Watch the vision unfold in Kabubbu, Uganda, with Sue…
“Together with Madina we journeyed to a small house on the outskirts of Kampala. Jubilation was the feeling all round as her aunt Rose and mother Christine came out to meet us. Very soon we were meeting Aunt Sarah who, owing to a stroke, was on a mattress on the floor. We gave her a hug and acknowledged her for all she has done in bringing-up Madina in Kabubbu. We were introduced to many members of the family and were overjoyed as they presented us with some African fashion they had made for us to wear at the special Award Ceremony on our final Friday in Kabubbu.
But first there was fun on Wednesday and Thursday in the Kabubbu Kitchen! I made cakes with Margaret and had to get resourceful with the scales we used for weighing our suitcases, as the kitchen ones had broken!
On Friday the special Award Ceremony was held in Kabubbu. Many of the children contributed with the enactment of a poem, dancing and singing. A wonderful Fonthill Vocational College fashion parade followed (Sue’s Video clip!) with students wearing clothes they had made themselves. We felt so humbled and blessed to be wearing the African outfits made by Madina’s family.
But Peter was getting concerned as Madina had not arrived yet to take her place with the Graduates. Eventually she arrived (in her gown & mortar board), having been held up in traffic on the way. We were so proud when Geoff called her name and presented her with a certificate in recognition of her achieving her degree in Journalism & Mass Media.
The next day, Saturday, we had to say a sad farewell to all the friends we had made and travelled with Madina to Entebbe airport, chatting all the way. Our saddest moment was saying goodbye and watching her walk away as we went into the airport. We have been in touch regularly since our return and shall continue to encourage and help her as she starts the new chapter in her life finding a job in her chosen profession.”
Our heartfelt thanks to Peter & Sue, not only for their steady and generous partnership of Madina, but for their warm account of this final chapter. We’re sure it’s not the end – and perhaps that’s the greatest blessing of child partnership.
Watch-out for more of Sue Lockhart’s photos and videos in the future…
Back-track to part 4 of Sue’s partnership journey
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