A great group of youth

I am back in Bundibugyo for the holidays and so enjoying reconnecting with friends and teammates.  Yesterday I went to a party that was organized by the  youth of Bundimalinga Presbyterian church.  The party was to recognize the work of the youth this year and to celebrate the birth of Christ.  The event was set to begin at 10 am, which really means 11.  We arrived around 11, but the rain earlier in the day pushed for even more of a delay.  This was OK because it gave me a chance to check out the cooking that had going on (they probably started around 9am for a meal that would be ready at 4:30... we had some wonderfully dedicated cooks.

Now that's a pot of meat!

Irish potatoes...  some g-nut(my favorite) pounding in the background

The delay also gave me time to capture some of the Decorations.  I was pretty amazed that whole banana trees were cut down for decorations.  But I guess we cut down whole trees to decorate for Christmas too.

Josh delivering a Christmas message, encouragement and challenge to the youth to bless their community!- the first of many speeches of the day.

Soon the festivities began, with a gospel message from Josh and the singing of the national anthem.  Juliet was the Emcee and kept the event going.  Introducing each speaker and the groups who did miming of music, which is just lip-sinking.  Though the dancing that accompanied it definitely gave it a little something extra.  There were many speeches of the chairman of the youth group, a local government official, and from the guest of honor.  In between the speeches we were wowed by the new sound system.   By about 4 most of the program was completed and Juliet invited volunteers to come up to sing.  Then she announced that the missionaries would do something to entertain everyone that was not lip-sinking, but then added that we could do music if we had nothing else to do.  Ann quickly thought a few camp skits that she thought would translate between culture and we picked one and recruited a few helpers.  It was a bit hit, definitely providing a lot "entertainment"  though this was not a tough crowd to please.

What's a Christmas party with out a little miming.  AKA lip sinking to some popular American tunes. 

"Mr. and Mrs. Party" cut the cake next to guest of honor, Bible translator and pastor Charles Musingusi

After we enjoyed a feast of rice, matooke (like mashed potatoes, but mashed bananas), potatoes, noodles with various meat sauces and beans, the dance began.  It was opened by Mr. and Miss. Party (a bit like a prom king and queen I guess).  Then everyone rushed onto the floor to join in the fun from sweet white haired, toothless Aliganyira to the little tots with no shoes or shirts.  Definitely a day of celebration that I was glad to be a part of.

Jess making Aliganyira's day with a dance... not to mention everyone else's.  Everyone was cheering and clapping!