thanksgiving

Walking to school early morning on Sunday November 25, I felt the effects of a heavy and loud rainstorm: the moist green grass, the softened red soil and the cool breeze. Not the optimal environmental conditions for attending an outdoor thanksgiving party. Regardless, as I approached the school compound, the cool breeze was replaced by laughter, excitement, anxiousness, and some confusion as 30 students prepared to attend the party as dancers and entertainers. After a hurried consumption of porridge, five day scholars (students who are not boarders) ran to where the coaster buses remained waiting. The white bus soon filled with students, drums, and costumes. After some re-arrangement, the dozen staff members were seated, causing the capacity of the bus to surpass the legal limit of passengers - a common occurrence for public transport. The blue coaster bus was reserved for villagers attending the party, including my host mother. We departed from school expecting to drive the 50 miles to Hoima in time for the church service scheduled at 10 am. Like students worldwide, the bus ride was characterized by songs (both in Runyoro and in English), clapping, and noise. Blue and white decorations quickly identified the site of the party: beginning at the church then proceeding across the street to the home of the Head Teacher (HT). The church service was fully attended, with many people sitting outside because of insufficient seating inside. Following the service, heavy rains prevented us from relocating 500m to the HT's home, so we sat inside the church singing and dancing. Once we arrived at the HT's home, entertainment and eating began. We first enjoyed some traditional dances performed by the students, followed by some speeches and additional entertainment. The cake was cut and served then around 4:00 we lined up for lunch. The party was organized to give thanks to God for His healing power and mercy. The HT had been very ill with breast cancer but miraculously recovered within a few months, although she continues to feel the effects of having cancer. Thus it was necessary to publicly thank God for His healing, praise Him for His grace, and thank family and friends for their support.

As we were celebrating and being thankful, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) was concluding in Kampala. At this meeting, of which Canada was a participant, issues surrounding poverty, human rights, the environment, education, and sustainable development were discussed. Leading up to CHOGM, there had been significant media criticism and concern about the credibility and validity of the meeting. Yet I am reminded of the HT's life: although still weak and fighting cancer, she chose to give thanks for the healing that has already occurred. Similarly, we must also chose to give thanks for the blessings we have and trust God for His provisions of our needs. Despite the challenges and struggles, the commonwealth countries and individuals worldwide must celebrate God's power and love even though it may not be fulfilled as we desire. With God's strength we shall continue to fight the evils of this world in hope for the eternal life promised to us.

I am thankful for the many blessings I experience here in Uganda. My physical needs are met because I know I will always be supplied with food, water, shelter, and clothing. My social needs are met as I converse with friends, share experiences together, and learn together. My spiritual needs are met mostly through some highly encouraging and challenging discussions with Ugandans. I give thanks for what God has done, and trust God for His continued provision of my needs as I approach a new year and the Christmas season. Thanks.