"I’ve noticed most mornings I’ll awake around 3 – 4 a.m. At first I tried to fall back to sleep
as quickly as possible, as I knew the days would be long. But soon I learned to
enjoy the sounds around me. First, there is music playing late into the
night. If I wasn’t so tired from
the day at SMK, the rhythms make me want to venture out to find their
source. It is the rainy season
here, so most nights I listen to the rain. Such a soothing sound. Then around
5:00-5:30 there is the call to prayer from the mosque— a unique and soothing
sound. Many mornings I can also
hear the songs of praise from nearby churches.
Then, of course, there are the sounds of the boda-bodas
(motorcycle taxis), wild dogs, birds, bush pigeons and roosters (and I swear
there is a rooster that knows exactly when I fall asleep just to wake me up!).
These are the sounds of a village awakening…. bringing on a
new day.
As my days are coming to an end at SMK, the sound of the
children’s laughter, playing games, random singing, or quiet moments with a
child wanting to share his or her story will forever be ingrained in my
heart. There is nothing like the
squeal of laughter when a child sees her own photo from your camera. I would never tire of hearing that
sound.
To capture and put into words the experience over the last
few weeks is almost impossible. The sounds of Africa will always remain close
to my heart."
- Jennifer
"The past couple days have been
wonderful. Relationships have blossomed between particular orphans and me. I
can truly say that they have my heart. I can honestly say (I mean this from the
bottom of my heart, I’m not trying to be phony/bubbly/cheesy/fake) every single
orphan, even the secondary students, seem innocent and pure. Takia, Miriam,
Solmon, Faswila and Sandra are the orphans I am closest with. Sandra wrote me a
whole letter and gave me two bracelets today! She has no idea how happy she
made me. Takia and Faswila are Muslim. As I walked by the Mosque earlier today,
I heard someone calling my name. As I looked back I saw that it was Takia, and
my heart melted.
My favorite moment was when we were
eating dinner outside under the stars at Melissa’s house; there was music and
laughter coming from the teenagers in the art room. I was in awe of their
happiness. I can’t say for sure why that moment has me thinking so much.
Today three young girls were sitting by
me (the ones mentioned above) and asked, ‘Anna, are you coming back to SMK next
year?’ The question caught me by surprise and made me think. Each day I get
more attached to the orphans… which is both a blessing and a curse, considering
Saturday is my last day. I am so happy that I have spent my Christmas break
surrounded by such energetic and happy people! I love Team 6, and I love
Uganda! The orphans will forever be a part of my heart."
- Anna
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