Visiting Maureen's Home

As we become closer and closer with our friends from EAC, it's easy to forget the hardships that they have suffered and the challenges that they have faced. As you know, all are orphans and / or vulnerable children who, if not for EAC, would surely be left without an education and with little hope for improving their situation in life. However, being with them, we are far more aware of their joy and their gratitude than from where they have come.
So, it was important for our students to see the home of one of the EAC students. On Saturday afternoon, we were given this wonderful opportunity and we visited the home of Maureen, one of the older students in EAC. Maureen comes from a very humble home - her mother has lived in the same one room home (without a separate kitchen, bathroom or bedroom) for over 20 years. Maureen's father abandoned the family and her mother has worked hard in the pork business to support her family.  Maureen's aunt and brother live in that same room as does Maureen when she goes home from school and, until her recent passing, so did Maureen's grandmother.
It was an honor to meet Maureen's family and, even though we do not speak the same language (they speak Luganda, the local language), we were able to communicate our happiness at being able to meet one another. We took a small offering of groceries which were received with much delight and we were given some delicious roasted peanuts that Maureen's mother made just for us. So much of this exchange with Maureen's family and community was beautiful and spontaneous. And, afterward, our students said that they loved the visit (most said it was their favorite event of the trip so far) and that they had been eager to see a home. Take a look for yourself....

YAY Ally - She didn't drop the eggs (and there were LOTS of uneven surfaces!)

Each UA delegate received a big hug from Maureen's mom

Agnes and Sr. Anne chat with Maureen's grandfather

Thanking us for the grocieries

Maureen's mom shares a rare and precious photo with us

Sr. Gretchen cheerfully greets the family

Our peanuts - delicious!!!!

One of the children in Maureen's community - sticker on head courtesy of UA Seniors 2012

More fun, more stickers on heads

Examining the stickers with Mary Ann

Saying goodbye with big smiles

Maureen's beaming expression as we left her home - gorgeous!!

By the way, on Monday, Maureen took her final exams of high school and she plans to go to college next year!!