Emotional captureBlair Lesage — Wasaga Beach, ON I can still taste the grit on my teeth, left by the ever-present red clay dust which billowed from under the bus as we navigated the lonely back roads of Uganda, en route to our next distribution. The smells, and soon, the cheers were as prevalent as the bright colours, warm smiles, and unbelievable hospitality which we encountered at every stop. The children stood row upon row, their eyes aglow with excitement, their hands nervously joined, grins baring missing teeth, feet bare or in borrowed shoes. The reds, greens, yellows, blues, and oranges spiked the colourful display of potential and need. At each distribution recently created cornrows, hair braided and beaded, clean faces, and thorough organization welcomed us. As we engaged in friendly handshakes, smiles, and warm embraces, the children began to relax and enjoy the excitement of receiving their own bedkits. 
As the final set-up was taking place and the children were in the correct order, a song would break slowly from the lips of some of the teachers. Quickly the kids would add their own voices, which gained momentum and volume as the gathered masses allowed their excited expectations to fuel their song. The words seemed to bounce off the mountains in the west and gently glide over the barren terrain in the east. As the vocals harmonized, the clap would begin—two slaps of the knees, then three loud claps above the head, in time with the music. The voices became increasingly focused and energized in the sanctity of song. This unbelievable sight and sound would mesmerize our team. This beautiful display of natural talent and beauty will always be connected in our minds with the purpose of our trip. To see the profound affect on each child’s face when their bedkit dream was finally realized was an experience that will forever inspire my thoughts, ideology, and hope in the human race. |
