At the beginning of the month I was being escorted home from the center by two of the larger kids, my “escaries” (security guards) they called themselves. We got on to talking about Birthdays and I accidentally let it slip that mine was this coming month. To which Azedi the taller of the two went extremely quiet for the rest of the walk home. At my door he stopped me and told me this “Uncle, I want to buy you a big BIG birthday cake, but uncle the money for me is not good. But one day, when I am rich and will live in England, then i will buy you a birthday cake” I didn’t know what to say; I could hear the frustration in his voice. The kids told me a few days later that I had given so much to them, that they wanted to give me something back; they wanted to teach me how to sing and dance and how to play their “local instruments” This gift was so much more thoughtful, more precious than any cake could ever be, it was priceless. – Ray
I had not intended on telling the children that it was my happy birthday, but my 2 friends Ray and Lucy clearly let the dog cat out of the bag. Having returned to Jinja for the night before to see some friends, I returned to Elohim expecting English, Maths, training and rice and beans. Instead I got a show, a feast of goat and rice, and presents from my friends. Preparing for an early night, I thought I would spend the evening playing cards and cooking supper, but instead I got a suprise party, complete with birthday cards from the children and my very own birthday song and cake – an enormous jackfruit to be shared between all of us! We had speeches and prayers, and organised dancing and eating of the jackfruit. We danced the night away to our own music and then settled down to watch a film on the neighbour’s portable DVD player – a huge treat! Without a doubt, the best birthday I have ever had!