Right now I am sitting on the porch at my home. The sky has an odd yellow tinge to it, and I can hear at least 5 different birds chirping, plus a few dogs backing, and the voices of people who are walking by. There is a slight breeze in the air, and the temperature is perfect. All part of the reason why I love Uganda, but definitely not the reason I came.
Let’s see, today’s big event was the boys soccer game. At first the game was at 4pm, but it was changed to 10am. The boys told me that they were going to be leaving around 9:30ish, so I aimed to be there around 9:15 in case they left early, and I had no idea where to go. Let me just add that I am quite proud that I was able to direct a boda to the boys home, because so far Henry has driven me almost everywhere, and I have become quite spoiled in not needing to know where I’m going. Anyways, after hanging out at the boy’s house for about 50min, we finally left at 10:20am. By the time we reached the soccer field where the boys where to play their game, no one else was there, and we were not sure there was even a game that was going to happen. Henry, Alex and I took a trip around the village while they went to sort out what was going on.
This was my first small taste of Uganda, outside of its cities. The houses were all made of mud and straw and only a couple of feet by a couple of feet. Many of them had only a roof and 3 walls, and then a blanket made up the last wall. The children ran around half dressed (usually top only), or in clothes that were so torn and dirty that we wouldn’t even consider using them as rags. There were men working on mending nets and another group of men where building a boat all by hand. Women were cooking food in pots over an open fire. This is their reality.
The children began to gather around me, calling out mzungu and laughing and dancing. I took some of their pictures, which caused even more laughing and dancing. It was great until I wanted to go watch the football (soccer) game, but couldn’t cross the field for fear that they would follow me (which they would) and get hit by a football. Finally Henry and Alex were able to convince them to stay while we went over to join the boys.
Now it is about 11:30, and the game is about to begin, most definitely the game started at 10am African time! The boy’s playing was amazing. They really have a lot of skill, and you can tell that they have a big love for the game. It was fun to be able to watch them in their element. After the game Patrick and Johnson walked me to my house to get my laptop and disinfectant for Patrick’s arm, which he had injured during the game. We then went into town to get some drinks, and then back home.
When I got to their home, I was given a big (huge) bowl of rice and beans. Jacob (who plays Rugby and not soccer) had prepared it for them while they were gone. It was actually quite delicious, although I couldn’t even eat half of the portion that they gave me. Mike seemed to be on dishes, so I decided to offer to help. They had some fun showing me “their system” and laughing at me when I went back to my Canadian (big sink/liquid soap/cloth) method. BUT, they were happy to help and show me how to improve!
After lunch many of them headed to their high school for a party/dance. I spent some time with Ronnie on my laptop and Steven looking at pictures and then left with Henry to go back to town.
Another big moment now…I had my first Krest Tonic Water since being in Uganda! It was greatJ Even better than I had even remembered! (Canada definitely needs to look into getting this!) I sat in Flavours, drank my Krest Tonic Water and checked my emails…great ending to a great day. It has been amazing to get to know the boys. Talking to them about their families, and what they want to do ‘when they grow up’. I only pray that I can be some sort of example to them over the next few months, and show them God’s love.
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