A few days ago I was hanging out with my neighbors and I met a little girl named Babra (Barbara). She lives across the street from me and I have seen her before, but we became friends that day. She was all smiles as we sang songs and played silly games. There were over 20 kids, but when I went home I found myself thinking of her. I saw her the next day when I went for my morning walk and I asked her why she wasn't in school. She told me that she could not afford it. She used to go to school and loved it, but there wasn't enough money this term. When I got home, I asked some of the ladies who work at our house and they said it is about $8 a term (16,000 Ugandan Shillings). Janet, the housekeeper, took me up to the school and we enrolled Barbara in school. It was 50,000 USH A YEAR (that is about $25).
With the headmaster at Barbara's school.
Barbara was so happy. I told her that I would walk with her to school in the morning.
I went to Barbara's house at 7am this morning and she was all ready (looked so cute in her uniform). It is about 1 mile to her school. Every few feet we met up with more kids. :)
This is the path that we took to school.
Barbara at school.
I made the mile trek home by myself (I only got lost once). I wish that everyone I know could experience what I experienced this morning. Not only the amazing feeling of helping a child get educated, but the long walk along the bumpy, dirt road. I must have greeted over 500 people along the way. EVERYONE smiles and says hello here. I sat down with strangers and talked about the plans for the day, the weather, God, their children, and their jobs.
I recently came across a quote by Annie Dillard, "the way we live out our days is the way we will live our lives." It seems that every day in Africa presents a new challenge and gives me new perspective on life. Today was no different.
