Linda and the candle project!

Even though,  my experience with Arise and Shine will be completed next week, it isn’t hard to remember these past two months in Uganda. There are thousands of images and smiles impressed in my mind that can not be deferred in whole, but which have taken place so quickly that it seemed like just a few days ago I arrived. The first week has flown by. Between the smiles, games and playtime at the babies' home in Jinja, I dont know how not to become attached to so many smiles that require you only to play with them. After that i moved to the village Kibuye, as a teacher in primary 2, despite all my misgivings about the fact of being able to teach in English, I am amazed of the desire of these children who want to learn and improve and, also have fun. Well then I could not refuse the proposal of Sharon: "I have the right project for you." For several weeks I have been engaged in a project in favor of the ladies: the production of candles. Not having the slightest idea of how its done, I am amazed to be able to get something very similar to a candle,  on the first attempt, and then in turn will improve even more. The project was to involve only ten ladies, as the material (wax, colors, rope ...) has a considerable cost. At the proposal of the new project in the village, I found an interest in wanting to learn something new and useful at the same time. The process is quite simple: once the wax melted, it is poured into molds, where the wick was centered  and then you wait for it to  dry. And all is well up to here, the biggest problem arises when it comes to removing the mold from the candle because it takes time, patience and energy! But that certainly does not scare the ladies, because no matter how tedious it can be, they never lost their cool and have always been satisfied when they are able to get the candles. After a couple of weeks of training, I can say that the quality improves over time and I hope that soon we will be able to package and sell some to help support other projects of AASU.

It was an experience full of emotions: the friendliness and smiles of so many people saying hello, thank you and help you, remains the best memory of this time spent in AASU. I hope my small contribution may have been helpful for all the kids and the community of Kibuye. I can only thank all the people I met and with whom I collaborated in the past two months, and thank you very much  to Sharon for everything.  She patiently followed me and gave me the opportunity to be part of AASU. And before I wrap the sadness of farewell, a greeting and a hug to all and thanks again !!!!!!!!