Uganda: Day Seven.

day seven was all about celebrating.

over the summer, the volunteers built a school from the ground up.

i wish jeff and i could have helped with this amazing task.

even though we didn't get the chance to build the school,

 we were able to celebrate the volunteers who did,

 and we joined in on the festivities.

this little girl is miriam.

she's the daughter of one of the teachers and is an albino.

i couldn't believe how light her skin and eyes were.

also, her features and accent were the same as the other african children.

miriam has so much personality and sass. 

she even asked the other kids in her class to call her a muzungu (white person)!

because her skin is so light,

 she burns very easily and constantly has to apply sunscreen. 

the feast that was prepared to celebrate and thank the volunteers. 

these kids were beyond excited to have an actual school building for the first time!

they carried their chairs on their heads,

 and sang songs the whole 15 minute walk though the village to the school.

with the cutting of the rope, the school was officially open.

the children danced and sang for us and brought almost everyone to tears.

this sweet boy is bosco.

he is one of my favorite people we met in africa.

his story is one of hope and second chances.

david and elizabeth zale, the founders of the school,
found bosco wandering the streets.
he had no family and was homeless wandering the streets, begging for food.

he is mentally challenged and has the mental capacity of a seven year old.

they don't know his actual age but assume he's 11 or 12 years old.

this sweet family has taken him in and for over a year now,

 they've fed, clothed, educated and loved him.

i can't imagine what he's been through or what his past is like.

 i feel so grateful to have met him and feel so happy he's found a family.

when we were leaving the new school, 

i was struggling not to slip in the mud,

 when out of no where bosco came to the rescue.

he came from behind and gently grabbed my hand. 

he steadied me and helped me get through the mud without slipping.

he didn't let go,

 but instead held my hand the entire 15 minute walk back though the village. 

what a sweet boy, i'll never forget him or his kindness.