A lot to tell

Wow, it's been 11 days since the last blog, not by design but more by what has been happening.
So here goes, Wednesday last week we took Matthew and Ezra shopping with us and were able to get two of the boxes of books we sent from NZ which we were delighted about. Had a nice lunch, then did the grocery shopping and came home. Didn't think the boys had a very interesting day but once we got home they regaled the others with a blow by blow account of all we had done. They simply do not get out of the compound often enough, and simple things (to us) are a novelty to them.
Next, on Friday I killed my first snake. It was barely bigger than a worm but would have grown so it had to have the chop much to the delight of the boys. In the evening we had 40 children here for a DVD night watching 'The Flintstones' movie which was a hit along with the popcorn and biscuits (don't you just wish you could be here!!!!).
On Saturday we had a massive clean-up, not only the normal inside chores but also scrubbing the mud off the pavers outside, then scrubbing their sport shoes. Give the boys a job outside involving water and they will work at it all morning. It was nice having them working together. We also heard from Jen which eased our minds. They had just fare-welled the owner and his guests from the boat, and the skipper had given the crew a couple of days off (well done Scotty).
They have since started the Atlantic crossing back to the Mediterranean and familiar territory of Via Reggio in Italy.
Sunday we got the first of our 'Mother's Day' texts at 1am, thanks Chris, and another later from Pete. We also had a wonderful day out as we were privileged to be invited to an 'Introduction'.
This is like an engagement party but both sides sit facing each other and a dowry, which had been negotiated previously, is paid by the man's side for the woman. Once it got going it was pure theatre. Each side had only one speaker, called the Prime Minister, and the two blokes really performed well. We were invited by Teacher Aida so we were sitting on her side and although it was all in Lugandan we thoroughly enjoyed being part of it. Our invitation said that it was from 12 midday. We went in the bus with Ronald, Mariska, and 6 children who were in Tchr Aida's class and left after Sunday School. We arrived about 12.30 and then sat and watched the preparations until 3pm when her side started arriving but the show didn't get underway until 4pm when his side turned up. She had tremendous support from her fellow teachers, it was lovely to see. Both Marilyn & I remarked on how they all worked together.
When things finally got started it reminded us of entering a marae. They had to be allowed to enter (by the Prime Minister, of course), then they sang the National Anthem, then the business began. There were a succession of dancers, speeches, exchanging of sodas (which our Prime Minister needed proof that they were not poisoned so he selected one from their crate and made their Prime Minister drink it, it was wonderful acting). We thought we had sussed out who the groom was but we were surprised when the girls pulled him out from the back row (more theatre) and then it was time for the dowry. This included: 2 cows, 2 goats, a hoe, a spear, a sack of sugar, a sack of rice, many large bowls of fresh produce, a jerrycan of local brew (which I didn't get to taste un/fortunately), a chicken, and other gift bags. Don't we get off lightly in NZ!
There was an exchange of vows and, of course, cake (chocolate, my favourite).
We were then fed, and given the standard soda, about 7pm which was our lunch and supper and made our way home by about 9pm to be greeted by boys waiting on the side of the road. It was a wonderful experience and I took many photos and movies which the boys have enjoyed watching. We believe weddings are a more straightforward affair, we would hope so.
So that was a great end of the week, we were very tired so I thought I would write the blog on Monday night. Not to be. I lost energy by about 5pm and had to lie down thinking that I had a cold. Was not feeling any better on Tuesday which was a shame as it was our 36th wedding anniversary and we had planned to go out to dinner but I did not have the energy. We suspected Malaria which was confirmed on Wednesday morning so I started treatment then. I had difficulty keeping the medication down so on Thursday afternoon I was put on the first of three drips each one taking about 3 hours. I completed the last this evening and I do feel a lot better but need to continue with the medication for the next two days. One side effect of the drip is that has made me VERY DEAF!! Only temporarily thankfully for Marilyn's sake though the boys like testing me out to see what I can hear. I'm not going to tell them when it comes right.
The boys have been very good helping Marilyn, even doing chores without being asked, and we have also had some of the new Aunties spending time from 4 - 8.30pm here as part of their orientation which has been very helpful as they have done the ironing for us on Tuesday and Thursday.
Finally, well almost, over this time I realised what a good choice I made 36 years ago (not that I had to choose). Marilyn has been absolutely fantastic and coped really well but is ready for some well earned rest. We will make sure we get out one evening to celebrate.
Oh,I almost forgot, Raghma. What a delight she is becoming. A smile that melts my heart, eyes that shine, she is swimming/crawling on the floor, eating some solids and just loves it with the boys. She has been a ray of sonshine to us. I must try to put some photos on the blog again, but not tonight. Thank you to those who have prayed for her, please keep on praying as she is only growing slightly, still just over 5kg.
Finally please pray that I can regain mine, and Marilyn can retain her, health. This last week has reminded us of how demanding things can be without it.
God Bless