ITS FRIDAY :) Yippie I am so glad to finally have a break. We have been going non-stop since we got off the plane and we finally have a somewhat slow weekend planned. Its much needed to get caught up on my reading and papers, as well as laundry. Today was wonderful!!! I went to class and was able to hear some incredible first hand accounts of the rituals and traditions of the Acholi people, along with personal accounts of war survivors. It was absolutely heart breaking and yet inspirational. There were two gentlemen and three women that came and spoke with us. Two of the women and both of the men were survivors of massacres that were committed by the LRA in their villages. One of the women lost 17 family members during her villages massacre, and one of the gentlemen’s village lost 55 members and that does not include the people that are still missing. The remaining women, Grace, was abducted from her school and held captive for 7 years until she was able to escape. While in captivity she had two children, one later being killed by a land mine. It was one of the most emotional events that I have witnessed in my life. What gets me the most is when asked what they would like to see happen to the people responsible they only ask for them to come forward so they can forgive them. It is just amazing. And to think that I made their day by giving them a package of silly bands to take to their children... what humble, forgiving people.
After class I went to the market and picked up my first African made dress :) I love it and am already wanting another. Once we left the market we went to the internet cafe and then to dinner, which was also an art exhibit. (I almost came home with two pieces)
Gulu is amazing. The people are incredible. The culture is remarkable. And Im actually figuring out my way here.
Here is my quote for the day
“Better to die for the truth than live for a lie”
Hope everyone is doing great. Eat lots of sweets for me :)
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