11 October 2010
Watoto Choir #42 has arrived back safe and sound after their whirlwind six-month tour of Australia and New Zealand came to a close this past week. Spending five months travelling around Australia and one month primarily in the South Island of New Zealand, the choir has brought back incredible memories and treasured moments to last them a lifetime.
The best children and the Team Leaders cutting cake
Watoto celebrated the return of the 22 children and 10 adults at Watoto Church in the heart of Kampala on Friday (8 October 2010) afternoon to honour their efforts. All the children were warmly welcomed by the staff, leadership team, their mothers and peers. All in attendance shared lunch and fellowship together.
Not even the torrential downpour that struck during lunchtime could hamper the excitement and joy of the children to share their stories with the gathered crowd. Speaking about their experience overseas, team leaders Brian and Violet Abaho praised the choir they had been travelling with saying, “You guys are great ambassadors for Watoto. What we have been part of, is something that God himself has blessed.
We are raising up a generation that loves God and will one day be the future leaders of Africa.”
Each child was then given a special certificate with a picture of the choir on it as a symbol of their contribution and achievements. Awarded the title of ‘Best Boy’ on tour, Moses was bursting at the seams with joy. His favourite experiences on tour included, “getting to go on rollercoaster’s at Dream World in the GoldCoast, meeting new people, tasting a burger for the first time at McDonalds and seeing snowy mountains in Christchurch.”
The 'Best Achievement' award of the trip went to 9-year old Richard. Richard learnt how to swim on tour. In his own words, “When I was in New Zealand, I was staying at a host home with a swimming pool. My hosts taught me how to swim during my stay there. I will never forget it,” he beamed.
Speaking to the children one-on-one, it's clear to see that the landscape and people of Australia and New Zealand have left a lifelong impression on all the members. Whether it was riding a horse for the very first time in the outback of Australia, feeding or milking cows in dairy country New Zealand, or visiting the snow; their experiences will never be forgotten.
Food was in plenty
