Welcome to Our Homes

I’ve got one of those “I can’t even think because I have a headache” headaches right now so sorry if this isn’t the best post, especially since this was a great day it deserves to be a great post.

Three new fellows, Palin, Stephanie, and Kelsey came last night at dinner time.  Chanel and I were supposed to go to the newspaper this morning, but Mafabi, our boss, asked us for the ladies’ last names and I didn’t have them (Sorry Professor Lippincott, major photojournalism fail).  Anyway so Mafabi seems to only work with one thing at a time so he told me to get those and then to come back later and he’d give us assignments.  So since it was another very short trip, we showed the new fellows around town.  I think our tour was a bit confusing but they’ll get the hang of it, that’s how we felt on our first tour too.

We’re starting to take ownership of the products we’re mostly working on, so this morning we got together all of the stuff we needed and then headed over.  I was nervous since it's our first time having all the women together (which will happen every Tuesday) and we also were a bigger group (though we're still missing 3 since Jessica is away for the week and two more fellows haven't arrived yet).

When we got there today the security guard made us sign in, which was pretty odd since he's seen us every day and even said he recognizes us... with so many people this time it was pretty annoying.  Anyway the ladies were all happy to see us and it was surprisingly calm despite how many of us were in one room.  Everyone was very concentrated on doing their work well.  Veronica, who is making the ornaments, is so sweet and very work oriented.  Right when she saw her stuff she just took it and sat down and began working quietly.  Half the time she worked on her own but every time I came over to sit she just smiled at me and kept going.

My little friend, Kodo (I don't know much about him except that he's in the baby class at Child of Hope) came in and sat on my lap for a bit which was cute.  I have no clue how old he is but we are definitely friends.

I'm also getting to know Grace, who works at Child of Hope, better, and I'm hoping to tell her story in addition to those of the ladies.

After school Elizabeth and Esther wanted to show us their homes.  It was so nice that they were so excited to bring us to where they live.  Esther also said she wants to bring us to the village in which she grew up, where her dad and two of her kids live.  It was so nice seeing their homes, which they are clearly proud of (and obviously have a right to be).  I wish Elizabeth had more space though, as she lives with 5 kids and was saying how her house isn't big enough for them and she'd like to move somewhere bigger when she has enough money.  These women are just so incredible and welcoming.  Esther actually has a picture of a very big Western looking house hung up in her house which she likes.

I know that it's part of my job is to photograph where they live, but I felt rude doing that the first time they invited me in.  I didn't want them to feel like I wasn't interested and I just came to take pictures, so I'll wait until I go another time to take pictures of their homes.  It was cool meeting a few more of their kids though.

A bunch of kids walked around with us, and as we continued on our way, Merab, a girl I've been walking with lately (the one who asked me for shoes and a purse), asked me again if I'd go to her home.  I had told her to ask her parents and she said she did so we stopped there, too.  It turned out she is actually Mary, one of the new ladies, 's daughter.  Who knew?

Despite her not inviting us herself, Mary looked thrilled to have us.  She didn't let us into the house, but it was nice just standing outside and chatting a bit and she asked for pictures with two of her daughters.  It was cool having her open up a bit more.  I feel like we really made progress today.

It's so sweet, the ladies always say "We love you" and you can tell how much they appreciate how we're trying to help them.  Of course we tell them how much we love them as well.

All the kids want to come back with us to our home, but we make sure to say goodbye when we get back onto the main road when we leave Namatala.  It's sad but we can't have them come here.

Mafabi wasn't there again this evening, but I got everyone's last names (turns out they usually say last name first).  Hopefully he'll be there again in the morning and we can introduce the new fellows.

This evening was pretty uneventful.  Nina organized my toiletries while we weren't even in the room.  Though I also caught her with my lens and told her that's off limits.  She also did my hair for a while and as usual we all just chatted for hours after dinner.  Ok, now even I'm getting bored hearing myself.

Anyway it was a great day and I'm excited for tomorrow! (Though dreading editing all my photos since I'm already a day behind)

Kelsey, Chanel, Palin, Stephanie, and Me on bodas (taken by Marjani)