This morning the Abaana team had the amazing opportunity to meet The Rainey sponsor kids. The team were split into 10 groups and each group visited 3 or more kids, where we had the opportunity to read out letters written to them by their sponsor classes and give each of them gifts.
Most of the groups had the chance to help out with cutting up vegetables, ploughing fields, washing dishes and helping set the fire. This allowed us to get a glimpse into their daily life by seeing how they prepare meals, grow their crops and collect their water.
All families were so appreciative of our visit and the help we offer their child through a monthly sponsorship for educational support that they gifted us with turkey eggs, cassava, maize mangos and 5 live chickens. In Uganda this is a highly respected gift and the whole team is extremely grateful. An amazing experience that we will never forget!
After regrouping for lunch we enjoyed a meal of a disassembled rolex and a omelette, we were pumped and ready for the oncoming football match against the kids from school.
Our match was underway thanks to our referee Mr Manning as both teams got seriously stuck in. An early lead met the Rainey Summit-View kids as they scored an early goal thanks to some excellent football. The school kids kept the pressure on as many shots were blocked by the strong Rainey Endowed defence of Mrs Francis and Mr McClements. It didn’t take long before a fantastic bit of play between myself, James and Jack led to the latter assisting Rossa who scored an audacious rabona to equal the score.
An exciting first half meant that everything was up for grabs as we headed into the break 1-1 with both teams feeling good about their chances to win. Sadly, for the team it would be the Rainey Summit-View kids who would take the lead again with a goal line scramble finding in the back of the net with the kids taking a 2-1 lead.
A break in play was called by our referee as more kids had joined and teams were to be made even again. Some confusion arose as the whistle had been blown and Rainey Endowed played the ball quickly to James who ran through and scored to make it 2-2. After much debate it was decided that the goal was disallowed and the game was restarted.
Despite much effort the team were unable to equal the level the scores as the kids came out as 2-1 victors. As decided before the game a penalty shootout was to be played with Rainey coming out as 3-2 winners thanks to some excellent saves from Glenn and a fantastic winning penalty from Harry.
Overall the game was played in great spirits with both teams thoroughly enjoying the competition. To conclude the day we had the national dish of Uganda – Matoke which consists of mashed bananas. We are very excited for Church tomorrow morning followed by a well earned time at the pool.
Emma & Luke
