Singing in Uganda

Children have started singing “Pharaoh, Pharaoh” when we pass by. That is their favorite English song from the Bible club we have at our house every day. They request it constantly and sing it loudly and enthusiastically.

I have also started to learn songs in the Luganda language. Perhaps the person most influential in my education has been Brenda (Dennis’s older sister, for those of who have read earlier blogs). Three college-age English speakers doing a Bible club in Uganda require the use of a translator. For the first few days, we were able to find helpful adults from the village. One day, however, we could find no one. We prayed that God would provide, and He sent us Brenda. Though only 12 years old, Brenda is extremely mature for her age. She has an eagerness to learn and serve others. When translating for us, it is clear that she takes great care in communicating accurately and effectively with the other children.

One day a couple weeks ago, Brenda taught me a clapping game during which you freeze until you burst into laughter. It turns out that nearly every child in the village knows the game; I have been able to use it to connect with many more children than I had dreamt possible. It is a powerful thing to learn someone else’s music. Not only is it a highly effective way to break the language barrier, but it also builds a sense of trust and community. (Can you tell I was a music therapy major?) I love watching children’s faces light up when I begin to sing a song that they know!
Before I left the States, I purchased a microphone for my iPod. Here, I have recorded many children singing. I have then been able to listen to each song repeatedly, giving me ample time to learn it and write it down phonetically. Brenda has come to our house several times to sing for me and teach me musical games. I have also recorded many other children spontaneously as they pass through our house. The children love to hear the recordings played back for them. They listen with wide eyes, giggling, singing, and dancing along.

Perhaps my favorite song that I have learned so far is a musical circle game. We insert each child’s name into the song. When we say a child’s name, he or she dances and then sits down. (They tend to find the Americans’ dancing to be highly amusing…) Once everyone is sitting down, we sing shorter verses for each child to stand up. Then, we sing while racing in a circle, holding hands and laughing hysterically.

“Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord!” – Ephesians 5:19b

For those of you who have been craving pictures, I am sorry to say that my repeated attempts to upload them to my blog have thus far proved unsuccessful. However, several pictures I have taken are on the blogs of Renee (grounds director of Serving His Children) and Heidi (a fellow volunteer). Renee’s blog address is servinghischildreninuganda.blogspot.com and Heidi’s is pressingintojesus.blogspot.com.