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August 13, 2020 SOH- SHANZU ORPHANAGE HOMEAbout a month ago I teamed up with Sister Pauline to assist in distributing several families who are challenged financially and even more so while enduring the backlashes from the pandemic. One of our visits was to an Orphanage Home located in Shanzu. Both Kathy (Mama), a fellow missioner and Abdalla, my guardian son came along with Sr. Pauline and I (Papa) that day.
After seeing how much Abdalla enjoyed being with the children, we decided to share our talents and love by returning to cook a meal for the orphanage. We got all the details in order and as the time approached, I asked Abdalla if we should ask Mama to join along as I already knew the answer. He radiates when Mama is around and has learned to give hugs naturally thanks to her, something he had not experienced in his past.
Kathy arrived on Friday morning to help me with the mise-en-place. Kathy is not fond of cooking, so I have fun teaching her new terminology and techniques and we laugh quite a bit about when I question her later as to what all she has learned. We take these times catching up with one another and nourishing our relationship. In the meantime, Abdalla is runs errands to the market and the butcher to purchase all the last-minute items.
When Sr. Pauline arrived to pick us up at 9 am Saturday we filled the back of her SUV with all of the supplies needed for the festivities. As we were exiting my compound, a neighbor Ali noticed a rear tire was flat. Ali then offered to change the tire for us. We then noticed a red warning light in the dashboard came on. We stopped at a Petros station to have all the tires balanced, anticipating the light would switch off, but did not. Then proceeded on to a mechanic shop which found the fan belt had broken and the coolant tank was empty. It was now 10 am and the mechanic had to travel into town to get a part. We put Abdalla, the food ingredients for the Beef Pilau and decoration in a tuk tuk so he could begin cooking.
We did not arrive to the orphanage until about 2:30. Abdalla and the triplets, the three older orphans who live next to me, had everything prepared and the room decorated. We played a short while with the children, they gave thanks for the meal and the day then began to serve the twenty-two children and the staff. Everyone lined up orderly and respectfully to get their food with manners.
The sisters who run the orphanage are strict somewhat like the Nuns back in my day, but filled with compassion and love. Everything is in order, neatly folded clothes, clean bedrooms and common rooms. Each child has to wash their plate and cup and the older ones assist in cooking. They do the daily chores of cleaning the compound, assisting with the farming of vegetable and chickens.
After the very tasty Pilau lunch, we were seated up on the porch while all the children in the yard below entertained us. The younger children lined up first to march, sing and dance. The precious little girls, in their finest dresses inclusive of stains and holes emanated with delight. Next the older children danced in rhythm to the pounding drums while requesting the presence of Mama and Papa to dance alongside. It was satisfying to laugh and act like a child again!
Then the three colorfully decorated cakes were placed on display for all to see. Having cake in East Africa is done in a celebratory and ceremonial fashion. You dance and sing “kut the kaki” with everyone participating, while the guests of honors cut the cake. It was decided that the triplets and their two younger brothers who live in the orphanage would do the honors. Each of the five brothers place a hand on the knife while cutting the cake. Then several hacked up pieces of cake are placed on a serving plate and served to each guest. The guest of honors normally remove a piece of the cake with a fork and feed each guest, but due to Coronavirus this was not completed.
We finished the night with one of the sisters offering a beautiful and touching prayer of thanksgiving for the day. For Kathy, Abdalla and I it was one of those heartwarming days of thanksgiving to God.
It is appearing that Mrs. Clause has something up her sleeve for Papa and her elf Abdalla...ho, ho, ho in the months ahead!
