Olyotya Mzungu!

You get another Lusoga lesson today! A "mzungu" is the Texas equivalent to "gringo."

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I go with a few other people on my team to a private school, called St. Andrews Secondary School. There are only about 200 students because it is a new school, and yes, they are high school age. The school system in Uganda works very differently, because the British came in and colonized here (they even drive on the left side!) and now their school system reflects that. They go to Primary School for Forms (grades) 1-7 and have Secondary School Forms 1-4 and 5-6, then University (potentially, for the smart or rich). Sometimes public schools are too far from their village, so they will go to a Church-started private school (like this one) which they would have to pay for, but would offer a better education than the public schools typically would. Therefore, many children (like Sarah) who cannot afford school or cannot get to a school just don't go. We saw many of these children wander through the playground during recess, and you could tell they wished they were in school.

We arrived at the school, and we saw a large field, and two buildings. The kids were already in class because we ran late today (a very Ugandan thing to do). When they got out of the class they were in, the girls came and played "net ball," which is like basketball with ultimate frisbee rules, with Tammy and I. After we wore ourselves out, we ate some Posho, a cheap Ugandan dish that is like grainier, thick grits, and beans. Afterward, the kids taught me and Tammy a song (they think it's funny to hear a mzungu try to say these words) which, I think, we butchered! Hah, but they enjoyed it. We are definitely their entertainment! I took a break outside the classroom afterward because the Posho definitely affected my stomach, and I felt a little nauseated. I talked to one of the teachers about the poverty in Uganda. He said that 40% of Ugandans are what we would call "dirt poor," but he could not understand homelessness. These people have a home, or a hut, or anything they can have. Property is their pride. But, often, they are not about to feed their (usually large) families more than twice a day. Many of these families have low-paying jobs or just live off their land, and there are many self-sustaining farms.

At the end of the class that was after lunch, and before we had to leave for a Ugandan Bible study, (early--their school is from 8am-5pm!) we went into a class that a teacher had not shown up to teach, and learned another song! I wish I remembered it, but I will get Tammy to remind me, and post it on here.

I love you all, and I appreciate your prayers. Every day is a new day, and a blessing from God to be used by Him to make Him known. Keep praying for us, those we interact with (especially Sarah) including the people working at the Hospice and their patients, as well as the students at St. Andrews.

Love you!