Thursday, June 30, 2011

June Update!

At School

The children will be in school until we arrive in early August.  Emma and Fred visited and brought everyone treats.  All of the kids are doing well.  They are really looking forward to Emma and Fred's next visit because Emma is preparing a big feast!


Emma making the children laugh

Each of the children received snacks
(Pictured:  Emma, Arthur, Juma, Baal and Natulei)


Arthur

Logel, Rose and John

Aggan pretending to sleep
Patrick with a letter from Anita!


Allan and Paul

Brothers!  Paul and John 


English Lessons in Masese

Brandi and Aaron have developed an English program to teach in the slums of Masese.  Emma is heading the program but once the kids are on school holiday they will also participate in teaching the 19 women and one man who are currently signed up for the class.  English is Uganda's national language but most of the adults in Masese have not had the opportunity to attend school, which is where English is usually taught.  The class is free of cost and held twice a week (Th, Sun) for one hour each day.  The goal of the program is teach those who are interested in learning to speak and write in English.  Another goal is to help our children to develop their English while simultaneously giving back to their relatives, friends and tribe.


Emma handing Naru the first English lesson

Naru happily passed out the first lesson

Emma surrounded by his 20 students

The women were happy and excited to learn



Many of the mothers and siblings of our children participated.
Pictured:  Rose's older sister

Aggan's mother


Emma with the 20 students

Friday, June 3, 2011

May Update!

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May Holiday

Volunteers Brittney, Allyson and Andre had a wonderful time spending the May holiday with the children!


It was really a wonderful time when our visitors jetted in at 4:00 p.m. yesterday at Entebbe Airport.  Hugs, packing, and a few moments later we left for Kampala.  Along Entebbe route we made a brief stop over for some treats then we continued to Kampala.  Of course we had to bear with the traffic during this rush hour.  The children, who had expected us to come back before 6:00 p.m., had almost lost hope but welcomed us with joy around 8:30 p.m.  You can see in one of the photos John and Mark entertaining our visitors with a welcome song.  Later the visitors were served with rice and peas plus a soda.  It was all joy at home.  Thank you so much for sending us these wonderful visitors.

-Fred


Holiday Classes

Allyson taught dance lessons!



“Just a little update from Uganda. The computer at the home is out of service at the moment so Andre and I came into Jinja today with Mark and Gloria to find an internet cafe. We bought them pizza and I think they liked it. Gloria is a little shy when she's not with the other girls. 

A little info on the three newest members. Juma is absolutely adorable. He is the sweetest little boy. He never throws temper tantrums or anything, he is always very quiet and observant. I kept trying to get a reaction out of him and it wasn't working until yesterday when I decided to chase him around the yard--he really liked that one. Natule is brilliant. She will copy anything I say in English, even complete sentences. She catches on very quickly and she can really shake her bum!! I would say she is definitely the best dancer in the home :). Lomilo (Baal?), Natule's older brother, is a sweetheart. Even though he is only about a year older than her, he watches over her like an older brother should, takes care of her, and they love paling around together. Lomilo loves football too, even though the ball is as big as he is. They are all getting along nicely with the rest of the children. I love how everyone takes care of everyone.

Natule got her birthday gift from her sponsors. She never leaves the Groovy Girl doll alone, and she immediately pulled out the dress and put it on. I think she wore it for 4 days straight. She took her bag and placed it gently on her bed so no one else would touch it. The kids had such a fun time watching the PFP video, yelling each other's names when their face popped up. Also, the photo album is a popular book nowadays in the home. The kids love going through the pictures and seeing Auntie Brandi.”
-Ally

Brittney conducted art classes!




Andre taught dental hygiene!





“Everyone is doing a wonderful job here and the children are enjoying all of the programs.  All of our visitors are wonderful teachers.”
-Fred


Brittney, Allyson and Andre also funded a swimming trip for all of the children.  Swimming is one of their favorite holiday activities.  Thank you so much for all of your support, hard work, and for the love that you shared with these very special children!  They miss you all already!




 Go Blazers!

This month Aggan received a Portland Trail Blazer’s jersey with his name on it from his sponsors in Portland, OR.  You can see how thrilled he was!  Thank you DJ and Monika!



Moral Code Program

Brandi, Heidi and Tomasz developed a supplemental education program that was implemented during the May holiday.  The program teaches the children moral values.





Back to School

The children are now back in school and will begin their next holiday in August.  Ellie, Heidi, Tomasz, Lisa and other volunteers are planning on visiting during that holiday.



Family Photos






Birthdays




Happy Birthday to...
  • Fred and Fred's sons Allan and Arthur
  • Friday Lokwang (age 11)
  • Aggan Moses (Age 8)
  • Lodum Esther (age 7)
  • Hathukwayi Brenda (age 9)
  • Kurre John Bosco (age 12)
  • Natulei Longesi (age 4)