First Day of Workshops Successful!

We had our first in a series of four workshops today and it was very successful!  We had 29 teachers out from 2 primary schools and the seconday school.  We built some good relationships today and tonight we have the deputy headmasters over to discuss a lot of questions.  Paul and Sheila are busy right now in a deep discussion.  We have learned a lot from today and plan a lot for the next 3 workshop days.

 On Sunday our team will split up and go to 2 different churches.  Paul, Sharon and Sheila will stay here and go to Pastor Herbert's church and Gord, Glenna and I will go to Kiyindi.

 We have had such a warm welcome here from both the adults and the children.  It is dangerous to go out with a camera (just kidding) as the kids gather around for their picture to be taken.  Then they all want to see it on the screen at once.  Much pushing and shoving to get there first.  We are moved by their enthusiasm and wonder.

 I am using Sarah's computer (Sarah Lawanga from the IN office here) as we have found that our computers are too new for the technology here.  In other words our computers won't work with the internet here!  This is when it pays to have an old laptop.

The weather here has been very warm and sunny although we had a light shower this morning.  It is the dry season right now. We are enjoying the food and had a real African meal at lunch today that was served by the women of the community.  We are all drinking so much water.  You should see the boxes of bottles we have!  Barbara is our cook for all of our other meals. 

Last night Henry (IN) came and regaled us with some African folk stories.  They were most interesting and entertaining.  We had a night of laughter and fun.  We are making friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. 

Today on one of my trips back and forth from the guest house (we were putting on the workshops at the church) a young man came up to me to introduce himself and asked my name.  He then asked if he could give me a wild rose that he had picked.  I was so touched, it is hard to describe. 

We are learning about African time and the slow pace.  Everyone who comes here talks of it but until you experience it you really can't understand it.  Now I do!  :-) 

I will sign off now for tonight.  Hopefully this will post up before the internet kicks out.  We will write more later and hopefully get some pictures up. 

Blessings to everyone
Julie