It's the Final Countdown!

Hi everyone,

Sorry for there being no blog yesterday, the internet here is very unpredictable!

Yesterday, we had a very mixed day. We started the day at school and saw a very different side to discipline. Alicia and I were waiting for our class to arrive after their morning cleaning routine, when we looked around the corner to see a large group of children being systematically beaten with a stick. It was really disturbing and even more so when the children seemed to take it in their stride as if it was a routine event. The children in the UK should really count their blessings.

After a low start, we received our class and had a really great time. We took them to the field and played some team games. It was heart warming to hear the children laugh, cheer and see them smile so much. It was also amazing to see Agnes, the class teacher, joining in and laughing at the children's antics! Such a step forward.

Later in the afternoon, we visited a local orphanage. This was such a special experience. The children lived in cramped conditions and had no hope of leaving until they were 18, when they would no doubt live on the street or end up being exploited. However, the children had beautiful smiles, danced, sang and played with the balloons and bubbles we took. They were happy souls and we would bring them all home with us if we could.

Today exhaustion has set in. It was our last day at school and what a special day it has been. The children have enjoyed the activities and laughed a lot! When we were leaving, the children told us they had brought us some gifts. They presented us with tons of different fruits and veg; paw paws, mangos, corn, sugar cane and egg plants. These were true gift from the heart. These children have nothing and sacrificed their food to say thank you. We are truely touched by their kindness and generosity. What super stars they are. A young lady from our class called Florence was pleading with us stay and wrote us a beautiful letter. She said that when she grows up she wants to be a nurse, we hope her dreams come true, she deserves it.

Anyway, we are setting off on our long journeys home at 8am (UK time) tomorrow. We have had an amazing experience and will bring lots of happy memories, long lasting relationships and we are humbled by the wonderful people of Uganda.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported us in our Uganda adventure. Thank you to everyone who have donated money and items for our trip. You are truely wonderful people.

Love to all.

Over and out

Claire, Alicia, Claire, Catherine and Andy

The Shandalabanda Team.xxxxx