The day in Mbale

Slept in later after our exhausting day yesterday. Had a small breakfast with Benji and Joanne, omelets. Was really good, the hospitality here is wonderful in the Abayudaya Jewish community. Sharon is spending time with Shoshi who does not feel so good now, has a stomach ache and slight fever. Is staying in today to feel better. Walked around and looked into the school, synagogue and some of the homes. Benji is like the pied piper, all of the village kids followed him around and loved him.

Had a rice and vegetable lunch, hung out and relaxed. At 4:00pm we went and were guest of honor at the Campaign Rally for Rabbi Gershom. He is running for parliament for his district. There were about 200+ people there, he had endorsements from many of the locals, including the local Imams, the Reverends wife and many more including Joanne. What struck me was how much a campaign speech is the same wherever you are. The striking differences were what the Rabbi promised. He wants to bring the district an ambulance, better education, and adding to the health clinic. He is running from the opposition party, but has a very good chance to win the seat.

We were held up and introduced as friends of the Rabbi, showing the people that his reach is well beyond the borders of the district, Uganda and extends internationally. Basically he has used his connections to bring resources to the Jewish community here, and has shared that with the wider community of everyone, Christians and Muslims alike. He told those gathered that he would reach out further to bring more investment and good will the the greater community that he would be representing. To paraphrase, he said something to the effect that "I have brought from all of my friends to my family many things, if elected you will be my greater family and I will bring these things to all of my family!"

After the rally, we met the Rabbi's wife and gave her all of the many things that we brought for the community. Including giving away my tennis shoes to Isaac, seeing as how they made my right foot and toe black and blue from the time in Europe. Good riddance.

Had a pleasant dinner of potatoes, fish and collared greens. Chatted about how to really give to the community, not just stuff or money, but actually some type of investment(s) that would allow the community to create sustainable jobs. As Maimonides said, "give a man a fish for day, or better yet teach a man to fish and its for life!" Or something to that effect.

Now I am sitting and writing my thoughts in the blog for the night. BTW Shoshi is feeling better with some advil and a little dinner in her. So nobody worry, we are doing well. Like I said today was WAY better than yesterday, and I expect tomorrow to be even better yet.

Joey