Life in Obule

Saturday Market

One of Emalai's best friends

Our neighbors son had his traditional marriage last month. It is a cultural experience. Not so much fun but seeing how the process works and what they call marriage. At this marriage they got tents and LOUD speakers and the girls clan came as honored guests. The two clans discussed literally for hours (and onto the next morning) the bride price. The girls clan wanted to be paid for coming, 10 cows, 8 goats, and more money. The boys family said they couldn't pay that. Because they couldn't come to an agreement they served all of us, the guests, food (in my experience usually this happens after an agreement is made). I think they knew they would come to an agreement eventually because the girls was to have a baby in a few weeks.

Anyways, our kids had a good time with their friends. Lydia and Grace love to be one of the teens and helped in the kitchen and serving the food. They waited to eat until their work was done and they sat with their friends to eat offals (intestines). Way to go girls! Malai loved dancing with her friends to the blaring music. They are so much fun to watch! Unfortunately, the music went all night! I was amazed the next day that all the adults in the village seemed to be unset about the music and didn't sleep, BUT no one does anything about it. Finally at 7am we asked for them to turn down the volume. I have come a long ways in my mission career. I use to like boil with anger after a night with loud music and little sleep. The injustice of it all just frustrated me. Now, it is just a part of their culture and I know it only happens by us about once in a year. I don't want to be the angry white lady who complains and stops their fun. But...if the people here do and they stop the music I am ok with that :).

Visiting the church in Pingere

The girls sang in the choir - actually Lydia led the Ateso song!

Many wonderful meal with friends since we have come back and since my parents are here.

Achia is growing with the love and food she is receiving. Dad and Mom sure love her. Achia is very sweet but sometimes just complains (she can't communicate). Dad walks many a miles with her keeping her happy. Dad and Mom seem to have their routine here. It is very different for them, boring I am sure, but they don't complain. Pray for them as they wait for God's will to be done with this adoption.

Friends

Our kids love to help their friends after school. Right now with the rains it is time to plant. Here they are planting maize. The other day they did g-nuts aka peanuts and dragged a tree branch (more like a chunk of tree) to plant simsim (sesame seeds). A hoe did fall on Grace's toe the other week and cut it so we make sure to wear boots around farming tools. I admire them for always trying and learning new things. This week we went to visit one of the girls friends who had been sick. Lydia does an amazing job with Ateso. So does Grace. They often translate for me or help communicate. Lydia adds a few words each week - and remembers them! She says it is hard but the reward is worth it. People love when you try and when you know their language. The family we visited told Lydia she would know Ateso in two years (I think that is encouraging). They were so happy we visited they gave us a chicken to take home. Relationships are such a blessing here!

Lydia teaching Sunday School

See Malai in Sunday School?

The making of charcoal

Grace loves getting charcoal with her friends.
It was really funny when we went to a Medieval museum and they tried to show my kids how they made charcoal way back then.

Josh's translation teams are at it again! I enjoy hosting them in our home and they seem to appreciate it too.

We cleaned the church wall last Saturday with the youth - mostly kids at first but then youth and a couple adults joined us. We had fun working together. The church looked so much better too. I love being with our friends and church family. I was proud of everyone. Next Saturday we paint the wall! Stay tuned for pictures to be added on the results...