November 2008 Trip
In November, 2008, I was fortunate to be able to return to Uganda for a short visit to Chelekura to check on the progress at John Paul School.
A visit to an African school by a patron from the United States, even a short one, cannot be a small affair. And all visits begin with a Mass of celebration.
As the first time I was here for the dedication of the school, the church was full to overflowing waiting for the special Mass of Thanksgiving that would be said in my honor. Ugandans are by nature a warm-hearted and fun loving people. The Mass was a lively affair and at one point I was called to the front of the altar, while a small talk about my trip and why I was there, was given and then to my astonishment Msgr. Kauta said “there is an African woman here that wants to dance with you”. Next I knew the band was drumming an African cadence and to the amusement of all I was dancing (very poorly) in front of the altar with one and then two women, while the whole congregation kept time clapping, “ool ooling,” and laughing. When the dancing finally finished, the Mass continued and after a short time I was again called to the front of the church. This time it was so the people could express their appreciation for the school and my visit. I am always amazed at how giving these people, who have so very little, are. Everyone gives something to show their gratitude. Each person would file forward and shake my hand and press something in it….. a few coins, a bag of millet, a chicken, a single egg. The most surprising gift was from the young man who presented me with two goats — an enormously expensive gift!
After the Mass we took a tour of the grounds and I had an opportunity to see first-hand how much progress we’ve made. Now most of the classrooms are in use. The two classrooms that are temporarily housing the Science Lab and Library will soon need to be freed up for daily classes. The grounds around the building have been landscaped with grass planted, a few small trees planted and walkways clearly defined. Next I had a chance to see the nearly completed Girls Dormitory and inspect the bunk beds which will accommodate 80 girls when fully occupied.
After the tour we went back to the school where the students had prepared a program. They started with a number of songs. First was the Ugandan National Anthem, followed by the anthem for John Paul School (written by one of the students)and a Ugandan welcoming song. A student recited a poem she had written for my visit and then many of the students participated in a very sad play about the war in Northern Uganda. The rest of the program was more songs and dancing with all the students, parents and guests eventually joining in.
The next day I had all to myself and I spent it taking lots of pictures, visiting with students, teachers, the Headmaster and Father Michael, the parish priest who is responsible for the school. I didn’t get to attend any classes as it was the end of the school year and students were taking their final exams. As in the States, it was a tense time for them.
