6/7/14
Addendum to last few days:
I feel like I have been so tired each night that I have been missing the real flavor of this trip so far, in my attempt to get the blog written so I can sleep and all the while having connectivity issues. Today is a free Sunday until we meet with our partner, AICM later in the afternoon, so it is a great opportunity for me to go back and revisit some things.
On a personal note, my husband Stephen came with me this year. It the first time I have had someone accompany me on this annual trip and his first time in Africa and having someone to share the experience with is really wonderful for me. He has been openly moved by the people and the places and has completely embraced the experience, which makes it even more special for me, as through his reactions I can remember how I felt when I first started coming here and what inspired me to form Pilot Light in the first place.
The Batwa are sensational performers, really the best I have seen in Africa through my travels and we are spoiled by the welcome and celebratory performances that we see daily here. It is a gift to the soul and one thing they can never know is how they remind us of what is important in the human spirit. No matter how tired or cold or hungry or wet or sick or weary they are or even we are, when it comes time at the end of a meeting to celebrate, EVERYONE is smiling, singing, dancing, clapping and the joy is palpable.
Coming here once a year, the progress that is being made by the Batwa Project is easily visible. The changes are huge and, although there is SO much work to be done before the Batwa are able to live healthy, self-sustaining lives with all of their needs met, we are definitely moving in that direction. To be sure, the job is far too big for Pilot Light and AICM to do alone and I really wish the government of Uganda would do more on their part, but we are committed to going step by step and keep taking steps for as long as the Batwa continue to do their part of the program. Bishop Kayeye, who leads AICM, is an extraordinary man. He is loved and respected by everyone, especially the Batwa. He treats them with respect and shows them how much he deeply cares about their plight. His commitment to them for many years and their respect of him make this project possible.
This project is kind of complicated and I realize that the pictures and the blog posts may not give the whole picture, but I do not want to write a novel about it. I am, however, happy to explain or discuss it with anyone that wants to know more about it.
I am looking forward to lunch on the shore of Lake Bunyonyi this afternoon and then a final meeting with the gang at AICM.
