You are Most Welcome

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Here in Uganda, something that you hear often is “you are most welcome”.  When I first heard this, I was thinking that I must have missed something…I didn’t say thank you for anything.  I now know that it means I am truly “welcome”- wherever it is I am.  So whoever you are, as you begin reading, know that you are most welcome.

This last week has been filled with new things (obviously :)).  Here are a few…

New People.  On Friday we had orientation with the whole class.  I believe there are around 40ish of us.  It has been wonderful to get to know so many new people, and to be able to become friends so quickly.  Ugandans are incredibly welcoming, friendly people.  They also have zero problem informing us mzungos (white people) that we must learn how to dance.  We are slowly making progress…I think…

New Places.  Saturday, we had the pleasure of going on a tour of the Watoto children’s villages.  We first went to Subi, then Bbira.  Subi is located on a hill and is completely gorgeous.  The villages schools are located at the top of the hill, and the view of the surrounding countryside from there is incredible.  Throughout our time in Subi we were able to tour the school buildings, woodshop, metal shop, goat farm, and children’s homes.  Next we went to Bbira, which is located in a valley.  Again, it is such a beautiful place and I had a wonderful time just soaking in the atmosphere.  In Bbira we got to spend more time just wandering around and seeing the children.  One little girl (probably about 3 years old) watched curiously as all of us walked by.  I waved at her, and as we were walking away she began to follow us.  Next thing I knew, she was running full on at me and jumped into my arms when I knelt down to hug her.  I don’t know her name, but let me tell you, in the minutes that we spent together she grabbed a piece of my heart that she is still hanging onto as tight as the little blue teddy bear she carries with her everywhere.  I am so excited to be able to go back and spend more time with her in the weeks to come.

New Events.  Watoto Church has a big festival each year that they call the Festival of Hope.  It is a time for all of the different Watoto churches to come to one place and spend the day together.  Yesterday was the day.  So.  Fun.  As 360 students we started the day out by greeting people as they entered the outdoor venue in cars, on bota botas, and on foot.  Pretty sure I waved, said good morning, and welcomed people more yesterday morning than in the rest of my life combined.  The day included church service, lunch, a father/son soccer match, a concert, and lots of dancing.  And sunburns.  My nose is a little pink...

New Food.  So far, almost all of the food I’ve had here has been awesome.  My favorites have been chapati, mukwano (friendship) tea, and the awesome pineapple.  The only thing I really haven’t liked is this thick nut sauce- not sure about the name.  Also, I can’t bring myself to eat goat… if you knew Curly you know why.

No matter what else you take from reading this, know that my heart is full of the beautiful place I find myself in, the beautiful people I find myself surrounded by, and the beautiful Creator who put us all here together.

Love Always.