Friends in Uganda, Friends in My Heart

Drumming lessons had ended and everyone found their own little niche with the YPO kids. John and Ken played their guitars for some of the girls.  I took out my ukulele and started teaching David and Abraham how to play.  While we did this Mary talked with Micheal and Kayz (the music producer) about collaborating on a song together. The next thing I knew Marty, Curt, and I had been asked to write a verse for the song we were going to record and then prepare to sing it. Later (after we left) several of the YPO kids were asked to write their own verses to perform as well. The song would be based on Bob Marley's song, "One Love".  As excited as I was to participate, I have never performed reggae, and my inhibition was at an all time high.

Ken, St. David, Prince, and Abraham 

My excellent students

Bang-Bang

Curt, Abdul, & Producah Kayz

Ken, always the charmer...

Marty & Sharon

Curt, quit while you're ahead!!!

The Queen and her royal court

Samalie, John, & Deniz

Bang-Bang & Zulu-Mahn

St. David & The Queen of Maine

"Thank You"

Producah Kayz working his magic

Mary started off by recording the chorus and laying down several tracks for harmony and background vocals.  Then Marty, Curt, and I each took our turns in the studio.  I didn't have a problem writing my verse, but I got hung up on finding my own melody.  Thank God for Curt! He was a huge help in polishing up what little I had to work with.  Kayz sent the completed song to us several days later and we were astounded by the finished product. It was decided that we would give up the time we had scheduled for shopping to go back to YPO to record a music video.

When the dust had settled from our session in the studio, Mary sat with Maxwell and a big group that had started singing some Ugandan songs.  I eventually made it over to where she was sitting and joined them.  They were singing "Mama, I love you every day".  It was so very sweet.  

Then we began to sing "Wimoweh" also known as "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".  The rest of the group gathered around and we sang, and sang....it went on for at least 20 minutes! It was simply amazing!  It was that little bit of heaven I experienced as a child. I didn't want it to end.  Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, each of the YPO kids took turns stepping forward to introduce themselves and express their gratitude for our visit.  Now it was MY turn for my heart to burst!  

It was decided that we would take the YPO out for lunch.  We went to the little cafe at the nearby mall where we had gone the day before.  It took a few car loads to get us all over there!  I went in one of the first vehicles and waited at a little coffee shop with Samalie, Sarah, and Davis.  We had some cold drinks while we waited for everyone else.  Sarah agreed to try my iced coffee and she liked it enough that she ordered one!  It was nice having the three of them alone as it made conversation a little easier.  

A feast fit for a Queen (Yes, I said it, so there...)

Abraham & Zulu-Mahn

Everyone else arrived, and several pizzas, plates of chicken & chips (have I mentioned the chips???  FABULOUS!!!), and many samosas were ordered.  I think our group must have been at least 40, including children!  I will say this, pizza isn't as popular with teens in Uganda as it is in America.  The samosas went fast though.  There was much chatter and joking while we waited for our food.  I got some plates and napkins from the kitchen staff and passed them out.  While making my rounds, I tripped on a cable that held the canopy overhead in place.  There was no recovering, the Queen landed on her royal throne...sigh...  I may not have a lot of rhythm, but when I fall, I at least manage to do it gracefully...  Thankfully, I was not hurt, but I provided plenty of entertainment!  We topped our meal off with ice cream cones all around.

Sweet Gracy

Sharon, Curt, & Gracy (Love this pic!)

Sweets for the sweet

Our moment of bliss came to and end and we we had to say good-bye. I really hated to leave, but we were scheduled to attend a performance of the Ndere Troupe at the Ndere Cultural Centre. As we drove away from YPO, my heart sank just thinking about never seeing them again.


We arrived at the cultural center a little worse for the wear.  Once again, I had forgotten to reapply sunblock while at YPO and now my sunburn had a sunburn!  I was so tired, mentally, physically, and emotionally.  I was especially glad to have Mary sitting beside me, I could resonate with her.  As Ndere Troupe began their performance, we both sat there with tears in our eyes missing the YPO kids!  With each dance we spotted some one who reminded us of one of the kids or we made comparisons between the style of Kuze Troupe and Ndere Troupe.  As much as we enjoyed the show, we missed our YPO kids the whole.time.