Pensioners, Pastors and Parachutes

Yesterday Tom and I were given the morning off. On the advice of the Kampala team we went for a walk round the King of Buganda’s lake.  It’s a very pleasant walk round a picturesque lake which takes you past lakeside dwellings. On the lake side you watch the interesting wildlife on the islands, on the  shore side you pass an amazing variety of businesses – guest houses, lorry washing, samosa stalls, second hand clothes, car parts, shops and the inevitable staring and waving children.  We got back to the hotel while the others were still hard at work and rested by the pool until they broke for coffee. One of the young men remarked ‘You 2 are like pensioners on vacation!’ 

My sons will be pleased to note the tradition of ‘wind up Mum whenever possible’ looks like continuing if the 8 hour journey up here to Soroti with the three staff members is anything to go by. We eventually arrived at about 8.30pm – the highlight being Karuma Falls and the baboons and monkeys at the side of the road. Accommodation consists of a bedroom (bed, chair, wardrobe), en suite (!?) with hot shower and western style toilet, shared living area (not used much after dark as bug screen not entirely effective) and kitchen (2 calor gas rings, limited workspace …I just broke a glass on the stone floor and we all go barefoot indoors :( )

Last night we slept better than the night before. Muezzin replaced by girls singing across the compound with Tom’s ukulele, dogs replaced by cockerels, all night disco on Friday night in Kampala replaced by bars which briefly stopped the loud music for a couple of hours in the middle of the night.

This morning we finally awoke to cries of ‘Auntie, Auntie’ and loud knocking on our neighbours’ door as the girls were trying to get a lift from them to church.   The day had started.  Names are added for those reading this who know who I’m talking about.  Had a great welcome from Joy, Teddy and Naume who introduced me to the others in a way which means I haven’t got a hope of remembering who is who! There are 13 girls who sleep here in the week.  My lovely husband went out to buy me breakfast – Rolex….. translates as rolled eggs (eggs in chapatti).

Then we went to church with our friend Sam (a joyous reunion!).   We had the usual situation where chairs had been left at the front for us but it was a small group meeting under a tree and they made us very welcome.  Lots of loud unaccompanied singing with waving, dancing and jumping… excellent.  


My kind of church meeting.  We even had two songs from the ‘Global Care choir’

 (Tom, Sam & 3 of the girls + ukulele). A pastor was present so I’m allowed that ‘P’ in the blog title.  Then we met Sam’s family, & went to visit Sam’s house.  Note to HHC, when Sam was welcoming us in church he mentioned what you did for him, the church sends their greetings to you.  If you don’t know, ask Rache!

After all that and walking for ½ hour in the sun via Sam’s house to get back home, yours truly lay down for a rest and promptly fell asleep…….

This afternoon we spent some time with the girls chatting, making name badges (to help me remember) and playing ‘snap’.  Then ‘Uncle Mike’ arrived (further joyous reunion) and after a bit of confusion (and more snap while they sorted themselves out) Michael left and Sam reappeared to take us to Michael’s village where he plays with a group of children on Sunday afternoons.  The supposed 30 min walk took nearly an hour and apart from the blistering heat was fascinating. It’s the first time I’ve been able to visit people’s homes and walk through the district.  Children shout ‘Bye Mzungu’ as soon as they see us (the children near the centre have even made up a song) people wave and smile or stare, babies have been known to scream and cry. 

Eventually we heard the familiar sound of children shouting and laughing, and turned a corner to see a group of over 100 children being directed by the amazing Michael.

 Suffice to say, much fun was had by all. My team even managed to win the parachute football. High fives all round.  Tom got his tin whistle out to entertain the children waiting for their turn at the parachute and some of them never went back! He & Sam make a good team. He was a bit miffed afterwards to find out I was having so much fun I hadn’t taken a photo of him swamped by a heaving mass of bodies.  I think Michael has gone through the parachute games book and learnt them all – it’s a long time since I’ve seen so much parachute game variety. 

Then we went to Michael’s house and met his wife Veronica.  Refreshed with tea, pineapple, banana and biscuits we set off for the walk back as the sun was starting to set. Note to Sam – the girls way back was quicker than your way there.

So now we’re both ready for bed.  The red dust is all washed off and being hot, tired and sweaty is a thing of the past as the fan gently wafts the bugs and air around.  What a happy day spent with our special friends who are making us most welcome