole Primary School.  Some of our ACT children are at the school right now taking some extra classes while the rest of the students are on break.  We were met at Murole by Norman, the school’s Director, who talked to us for awhile, tell us of how hard the students are working, speaking of how grateful they are, and how committed they are to cooperating with ACT. We currently have 71 of our 100 orphans here, so this is an important thing for us.  He then gave us a tour of the new buildings that have been completed since our last visit.  Their progress is encouraging!  We were treated to a wonderful assembly with the 40+ students who were present at the school today (there are almost 500 enrolled).  There was singing, testimony and dancing, Karen spoke, and played hymns on the violin to illustrate her message, accompanied by Elizabeth in song.  Afterwards, the students were dismissed, with the exception of the ACT children.  They stayed with us to receive the gifts from their sponsors, be interviewed, etc.  We were served yet another wonderful lunch, and were then treated to traditional dancing by the students. Then it was time to head back to distribute the pillow case dresses which had been made

Waiting for us back at the center was a crowd of about 200 people, which eventually swelled to at least 500 people.  Seeing as we only had about 255 dresses to hand out, this made things interesting!  After organizing the dresses by size we began bringing the girls in in groups and matching them up with dresses. Things outside quickly got out of hand unfortunately, with far more people wanting dresses than we have available. The original plan had been for each of the 7 parishes to choose a certain number of girls to receive dresses, and the plan was not followed.  Generous halted the dress distribution and directed the people to figure it out and return the following Saturday so we could finish handing out the dresses.  Karen conducted violin lessons while David conducted business in the village, and then we headed back to Muko.  Tomorrow will be a full day, with multiple church services being attended and with the ecumenical service being held in the afternoon.  We feel very blessed, and continue to ask for your prayers!