Today started off with a simple breakfast for us - boiled eggs, pineapples, cereal, toast and sausages. Although, I didn't really believe Allan when he told me there were sausages - Shirley just confirmed they were good and not greasy, I'll have to try them tomorrow!
After breakfast, Moses pulled up in the passenger van for the day. We were all shocked because last year he didn't drive at all. Then we quickly realized he WAS in the passenger seat and we are still thinking as North Americans. Silly North Americans, driving on the wrong side of the road.
On the trip to the FH Mbale, you definitely got out of the North American mind set. We think Edmonton has bad roads...think again. I'd try and snag a picture of a pot-hole here but my camera might fall out of my hands when we drive through one and my head bonks the sealing.
Upon arrival of the FH Mbale office, we were greeted with familiar faces. Uncle Livingston led morning praise with two hymns - "What a friend we have in Jesus" and "Trust and Obey!" I must admit, acapella as a group was pretty impressive. I think we might have this down packed by the time our trip is over.
Every day at 8:30am staff lead a devotional and we had the privilege of Moses leading this morning. Genesis 12:1 - 2. "Keep eyes of faith" as Abram left his father's home to a land he did not know. Simply obey is the key as God will use you as a blessing to the land you will travel to.
Moses reminded us that we did not come to Marare in vain and that God has a purpose for us. As we think of you, we realize that God called us here and is taking care of you, our loved ones, back home. And for that thought alone, we give praise and thanks to our Father God.
Meeting the staff was a bit overwhelming for me. There are so many names to remember but as soon as we get into the village, name recall isn't tough because of familiar faces. Uncle Steven and Uncle Livingston serve as translators and team spellers, giving us the proper spelling of our new names. They are truly a wonderful pair and the laughter from them is definitely contagious.
On the brief ride to the village, Moses and Steven teach us a couple of handy phrases, although, none of us really remember them now. "Mulembe" is the most important one. It serves as an initial greeting that is followed by your name. Keep in mind, we all now have Ugandan names.
When the passenger van arrives to the village, we are greeted by a roaring thunder of children cheering, laughing and shouting "Yes!"It was absolutely breathtaking and emotional for some of us. I do have video footage of this greeting but am unable to load it, so we'll have to show you all during our sharing evening or if I can find a solid internet connection.
If you ever want to see about 500 children sit "still" (some got into fist fights and little scraps but the playground rules indicate not to interrupt), visit Marare. Seriously, a two-hour program with 500 kids singing us songs and dancing for us was pretty spectacular. We were greeted by a smaller choir of kids and an adult literacy program group. Talk about amazing. The whole community wanted to welcome us. Boy oh boy, did we ever feel welcomed.
We were warned beforehand about "stalker" children. I was the first to experience the cuddly little girl. I managed to pass her off to Allan, who then passed her off to Shirley. Of course the little one stayed with Shirley because Shirley is the most cuddly one of our team. But the children just want to be near you and hold your hand. I didn't have a problem with this at all. The teachers came and saved you if you were going to be engulfed by a group. So really, we had nothing to worry about.
So here comes the good part. Our new names. Reverend Charles gave us our new honourary names.
Allan was first. Known as the teacher of the group, his name is "Mulegeli."
Shirley was next. Her greeting was a recall from last year. Her chosen name was "Sarah" (mother of all children).
Luke, the 15 year old (known for this by the children) is named "Musale" = friend.
Then the curly hair-photographer was next. Sara is known as the helper of the group, "Muyeti."
I was next. Get this, literally translated my given name is Sara's English middle name, Joy. My new name is "Mwikhoyo."
Bob, our Man of God, was next. Easy peasy says Reverend Charles...shepherd "Nabwayi."
Marian was last but has a very simple gentle name of peace, "Logosi."
I must say, that an honour it is to be "baptized" into the community with new fresh names.
After the programing, we took a tour of the school area with the children swarmed around us like little paper clips to a magnetic holder. The children were quite overwhelming so the Reverend commanded we take a break and go into the school for a light lunch (which we found out wasn't our real lunch) of bananas and boiled eggs.
We all agree, as a team, we will no longer be able to eat pineapples, bananas and eggs in North America. I guess we will have to visit again to make sure we get spoiled with fresh eggs and fruits!
After this lunch we head back to the FH office. We finally get connected to the internet and are just getting ready for the days ahead. Our treadell machines are getting put together as I type and the rest of the team is wandering around or resting (make sure to ask Allan for the picture of Luke. It is priceless how knocked out the guy is from the day!).
Well, we are going to be heading into town as it is getting late the village mothers are preparing for dinner (we won't be around to interrupt the children's schedules).
Keep on praying for us as we continue this walk of faith. I hope we see with eyes of faith as this is a new experience for most of us.
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