The Final Party

The school and community pulled out all the stops for us - the school choir entertained us with many songs and dances - they are so short of uniforms that as different pupils were due to sing / dance they swopped clothes and uniforms. The drums we had got the school well justified their purchase as the lads treated us to a real African drumming experience.






Rhoda and one of the teachers spoke and did "MC". The parents put on a play which dramatised the challenges change had brought to a community that could bew suspicious of change.









Kennedy came from the Fields of Life office (see the photo).
The school director and a representative of the mayor as well as Rhoda spoke
















The Sligo team were invited to speak - ably done by Charles. Ruth introduced the various team members as they presented the gifts of the team - in paricular sports equipment, gas lamps, the drums and an Irish flag.

Averil and Richard read the letter from Sligo County Council before presenting the Sligo Flag. Adam later raised the Sligo Flag.











Yvonne and Emma presented the banner made by Yvonne which reflected the theme that God has the whole world in his hands - including Ireland and Uganda - we each will pray for one another.
The Grammar Banner was presented by Zoe. Liz and Sister Teresa presented a Children's Bible signed by each team member before leading us all in prayers of blessing.





The local women worked hard from the previous evening preparing the food on the only kitchen available for the present - an open fire.











The food was fantastic - some of us understood we ate Connor the goat (more in another post!) There was also chicken, matoke, rice, bean sauce and more - some resorted to fingers in place of forks. Joy couldn't stop smiling - and Norman couldn't stop eating - Michael just enjoyed it all!

The generosity of the community was overwhelming - the whole event (which began at noon and ended at about 4 p.m) was truly memorable. We are so appreciate of the effort they put into making the day so special.

The day ended with a small gift to each child in the school and then goodbyes were said. There were few dry eyes.

One of the most speical things said was by Albert ( a teacher) "Thank you for bringing smiles to the peoples faces" - what a privilege.