Uganda – June 22, 2009 (Marty Edwards)

June 18, Thursday from Faith’s Home on the beautiful rolling hills of Kahuira. Today we are having nice thundershowers in the afternoon. The morning was clear and we walked up to Dorcus, the vocational school that has been built six of years ago. It has a terrific view of the valley with plantan palms wafting in the breeze. The whole piece of property that Faith has purchased is gorgeous, with rolling hills, cows grazing, chickens clucking and reminds us so much of the hills of Delaware County, NY where Hal grew up. So many wonderful things are being done on this property by Hope for the Family—several schools, primary, vocational, orphanages, a medical clinic, honeybee factory is being built so they can sell honey, churches and a wonderful Christian fellowship that reaches out to the community to help and give hope.

Back to Dorcus. We are given such a warm welcome in song and drum by the students. Then the administrator, Arthur leads us in a cultural exchange of values. The students speak about what is important in Africa. Some songs are sung such as when someone is in love and wishes to marry. It was soft and had a rocking tempo, very different from the rhythmic welcome. After the students were done, each of us had to introduce ourselves, speak about what was important to us. Hal spoke about the importance of mathematics in physics and in being able to solve all sorts of problems in life. Quindell told about what was important in making it as an orphan and about half of the group were orphans there. He said you have to be humble and willing to help in any way you can. God will help you through your troubles and you’ll be stronger for it. He ended by showing how being able to write down your music you need mathematics skill. Music and math skills are powered by the same place in the brain. They are so good in music, they can be good in math. It was an interesting morning.

The students learn sewing, nettling or cooking, carpentry, crafts. I am looking forward to the new dress they are sewing for me. We go back to share our evening devotions with them tonight. Tomorrow we go to Agape Children’s Village. This has been a rich and rewarding experience.

Marty Edwards