Christmas Celebration 2004

Dear Bead Team,

Yesterday we had the most touching and energized Christmas Party for all of the beaders and staff in Uganda. I wish you could have been with us. I brought you there in words and spirit.

The afternoon began with a procession of 90 people from the Acholi Quarter to the park where we had the party. Devin lead the way with one of Achan Grace's twins tied to her back. Ninety beaders singing and ululating waved to traffic and neighbors.

We played some team building games including "Red Light Green Light" and lap sit circle. All afternoon we gave out prizes by drawing names out of a hat. The prizes ranged from baby clothes, fingernail polish, rice, milk powder, hot chocolate mix, liters of Coke, crayons and coloring books, teddy bears, shampoo, nuts, corn meal etc.

Fifteen women donned traditional Acholi clothing and danced for about an hour. They did a rain dance, a war dance, and a courting one. They had bells on their ankles and could shake themselves in ways not previously seen by these eyes. We served a huge lunch of rice, chicken, beans, greens, matoke, ground nut sauce, fruit, and sodas.

The most touching moment was a skit/song that 5 women created. First they placed piles of rocks and stacks of bead paper on the ground. Then they circled around carrying hammers and singing about life in the quarry. Bending low they began pounding the rocks singing of life that was hard and difficult. Then they threw the hammers down and picked up the bead papers rolling them up and singing about their dreams for their lives as part of BeadforLife. We were all weeping. They were singing to each of us, all of the beadteam who are making this possible.

While standing in line waiting for food Acuma Mary told me that she had bought both of her sons new clothing for Christmas, the first time
she had ever had money to do this. Everywhere this money is making a
difference. The day ended with a slide show put together by Charles of the beaders since we first met with them in mid April and then we handed out certificates (which are important in this culture) and personal photos to each beader. I greeted them all from each of you...they clapped and ululated for you! So on all of our behalf I accepted their love and appreciation.