Rooster

Yesterday, I succumbed to Tim’s pleas. “Yes, I will visit your community. Just remember the No Gift Policy I’ve signed with AJWS.”

The “half hour” drive was two hours. When the dirt road narrowed and the path ran out, we were in a field parked by a tree shading the welcome singers, musicians and dancers. “We welcome you visitor. We’re so happy you came………”

Their first ever Muzungu, white person, unfolded from the stuffed car clapping and swaying to the repetitive rhythm of the wood and metal instruments. My camera focused on their spirited energy and the pre-school children playing a copy cat game with their teacher.

The social worker, coordinator, chair and two instructors, all volunteers, led me into the small, dark, mud preschool hut. They gave me bottled water and a small folder. They understood I couldn’t personally help, but would I just look over their work.

Outside the kids were lining up to get their daily cup of millet porridge. Millet stalks to be chafed and ground were piled high in the corner, in-kind donations from families who couldn’t pay the 1,000 Ugandan shilling monthly fee – about 35 cents American.

After porridge we sang “If you’re Happy and you Know it Clap your Hands” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider”.

To save face for both the hosts who hadn’t properly fed me and me who declined food because of my American watch (they hadn’t killed the chicken yet) I was presented with a rooster to take home. Hey, I didn’t see anything in the gift policy about not receiving a rooster!

p.s. Yes, I will read their professionally laid out proposal and brainstorm how they might find funds for the 28 orphans they now serve, the 200 vulnerable children on their wait list and the 1000 other needy children in their district they hope to serve in a year’s time!