Play Day

Dear readers,

A few days ago, we were eating lunch with the teachers with our arms splayed out across the table. The French teacher, Madame Lydia, commented, "you girls are very hairy." It took a moment for this to soak in. As we were processing what she had said, she continued, "it is beautiful." Similarly, the other day, an eleven year-old boy stared at Emilia's arms questioningly and asked, "is it cold where you live?"

Yesterday was play day at school, which basically entailed a bunch of adolescents running around and competing enthusiastically in activities. We appreciated this break from our normal days spent teaching; it gave us a chance to unleash the hidden nine year-olds living inside us. Mattie scored a goal in handball, Emilia beat the whole school in hula-hooping, and we both excelled in the catwalk, dance competition, and musical chairs (which Emilia won, hooray!).

However, we struggled in the water relay, which required us to walk many meters in length, while balancing cups of water on our heads. Walking through town we often see Ugandans completing this task with large bundles of fire wood, so it didn't surprise us when many of the students found this activity quite easy. As they were choosing their representatives, they searched for someone with a "nice head". We later discovered that there are very specific requirements needed to fulfill this title- flat surface, little hair, and good balance.

Play day was concluded with slip and slide- a huge tarp laid down on a grassy slope, and covered with an abundance of soapy water. Penguin like students dived head-first, slid all the way down the tarp and into the muddy grass. Even though we matched their enthusiasm, we only managed to travel half-way down the slide. As Mattie shamefully got up, another student barreled into her legs, toppling her down again. This time, she got to the bottom.

To finish off our exhausting day, we laid back, relaxed, and got our nails done... by Ugandan middle-aged men. Mattie had her feet soaked in a soapy container similar to Strega Nona's pasta pot. As the machine vibrated, a flow of never-ending bubbles spilled over the sides of the contraption. When the bubbles were touched, they would collapse and disappear. Mattie had fun experimenting by putting fist-sized holes through the soapy mountain. Nails polished, we walked home for a satisfying dinner of mac and cheese.

Off to the wedding this afternoon. We so excited!!


Hugs and kisses,
Emilia and Mattie