Blinded By the Light

"As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." Marianne Williamson

We spent our last two days of the trip working with the children at New Hope School & Orphanage. When I met these same children last year, I made a commitment to return and to try to find ways to make their lives a little brighter. I am glad to have made good on the promise to return. I only wish I could say that things seemed brighter when I got there. Over the past year we've provided bed nets, new uniforms, school supplies, and a new well. These things may make day-to-day life a little easier, but not necessarily brighter. The first day of our visit left me with the same heavy feeling that I carried away from there last year---a weight right in the center of my heart.
On the second day of our visit, we brought some new friends along from Breakdance Project Uganda. I watched as these young, cool B-Boys from Kampala connected one on one with the children who live in this small rural orphanage. They made them laugh, played games, performed for them, taught them breakdance moves, encouraged them to teach each other, and inspired them to perform. As I watched, I felt the weight begin to lift and the light come in. In yoga, we end each practice with "Namaste," which means the light in me sees and recognizes the light in you. I saw the light at New Hope. The BPU crew have promised to continue working with the children at New Hope, spreading the light through music and dance.
All I can say is NAMASTE!!!!!!