Kiki Kino? (What is That?)

Monday through today have mostly been spent in the office. Michael and I began creating drafts for our logic models. We realized it would take longer than we thought! With two very different working styles, it's always a fun day trying to figure out how to merge our ideas and thoughts together. We've done well, though.With one rough draft completed, we're working to articulate our thoughts in a concise manner.

We interviewed Dora, who is in the transition program out of EAC. She discussed life after EAC. Because academics were difficult for her, she got involved in the vocational training aspect of EAC. She went to cosmetology school, and now does hair at a local salon. In addition, she has some magazine spreads as a hair model. The pictures are really cool. EAC helped her. She said she would be a farmer digging trenches in a village if she didn't have the support of Empower African Children. But, now, she says, "I have a job, and I can provide for myself. That's success to me."

We also interviewed Peter, the artistic director of Spirit of Uganda. Spirit of Uganda is the American tour that the EAC children go on to spread awareness about issues in Uganda, get exposed to new cultures, and raise funds to sponsor EAC events. It's a vibrant cultural experience. This Sunday Michael and I are cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for the kids as they teach us some moves. Watch out, I'll be the next Michael Jackson! Anyway, Peter. He told us how the arts become a way for the students to express themselves. They learn so many skills aside from just performing. Confidence, communication, professionalism, etiquette. It's such a well-rounded lesson outside of the classroom. Plus, they have so much fun traveling around America and seeing different people and places.

Outside the office, we've continued to be in great company. On Monday, Agnes invited Teddy, Rose, and us over for Italian. Michael and I helped cook. I chopped the veggies and made the garlic bread, and Michael made fresh tomatoes with cheese and basil. It was quite delicious. We make quite an exquisite pair of chefs We even had an exciting scavenger hunt for bell/green pepper...but that story is way too long to write about! It'll definitely be a great story to share once we get back! The food ending up being delicious. We had great laughs, vibed to Joe, Jill Scott, andU2, and stayed late into the night before Aggie drove us back home.

On Wednesday, Uganda celebrated yet another national holiday, Hero's Day. It's kind of like America's version of Memorial Day. We decided to teach Aggie and Rose how to swim. We went to the American Recreation Club to practice. The place was beautiful! Before swimming, we had a Mexican buffet. It was great because Mike and I had both been craving Mexican, especially since having Uncle Julio's back in Dallas. After eating, we hit the pool for some intense lessons. Rose and Michael paired off, and I worked with Aggie. Though I don't think we taught them much, we had a great time doing so. One lady gave us the thumbs up, and proceeded to tell us how important swimming lessons were because she knew a NFL player who drowned because he couldn't swim...RANDOM! It took all we could handle to not burst out laughing at her! That's the last thing a person should say when teaching other people how to swim. We splished and splashed (especially Rose, while she was learning to tread! haha) throughout the afternoon.

Later, we went to dinner to celebrate Hero's Day with Father Joe the priest at Rose and Aggie's church. He's such a relaxed, friendly guy. He's traveled all over the world including America. But, he hasn't visited the South. So, Mike and I both formally invited him to come on down and get some good ole' southern hospitality when he gets a chance. Should be exciting!

Uganda is gearing up for the World Cup, which starts tomorrow. Michael and I have been laughing at a friend's facebook message asking if we were going to watch the World Cup. DUH! haha The World Cup Song, K'Naan's "Wavin Flag" is a hit! Everytime we hear it in the car, we automatically turn up the volume and sway to the beat! We're excited to watch the Opening Ceremony tomorrow night. It's sure to be an exciting time for all the true football fans here in Uganda.

Because Michael and I are having so much fun and so many great laughs with our new friends, we have started a list of jokes and stories. We already have a notebook page covered front and back with hilarious jokes. We learned a new phrase, Kiki Kino. You use it when you see something crazy or funny. We've been using it a lot lately! It's so amazing to come to this foreign place not knowing anyone except Michael. Now, I have friends that I feel so connected to. I literally love being around them! There's never a dull moment. I'm always bent over laughing at Aggie's sassy remarks, Teddy's ridiculous comments, Betty's hilarious phrases, Rose's excited greetings, Alex's warm advice. They are my friends. There are so many negative stereotypes that come out about Africa and its people. Honestly, I even had them before coming! But, those walls have been torn down. Aside from geography, language, and some cultural practices, we share so much in common. We all want to be successful, laugh, enjoy life, and have friends. At the end of the day, there's more that connects us than that divides us. It's a simple lesson I've always been taught, but never has it been more manifested in my life than in these few weeks in Uganda.

-Nick