Updates on Choir 34

WOW!!! I knew that I hadn't written on my blog in a long time, but I had no idea it was that long ago. By now, I'm about four months into choir 34's tour. We have done so many thing already and are really having fun!!! Already we have done a special event, visited many museums and traveled to several states.

The children had so much fun singing with Alicia Keys last month that they still sing their song. In October, we performed at the Black Ball where Chris Martin, Queen Latifia and President Bill Clinton were just a few of the special guests. At this event the children sang a Michael Jackson song, called Earth which was a perfect representation of African Children. The event was to raise awareness for the AIDS epidemic in Africa. They asked the children to be there as a symbol of hope for the work that is being done. I think they did a great job and there was not a dry eye in the whole ballroom. Who can respresent Africa better than the children who live there.

After doing such a great job at the event, we decided that the children needed a treat. A few days later we visited the Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. where the children watched a movie for the first time in America. We watched a movie on fighter pilot training and afterwards many of the children decided they were too scared to fly planes anymore. The whole movie all the children did was watch planes go over their heads as the 3D plane would extend from the screen. Since this museum we have also visited the New England Aquarium in Boston and saw a 75 year old sea turtle and a giant anaconda snake. The best part was a huge tank that extended from the first floor all the way to the fourth. Here is where the turtle lived as well as many sharks. Later this week we will also visit the COSI museum in Columbus, Ohio. (more on that later)

After all these exciting adventures the children have been to 13 states through the East Coast, from North Carolina to Maine and into Ohio. They have seen mountains and the Ocean as well as New York City, Boston and Washington D.C. They have seen the leaves change colors in the fall and drop off and now they are waiting to seen snow soon.

Sweet Goodbyes and Fond Beginnings

I had one of the best nights yesterday when I was able to go to choir 31's last performance. I know it hasn't been that long since I saw them last, but it still felt like I hadn't seen them in forever. Just like going home, the children ran to meet me and I was almost knocked to my knees. Those children have brought me so much fun and joy and it was a great priviledge to say goodbye. They danced their hearts out and on the last song, Victor pulled all the chaperons on stage to dance. Wow, there is a reason why we sit in the audience and just cheer. After that great performance, the church was so kind and prepared a party for us. I felt so bad after leaving. We just gave 26 children, who were hyper on sugar to several unknowing host homes. My favorite part of the party was telling my table of girls the story of Beauty and the Beast one last time. For some reason Lynate just loves it.

I will miss those children terribly but there is also peace in my heart about choir 34. The children had their dress rehearsal today and did quite well. There is a little work to be done but mostly it is full of energy and the African songs are all amazing. I do enjoy this program, with twice as many African songs, it truly does feel like Africa. The children love dancing, and watching some of their songs just makes me want to run up there on stage and join them. All in all this tour looks to be in great shape and I can't wait to get on the road.

Choir 34's First Football Game and Swimming Party

One joy of being with a new tour, out of many, is the excitement they face when seeing something for the first time. These wonderful children have had the opportunity to be at Mirembe House for their first week, and because of that excitement, have been able to witness so many new things. After coming in on Thursday, last week, they have experienced their first football game (aka soccer) and have been swimming in a public pool. The football game was so interesting. First the children had pizza, which won over the croud. They actually liked it and many went back for more and more. After dinner, the game started, and even though it was only a high school game, their eyes were glued. Most of the children really enjoyed the game and they were cheering and shouting like nothing else. The other people couldn't stop laughing. During halftime they became really creative, the girls started to balance water bottles on their head, and then we had competitions and dances. I was rather proud of myself, because I walked several feet with a bottle on my head. I think that is the longest I have ever gone and I did the same thing many times. I think that was the most exciting part of the whole game. After the balancing acts I was completely oblivious to the game.

The next night we were able to take the children to a country club with swimming. The pool was so big and all of the children didn't know how to swim. Imagine teaching 23 african children how to swim; loud and exciting!!! The minute their toes hit the water, they were laughing and screaming. I was hoping the lifeguard didn't think the children were drowning the whole time. After they were used to the water, and not so afraid, we took them down the water slide. Even one of the chaperons who couldn't swim went down this slide. So much fun!!! One of my goals this tour is to teach that chaperon how to swim. We'll see how things go. If she doesn't learn, it won't be my fault...hint hint. I am having a great time and I really enjoy being with this new team. This next year will be so exciting and rewarding.

Latest Sponsorship Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

What a joy and pleasure it has been to work with the wonderful children of the 31st African Children's Choir. Fortunately, these children have finished their touring and are currently preparing to return home to Uganda. I cannot begin to explain or tell you how much joy I have received from working with these children, and my only wish is that they do not forget me. Oh, and that sometime in my life I will be able to visit them in their home surroundings. I will never forget the jokes that we shared or the lessons I have learned, these three months have truly been a blessing.

Here are some final experiences with the wonderful children on Choir 31. The other day I was able to take some children fishing who had never been before. Amazingly Diana caught her first fish and we took a picture. After that, every time there was a movement on the line, she would scream and scare the fish away. One time, I was holding the pole for her and she saw movement on the line, and what did she do, but grab the pole from my hands, fling the line way over our heads and scream. At this point, I dropped the pole, thinking she had it, and it fell into the water. We had to fish it out with another pole while 10 other people were watching the whole charade. So much fun!!!! Another fun adventure with a host family was playing dress-up. That seems like such a simple playtime for American children, but Ugandans don't have that opportunity very often. We had so much fun putting on bright pink wigs and dancing with Easter egg hats. The girls played for hours and didn't want to leave. I can't begin to explain how much laughter was in that room.

Even though these children will be heading home soon, that does not mean my ministry is over. I have just joined the Choir 34 tour, which will be touring throughout the US and Canada as well as performing our Journey of Hope show in these next 12 months. I am so excited to teach these small children about the joys found in America, and open their eyes to the giving hearts that are found on tour. Even though, they come from horrible situations in Uganda and Kenya, God's love and kindness can be found in America. This new tour does mean I will be starting with a different set of chaperons, but I pray that the transition will be smooth and work well.
Finally, I am proud to say that the chaperon who was recovering from a concussion last month, is doing great and had no side effects. Another prayer was answered, thanks to you, both choir 34 and 35 have their visa's and are booked to tour in September. Also, don't forget that even though God has provided for me financially this month, I still need your help to be stable this upcoming month and throughout my next tour. Please remember that for me to continue in this ministry, I must raise $600 each month to provide for the basic necessities of life on the road. Thanks for all your prayers, love and support.

May God bless you and keep you safe,
Auntie Jamie

My First Stay at Mirembe House

So, all throughout tour I was constantly hearing about this great place called Mirembe. As it came closer to the time when we would be there, host families would ask what it was like and clearly I had no idea. I would tell them generic answers like, "It's large and can house our whole choir," or "All of the children have their own beds and are very excited to spend time together as a group." I never pictured the house the way I do now. The thing I like best about the house is the peace and quite. I know that sounds strange, that living with 7 chaperons and 26 children would be peaceful, but it really is. Here, everyone does their own thing and just enjoys each other company. We don't have to move from place to place and worry about having everything packed in our suitcases, and we can leave a book on the table in our own living room. I get to cook every once and a while and learn new things about people slowly. I've had fun reading more than one chapter in my book a day and being outside whenever I want. The only sad part of being at Mirembe House is that I will be leaving these children soon and that is a very upsetting realization. I cannot begin to imagine the sadness I will feel. That is nothing compared to the sadness chaperons, who have been with them since the beginning, will feel. When these children leave, however, another group of kids from Kenya and Uganda will be coming, and I am very excited for this new adventure as well!!!

Amazing Adventures in Florida

WOW!!! Tonight was so much fun. Three boys and myself have had the pleasure of staying with a family in Sarasota, FL who has kept us so busy. I can't believe the fun we had. To start the host stay, we were picked up in a truck with tires bigger than some of the boys. It was actually hard climbing into the thing the first time. Once we were on the road, I was informed that the truck we were riding was actually the smallest of the vehicles that the fmaily owned. The largest was a monster truck that was currently in the shop because our Uncle had destroyed it mud racing. Also, the house was so far away that it took 10 minutes to drive down their dirt driveway.

Tonight is where the real fun lies, though. We were able to ride in a swamp buggie. The entire contraption is so tall, one has to climb up with a ladder. We drove for a while and went along the side of a lake where I was pretty certain we were going to fall. The truck was almost 90 degrees tilted towards the water. All the boys were laughing because I kept saying, "Just so you know, I am quite scared at this moment. Could you tell me when we have made it out." I shut my eyes for most of that part, or didn't look towards the water. After that ride and dinner we went on a gas powered gulf cart around their drive. After the rains it is so much fun to go fast and avoid the puddles. 6 people cramed on a gulf cart can get quite dirty, however, and Edgar came out of the drive completely covered in mud. With all this excitement the boys were still in bed by 8. Got to say, I was proud of the days events.

After the boys went to sleep, I was also able to ride Chase for an hour. I haven't ridden in so long that I had forgotten how sour one can get. I am a little afraid of the pain I will be in tomorrow, but it was worth it to be on a horse again.

Canada Day

So, I have never had the opportunity to celebrate Canada Day, but when you are on tour with a Canadan based organization it is hard to miss. We were sent decorations from our office and the bus looked so nice. All of the children also received Canadan pencils. This is the day to recognize the independence of Canada. Today, however, is America's Independence Day and the children are very excited to see fireworks. We will also be going home early this evening to see other families' ways of celebrating. I am kinda interested about this holiday.

Kids do the Darndess Things

This past night I stayed with two girls in a host home and they are so funny. Florence makes me laugh everytime I see her and it is very rare to see her without a smile. The other day Florence put on a white theater mask and turned around to look at me. I about jumped out of my chair and screamed. She looked like a creepy ghost. I just wanted to share these pictures with everyone.

The Eye Doctor

I forgot to mention that the children will not have eye doctors or dentists when they go back to Africa, so we have been trying to make appointments for them before they leave. The other day we made it to the Optometrist and I wanted to share some pictures with you. One of the children, Busuulwa, wants to be an optometrist and so he was able to work with the doctors. None of the children had had their eyes tested before and it was so funny to watch them hold up those one eyed glasses, and totally miss their face or hold it upside down. What an experience to be able to watch children during all their "firsts". To my amazement, out of 26 children, only 2 need glasses. That would never happen with American children, I wonder why? Could it be all the scenes we are raised with from birth?

Vero Beach and my upcoming classes

So this week we have been fortunate enough to have some down time and a wonderful church has given us housing. We had spent some time in Vero Beach earlier this summer, and they knew about the break in our events. I am currently staying with an amazing family and three of my boys for six nights. It has been great to know that I am going home to the same house, at least for this week. Touring is so exciting and thrilling, don't get me wrong, but it will always be nice to stay in one place every once and a while. This house has a pool and the boys have been addicted to their pool table. That is the first thing that they do everyday after school. Today is my day off and I will be spending time at the beach. Apparently I look white...haha. I don't know how anyone could have gotten that idea into their heads.

This experience has already been life changing, and I haven't even been on the road a month. These little children have become my own, and I feel this motherly pride every time they perform. The other day I even caught myself searching out playgrounds and new clothes for the kids, without thinking. One of the boys that I am with now, Joshua Busuulwa even told me about his family a little. He wanted to share what he would have been doing at that time on that day in Africa. He told me about his 11 brothers and sisters and their ages, he is the 3rd youngest, and that they would be outside playing and climbing in trees. Can you imagine having 11 brothers and sisters in Africa?

So moving on, this week I will be taking over the P5 math classes. I can't wait, math is my favorite subject and I have been missing all those accounting classes. They are starting on geometry, which could be interesting considering the last time I did any math like that was my freshman year in High School. Today, I will be reviewing about all those shapes, but I think it will be fun for the kids. This section allows them to draw and color, which lets face it, children love to do. I'll let you know how this class goes.

Host Homes and an Update

Hi All,

I know I haven’t blogged in a while, I just haven’t had the time. This choir experience is just so excited and time consuming. I might have plenty of time to write, but be in a house without internet, and that just makes communicating complicated. I have had wonderful experiences in most of my host homes, and have had the pleasure of staying at a home with a movie theater. Now, I mean a full movie theater with cinema chairs, popcorn, and surround sound. My host and I were able to watch Blood Diamond after the girls went to sleep. I have also stayed in homes by the beach and have been able to have my own room all but one night. I haven't had my own room for the last four years, and it makes me laugh to see that after joining tour I have my own room again...haha.

Besides the host homes, I have finally gotten my permanent assignment. Wow, I sound like a secret agent…haha. I will be staying in Florida with the tour I started on, and will be running sound. The current sound guy will be learning how to drive the bus these next two weeks, and will take over that job when he returns. I have never had the pleasure of running live sound before, and last night was the first experience. I didn't mess anything up and most of the children gave me a "good job" high-five when the concert was done. I think I might be able to get the handle of this after all. There is so much to remember and I act as House and Stage Manager and sound man all in one. WOW!!!!

The tour that I will be with will only be in Florida, and North and South Carolina. There is another tour, for all you Mid-Westerners, which will be traveling through Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Please make an effort to visit our website and find a concert close to you. Sorry I will not be on that tour, but you will have an understanding of what I will be doing this next year. You can find our schedule on: africanchildrenschoir.com.

I hope everyone has been having a great summer and that I will hear from you soon.

The First Day of Teaching

Daytona Beach, Florida, I’m sure, can be beautiful but that is not the experience that I have gotten from this trip. I am staying in a host home that lives right on the beach and I can watch the water from my perch on the seventh floor. We I look down all I see is the angry ocean and salt water foam. It is wonderful in its own way, but still incredibly dangerous. For the break this afternoon we took the kids to the beach and there I brought up some of the foam. I had never touched that before and it was disgusting. Since there was no place to wash my hands, I wiped it off on unsuspecting children. What a joy then can be in so many people’s lives.

I had never taught school classes before and today I was a teacher for the P4 and P2 children and taught them journaling. This is a very simple process but for some children can take hours. My P2 students were the most difficult, and I had to work sentence by sentence with one of them for an entire hour. That tedious little work is the most exhausting and takes so much patience. For two and a half hours I helped this little boy right about singing with country stars in Nashville, TN. I’m sure there was so much that he would have said about that adventure, had he written it the day after, but he had put aside this particular journal entry for several weeks, and had totally forgotten everything. What a job. We had just been to Disney World, as I mentioned earlier, and all the children were to write about the experience there. We talked about all the rides, movies, and the parade which brought back that joy that they had all felt. So many children dream of going to Disney World and their dream came true.

And conveniently I have already been in the news paper with one of my students. My first day of teaching and I am already famous...haha Here's the link: http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Local/newEAST01052209.htm

What a First Day!!!!

On Sunday I flew to Orlando, Florida to join The African Children's Choir, tour 31. I had to idea what to expect and hadn't met, in person, anyone on the tour. Man was I in for a treat. After my first night of 5 hours of sleep, we took 26 children to Disney World on their first trip there. None of the Children had ever ridden a roller coaster or seen a Disney parade. The entire day was filled with exciting new experiences and fun rides. I just loved watching the look on each child's face as they came off of there first ride, which just happened to be Mt. Everest. Those kids were terrified. The shadow monster that was breaking the tracks would have seemed quite scary to an 8 year old. The monster ride was quickly made up by the Thunder Mountain ride, however, and the kids saw how fun roller coaster could actually be. Splash Mountain was the next favorite ride and many children came off soaking wet. The only bad thing about the day was the rain. From the time we got there in the morning to when we left at 6:30 pm it was raining and late morning it was down poring. I did feel bad about the weather but that wasn't stopping the kids, so why should it stop us. Also, about every five minutes the girls would ask me if they were going to see Cinderella and because of the rain, she never came out. All in all an eventful first for all the kids. I just love seeing the joy in the eyes, Disney is truly a magical place.