Mbale is a much larger and a little more modern city than that of Tororo. The shops and vendors were all out in full force today as we waited for the purchase of the banana's. The heat was also at full force today in a van with no air conditioning other than opening your windows. Our windows were at half crack due to the amount of suitcases and things we had with us. It's not unusual for on-lookers to walk up and see what they can see in the windows.
After we purchased our fruit we drove a bit farther to meet up with Mary. Mary is Naboths wife, she will guide us to Bunambutye and Kings Primary School. We also met up with Dr. Bwonya's wife as they had some quick business to take care of while we were there. As we waited we started to hear music. It ended up that a parade happened down the main street while we waited. Although it was a very small parade it was exciting to see.
As we were sitting and waiting, and the sun was getting hotter and hotter something became apparently wrong. I don't know who noticed it, but all of a sudden we realized that we had left 300 Bibles sitting behind the counter at the hotel! This was one of the main reasons for visiting Kings Primary School along with the vision celebration. Now what would we do? I let Pastor Ruth know about our dilemna and she said, "I'm so sorry". Are we finished? Will the children get their Bibles? Surely, "I'm sorry" is not the end. Another education in language translation, "I'm sorry" means "I'm sorry"..LOL. She called a back-up driver to go to the hotel and drive them out to us. We had already driven a little over an hour. If we had driven back to get them we would miss the celebration and seeing the children all together. As it was they would be waiting on us to go home for the day.
Pastor Ruth had commented that satan was hard at work trying to keep those Bibles from reaching the children. We all agreed. Thank God that we noticed when we did! There was still time to get them to the children.
Pastor Ruth had made the decision to stay in Mbale until the driver arrived and then guide him to Bunambutye, otherwise we might never see them.
We headed off again and would drive another hour before reaching our destination.
Along the way we saw beautiful african countryside, more african culture and had a brief stop at Dr. Bwonya's home. It was quite beautiful and very ornate compared to those in the area.
As we pulled up to the school the kids were all sitting, waiting patiently for our arrival under a huge tree. When they saw our van they began waiving and yelling in excitement. Again, we are received far greater than we are deserving! We got out of the van and met some school staff that showed us up to the office of Naboth, the Headmaster of Kings Primary school. We greeted inside his office and signed the school guest book before heading out to the kids. He asked about our agenda and was concerned with time. We decided that what ever he though appropriate would be fine. The children were excited and it was an extra long day for them.
We were seated in front of the children and the teachers. Each teacher had a speech to make. Remember from previous days postings, when you have an event such as this, and guests involved, everyone wants a turn to say something. Their custom is to bring much formalities to special events. One such formality is the ever present coke for special guests!
In between the teachers speaking the children would come up from different grade levels and sing songs. Each song had a message attached to it from welcome songs, to Karamajong raids, and a young boy did a poem on Aids. It was all to inform us of the things they endure in their village. I had mentioned to Jan some time ago that it was interesting how God had brought two schools together for our team that are in opposition to each other. The children at Smile Africa are from the Karamojong tribe. The children in Bunambutye at Kings Primary school are victims from the Karamojong tribal raids in the district. Yet, God led our team to both on the same trip from meetings that happened over 1 year ago! One of the songs that the children had sung spoke of love and believing in Unity. Ok, God we know You are here!
This day would prove to be a long one...stay tuned for Day Six, Part II
The children were delightful. Their performances truly told a story that gave us a glimpse into their culture and lives in the Bunambutye district. Who would have thought such a cultural lesson could be taught through such means? I just sat there and took it all in, praying that God would protect these children, lift them up and use them as instruments in His hand to lead Uganda to a place of unity, where tribal wars would cease and that God would lift the country up out of poverty, disease, and hopelessness.
ReplyDeleteThere was hope in the children's eyes. They were learning, they were disciplined, and they were eager to share what God had already done in them.
I loved it when the headmaster wanted to get their attention ... do you remember?
"God is good!"
The children would quickly come to attention and respond:
"All the time because that is His nature!"
What a statement! What a blessing to hear that phrase over and over again! What a way to impress on a child's heart that God is good ALL the time because that is His nature ... God is indeed GOOD!
The children were orderly, well-behaved, well-trained, and eager to receive the gifts we brought. But, all in all the funniest thing I remember about this day was Sharlyn's "King of the Jungle" and watching the elderly gentleman sitting to our left try to do the "bubble-bubble". He cracked me up! Oh, how the kids love that song! Thanks, Sharlyn, for bringing such joy to Uganda ... God used you greatly!
Love,
Jan