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Published: January 11th 2013
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The five main highlights are listed here first. Please read the narrative if you have time.
1. Picked up Eliana and Lee (from Duke University doing internships in Finance), then John, then Maria in our African 'pick everyone up' mode as we headed one hour north of Kampala for the celebration at the Ndere seminary.
2. Arrived at Ndere Seminary's 10 Year Celebration. Charles and Maria (and hence we) were treated as special guests: VIPs in the front row. The bishop is Maria's uncle and Charles serves as a trustee.
3. The rector invited the Americans to sing our National Anthem to the bishop and the crowd of about 200. Oh dear. Charles said that if we had refused he would have told President Obama to revoke our passports. Steve led and no lives were lost; but the group in general could not hold a tune.
4. Rode through Kampala- utter poverty. Despair looming like an obsessed enemy. Said our good-byes to Charles and Maria. What generous and gracious hosts.
5. Steve and I had Fantas on the veranda. We packed and prepared to head to Tanzania tomorow. We have not rested since we arrived.
Ndere Seminary - 10th Anniversary
Dignitaries Post Star Spangled Banner NARRATIVE: The celebration at Ndere was formal and sweet. Everyone gathered to celebrate the past ten years of training young boys in the faith and traditions of the Catholic Church. The celebration included a service, music, and a song sung by the Brits. At the time, they wished the Americans 'Happy Independence Day' and then sang a song. In my mind I was so grateful we were not them! Lee leaned over and said to me, "Glad that wasn't us". I suspected our turn was coming and sure enough it did. When the rector invited the Americans to sing the National Anthem, I nearly died. Fortunately Steve had the wherewithal to respond to the invitation with "Yes we can!". Walking to the front of everyone, I reminded Steve that it started with "Oh say can you see", and asked him to start low. Later, he thanked me. We stood amid the semi-circle of guests with the church leaders seated behind us under an awning. Steve had been given the mic so he energetically launched right into The Star Spangled Banner. With our backs to the bishop and dignitaries (oops) we belted it out. I am sure that Lee and Elaina
were in a different key than Steve and I and maybe each other, but we made it through. Charles told us that had we refused, he would have written President Obama and asked him to revoke our passports. The rector told us during refreshments and lunch that singing a song is a sign of respect, often for grandparents, and that sharing a song is a sign of honor. Steve apologized to the bishop for facing the crowd instead of him and the bishop responded, 'that is not a problem - and how is everyone faring with the BP oil spill? Kind man.
It was not easy to sit today. Seven and one half hours at the wedding, five hours at the celebration, and five more in traffic. Celebrations seem to involve lengthy introductions and acknowledgement of all stakeholders, expressing gratitude toward all involved, interludes by choirs; giving gifts; offerings; speeches; and lots of food. It was good to be a part of a momentous occasion. I am learning about how to celebrate and reflecting upon the importance of it in my life.
Traffic was bumper to bumper in Kampala. Charles said he left at 5:00am to pick us
up at 8:00. Charles remained gracious and asked if we wanted to see the resort on the lake, (Victoria) but Steve said 'no thank you' we needed to rest. We heard music across the way and Charles said it was from a wedding. we saw people everywhere across from the hotel near the water. We thanked Charles and Maria for their kindness and hospitality, lingered, took photos and said 'goodbye'. We learned that Maria was pregnant which was a very nice surprise. Steve and I had Fantas on the veranda and went to bed early - Steve at 7:30 and me at 8:00. I woke at 12:45am, 2:45am, and got up at 6:35am to a beautiful sunrise in Kampala.
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Take me to the Educate Tanzania website. http://educatetanzania.org
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farid ssuuna
non-member comment
inspirational
we look up to you uncle charles