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on Um Zayd wa Atheer (Uganda), 14/Jul/2009 16:52, 34 days ago
Miriam's Special ExperienceSpecial experiences and disappointments visit us randomly. The balance can be fine but randomness teaches us to be patient for what is around the corner. This is as true in Masindi as anywhere else.Weekends in Masindi can be long and dull and challenge my resourcefulness to keep myself 'entertained'. The past 2 weekends have been exceptional because there have been special experiences. The first one happened last Sunday as I ventured further afield to go to a church outside Masindi. I went to accompany Miriam and Sarah, both in-charge nurses of health centres. We have become friends, which for me is a joy in itself.Kinuuma village Miracle Church is where Miriam worships every week. It looks unimpressive. The hand made bricks are crude and a bit ugly. There are gaps for non-existent doors and windows. The floor is impacted soil and there is three quarters of a corrugated iron roof in case it rains. Latecomers at the back would get wet but it would be quieter. Pews are benches, there is no cross, no candles and no icons but there is purple and white bunting. This church was built by the hands of the congregation, brick by brick. They are making and selling more bricks to provide for a pitched roof.The service followed no recognisable order. There was a lot of singing, some praying and a sermon. The singing triggered some spontaneous dancing, more like a rhythmic shuffle. Some of this came my way as a welcome into this church, which made me feel quite wobbly but not uncomfortable. Each member of the congregation was invited to give a testimony about something that had happened during the past week. I thought that I had got off lightly and merely stood up to introduce myself in Runyuro. Every one was pleased so at the end of the service wanted they wanted to hear more. Miriam came to my rescue and came out to the front with me to help things along. But there was no need to worry. I was among friends including two of the Miirya Project Village volunteers, Jackson and Margaret. They were both wearing their distinctive blue Miirya Project tee shirts, which are now worn as Sunday best.From church Sarah and I were invited to Miriam's house for lunch. She insisted that I went to see her home. 'If I am sick I want You to come and care for me'. I think I would too. Lunch was a simple affair but included neighbours, Jackson and Margaret. Miriam is a good cook too and is clearly loved in her church and in her village and everywhere else. It was a very special day for me to be taken into her private life.