New Start - New School

This week has seen a big transition for us as Lutaaya has started secondary school.

Yes my girly is in comp!

I haven't been anxious about her starting secondary school.  We've been caught up in the excitement of new uniform, new equipment, new lessons, new friends.  I guess we've dealt with lots of changes in the past two years, that starting comp is something we can deal with. 

So her bag was packed and off she went to start her new school.

She's had her first week there and has LOVED it!  She's accessing a small group for her lessons and all I can say is she has talked more about the last four days than anything I heard about Primary!

We couldn't ask for any better.  She is coping with lunch times and walking to and from school with friends.  She has coped with finding her way in a big building and loves how the day is split into several different lessons.  She has recalled everything she has learned in each lesson and has really found her feet.  Her confidence is flowing and she hasn't stopped smiling since Tuesday.

So thankful that this is such a positive transition for Lutaaya.  I'm a proud Mam, to a little girl who has been able to take so much in her stride and make the best out of every situation.

Long hair!

Lutaaya has said for a long time that she wanted her hair to grow.  We have had lots of talks about African hair not growing so much and it taking a long time to grow as it's so curly.  She accepted this and we've been through many different styles with her hair growing a few inches since her coming home.

Going to comprehensive school is a big deal in itself and we talked about maybe going to a salon and getting her hair done ready for this big move.  Lutaaya got excited, so it became a plan of the summer holidays while we were both off.

Lutaaya initially likes the idea of having a weave, but the hairdresser told us she may be a little young to manage this and advised us to have braids.  Lutaaya spent a long time looking through the har magazines before deciding on what she would like her new hair to look like.

We made the appointment and got ready for a day of braiding.

I have never seen Lutaaya so quiet and so still.

She had to sit for six hours while they braided her hair - yes you read that right - 6 HOURS!!!! 

We were prepared and took snacks and activities, but she only snacked a little and didn't look for entertainment.  She simply watched every movement the hairdresser made.

End result was welcomed with a big smile - she loved it.

And for those of you who haven't caught sight of my girly's new hair - here are the photos!

Wonderful family needing a wonderful gift - could you help?

Here's the link: http://www.thekitchenisnotmyoffice.com/2012/09/a-van-for-incredible-family-15k-by.html

Now is your chance to read about an amazing family and see if you can help from this side of the pond.

Ugandan Celebration Night - GOLD!!!!!

The Olympics came to an amazing close with Uganda winning Gold in the marathon.  Not only that, but the Ugandan anthem was sung in the closing ceremony for all to hear.  We sang it loud and proud in this house!  I text my friends in Uganda to say how pleased and proud we were.  They replied saying they were sure I was a Ugandan at heart even if I wasn't born a Ugandan.  I think I'll agree to that one.

So this Gold, gave us the reason we needed for a Ugandan cultural night.  We invited family and friends around and did all things Ugandan!  Lutaaya and I spent the day preparing for our Ugandan feast.  We cooked all day, coming up with some Ugandan delicacies including matoke, chapatti, rice, beans, irish potatoes and mandazis for dessert.  Our house was decorated with Ugandan flags and a Ugandan quiz was all ready for entertainment.

Matoke

Our friends arrived and we cracked open the passion fruit juice.  Ugandan music played in the bacground and a good time was had by all.  It was wonderful chatting about our previous trips and planning the next - oh yes there will be one in the near future so look out if you're interested in joining us and get in touch.

Food was served and in all the frantic serving, I forgot to take photos.  So you'll have to take my word on the fact we made all the Ugandan food and served everyone.  Everyone tried the food.  Some failed, while other forced it down and then there were the few who LOVED it!  I need to sign those up for the next trip!!

Lutaaya loved tasting her national dishes again and loved having our house full of people.  She seriously would have a house full every night given the chance.  She hummed along to the music and smiled all night long.

The time cooking made me admire the Ugandan women.  They have such few material things and yet prepare a feast each day.  Their kitchens are far from the cooker and oven I have, and yet they prepare things with ease. 

A typical Ugandan kitchen

They have social time in their kitchens and truly are the heart of the community and each family.  There is always enough to go around in Uganda and to feed those who arrive last minute - which always amazes me!

The ladies preparing lunch for the parent day at the school

No one is left hungry and the hospitality is amazing!  In the past I have arranged parent days and a village primary school and the women in the village have had to cook for 800+.  Without a grizzle or a groan they make the feast happen.  Huge pots and pans come into play and within a few hours lunch is served.  
These women amaze and inspire me.  They prove that there are no limitations to providing for others and show me an excellent example of serving others. 

The washing up - the work never stops!