Ulendo Season

The months of June, July, and August are marked by an increase in the number of travellers (ulendo) to the area.  We met a few Italians visiting the local parish and seminary.  Father Alvero in Northern Malawi stopped by with a group from Spain.  We enjoyed meeting the visitors even though most of them didn't speak any English.  I think it was just nice to socialize with others our own age from at least a similar cultural background.  We also had some visitors here at Bakhita.  The father of the Sr. Giovanna, our provincial, and a friend of his came for a few weeks to help with some of the maintenance around the complex.  They only spoke Italian, but that didn't stop them from trying to talk to us.  They just spoke as if we could understand them.  If Eva or Sr. Evelyn was around they would translate, otherwise I just smiled and nodded.  They were a lot of fun though and I could figure out a few conversations on my own.  The day before Pop and John Carlo left, the students decided, or the Sisters decided for them, to put on a show in the boarding as a farewell.  The performance included traditional dancing, modern dancing, singing, and even a fashion show.  Highlights of the performances were a rendition of Dolly Parton's, "A Coat of Many Colors" by Chikondi from Form 1 and Sitinga Katola dancing to a Hip Hop song in a Michael Jacksonesque style, moon walk included.