Chicken, anyone?

Handing over a chicken as a gift is meaningful. We have seen Jo get a chicken and Marion, also. This time it was Pat's chance.

We had become familiar with Komakech from our first couple of years here in Gulu. He is a cook at the Archbishop’s place. At some point in time, he had brought his little girl to Jo Ann at St. Mauritz Health Center, close to his home. Jo discovered that the child was not in school because she had many fears. Well, through this contact the child was befriended by a teacher and counselor at St. Mauritz Primary School, and the young Merriam began attending regularly. She is now doing very well and seems to be much happier.

Since Komakech could not afford the school fees of about $8 to $10 three times a year, for the past two years we took over those payments out of the Education Fund. Komakech showed his gratitude by sacrificing one of the chickens he raises “on the side.” He could get possibly 20,000 or even 25,000 shillings if he sold it. Pat is the one usually passing out these school funds, so she got to accept the chicken. As you can see, the chicken was more fearful than she was. In order to accept such a gift you must at least touch it! She was brave enough to hold it! It did not poop on her, either, for which she was very grateful.

Pat accepted the chicken in your names, all who contribute towards the funds we use in the works we do here. Thank you!