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August 19, 2006
Rainbows
James stands outside his new home, at the end of a rainbow.
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19 August 2006 Sweet Shamim danced all day, charming people with her delicate, unforgettable smile. Instead of giving her testimony and singing a song, Shamim danced with the TASO Mbale Drama Group. The sun beat down on us during the neverending TASO Mbale Annual General Meeting, a meeting which lasted 9 hours:) The Drama Group performed three times with their new member, Shamim.
Shamim dances at the TASO Mbale Annual General Meeting.
And then, of course, came the speeches and reading of reports and minutes. I was too hot to be impatient. Shamim made the time seem irrelevant. She wore her new purple dress, pink sneakers and a shear black headscarf. I loved watching her dance, so happy and free. Shamim makes everyone around her feel good. Her smile is haunting - stays with you always, even visits you in your dreams. And her little voice. And her sweet little hands. She always holds my hand. I had to say goodbye to Shamim, but I'll see her again.
Shamim's remarkable smile.
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James laughing with friends outside his new home.
I left TASO early to say goodbye to Charles and James, and to see their improved home. The sun was about to set - my favorite time of day, when the sun light shines differently, illuminating everything, making dull things bright. And the colors! It's my favorite.
As we drove into the village, kids started running towards the house from all directions. We found James sitting on the veranda underneath the bright blue shudders wearing one of his brother's uniform shirts.
Charles, James, Reuben, and Joseph stand with Juma outside their new home.
Charles rode in on his new bike. Robert arrived later after a long day of caring for a neighbor's cattle. About twenty neighbor children lingered around, laughing and joking and saying, "muzungu how are you."
Havin' fun in the doorway.
Clearly, Charles and James now have the coolest house in the village! Wonderful, airy sky blue paint brightens the interior walls of the home. A deeper, sea blue colors the doors and shudders. The veranda, the floor, the new latrine - it's beautiful!
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Charles and James inside their freshly painted home.
I saw a sense of relief in Charles' eyes. This home, the bike, and the poultry make him feel more secure, less overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being the breadwinner, the cook, the caregiver, the "everything" to his five brothers.
A rainbow appeared in the sky, first one I've seen since I've been here. The rainbow seemed to end at the house.
Magic colors everywhere!
That rainbow, however superstitious this may sound, assured me that Charles and James are gonna be all right. A good luck rainbow for Charles and James. We said our goodbyes before the sun left the sky.
...at the end of the rainbow.
View of the house as we drove away.
Posted by kmf23 at August 19, 2006 08:35 AM
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Comments
Kelly....I'm very proud just knowing you. THANK YOU for making the world a better place. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Posted by: Bill Cotopolis at August 21, 2006 10:04 PM
So Emilys comment most definately made me cry... I'm turning into effie...love you both!
Posted by: Maria at August 21, 2006 12:29 AM
I think the rainbow was the most reflective ending your trip could have for Charles and James, you, and all of us reading your blog back home. I think you're the rainbow...
"Sun is shining
Weather is sweet
Make you wanna move your dancin' feet
To the rescue, here i am
want you to know, where i stand
When the morning gathers the rainbow
Want you to know, I'm a rainbow too
So to the rescue, here I am"
Posted by: emily at August 20, 2006 05:53 PM
I don't think saying that about the rainbow seems superstitious at all!! It makes perfect sense! It gives you something good to hold onto. love you miss you..see you soon!
Posted by: Maria at August 20, 2006 10:51 AM