team 9: post from scott

Traditions

Practice, ritual and traditions are important. They keep us grounded. They remind us of things we must continually work to improve. They remind us of times past that we'd like to honor with memory. Things that we put value in, and would like to carry forward in our lives. They make our time better because we choose to include them.

On Christmas day we shared in new and old traditions at SMK. Kajjansi was full of the sounds of music and worship. Families dressed in their best to celebrate. So could be said for the experience within SMK. Our boys and girls looked great, each bringing their own style and smiles.

The events started with balloon animals and hats for all. We had a visitor, Brian from California, spend the day with us during his travels in Uganda. Although his stay could only be one day, he proved to be an excellent addition to the team (and quite the balloon hat expert). Such a joy to see all the little ones with their hats, skipping around SMK.

Lunch was served -- matooke, potatoes, rice and beef (with soda/pop!)

The day's program included a talent show, play and gift exchange. As you likely know, we have MANY talented dancers and musicians. How amazing to see the boys and girls challenge each other in a dance "battle". Each took to the center to show their moves, riff off each other's moves and just LAUGH (as the sole judge I had to tip my hat to the girls. They brought their A-game). 

Nicky and band treated everyone to "All I want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey

Melissa directed what may become a new tradition at SMK, an adaptation of Sleeping Beauty written by Joseph Kavulu himself. This was the first time the boys and girls have presented a play like this. They did a great job with creating scenery from nearby branches and fabric and costumes from construction paper. The audience watched as Prince Philip awakened Princess Aurora from a prick of a cursed tailoring machine that had put her to sleep.

As the sun began descending, the gift-giving began. Each of the older boys and girls had selected names from a hat to create a "secret santa" type of gift exchange. I found out about this tradition the night before as I joined some of the boys to anxiously search the town vendors for an appropriate last-minute gift. This was their chance to come up to receive their gift and and read the name they'd pulled. Of course, each was required to dance as they approached the front. So much style in one room. 

CTT team members were touched to receive appreciation gifts from Joan Faith on behalf of SMK. The Kavulu family was presented with a beautiful framed painting (created by Willy!). 

To bring a close to the day's events, each boy and girl was presented with a gift from CTT -- a calculator or torch (flashlight). 

It was touching to see the traditions of SMK and Uganda, and be included in both. 

- Scott