Subject: Celebrations

Celebrations

Some may ask how Ugandans can justify spending time, energy, and money on celebrations when they have so many hardships. But celebrating is of the utmost importance to Ugandans. Dana and Kathryn Hiscock and I will soon be in Uganda, and we will feel the reason for the importance of celebrating. At Mustard Seed, we will celebrate progress, success, health, and the warmth of friends being together again. The music, the food, and the laughter will lighten our spirits; they always do.

Latest from Lukaya

Preparations

Primary-7 and Senior-4 students are seriously preparing for their government exams. The Primary School leavers exam is given over two days and has four parts: English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.

Senior-4 students face the UCE (Ugandan Certificate of Education) exams. The UCE is given over several weeks and involves many subject areas. Some subjects, like chemistry, have a theory paper and a practical exam.

The students facing exams are called 'candidates,' and we will be blessing the candidates and wishing them success at a special ceremony on October 15th.

The candidates' outfits for the event are being specially made and will make the event colorful and the students joyful (see the photo above from last year's celebration). Big thanks to the sponsors who generously contributed to the outfits and the celebration. Many contributed extra so that all students will have a new outfit.

With the ever-increasing cost of food, we need a few more donations. The chance to support this milestone celebration is still open. 😊

Give to help sponsor the celebration

Practical education

Above, you can see Rehema, our sustainability specialist, giving a practical lesson to the S-2 students. They have learned about the health benefits of Artemisia, how to grow it, and make herbal tea. After going through the whole process, they served other classes the tea they made.

Sustainability

Food prices keep going up in Uganda, but sustainability efforts are helping to keep MSA students well-fed.

One of our former students messaged me to ask about how Mustard Seed is managing with such escalating prices. I replied: "It's tough. I have been busy raising more money. George has been networking to find the best source of maize in bulk. The MSA gardens are doing very well under the leadership of Namyalo Rehema. That helps."

Cabbages, green peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and greens are adding good nutrition and flavor at a low cost.

Book Review By Judy Dederick

A mother from Finland……a father who spent his childhood in and out of foster care…. herself born in Indiana, where her father was an Adventist minister…..THAT is the background from which Sari Fordham arrived in Uganda as a missionary’s child. AND it took place during the murderous regime of Idi Amin. Sari’s memoir of a happy, adventuresome childhood, under those circumstances, must be read to be believed.

Click to continue reading Judy's review of Wait for God to Notice by Sari Fordham.

What's Up?

Real Partners Uganda raises money each year so the Mustard Seed Academy staff can buy and assemble bags of Christmas joy – food for a festive meal and extra staples for several more meals during the school break. For many Mustard Seed children, this food sack is the only Christmas gift they receive. It's a big deal!

These gifts ($15 each) are even more critical this year because our families are struggling with escalating food prices. Many are only having one cup of porridge a day. But Mustard Seed students have two good meals a day at school.

Give Christmas Joy

Special thanks to our devoted and kindhearted student sponsors. What a great response to the sponsorship rate increase! On top of that, many sponsors of 'candidates' donated extra for the fancy graduation clothes. We can't wait to share photos and videos with you.

Just for fun– did you know?

Last month, Rev. Briggett Keith was the first to submit the correct answer: Irish are red-skin potatoes.

If you ask for a potato, you will get a sweet potato, but if you ask for Irish, you'll get potatoes. 🤣

Hit reply to this email and submit your thoughts about this Ugandan phrase: "Slowly by slowly."

Kathryn and Dana and I are excited to be heading back to Uganda together. With three of us on this trip, we are hoping to communicate more – keep checking the Facebook RPU page and your email if you want to know what we are up to. Our Ugandan friends have reassured us the Ebola outbreak is not close to Lukaya; we will be safe.

We expect good internet service and are delighted to hear from you. We'll try to answer questions and get information for you – just ask.

With all my best,

Elaine

Our website: RealPartnersUganda.org

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Subject: Celebrations

Sustainability

Just for fun– did you know?