Mary has a new name

Before I tell you about Mary and her new name, I'd like to tell you a little more about our hotel. First, the people who work there are wonderful. If you have a question, no matter how silly, they are gracious in answering. They are helpful and kind. We have had informative conversations with some of them. And we realize that our accommodations so surpass the men at the land. We are grateful for what we have. But........

It is often an adventure staying there. Last night, the power went on and off several times in the evening. It surged dim to bright several times. Then it was on for quite a while. Until about 11:30. And that means no fan. Can I tell you that it is really, really hot here, even at night. So needless to say, that cold shower felt really good this morning.

Yesterday, our wonderful children's pastor began to attempt to interact with the little children here. It began with her just looking at one little girl about two years old. The little girl ran screaming to her mother. I don't mean yelling -- I mean horror movie type screaming. Really all of the kids have acted the same. Only two times so far have any of us been able to hold a baby -- Marianne and Denee. I was allowed to have one little boy touch my face and take off my glasses. But Mary, well, she can't even make eye contact with them.

Today was Mary's day to teach on parenting. She had asked the mothers to bring their children so there were several more than we have had so far. When the van pulled in, the children began running into the building, screaming MAZOONGA! Loudly! So we've decided Mary now should be called Scary Mary.

But to be fair, she has great popularity with the girls. She taught them a great game that they have taken to amazingly fast. It is called Mary Says. I believe in the US, we call it Simon Says. They are great at the game. She has played it each day.

The girls did their first tie dye project today. They took right to it. They have been so attentive as Marianne taught them. They are really excited about the possiblity of using this skill to make a living.

We learned that here in Uganda, the men must pay a dowry when they want to marry a girl. Today, one of the leaders, Miraim, told Mary that she was worth many cows because of the gap between her two front teeth. Scary Mary is worth much!