The little Muzungo thinks the hills are alive

Hey All,

So I've been in Kabale for a few days now, and it is a very beautiful place. The whole place is surrounded by the most beautiful bright green rolling hills I've ever seen, and gives one a very strong erge to sing "The hills are alive with the sound of music". The picture beside just does not do it justice!

Yesterday I finally go to go out to Akanyijukua [pronounced a-cun-i-jar-ka] and meet the most adorable little kiddies- I was bursting to play with them- and we had a lot of fun. I wasn't sure quite what to do, so I thought we'd play a game of tag- except they didn't quite understand what I was doing- I'd tag, then run, and they'd run after me- but not to chase, just to follow. Luckily, Pastor Edward [who now calls me his Muzungo daughter, totally my honor to be by the way!] helped to explain the concept of the game. After a while, the kids grew tired [okay not really, I grew tired!] and they invented a new game- "Copy the Muzungo" where for about an hour they copied everything I did- it was adorable! Taking advantage of the situation, I taught them the chicken dance, the macarena and finally everyone's favourite sunday school song- Father Abraham. This singing then resulted in them singing to me and we played for quite some time in a big circle, dancing and singing lots of songs- I thought I was doing a pretty good job at dancing- but it was recieved with laughter more than anything else! I don't blame them!

I also got a breif tour of Victory Community Centre- the drop in centre for street kids- I'm looking forward to seeing what I'll be able to do there- however I think I will not be the only one who teaches a lesson or two- as in most cases, these environments tend to change you more than anything!

Pastor Edward then took me out to see the land they are going to build the new school and orphanage on- its beautiful as well- everywhere here seems to have an amazing view!

Today I got to go out to the orphanage again, where I told bible stories and we did colouring with the children- [ I now have blisters on my fingers from sharpening pencils!]. The kids may look tiny and young, but I was impressed with their drawings! Very good depictions of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. We then amused ourselves with Frisbee's and baloons- another good day.

I just got back from an afternoon at a conference- the Senior pastor from a big church around here was speaking- he had a lot of challenging things to say. A lot on how being a Christian is more than getting 'saved' its about living your faith- he gave the example that just because Judas, one of Jesus' desciples was with him for three years, didn't guarentee his salvation or redemption even though he was seeing all his miracles and being around him. Rather it is how you live, and unfortunately for Judas, things didn't turn out so flash. But he encouraged that we are called to live more than just 'salvation' as a choice, but rather seek God and live God and help others come to know him. I really enjoyed it.

Tomorrow is my day off- so not sure what I will get up to... Pastor Edward needs a book scanned- 240 pages worth- so I'm sure that will keep me busy! But its not bad- once you start, you just get a rhythm going!

Well not much more to say, so I'll update in a few days!

Cheerio for now,
Olivia