Another holiday adventure!!

So, I almost forgot to share about the fun housemate weekend we had at Sesse Island. After traveling 4 hours by bus and one hour by car, we reached Entebbe to start searching for the ferry dock. As we would stop along the way the locals would say, "Oh you better hurry. They will leave you." Truly, this is the only place in Uganda that I have found does not follow African time. We reached the dock in time to literally run onto the boat. A good start to our fun adventures.

I don't know how it happened (other than God saving us some seats) but we made our way through the ferry crowd to find a bench completely empty and perfect to accommodate the 3 of us and our stuff. We were off for the third leg of our travel adventures: 3 hours on the ferry in the middle of Lake Victoria.



When we arrived on the island we were welcomed and I found the sign with my name (kind of) on it.

(This photo is for my TT friends... check out my name. Such fond memories around the table early in the morning with Andrew commenting in a funny tone every time the tribe was mentioned.)



We were able to enjoy the beautiful sunset and a short walk down the beach after we arrived. (Emily, Jennifer, Me)



The next morning we went on a "nature hike" around the island. Although not exactly what I was expecting, it turned out to be a wonderful time. We walked through the local fishing village and saw many men preparing their boats and their hooks to go out for the evening catch. There are actually quite a few islands that compose Sesse Islands. I learned that it is rare to find development on any of the islands beyond about 2 km from the water. Most island are composed of fishing villages and power is not available there. The people on the island are a cash based people and depend highly on food sources from the outside that is brought in on the ferries.









As usually, our white skin drew the attention of many village children. The guide was wonderful with the kids and drew a game in the sand to keep them occupied so we could make our getaway without a parade of small people following us.

I did learn that the culture on the islands do not highly value education. It is rare to find a school on the islands, so most children grow up to take over the family fishing business.


Our nature hike did actually lead us through a rainforest. This was the most amusing part of the journey, seeing as we were with 6 Ugandans. Most had never been in the forest and I have concluded that most Ugandans are extremely afraid of caterpillars. Seeing as we were in the rainforest, there were tons of little black caterpillars crawling all over the place. Squeals, jumping, shouts, crazy arms running through their hair in fear that one fell on them, and lots of, "Please!! Let's just get out of here quickly. No! Don't stop again. Let's just go!" It made the journey quite amusing.

At the end of the rainforest walk, we ended up at the top of the island's peak and were able to view the other nearby islands. It was beautiful.



After the walk, we spent the day relaxing in the sun, swimming, and playing cards. That night, there was a huge bar-b-que and bonfire. I can't tell you how delicious that dinner was (grilling is very rare in Mbale and I live with a vegetarian). Mmm. It was good. After dinner, we had a dance party around the fire with the new friends we had made at our hotel.

Early Sunday morning we loaded onto the ferry again (this time we didn't have to run) and headed back on our long journey to Mbale. Sesse Island was very peaceful and a great time with Emily and Jennifer. I only wish we could have stayed longer.

Other happenings...

So, I cannot properly see my photos to be able to make comments of what is happening. Brief overview: This is the last week of holidays for the kids (and me). I have really enjoyed this break and made the most of my time. Finally having some time to catch up on my reading, I have finished the first 2 books of the Chronicles of Narnia series and thoroughly enjoyed my morning coffee and time in the Word going through 1 Thes. Thanks to a wonderful care package (from my old housemate Brooklyn), me and my housemates made tie dye shirts together. It was really such a fun day. I couldn't wait to see the final outcomes at the end of the day. And, the last group of picture are from when I took the P5 and the hard workers at the Home swimming at Mt. Elgon Hotel. It was so much fun. The kids were quite brave this time- allowing Jarod and I to hold them in the middle of the pool while they tried putting their face and holding their breath under water. We had a wonderful day. And while we were there, another group of kids came (who are part of another ministry here in Mbale) and David Lucky looked over and said to me, "Look! There's my sister, Gift!" What a fun reunion.

End of Term 1 outting

As you know, the first term of the school year is over. A few of us have been very busy with the kids doing crafts, music, and dances. Last week me and some of the teachers took the best performers of each class to Sipi Falls. Before stories and pictures from that adventure, here are the shining stars of Lulwanda Children's Home Primary School for Term 1 of 2010:

Overall best class: P2

Best Performers:
Top #1 = Samwiri (Samuel)
#2 = Esther B. (from community)
#3 = Joel
P1 #1 = Gift
#2 = Willy
#3 = Norah
P2 #1 = Sarah Khainsa
#2 = Sarah Gimono
#3 = Andrew
P3 #1 = John
#2 = Anthony Wojjambuka
#3 = Abel
P4 #1 = David Yeko
#2 = Joseph
#3 = Carol
P5 #1 = Brenda Nabwire
#2 = Brenda Namakoye
#3 = Chrispus (from community)
P7 #1 = Emma O.
#2 = Anthony Wanzala
#3 = Sylvia

Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls is located near Kapchorwa town (spelling?), about an hour away from Mbale. It is up in the mountains and know for 3 beautiful waterfalls. We started our day with a short hike to the base of the first falls.
I love seeing the reactions of the children when we take them new places. For many, this might be their first exposure to different situations... whether driving round and round to get up a mountain, to crossing a little bridge over a river, to being up close to a waterfall and seeing its force.

I saw my first camellion. Our guide spotted it and pulled down the small tree so I could get a better look (so maybe the kids are not the only ones having "first times").
I love this photo of Joseph. I did nothing to change it and I feel like I perfectly capture his discovery of the fresh, cool, droplets.


Behind the first falls was a small cave that the children got to enter. It was very fun to hear their comments as the lessons from their textbooks came to life.

From inside the cave

Emma O, Tr. Francis, Abel, Sylvia

After the base of the waterfall, the guides led us to the top of the falls. It was a bit of a slippery hike, seeing as the rains have started again.

Another bridge. They get more and more rustic as we get further up the mountain.
We made it to the top. Now time for some exploring.
"Teacha, is that a cow? I don't think it is, but what is it?"
Another student, "It's a DONKEY!!! I think"

The kids had set out that day with high hopes of adventure and swimming. Though the water was too high at the natural pool to swim, we had lots of laughs sliding (literally at points) down the mountain to go back to the van. Where we parked there was a little water divert that was not moving too fast. This would do for the beginning of their water adventures.

Testing to see how deep it actually was.

A little more brave.

And the winner... Abel. He was the first daring kid to step into the icy water.

Pamela's Introduction Ceremony

I have decided that I like introduction ceremonies much more than weddings. The wedding is the same expected thing and can last for quite some time (depending on how late the bride is and how long the pastor preaches). But introduction ceremonies are always slightly different from the last one.

First, and introduction ceremony is sort of like a huge engagements/meet the parents party. In the old days, the tradition was that the lady was bringing the man (for the first time) to meet her side of the family. He brings his whole side of friends and family as well. Traditionally, after the introduction the couple was then deemed as married-- though this is no longer the case with more modern couples and Christians. It is now just an official way for both sides of the family to say that the couple has their blessing to proceed in marriage.

Last week I had the privilege to attend Pamela's introduction ceremony. Pam is our clinical officer at LCH and has become a good friend of mine. This is her fiance Alex.

Pam was giddy a whole 2 weeks leading up to the event.

These are some of my co-workers and I, waiting for the grooms side to arrive. The appropriate attire for an introduction ceremony is the traditional gomas (the dresses with the pointy shoulders).

I also was able to bring my housemates along. They have never been to an introduction before, so we had fun getting all "africanized" in our fancy outfits. This was probably my 6th introduction to attend, and of all of them, Pam's was the best because the majority was in English. The MC for the Pam's side gave each of us local names and referred to us many times during the ceremony by our new names. Mine was "Adongo", meaning blessing (after having had twins).
The whole fun of the introduction is the friendly banter that goes on between the spokes-man for the lady and the man's side. As with customary Ugandan tradition, the man's side arrived late. Though the invitation said 1pm, they didn't show up until around 2:30pm. After paying a "fine" for being late, Alex's side proceeded in through the arch and remained standing until they were invited to sit down as Pam's guests.
Through more discussion between the MC's, we learn that Alex's side has come looking for a special lady that Alex would like. The MC for Pam's side says that he will call all the ladies of this house and they can point out which lady it is.

This was the first group of potential ladies that Alex is looking for.

The second group.

Obviously Pam is not in either group, so they call out the third group, being the older aunties.

And then finally, the fourth group, where Pam is at the back of the line.

The MC for Alex is looking carefully at each lady to see if the right one is there. And sure enough, she is. The lady that they have come for.

So the Aunties of Alex came with a basket of flowers to tell Pam that they have come on behalf of their "son" Alex to say that she is special and he would like to marry her. Pam accepted :)
Then the aunties to Pam go into the side for Alex in search of the young man that is seeking the hand of their "daughter" Pam. They look through the whole crowd.

And finally found Alex on the back row.

Then Pam is asked if this is the one and is brought to see Alex for the first time

There is some more friendly banter between the MCs of both sides and then Pam come out in a different outfit for the second half of the ceremony. She is the one looking down in green.

Alex waiting on his couch under the tent for his family.

A preacher comes up and they gives rings to one another as a token of their commitment to one another and then the cake is cut.

It is tradition here that the person in celebration (whether introduction, wedding, or birthday) is the one to serve cake to all their guests.

I was able to jump into a photo with these beautiful ladies.

The introduction ceremony is also the time when the man's side brings the dowry and gifts for the family of the bride-to-be. So the members from Alex's side went to the cars to collect all the gifts they had brought for Pam's parents and relatives.



As the gifts come, it is tradition for the lady to just look on- somehow seeing her worth to the man.

Where Pam is from, it is customary to give 7 cows and 7 goats as dowry. Then there are gifts added onto that dowry. Gifts range from bags of sugar, to crates of soda, to suitcases, to baskets of fruits and vegetables, to couch sets, to fridges, to lanterns, to the thigh of a cow (like shown below)

After gifts for the bride's family, they give out whole cakes to the important parties, like parents of each, the pastor, and even LCH got a cake.

Alex, Pam, and me

Co-workers and housemates: Michael, Me, Glenn, Lissa, Emily, Jennifer, and Enoch

The kids and teachers with Pam

Overall, it was a wonderful day. We had lots of fun, and ate a huge feast at the end of the day. We are all eager to attend her wedding.