Pure Joy is:

- watching our student, Joshua (B’s sullen and unresponsive son), sitting on the edge of his seat during the first of our new weekly school debates: notepad in one hand, pencil in other, scribbling madly at each new point, scared to speak, full of life

- hearing the whole assembly of students erupt in applause as the diminutive K. Jimmy, chemistry teacher, strode meekly to the front of the debate to make his points; students and staff joining in a tremendous welcome

- seeing the debate secretary, a S4 student, refuse a staff member the right to speak as point of order . . . When else do students have such a voice?

- doubling in laughter at the animated striding and gestures of a S3 boy, fervently proclaiming the worthlessness of a particular political group in Uganda – and intensely seeing his beauty, for the very first time.

Our one debate last year on Ugandan Independence Day whetted our appetite for more. Since school wide debates are a form of normal life in Ugandan schools, much like football, we decided to begin the tradition here. Debate helps with speaking and hearing English, thinking on one’s feet, forming logical points, public speaking, critical thinking . . . . It’s a wonder, really! But even better than all that; it brings students and staff together in a way that I have never seen before at CSB. Watching yesterday, I got more hope than I have in a long time, and I am asking God to show us more ways to draw this school together in joy, pride and a vision of glory.