July 28, 2006

Dear Family and friends,

A large celebration was planned to commemorate the opening of the surgical centre and the tenth anniversary of the Diocese of Dallas work with the Batwa. Carol and I had been attempting to collect the Batwa pygmies’ original stories, songs and legends. Recently while visiting a settlement I encountered a very elderly Mutwa (singular for Batwa) whom I had never met before. He lived alone at a very remote location. We had lunch together and I asked if he knew any of the old songs? “Ngaha” (no) was his succinct answer. After he was filled he did volunteer that perhaps he could remember a song. We hiked to the forest with a few elderly Batwa accompanying us. He sat for a while and then began singing an animated song about hunting with bow and arrows and the excitement of returning home with plenty of food for all. Afterwards a wizen elderly mutwa stepped forward and said “Nijuka” (I remember) and she began singing and dancing. And then several others recalled songs from the forest. Then was born the idea of having a completion of indigenous dance between various Batwa communities at the celebration, the winner would receive a cow and all others goats.

Diane Stanton, the guest of honor and the person who initially recognized the plight of the Batwa and began assisting ten years ago, was in attendance. She and her friends from Dallas judged the event. It was truly a gala affair, voices and dust raised in profusion with exuberant song and dance. Several hours later the victors were awarded the spoils and we all repaired for a feast where approximately 1000 were fed amid much spontaneous song and dance.   

Wish that you were here.

Mukama Asiimwe (God bless),

Image 1: Diane Stanton
Image 2: Dance competition
Image 3: Joan Mary surgical unit

Snail Mail:
Scott and Carol Kellermann
PO Box 58
Kanungu, Kanungu
District Uganda