Abjumani with the Sisters

Abjumani is the pale yellow place at the top left of this map of Uganda. South Sudan is above Uganda. Now you can see Abjumani in relationship to Gulu and South Sudan.  To the left of Uganda is the Congo.


I had the opportunity to travel to Abjumani with the Sisters of St Monica's on the day after Easter.  It is their ONE day of rest and relaxation all year.  I felt very honored to be asked to share this special day with them.  I have only seen them in their work attire and constant service to others.  It was so fun for me to see them kick back their heels, laugh, talk story, share their stories, eat great food, rest, dance, and did I mention that we laughed alot?  What fun they have in each other's company in true friendship.

Sister Rosemary and volunteers Hannah and Elizabeth are enjoying some of the first of the season Mangos.  It was about a 3 hour bumpy ride to Abjumani.  We are staying with the Sisters who run a primary school for about 1,200 children.  It's a day of resting and enjoying company with each other.

A few short minutes drive and we were at the Nile River.

The papyrus along the river bank is so beautiful.

The children of the school sang for us beautiful songs of Easter and appreciation for coming.

We are sitting on the porch listening to the beautiful voices sing.

There are only 111 kids in this one classroom.  It is not the highest either.  Another classroom we visited has 150 children in ONE classroom.  Can you imagine being the teacher for 150 kids all day for all subjects?  Think of the papers and tests you would have to grade every night.

This is what 111 kids in one classroom looks like :)

The Sisters work so hard everyday to care for all of these little kids and provide them with an education.  One day, they hope to be able to board some of the poorer ones.  I am SURE their prayers will be answered....they are some powerful women...and my new friends!  How lucky am I?

Siser Margaret is the Head Sister of the school.  She is standing in front of the daily roll call board. The first column is the grade (P1 is 1st, P2 is 2nd).  The next two columns are the number boys (543) and girls (502).  The last column has the total in the class for Tuesday, April 10th (1045). The largest class has 136 kids in it on this day.