Day 38: Buwuni, visit & travel

December 17th, Sunday.

This day felt like it dragged on a bit at first (I'll explain why in a bit).  Joshua and I had planned to visit Joshua's grandma (his father's mother) today.  He barely this grandmother because his mother didn't let him associated with her because she was poor.  Messed up, huh.  Anyway, Joshua wanted to visit her because she was old, had been sick and was in need of encouragement.  I couldn't think of a better way to spend Sunday then this.  Jesus loved the poor, widows and elderly and she was all of those.

What took the time is that once Joshua explained to his family what he wanted to do they all wanted to come but no one wanted to help pitch in with transportation to visit the grandma.  Well, I should said Pastor Margret and the two sisters who just got married didn't want to help pay.  The others gave what they could.  Funny how that works out; people who have more money are less willing to help then people who have less.  Anyway, we would need to rent a van because individual taxi fees would be too high for the 3 hour drive.

I was tried of paying for other people's transportation so I put in my portion only and I just sat back and waited- something I am not great at.  We were suppose to leave at 10am, then 1pm, then 3pm, I think we finally left at 4pm.  All this time Joshua was arguing with his family saying that if they wanted to come they should help out with the cost and that this was their grandmother not Myra's.  I was so grateful to have someone standing up for me in situations like this. His perseverance won out in the end and we piled in the van with his parents, the driver, 3 sisters, 5 children/babies, Joshua and myself.  I am not sure that was any more comfortable that the crowded public transportation, that's for sure!

We traveled on the main road to Jinja, towards Kampala, then on a red dirt road towards a tiny village in the hill country for another hour. (see photo)  Along the way we stopped for some food supplies to give the grandma; Joshua's idea, but his mother did purchase half the supplies.  We almost got stuck on the road up a hill that was washed out. We had to all get out of the van until it made it pass that part. (Wish I would have took a picture of that, but I was holding a baby at the time.)  When we arrived at the grandmother's house in the village it was almost dark.  The tiny 12' by 12' house was empty.  I feared the worst but Dorcus explained that the grandmother was probably out gathering her goats for the night.

Sure enough, the grandmother came after 15 minutes.  It was very dark by this time so no pictures but I wish you could have seen how grateful this grandmother was for our visit.  So happy to see her family! It must have been ages since she seen them last. She was also glad to see me, a white person, but I was not the center of her attention which I was so happy about.  She greeted and hugged everyone and the girls all gave her the traditional greeting of kneeling down.  Then we filed into her tiny house for a prayer and gave her the food gifts.  Pastor Margret said the prayer and then presented the grandma with the food, taking credit for all of it and the whole visit!  So upsetting!  Later I asked one sister to go back to tell the grandma that it was Joshua's idea for the visit but I am not sure the grandma believed it.  I was upset about this but Joshua was just content to be able to visit his grandmother.

From there most of the family went home but I would be heading to Kampala in the morning so we need to find a hotel in a near by town.  Unfortunately the hotels there loved to double the charge for white people.  Pastor Robert (Joshua's father), another relative, and Joshua took off to look for a good, cheaper hotel while I sat in the van.  I had stated to feel sick while we were still in village and now it was all I could do not to vomit.  Once we finally got a hotel, I did.  5 times.  Nasty.  I think I had malaria again so I took some anti-malaria pills which is partly why I was vomiting (they are hard on your stomach).  So yeah, a great day; a not so great end.

But what a blessing to bless other people and to watch others share God's love and blessings!

Day 36 & 37: Buwuni, changing plans & weddings

Friday, December 15th, we were suppose to leave for Kampala but after Joshua talked to his family he asked if we could stay until Sunday since two of his older sisters were getting married on Saturday.  Fine by me.  Joshua would be using his own sound equipment for the wedding and he need to set that up the night before the big day.  .

Let me try to give you some background on marriages in Uganda.  There is legal marriage and then there is "holy matrimony".  For a legal marriage you go to a court house and sign a document.  For holy marriage, often you have as big and expensive wedding as you can afford, collecting pledges from people to fund your wedding, and then you gather with friends and family in a church for a ceremony, food, and a dance.  During the holy marriage you would as sign a marriage certificate.  Some would get a legal marriage first and then years later, at saving enough money, the couple would have the wedding ceremony in the church.  Others would go straight to the holy marriage after dating.  Others would live together for a while first, maybe have kids, and then get a holy marriage. At least that was how it was explain to me.  Its all still a little confusing.  Of course, the process varies depending on your religion and moral values, much as it does in the U.S.

Anyway, the two sisters were getting a holy marriage so Joshua and I would stay in Buwuni for the festivities.  On Friday, I tried to get a understanding of when the wedding would start on Saturday.  No one knew.  Not even people in the wedding party.  Some said morning, some said noon, some said 1pm. 

Saturday, December 16th.
As it turns out the wedding ceremony had no really official starting point.  The people just sort of slowly got ready for everything.  Even the parents of the brides showed up to the church after things started and a large crowd had gathered.  It was probably 4pm when Caleb (Joshua's brother) and I walked into the church.  And it was packed!  So many people! 

This was a joint wedding so there were actually three wedding couples that day.  I think they might group weddings like this to keep cost down but that is just my theory.  After a guest pastor gave a sermon, the oldest brother, Joshua, gave away his two sisters, and then they exchanged vows, similar in wording to a typical U.S. wedding.  However, NO kissing of the bride in public.   I don't know if they were told not to smile or not, but one bride barely cracked a smile the whole time and she hardly looked at her husband-to-be.  I knew she was in favor of the marriage so maybe she was just really nervous; there was a lot of people there.

Anyway, after the ceremony the wedding party (excluding the parents and Joshua and Caleb) whist away to take some photos and change into evening dress for the food and dance to follow.  I hang out with my new friend, Joshua's cousin, most of the time while I was in the villages here and she helped me navigate the wedding scene too.  The food and dance were outside, with tents to cover only the seating area, making a court yard like place in the middle.  We got our food and then waited for the dance to start. 

After all the invited people went through the food line then street children and poor lined up for any left over food.  There must have been at least 100 poor children waiting for food.  That's the thing about Uganda.  People hear music and come running to see the party.  Its quite easy to attract a crowd.  As I looked at the children, the poor vs. the ones belonging to (rich) invited guest, it stunned me to note that there was only one real difference between the two group.  Their money. 

This little rich girl from Pastor Margret's relatives had her hair all braided fancy, wore a clean, princess-like dress and shiny shoes.  She floated around like a butterfly wherever she wanted.  She was safe, secure and confident.  Her parents were respected and she was adored by many.  Was she smarter then that little poor girl with her torn oversize dirty T-shirt? Was she prettier?  More talented?  Had more to give her community?  Favored by God more?  No.  But she was allowed pass the adults beating back the poor children.  Why? Her clothes were nice.  Her body was washed. That's it.  And this profiling was universal.

Oh, how I would have loved to not have white skin at that moment.  I would have loved to sneak away and change into dirty clothes, dipped my whole body in that annoying red dust that covers everything and returned in disguise. If my disguise worked I am certain I would not have been disappointed.  Only those dressed for a wedding would be allowed to have food.  It reminds me of the parable of the wedding party in Matthew 22:1-14.  Unless we are wearing wedding clothes (asking Jesus to be our Savior and wash away our sins) we will not be allowed into God's feast in Heaven.

It was almost dark by the time the dance started.  We got to see the wedding party arrive and the couples walk down this red carpet thing and through some red ribbon. They did the whole cake exchange thing that is common in the U.S. but one difference is only the wedding party got to eat the cake. I just hang out by the music equipment and watched over Tia, Dorcus' little girl. At about 8pm we were packing up and heading home.  I was a bit surprised because I assumed it would late far into the night.  It was good to see different sort of celebration and ponder some deep thoughts.

Day 35: Buduma, workshop

Warning! This is a book length post!  Hopefully an enjoyable read, but if not, sorry!
Thursday, December 14th.

This was to be my last full day in Buwuni before returning to the capital of Kampala for a few days and then flying home.

Pastor Edube had shared with me last Saturday about this poultry project local pastors started in Buduma, small community nearby. They requested that I come and give them any advice for improvements on their project.  I said I would be happy too and Pastor Edube set the date of this Thursday to look over their poultry.  Yesterday a Buduma pastor who was co-leading the poultry production project asked me again if I was coming to his village.  I thought it was strange that he would ask again, given the fact that I had already committed to going there on Thursday. I immediately turned to I asked Pastor Edube, "That is what we already planned to do, right? For Thursday, I mean."  He said, "Yes, yes, that's no problem."  Boy, that was weird, I thought.  Oh well, he must have wanted reassurance or perhaps no one had gotten back to him on it.  All arrangements were made through Pastor Edube so I didn't have direct contact until I showed up at their church for a workshop or whatever.

In the morning on Thurday, I emptied my shoulder bag of all my lecture material and repacked it with toys and gifts for children and youth to give out as I travel to the poultry project.  I had a few things to give out before I left and figured this would be way to do since I wasn't teaching a class today.  I looked at my watch.  10:30am.  There was a LOT of stuff on my agenda today and I had hoped to be traveling to Buduma by now because I made a promise to get back by noon or 12:30pm at the latest so I could get everything else done in time.  Today I needed to people to really "keep time" (as they said here). 

Finally Pastor Edube arrived, I informed him of my busy schedule, and we left for Buduma. "How far is it?" I asked as we walked briskly to the taxi stop.  "Oh, it is near." he reassured me.  Ok, good, I thought.  When the taxi stopped after only 15 minutes I was relieved. That wasn't so bad, maybe we would make up the time since we left late. No such luck, because after the taxi ride came a 20 minute boda boda (motorcycle) ride.  At least the driver drove fast.

We arrived at the church at 11:05am.  Ok, let's get this show on the road, I thought.  As I approached the church, I thought it was strange that it was full of people singing and worshiping.  Thursday morning is a odd time for a service.  Oh, well, we must be here to "steal" the pastor away to go look at the poultry farm.  But as I entered the church and was directed to sit down at the typically place of honor at the front side row of chairs alarm bells went off in my head. Surely that's not why I am here, I thought.  I leaned over to Pastor Edube and asked the dreaded question, "I am not here to give a workshop, am I?"  The look of confusion on his face told me everything.  Yep!  Somehow, they has gotten it in their heads that I would teach a full workshop here like I did in the other villages.  Argh!  How annoying.  And I didn't even have any of my teaching material.

Trying to keep a low profile, I called the pastor who was addressing the crowd over and told him, "I can either go see the poultry production project or teach the workshop, but I can't do both.  I have a LOT of things to get today before I leave tomorrow."  He looked a little hurt and surprised.   I tried to explain that I had NO IDEA whatsoever that I was suppose to be teaching a class today and that there was simply no time in the schedule for it.  I was not prepared.  The pastors, now three of them gathered by me, were trying to figure out what to do.  I looked at my watch annoyed.  Ridiculous; keep time people! You can't just manipulate a person into doing what you want by planning something and then leaving the person to look bad if they say no.  Now I am the "bad guy" there., I thought angrily. 

Glancing out at the crowd, I stopped my inner rampage.  They were so many of them.  More people were gathered here than all the other churches combined.  They were so eager and waited expectantly.  And the people in the audience were NOT the problem.  Innocent bystanders to the fall out of simple miscommunication.  Surely God has a reason for this and I should try to be patience. "Ok," I said turning to the pastors, "this is what we can do.  I can teach for a half hour and see the poultry for a half hour, then leave."  That seemed good to everyone so I proceeded to teach a shorten version of my money management workshop.  God was with me and though I had no notes I found it very easy to teach without them.  Their questions were good and thoughtful and even though with the Q & A session the class took a whole hour I felt that was one of the best workshops.  A lot of engagement. After, I gave out a few toys to the church kids (see photos below). Ok, done and bam! on to the next thing, I thought.

We left the church and took a 8 minute boda boda ride out to a empty run down building.  They started sharing how this church building got too much rain and the roof fell in.  A few feet away they showed me a few poles in the ground mapping out what was to be their new building.  A little strange to put chickens in an old church building, I thought, but if that's all they have then that's all they have. Good to reuse things, too. Not seeing the birds I assumed they were moved to another location or in typically Ugandan fashion they has all dead due to some disease.  That happens A LOT here. I proceeded to give some general advice on how to make the building better for poultry.  They said, "Yes, we will do that for the poultry building."  Right there.  Did you catch it?  That slight emphasis in their sentence.  Oh, snap.  This is NOT the poultry building, this is their church!  Confusing because we just came from a large, nice-looking church which was also theirs.  Opps.  How embarrassing.

We loaded back on the motorcycle and took off for what I assumed was now the poultry place.  No one tells me anything around here, I thought absentmindedly.  And if you do ask questions you get vague or misleading answers such as "not far" or "we will go there" meaning sometime in the next decade.  If you ask more questions, more confusing answers or hurt feelings because here to ask a question twice is to doubt them personally.  Best thing is just to let things play out.  But today I didn't have time.  My patience was about the size of a pea and shrinking fast. 

Arriving at the real poultry place I checked my watch.  1pm!  Not good.  Okay, where is the pastor? He was in front of us a moment ago even though he was on a bicycle. I explained to Pastor Edube about the time again.  He sent someone to find the other pastor since apparently the coop was locked and only that pastor had the key.  After 10 minutes the pastor arrived.  Turns out we didn't need the key since it wasn't lock.  I looked over everything with the three pastors and gave advice as needed.  I must admit.  I was rather impressed.  They took good care of their birds.  Clean bedding, clean water (very rare in Uganda for animal care!!), daily turnouts to get bugs and exercise, a separate room for the mommy and babies so they are safe from adult chickens picking on them.  Very nice set up given the limited resources and knowledge they had.  You could tell they really cared about this, not just the money it would raise but the birds themselves.  Their heart was in it and for God's glory, too!

Finishing up, I glanced at my watch.  Almost 2pm!! Urgently I told them "I really need to leave now.  I am 2 hours behind schedule and have a lot of things to do and people to visit today who are waiting on me now." 
      "Oh, but we have prepared a meal for you.  You will stay and eat it." they replied. 
No, you are not manipulating me this time, I thought. "No, I really need to leave right NOW. I am sorry but I don't have anymore time." I said as calmly as I could but I could feel my blood pressure rising.  I gave them everything I could of my time, yet they wanted more?  Maybe its just my personality but being a type A individual I felt the pressure of slacking on other responsibilities and people back in Buwuni waiting for me.
     They continued, "But you must eat.  Then we would like to bless you with some gifts-"
     I lost it. Well, not really but I did reply in the best controlled voice I could muster, "You could bless me by allowing me to leave.  I really do need to leave right now." 

Somehow, they managed to get me to eat with them, mostly because Pastor Edube said it would be rude not too. Rude?!  Yes, lets talk about rude... I ate very little and very quickly and then waited quietly for them to finish.  Then they ran around to gather their gifts for me.  I felt sort of bad that they were trying to hurry to give me gifts but I just wanted to leave.  I didn't want gifts.  I tried again to decline and say that it's okay, that I didn't need any gifts and that I needed to leave.  No use.  I even thought about walking back to Buwuni but quickly dismissed it.  A ridiculous thought. After all, they were just try to be nice with all this wining and dining.

 2:30pm. They presented me with three gifts. The first was 3 dozen eggs on a open cartoon.  Hmmm, wonder how that will go on a motorcycle.  They gave me a plastic bag to carry the loose eggs in.  The second gift was a rooster, the prettiest, biggest one from their coop.  Now I am starting to feel a little guilty. Even though they acted very abrasively to my cultural mindset, they were just trying to show how much they appreciated me. Chicken and eggs on motorcycle, ha ha. Ironic. The third was a half- grown lamb.  I'll take it! ha ha. I always wanted to have a lamb in Uganda. A cute little girl lamb too.  I still needed to leave so I thanked them for everything best I could and then we had to wait for the motorcycle to get there.  It would be Pastor Edube, the motorcycle driver, me, a rooster, 3 dozen eggs (in a plastic bag), and almost grown sheep on one motorcycle!  If we had time, a picture would have been nice. 

3pm-ish or later.  Once it arrived, we hurried to pile on the motorcycle.  They tried to strap my poor lamb to the motorcycle's 5 inch medal rack in the back.  She would have been taking all her weight on the side of 5 inches of her rib cage!!  "Nope, nope, I will carry it between me and the driver," I said thankful that I wore a flowing skirt so I could ride astride.  (Culture dictates that I wear a dress or skirt mostly.  Not my choice.)  So Pastor held the chicken and eggs. Ha ha!  I still think that combination is funny: chicken and eggs. And I carried the lamb and away we went.  Once we got to the taxi stop we loaded in the large van with the lamb almost crushed in the trunk (less than one foot of room back there, poor lamb!) and the rooster on Pastor's lap and me with the eggs.  I felt bad when the rooster pooped on him.  :(

When we got to Buwuni close to 4pm, I jumped out and got my lamb and started carrying it on the 5 minute walk to Pastor Margret's house.  I called over my shoulder to make sure Pastor Edube was okay carrying the rooster and the eggs.  Ha ha, chicken and eg- sorry. He tried to convince me to get another boda boda, which met spending more money (the whole trip, the American pays). Nope, not this time. So I asked him if the rooster and eggs were too heavy for him. He said no so I said let's go.  And we were off! 

Walking down the street, locals keep calling out to me: "Put that lamb down! ha ha."  Get your own lamb!, I thought. ha ha. Besides, his legs were all bound tightly and I wasn't able to stop and ask someone to go find a knife. And I had nothing to lead her with anyway.  No, I am not about to give people a "dog and pony show" trying to catch this lamb in the streets. 

As we traveled I had been praying with what to do with the rooster and lamb.  Its not like I could take them with me.  But I wanted a safe place for them where they would be cared for and that I might see them again.  (Most of the time when I get food or animal gifts in Uganda they mysteriously disappear after I get them back "home".)  God brought to mind a young man who had been faithfully coming to all of my workshops, even the ones hosted in other villages. He was trying to start up a poultry business to raise funds to get a driver's license to eventually be a taxi driver. I was hoping to call for him as soon as I arrived at my host's house.  If the hostess saw the animals she would assume they were for her and I didn't want to create any awkward situations.  They already got the two hens Pastor Edube's father gave me and Dorcus, the one who would probably be taking care of the animals, would be going back to school soon.  I was hoping to spread blessings around a bit. 

God, as always, has it all figured out because as I approached the house the very person I hoped to talk to was approaching me!  Perfect timing, God. (God is probably thinking "Yep, I know.") I practically dumped the lamb into the guy's arms and said breathlessly "How do you feel about taking care of a lamb for me?"  It took him a second to catch on but he agreed to raise the rooster and the lamb for me.  He could breed them to start his flocks but was not suppose to eat them.  We took some photos (see below) and he took them home immediately to give them water.  I gave the eggs to Pastor Edube and my hostess. 

Overall, an annoying, exhausting, nerve wrecking, wonderful day to learn about God's grace and timing.  Isn't that just how God works sometimes? 

My class. Roughly 10 of those are pastors of local churches.

I gave out miniature frisbees but they didn't know what to do with them.

I tried to show them how to throw the frisbee

But they just kept throwing them all at my feet! ha ha.

I explained that they needed to throw them to each other instead.

A rooster, a lamb, and eggs.

Day 34: Bulende, workshop

Note: this is a long post. Sorry! Remember to keep scrolling down.  Thanks!

December 13th, Wednesday meant another workshop for me.  This time the workshop was in Bulende and surprisingly everyone stayed on topic!

I taught about money management.  Then I answered questions on loans (how not to get yourself in trouble with them and how they work) and poultry production. They shared with me a real hate for the banking system which they perceived as unfair.  The banks there are in it for pure profit that's for sure but there also was a lack of basic understanding of how a loan and interest actually work.  For example, one gentleman lamented that a bank had deceived him because he had to back pay the full interest on the loan of seven years even after he payed back the initial loan amount.  Oh, that's how a loan works... But they were eager to learn and at least it was something I had knowledge about and was interested in so a win-win. 

However, with all this bank talk they decided to ask me to loan them money to start a micro loans sharing co-op.  Sorry, guys, knowledge only. 

 The poultry questions were really fun because they were about eggs and incubation, my favorite poultry thing to talk about.  Growing up, incubating goose eggs was one of my favorite spring time activities, and I must have hatched out well over 100 goslings from our small class room type incubators.  So this was probably the most fun workshop out of the three for me.

They all had to clap at the end because they were impressed that a "Muzungu" (white person) would be able to stand up for 5 hours (the length of my workshop).  Hmmm, I can think of few smart comebacks to that like, "how many white mid/working class people have you actually seen?" or "I am impressed that you actually _____" but of course none of those comments were appropriate so a smile and a "thank you" was what happened.  I get a little upset when anyone, Ugandan or not, acts like I don't or can't do any work.  Yep, that's me, just sipping my ice tea while I sit back and watch the horses muck their own poop. 

On a side note, there is thought process in Uganda that if you have more expenses that you must be rich.  Let's see, $12,000 of expenses, with a income of $10,000...no, that just means you are dirt poor.  But they see the all the zeros on that follow that 12 and think this person is rich!  And no matter how much you explain the difference in cost of living, expenses is a negative number, etc. they don't buy it.  And since you earn more than they do, you have all kind of extra money that you should put to good use by loaning it to them.  They will pay it back, someday, when they are rich.  Wish that reasoning worked for my credit card company. But their heart is in the right place. They are not misleading you, they just have high hopes for the future. They also assume that since I own a small horse ranch/stable I must work in an office all day.   "Wait, did I read that right," you might be thinking.  Yep. Owning horses/animals = cozy office gig.  I can't wait to inform my farm raised friends of this new development. ;)

Please note, the sarcasm I am using in my posts hopeful allows us all to laugh a bit as we all strive to understand another culture.  After all if I didn't really love Uganda, why would I go again?  But sometimes you will lose your mind if you don't laugh things off a bit.  I imagine many travelers coming to the U.S. feel that same way.  God has bless us as a nation but one needs only to mention "Trump" or "Obama" to watch logic leave and adults reduce themselves to less than mature words.  

But besides many Ugandans' messed up perception on American economics, they truly are a warm, welcoming people and they have big hopes and dreams that make you feel alive like a when you were a kid.

Optimistic.  And that is indeed a great quality to have.  

continued below.

 Cont.

After the workshop, Pastor Edube’s father treated me to a Ugandan meal which the ladies prepared.  I wish I could have sat with the youth and young adults outside instead of the pastors and elders inside, but I realized they were trying to make me feel special.  I was tired and wanted to get home.  I am an introvert and I was desperately desiring some alone time to recharge.  Once the meal was over they had the children put together a special performance as a thank you to my church for buying school uniforms for the House of Hope. (This was not a House of Hope event, it just happened that some of the students who go to that school are the children of the elders in that village).   So “thank you!” to those who helped with that!  The children and families appreciated it. 

Pastor Edube gifted me with a beautifully patterned traditional outfit and told me Dorcus, Joshua’s sister, would help me put it on.  This outfit was typically wore by older women to special events.  The cloth itself was lovely and modern, but the shape was traditional and for me, symbolized the traditional mindset that devalued women.  Ever have one of those thoughts like “I would never be caught dead wearing that!”?  Ever have anyone then present you with those clothes in a public setting where it would be extremely rude to decline the gift?  Amazing how the one Ugandan piece of clothing that I disliked was now the piece I needed to don.  Oh, the ways God gets you out of your comfort zone.  

Thankfully, Dorcus was there.  She helped me put it on and distracted me so I didn’t cry or throw a punch.  Now, maybe you are think, “oh my goodness, its just a dress, what is the big deal?”  But I think its safe to say that everyone has stuff that bothers them and its difficult to keep a smile on if someone is pushing you to do something you are not comfortable with. 

The children were definitely the highlight of the day.  They were so joyful.

Day 33: Buhobe, workshop

December 12th, Tuesday

Keeping with the schedule, I taught a workshop at Buhobe on Tuesday. It was suppose to be from 11am to 2pm but with the usually two hour delay because people can't "keep time" as the call it, the workshop finally got done at 4pm.

While preparing for this workshop I ask Pastor Robert which of my subject matter would this church prefer (out of money management, business skills, and culture).  He said "They request that you teach on pigs and cattle.  Pigs and cattle?!  What?  That was not any of my material.  I said, "And I suppose they want to be taught about pig and cattle disease?" "Yes," he replied.  Of course.  That would happen. All the way in Africa, not able to research and not in my field of work. Yep.  I replied that I would not be about to teach on this because that was out of my knowledge and I would hate to give them bad information.  Oh, the look of hurt and rejection I got when I said that.  Of course, followed by a small polite "it's fine".  Oh, well, not like I could change that. So I just prayed about it.

So needless to say, I was worried about not being about to answer the pig and cattle questions I was expecting to receive at this workshop in Buhobe.  No need to worry!  They didn't ask a thing about swine or cattle!  Just a bunch of questions on business, ...and farming crops, and growing corn, and growing pineapple, and tomatoes, and how to get rid of moles from their potato plants and how to get rid of some purple flower weed I have never heard of before and oh, yeah, why one lady's banana tree was dying.  Well, that was a little unexpected. I did a lot of "let me get back to you on that" and "did you try watering it and protecting it from the sun?" (believe it or not this was a big factor there).  I did try to talk about some animal care topics and including that prevention is better than cure when it comes to diseases.  At the end, they all thanked me.  One lady stood up and thank me for teaching them that they needed to give their animals clean water.  0_0   Okkkkk, well at least they got something!

After the workshop and a meal, which I didn't want because I was tired and wanted just to get back to Buwuni asap, a man requested that I give him advice on his fish ponds.  Sure, because I know all about that too. (not).  I told him I could take a look, its not like I could refuse. I remember praying on the walk over to it. Thankfully, my interpreter from last year was there and had some good advice to offer him.  God doesn't disappoint.

Day 31 & 32: Buwuni, church, workshop & Christmas suprise

Dec. 10th and 11th, Sunday and Monday.

Sunday started off with church, late as usually.  Since Pastor Margret was home yet still sick, a guest speaker, a lady pastor of another church, gave the sermon.  Her main points were: "Be serious" and "wrestle with God until He blesses you".  I think she was trying to get people serious about their relationship with God and that God blesses those who actively seek him.  Her Bible passage was on Genesis 32:22-31 were Jacob wrestles with God.

Joshua also had got his studio somewhat set up so I snapped a few photos of it (see photos)

Sunday night I tried to first wrapping gifts but couldn't get it all done in time.  Pastor Edube, Pastor Robert and I also went over the schedule for the rest of the week to finalize the plans.  I would teach a workshop at Buwuni on Monday from 10am to 1pm, a workshop at Buhobe on Tuesday from 11am to 2pm and Bulenda on Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm.  That night, I also let the children light up a few glow sticks to everyone's delight!

Monday morning I hurried to prepare for my workshop which was going to be on business and money management.  I reached the church at 10am....and sat there until 11:30 or noon when enough people finally arrived for me to feel starting my workshop was worth it.  Because of the last start my workshop ran late by about 2 hours. So tiring!  But the class went well and my question and answer session lasted for about 1.5 hours.

Monday night I finally had everything ready to treatment my host family to a special suprise Christmas celebration! (see photos) I was careful to have a gift for each person who was present (culturally you need to include everyone to be polite).  Some gifts were for specific people and then I had some extra gifts separated into "adult" gifts and "kid" gifts since you can never know who will just happen to be there in this house of 20+.  At first they were all a bit confused but then like a whirlwind they got the idea and suddenly the house was filled with laughter, shrieks, and "what-did-you-get?!"'s.  Note to self, wrist watches make a GREAT gift (those Walmart watches might as well been gold), as do glow sticks, which the children never bored of.