Last night the Watoto Children's Choir performed here in Stevensville (of all places!) and I counted myself lucky to be a member of a large audience - so large an audience, in fact, that I was seated in the overflow area at the back of Faith Reformed Church, just taking it all in.


For those of you who never have heard of the choir - that is actually gaining renown with the children having performed across the UK, USA and Canada - I'll provide a bit of background information. "Watoto children" are orphans from Uganda that have been freed from lives on the street, sponsored, and allowed to live in a community that has been designed especially for them. Most of their parents have died from AIDS or as a result of civil war. The Watoto organization has built homes for them that house eight children, and have hired adult "mothers" to live with them and to take care of their basic needs. They attend school and church within the community until they are old enough to attend university or other training elsewhere. The choir is made up of a selection of children who are strong and able performers. They travel the world, have new experiences, and meet sponsors along the way who agree to support other children in their community.

Their singing and dancing is absolutely amazing!!!!! There is a central focus on movement, with notable choreography, drumming, and excellent singing. While English is not the children's native language, Uganda was once a British colony and so they are taught English upon entry into school - the combination of languages make their singing a delight. I love these kids, and wish that I could take them all home with me! Overcoming obstacles is their LIFE!