KOPE CAFE: GRAND OPENING!

The day arrived...and it felt like last minute preparations for a wedding- or at least the weddings you see in movies. Jolly (the Country Director of Invisible Children and HEALS) summoned all of her family members and HEALS kids to help out. Walking around the rooms, kids were scrubbing tile, watering the indoor grass, moving around heavy bags of coffee, arranging and reearranging the wooden couches and log tables around the room. At one point, I led a parade of pillows, just made from the friendly market women through town, with 8 people each carrying a couple to the cafe. They were going up in the "tree balcony". Meanwhile, the carpenters turned electricians were up in the ceiling installing the lamps which I had just haggled for in the Kampala markets. As I would walk outside, barefoot so as not to ruin the floors, I would be showered with concrete being chiseled out of the front wall to install the sign- metal letters spelling out Kope Cafe, which the local tinsmith had cut out by hand from a computer print-out of the logo. Installing them was Okello who I have come to realize is not exactly a perfectionist. Occasionally friends passing would offer him suggestions for how to adjust the letters to make them look somewhat straight. Patrick, the artist was making final adjustments to the mural, and I was hammering bark onto a hand painted sign for the art exhibition. Meanwhile, the HEALS director was busy mounting the photographs, and the photo students were admiring their works being hung.

At one pm, Jolly hauled all the remaining trash away, the HEALS dancers changed into traditional Acholi dress, and we were ready for the grand opening of Kope Cafe. It was a beautiful afternoon, displaying the vitality of the HEALS Organization through the vibrant talents of its kids. The dancers, with plumes of ostrich feathers attached to their heads made the strong entrance, uniting the cafe with its purpose, and the two elements- the HEALS children, and the cafe, looked beautiful together. While I watched their dance performance, drums and calabashes beating the rhythm of the ancient songs, as the bells attached to the kids' feet hit in perfect unison, it became just that. The perfect union, coming finally full circle. A venue space echoing sounds of local music and art, of creative thought and limitless expression. And in a place that equally reflected art, beauty and a love for its beneficiaries. It was in that moment that it all came together for me. And it was a beautiful, striking moment.

The photography exhibit was equally impressive, with HEALS' photos students showcasing their best works- each unique and powerfully connected to one of the stanzas from Ecclesiastes 3, which was the theme of the exhibit-"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens". With each phrase, the student explained their perspective in writing, included in the program, and it became so real, as soon as the connection was made between the powerful photo, taken through the honesty of the child's perspective, and the reality of their lives which go beyond the simple glance. It was incredible to understand the creativity and ability to analyze and explain their lives-filled with many emotions I never understood or had to deal with as a kid. Through this means of expression, it became completely candid, raw and engaging. Each of the young photographers were there, proudly explaining their works, and a few Mothers and Fathers also came. One mother upon seeing a photo of herself, gasped in excitement, hugging her son, whose eyes said it all- he was so proud, and she of him. A girl from the Nationwide newspaper, The Monitor attended the exhibition and will speak to the kids today, attempting to give a few of the older ones a chance to get into photojournalism.

It was a day to remember. And now the real work begins, as we will officially open for business next weekend, after training the staff and finalizing our menu. Oh, and hiring the chef. Oh, and buying a stove. Oh, and fixing the front sign, Oh, and... Anyhow, thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. They are working through this project and continue to move it forward in beautiful and unexpected ways.

On a personal note- may God bless the Riley family during this time. Know that his energy and enthusiasm, contagious, has given me strength in my creativity here. I'm sure this can be said by so many. May he always be remembered for his incredible courage and love for others.