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!!!