So back home in Chicago I take public transportation everywhere. From the train to the buses the CTA is the way for me. In high school I got around through car pool, parents, school buses, walking, and eventually a car I myself drove. Well transportation here in Uganda is a bit different, but just as much fun. Here are a list of each way I have traveled.
Bus:
-So my first bus experience was on my trip from Kampala up to Gulu with Chris Walker. What an experience it was, the first thing I noticed when I walked on the bus was that there were boxes of baby chicks above head, this was my first indication that the bus ride would be one unlike any I had ever been on before. Prior to leaving on the bus Chris wanted to walk to where he would to go a week later to head back to the airport on his way home. So here I am left with a decision, do I leave my baggage on the bus and hope it is okay and go with Chris and Kevin, or do I stay with my baggage by myself. Kevin assured me my things would be safe if I left them there, but I was feeling a bit uneasy because Madison had things stolen from her and I was two days late because things of mine were stolen at the airport. Well I decided to start my adventures the right way and just go with the flow and leave my things there. What’s the worse that could happen? My things get stolen, as long as the most important things are with me then no use in fretting over it. So I leave my things and walk through Kampala and come back to the bus park. The driver of the bus assured me he would stay by the bus and watch my things, and when we arrive he is no where in sight but my things are all there safe and sound. Once we finally leave it was the bumpiest ride that I at that time had experienced. It was bizarre stopping in small villages and people where shoving meat on sticks through the window wanting us to buy it, that in itself was an experience unlike any other. 6 or so hours later we finally arrive in Gulu to be greeted by both Madison and Megan.
-My second experience on the buses was my travels to Pabo. If I never take that trip on a bus again I will be happy. First things first we waited over 2 hours for the bus, which itself was not too bad. However, when we walked on the bus we noticed large bags of cabbage blocking the aisle way. What to do? The only seats open where in the back. So we take it like champs and start crawling over them, it was like an obstacle course, and to no surprise to me the next day I had a wonderful bruise on my knee to mark my experiences on the bus. The bus ride was not nearly as long as the one to Gulu from Kampala however, I have never felt so sick to my stomach as I did on that bus. It took all the self control that I possess not to get sick while on the bus. To make matters even worse I had the window that was about to fall out of the bus and kept rattling, I couldn’t even enjoy the scenery. But all was well we arrived in Pabo safe and sound, even if a little nauseated.
BodaBoda (Border to Border, motor bikes)
- This is perhaps my favorite way to get around Uganda and the one I take most often. My first experience was just fine except that Megan was on a bike behind me and they ran out of gas and I of course had no idea where I was going or if I was even going the right direction.
-My favorite Boda experience was one morning when Diana and I were on our way to the office. I got on my boda and he started going the way we always go to Lacor, but then he makes a turn. I am completely and utterly confused as to where I am, so where do we go? Gulu University Hospital. I explain I want to go to Lacor, and he acknowledges that he knows where that is. So were off to Lacor, or so I thought. Again we are on roads I am not familiar with and have no clue as to where I am, next thing I know I am at Gulu Independence Hospital, on the opposite side of Gulu. At this point I am ready to hop off my boda and get on a new one, because who knows where I might end up next, but I decide we will give it one more shot. How many more hospitals can be in the area? Well it all worked out because the next hospital he took me to was Lacor, and I finally made it to Diana’s relief.
-Another great story concerning bodas happened about a week or so ago. We were all leaving the office and got on some bodas and where on our way home. Megan and Laura left before Diana and myself, and as soon as they pulled away it started to rain. All I could think was crap, now I am here in Lacor and I need to wait for the rain to pass. Luckily there were two brave souls that agreed to take Diana and I through the rain. We somehow catch up to and pass Laura and Megan. Diana is in front of me and her boda driver misses the turn and so do I. So what does her boda driver do? He takes a right onto a random tiny path way that goes through a corn field to get back to the main road that we needed to turn onto…my boda driver follows. We eventually got home safe and sound, fairly dry and without corn husks in our hair.
Car/Truck:
-This is a form of transportation I have only taken twice but both have been quite the experiences. My first journey that took place was the night of my arrival at the airport. Once greeted by a familiar face in the form of Chris Walker we needed to get back to the place in which we were going to be sleeping for the night. Now Chris warned me before we even pulled out of the parking lot that the driving here was different and to try and suppress any screams or shouts, I could not help but think what am I doing in this car. Overall it was a fairly good experience, nothing to scary only a few times that I closed my eyes and went to my happy place.
-My favorite travel experience thus far on this entire trip was the one that took place on my way back from Pabo in the back of a white pick up truck. I am sitting on bags of salt, next to a lady sitting on top of boxes filled with curry powder and Diana sits across from me on the tire cut out in the back of the truck. We are surrounded by other boxes of items such as sugary drinks and more curry powder, along with tires, and some machine tied down at the end of the truck bed, not exactly the roomiest of places but by far one of the most fun. The bumps where still there, but I didn’t really notice them with the wind in my hair and the most gorgeous scenery I have ever seen in my entire life. Plush trees ranging in every shade of green imaginable, hills rolling covered in grasses, absolute gorgeousness. I could not stop smiling and laughing, I was having the time of my life. Our truck was literally being chased by small children as we stopped in villages along the way to drop off all the goodies surrounding us. Once everything was dropped off, including my seat the ride was much more roomier, and I found myself sitting on top of a bag filled with I don’t know what, though I am sure there were a few pairs of flip flops shoved in there, which was place on the tire. I wish I could travel to and from every place this way, I felt totally free and at peace, it was amazing.
Taxi:
- This is my least favorite form of transportation, but I do occasionally find myself sitting in one. The taxis here are a bit different from the ones back at home. Here they are white vans with seats covered in animal print fabric and windows tapped around the edges. Taxis here also have seats that can be lifted up and then put back down to help accommodate more people. In Kampala we needed to go to the United States Embassy before heading back to Gulu so a taxi it was. There ride there was not too bad, however, the one back was one to remember. Kevin, Chris and myself were in the last row of seats in the back of the taxi driving around Kampala. Kevin fell asleep momentarily and of course I had no idea where I was and Chris wasn’t quite sure. Well when Kevin woke up he thought we had passed where we needed to get off so we got out of the taxi immediately after Kevin woke up. Well it turns out we go out of the taxi just a little to soon and ended up walking away from where we needed to be until we finally figured out we were a good ways away and it was time to walk.
- The night of the welcoming ceremony, the one filled with rain and leaking tarps. After speaking with some folks back home on Skype Kevin managed to snag the last taxi in Lacor for us to get back home in. So we pile in, I am still fairly soaked from pushing water off the tarp where I happened to be in the worse spot possible and I think I managed to get more water on my than off the tarp. So we are driving along, in the dark on bumpy roads and I begin to get a headache. Now this headache was not brought on due to the bumps or the loud noise, it was from the fumes inside the taxi from the car. I was not the only one to be bothered by them and finally windows were opened up to let some much needed and desired fresh air in the taxi
So there you have it. Some of the experiences I have had getting around Uganda. Though not all of the trips have been the best on my stomach and or brain cells. Every trip has been an experience different from anything I could ever imagine, and I have loved every minute of it. I hope you all think about riding on the back of motor bike with the wind and your hair and more than likely dust in your eyes next time you are on your travels, because believe me it is an incredible feeling, and something I know I will miss.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
My Pabo Experience
So the alarm goes off at 7:30am, today is the day we travel to Pabo. We get ready, and Kevin comes a knocking at the door, over an hour early to inform us we need to get ready because two buses that go to Pabo and further have left, so only one remains. We walk to where we need to pick up the bus and we wait, and wait, and wait. Kevin and Megan have already left; they needed to make some stops along the way to get the certificate for our land. The bus finally arrives and then it finally leaves. Just getting on the bus was an adventure, which should have been the first sign that Pabo would be a day to remember. There we bags and bags of cabbage in the aisle of the bus so we had to climb over them to get to some seats, crazy looking munus climbing over cabbage I bet that was a sight. The ride itself was not at all comfortable; it was so bumpy, I had to make myself not throw up.
But we finally get to Pabo, it only took us an hour or so once we were on the road rather than the 2.5 hours Kevin thought. So here I am in the biggest IDP camp in Uganda walking to meet our two kids that live there. We thought we would go check out the school first and then go to the kid’s huts. As we are walking along I step in this huge pile of mud, this is a regular occurrence it seems I can never stay out of mud. So after Kevin helps me wash my foot and shoe we can actually go to the school…it was lunchtime, so it was like walking into a lion’s den. We were followed by a swarm of children, well over 100, perhaps close to 200. There were times we could barely walk the kids were grabbing our hands and just wanting to touch us. We talked with Wilfred and Beatrice’s head teachers about how they were doing in school, and we got fairly general answers but we didn’t really expect much more. Diana and I decided we wanted to spend the night in Pabo. Kevin didn’t think we should stay in a hut because it might not be safe if a priest did not escort us, and there were no priests present that day. However, we were able to make arrangements with the parish to sleep over night there once we were doing spending time with our kids. We walk through a maze of huts and arrive; I finally got to meet Beatrice and Wilfred, as well as the rest of their family. A bit of a back-story, they have two younger brothers one named Daniel who fell into the stove when he was younger and was burned very badly and has scars all over his body from the incident. Their mother is HIV positive so life can be tough for them sometimes, in addition to the already difficult life in an IDP camp. So we chatted with their mother for a while till it was time for Laura, Kevin, and Megan to head out. School was not over yet so Diana and I decided to go observe the classes and then come back to the hut with the kids when school was over.
After saying farewell to our friends we were escorted to the P.5 class that Beatrice is in. I was pleasantly surprised by what I say: A class size of around 80 (not too bad), an active teacher, in class participation, and in class feedback. We then were taken to another building where Wilfred was in his P.4 class. It was towards the end of the day so they were done with lessons, but the teacher managed to make us feel quite uncomfortable. He was talking to the students about how much Americans love them, and what sort of things they need because of the 21-year war. He introduced who he thought was our kid, but was the wrong boy completely, we tried to correct him but he just thought he had got the name wrong. Overall the experience at the school was very good, though at times very overwhelming and awkward. After school we followed Beatrice and Wilfred back to their hut to spend time with them for the evening. Both Wilfred and Beatrice struggle in English and well I am still working on my Luo so we were not able to talk much but it was nice to be able to at least be with them. After arriving at the hut we were served dinner, so much food it took everything I had to eat it, but it was tasty.
After dinner we went outside to sit with everyone and Diana and I started doing math problems in the dirt with our kids. Next thing you know as we are working a large group of forty or so forms around us. So we are working with the kids, and I felt kind of bad because you can hear people counting and answering the problems out loud. It was an interesting experience but I loved it.
So we wanted to walk around the camp to see just what it was like, so we start walking. We stop at a store and a man comes out and explains they don’t understand what we are saying so he translates for us and they realize what we want to do and take us for a walk. It was the most impoverished yet beautiful place I have ever seen. I couldn’t cry even though I wanted to, I couldn’t because everyone else was laughing. The huts were so close I could lie between them and touch both. Look out to the distance just a ways and you see mountains, lush green trees, and the most gorgeous sunset ever. This was the first time that I was really exposed to the stereotypical Africa that you see on late night commercials from feed the children. In Gulu I had seen children with potbellies and flies on their faces but not every time I turned around. This is what I saw in Pabo, and it was heartbreaking yet at the same time reassuring. What I mean by this is that the conditions were awful but the people were still smiling and laughing, they have not lost hope and faith that tomorrow will be better so neither can I.
We arrive back at the hut and we are just sitting outside it, with about 40-50 pairs of eyes just starring at us. We were not supposed to leave till 8 for the parish but Diana and I thought that it might be best if we leave early. Word was traveling around the camp that we were there and more and more people were coming around and we didn’t want to cause too much of a commotion/hassle for the family with all the people around their hut.
After spending an interesting and fun night at the Parish it was sadly time for us to leave Pabo. Peter walked us to the area that we could get a ride back to Gulu and we found ourselves in a slight predicament, taxi or the back of the pick up truck? We thought that maybe we should go on the taxi, but then we found out it was going to be a long time till it left, and well TIA (this is Africa) so a long time could very well be 5 hours. So we hop on the back of this pick up truck and it was so much fun. The scenery was beautiful, the ride wasn’t too bad, wind was in my hair and I could not stop laughing and smiling.
Overall my time in Pabo was amazing, life changing and a beautiful experience. I plan on going back a few more times before I leave to get to know and experience more with the people who live in some of the worst conditions you can imagine.
But we finally get to Pabo, it only took us an hour or so once we were on the road rather than the 2.5 hours Kevin thought. So here I am in the biggest IDP camp in Uganda walking to meet our two kids that live there. We thought we would go check out the school first and then go to the kid’s huts. As we are walking along I step in this huge pile of mud, this is a regular occurrence it seems I can never stay out of mud. So after Kevin helps me wash my foot and shoe we can actually go to the school…it was lunchtime, so it was like walking into a lion’s den. We were followed by a swarm of children, well over 100, perhaps close to 200. There were times we could barely walk the kids were grabbing our hands and just wanting to touch us. We talked with Wilfred and Beatrice’s head teachers about how they were doing in school, and we got fairly general answers but we didn’t really expect much more. Diana and I decided we wanted to spend the night in Pabo. Kevin didn’t think we should stay in a hut because it might not be safe if a priest did not escort us, and there were no priests present that day. However, we were able to make arrangements with the parish to sleep over night there once we were doing spending time with our kids. We walk through a maze of huts and arrive; I finally got to meet Beatrice and Wilfred, as well as the rest of their family. A bit of a back-story, they have two younger brothers one named Daniel who fell into the stove when he was younger and was burned very badly and has scars all over his body from the incident. Their mother is HIV positive so life can be tough for them sometimes, in addition to the already difficult life in an IDP camp. So we chatted with their mother for a while till it was time for Laura, Kevin, and Megan to head out. School was not over yet so Diana and I decided to go observe the classes and then come back to the hut with the kids when school was over.
After saying farewell to our friends we were escorted to the P.5 class that Beatrice is in. I was pleasantly surprised by what I say: A class size of around 80 (not too bad), an active teacher, in class participation, and in class feedback. We then were taken to another building where Wilfred was in his P.4 class. It was towards the end of the day so they were done with lessons, but the teacher managed to make us feel quite uncomfortable. He was talking to the students about how much Americans love them, and what sort of things they need because of the 21-year war. He introduced who he thought was our kid, but was the wrong boy completely, we tried to correct him but he just thought he had got the name wrong. Overall the experience at the school was very good, though at times very overwhelming and awkward. After school we followed Beatrice and Wilfred back to their hut to spend time with them for the evening. Both Wilfred and Beatrice struggle in English and well I am still working on my Luo so we were not able to talk much but it was nice to be able to at least be with them. After arriving at the hut we were served dinner, so much food it took everything I had to eat it, but it was tasty.
After dinner we went outside to sit with everyone and Diana and I started doing math problems in the dirt with our kids. Next thing you know as we are working a large group of forty or so forms around us. So we are working with the kids, and I felt kind of bad because you can hear people counting and answering the problems out loud. It was an interesting experience but I loved it.
So we wanted to walk around the camp to see just what it was like, so we start walking. We stop at a store and a man comes out and explains they don’t understand what we are saying so he translates for us and they realize what we want to do and take us for a walk. It was the most impoverished yet beautiful place I have ever seen. I couldn’t cry even though I wanted to, I couldn’t because everyone else was laughing. The huts were so close I could lie between them and touch both. Look out to the distance just a ways and you see mountains, lush green trees, and the most gorgeous sunset ever. This was the first time that I was really exposed to the stereotypical Africa that you see on late night commercials from feed the children. In Gulu I had seen children with potbellies and flies on their faces but not every time I turned around. This is what I saw in Pabo, and it was heartbreaking yet at the same time reassuring. What I mean by this is that the conditions were awful but the people were still smiling and laughing, they have not lost hope and faith that tomorrow will be better so neither can I.
We arrive back at the hut and we are just sitting outside it, with about 40-50 pairs of eyes just starring at us. We were not supposed to leave till 8 for the parish but Diana and I thought that it might be best if we leave early. Word was traveling around the camp that we were there and more and more people were coming around and we didn’t want to cause too much of a commotion/hassle for the family with all the people around their hut.
After spending an interesting and fun night at the Parish it was sadly time for us to leave Pabo. Peter walked us to the area that we could get a ride back to Gulu and we found ourselves in a slight predicament, taxi or the back of the pick up truck? We thought that maybe we should go on the taxi, but then we found out it was going to be a long time till it left, and well TIA (this is Africa) so a long time could very well be 5 hours. So we hop on the back of this pick up truck and it was so much fun. The scenery was beautiful, the ride wasn’t too bad, wind was in my hair and I could not stop laughing and smiling.
Overall my time in Pabo was amazing, life changing and a beautiful experience. I plan on going back a few more times before I leave to get to know and experience more with the people who live in some of the worst conditions you can imagine.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
PICTURES!
TOP: Baby Nathan on my back
Next: Me holding baby Nathan my first day here
Next: Fionna on the actual day of the ceromony
Next: An elderly lady from the area with baby Nathan
Bottom: From my mini welcome ceromony
Teacher Teacher Teacher
So as a future teacher being able to explore the schools here in Gulu has been a great experience, and an experience that is not over. Over the last week or so Diana and I have been to a total of four schools. Two of the schools our kids attend and two of them which we hope to get our kids into for the start of the next school year.
The first school we went to, Demonstration is where 9 of our kids attend. We were allowed to sit in on and observe a P.4 (Primary 4) class. We walked into the classroom and I was shocked. 4 to 5 children to a bench, and those benches are not that long and children sitting on the floor. In total there were 108 out of 121 students in that classroom. We were given chairs to sit in the back and started to observe the class. What we noticed is that because there are no books everything has to be put up on the board, which takes time, lots and lots of precious instructional time. There was also close to ten minutes of instructional time lost just passing out notebooks. In the half hour that we spent in the classroom, I think about only 10 minutes of actual teaching occurred. To top everything off we were of course the biggest distraction possible in the classroom, which I felt awful about. We were given the opportunity to talk with some of our kid’s teachers that turned out to be a slight disappointment but not at all a shocking experience. In total most of the teachers were teaching over 250 students, on a rotational basis, so for the most part they didn’t really know who our students were.
The following day we were able to go to St. Joseph Primary School, which three of our kids attend. Upon arriving here they were ready for us, they had a schedule for us so that we could observe all of the classes our kids were in. We went to a P6 class first where I was 100% completely distracted by a lizard that was crawling around Diana and I. I noticed that in this class of well over 100 there was a boy in the back that had an awful tremor that looked painful. There seemed to be a bit more learning going on in this classroom as the teacher walked around the class and attempted to engage as many students as possible. We then were taken to a P4 classroom where there was serious learning occurring. We were able to observe a great math class. There were again well over 100 students in this class as well but they all seemed to be engaged. The teacher was doing examples on the board, and having the students talk her through the process. She had students come up to the board and do examples and she had them do seat work while she walked around to observe and check on the students. One of the best moments in that class was when one of our students who struggles the most in school went up to the board and struggled a bit, but with some help got the answer correct and the entire class clapped for her.
After our weekend, which will return to later we were able to go to two of the schools we would like to put all of our students in. One is an all boys’ boarding school and one is a boarding and day school for girls. Upon finally arriving at the boys’ school, which was quite the trek I was very impressed. We looked into a classroom, that actually had windows and I could actually count how many students where in the classroom without becoming overwhelmed. There were white boards, students were up at the teacher’s desks asking them questions, and they had books! There were papers on the walls with diagrams and maps on them. It was encouraging to talk with the head master because he pretty much said as long as we can pay they can come. It was a great school, their exam results are amazing, and nothing under division 2, and most results are in the highest division possible, 1. After leaving that school we walked to the all girls school. Here the classes are a bit bigger than I would like, but they cap it at no more than 70 in a classroom at a time, which is high but better than 150 like at St. Josephs. Again I was very happy to hear that our girls could attend as long as we can pay the tuition and they work hard and put in the effort.
The school tours are far from over for us though. We have one child going into secondary school next year so we need to go look at schools in the area and talk with here about where she would like to attend. There is also one more primary school I would like to observe, where many of the disabled children attend. Over all it has been an amazing experience exploring the schools here in Gulu. It has been an eye opening experience to say in the least. I knew that the conditions of many of the schools was going to be tough for me to experience but it is an experience that is going to make me a better teacher.
So back the weekend. It was time for Diana and I to be the teachers. We were asked to teach English on Saturday and well we were not really sure what to do. We would have many of our program kids and many non-program kids who are all at extremely different levels in their English. So we found some books here in the office and Diana set off to read with some of the younger kids who were still beginning with their English. I took off with a book that was a bit more difficult with some of the kids who were a bit more proficient in English. As we started to read they started passing out these small books and blank paper and told us that the kids could copy these books. Diana and I were both a bit confused because we knew they didn’t know what these books were saying so what was the point of copying them. So Diana sat down with one of our girls and said she wanted here to read the book to her. At first the girl resisted but finally started reading, after the first page she wanted to copy the book and Diana wasn’t having it, she had her read the entire book to her. As I observed it was wonderful to watch one of our kids finish a book with a little bit of help. While this was occurring I took another one of our kids and wanted to read the book that he was meant to copy. As we started to read the book, I realized that the book was entirely to hard for him, and I needed an easier book, I needed to meet him where he was. So we went back to the office to find a book better suited, though I didn’t find the ideal level I was looking for I found one that was more suitable. We started reading, and it was a struggle. It took us over 10 minutes to get through the first page, but we got through it. The second page was a bit longer and took us a bit longer to get through but we worked through it. I could tell he was getting very frustrated, he wanted to read and he wanted to read well but the book just was to hard. So I let him stop, there was no use in making him upset and frustrated when the book was just way to hard. I would have had him continue if it was more suitable to his needs but it wasn’t. However, I could tell he knew the book was too hard and he was proud he made it through the first two pages, and so was I.
Great Teacher moment: So on Monday our kids were out of school and some of them were here at the compound. I went outside to talk with some of them and the girl who Diana had read with asked if she could read. Well of course she can read, so I went inside and got the book she had worked on with Diana. Diana saw me get the book and asked what I was doing, I told her what was up. We were both thrilled. Here this little girl who didn’t want to read to begin with was asking me if she could read again.
So there is a bit of a look at the school experiences I have had thus far in Uganda. I am having a blast, and loving my time I am spending here but sadly it is going by way to fast.
Hanging Out, Having Fun, and Stepping in African mud.
The first school we went to, Demonstration is where 9 of our kids attend. We were allowed to sit in on and observe a P.4 (Primary 4) class. We walked into the classroom and I was shocked. 4 to 5 children to a bench, and those benches are not that long and children sitting on the floor. In total there were 108 out of 121 students in that classroom. We were given chairs to sit in the back and started to observe the class. What we noticed is that because there are no books everything has to be put up on the board, which takes time, lots and lots of precious instructional time. There was also close to ten minutes of instructional time lost just passing out notebooks. In the half hour that we spent in the classroom, I think about only 10 minutes of actual teaching occurred. To top everything off we were of course the biggest distraction possible in the classroom, which I felt awful about. We were given the opportunity to talk with some of our kid’s teachers that turned out to be a slight disappointment but not at all a shocking experience. In total most of the teachers were teaching over 250 students, on a rotational basis, so for the most part they didn’t really know who our students were.
The following day we were able to go to St. Joseph Primary School, which three of our kids attend. Upon arriving here they were ready for us, they had a schedule for us so that we could observe all of the classes our kids were in. We went to a P6 class first where I was 100% completely distracted by a lizard that was crawling around Diana and I. I noticed that in this class of well over 100 there was a boy in the back that had an awful tremor that looked painful. There seemed to be a bit more learning going on in this classroom as the teacher walked around the class and attempted to engage as many students as possible. We then were taken to a P4 classroom where there was serious learning occurring. We were able to observe a great math class. There were again well over 100 students in this class as well but they all seemed to be engaged. The teacher was doing examples on the board, and having the students talk her through the process. She had students come up to the board and do examples and she had them do seat work while she walked around to observe and check on the students. One of the best moments in that class was when one of our students who struggles the most in school went up to the board and struggled a bit, but with some help got the answer correct and the entire class clapped for her.
After our weekend, which will return to later we were able to go to two of the schools we would like to put all of our students in. One is an all boys’ boarding school and one is a boarding and day school for girls. Upon finally arriving at the boys’ school, which was quite the trek I was very impressed. We looked into a classroom, that actually had windows and I could actually count how many students where in the classroom without becoming overwhelmed. There were white boards, students were up at the teacher’s desks asking them questions, and they had books! There were papers on the walls with diagrams and maps on them. It was encouraging to talk with the head master because he pretty much said as long as we can pay they can come. It was a great school, their exam results are amazing, and nothing under division 2, and most results are in the highest division possible, 1. After leaving that school we walked to the all girls school. Here the classes are a bit bigger than I would like, but they cap it at no more than 70 in a classroom at a time, which is high but better than 150 like at St. Josephs. Again I was very happy to hear that our girls could attend as long as we can pay the tuition and they work hard and put in the effort.
The school tours are far from over for us though. We have one child going into secondary school next year so we need to go look at schools in the area and talk with here about where she would like to attend. There is also one more primary school I would like to observe, where many of the disabled children attend. Over all it has been an amazing experience exploring the schools here in Gulu. It has been an eye opening experience to say in the least. I knew that the conditions of many of the schools was going to be tough for me to experience but it is an experience that is going to make me a better teacher.
So back the weekend. It was time for Diana and I to be the teachers. We were asked to teach English on Saturday and well we were not really sure what to do. We would have many of our program kids and many non-program kids who are all at extremely different levels in their English. So we found some books here in the office and Diana set off to read with some of the younger kids who were still beginning with their English. I took off with a book that was a bit more difficult with some of the kids who were a bit more proficient in English. As we started to read they started passing out these small books and blank paper and told us that the kids could copy these books. Diana and I were both a bit confused because we knew they didn’t know what these books were saying so what was the point of copying them. So Diana sat down with one of our girls and said she wanted here to read the book to her. At first the girl resisted but finally started reading, after the first page she wanted to copy the book and Diana wasn’t having it, she had her read the entire book to her. As I observed it was wonderful to watch one of our kids finish a book with a little bit of help. While this was occurring I took another one of our kids and wanted to read the book that he was meant to copy. As we started to read the book, I realized that the book was entirely to hard for him, and I needed an easier book, I needed to meet him where he was. So we went back to the office to find a book better suited, though I didn’t find the ideal level I was looking for I found one that was more suitable. We started reading, and it was a struggle. It took us over 10 minutes to get through the first page, but we got through it. The second page was a bit longer and took us a bit longer to get through but we worked through it. I could tell he was getting very frustrated, he wanted to read and he wanted to read well but the book just was to hard. So I let him stop, there was no use in making him upset and frustrated when the book was just way to hard. I would have had him continue if it was more suitable to his needs but it wasn’t. However, I could tell he knew the book was too hard and he was proud he made it through the first two pages, and so was I.
Great Teacher moment: So on Monday our kids were out of school and some of them were here at the compound. I went outside to talk with some of them and the girl who Diana had read with asked if she could read. Well of course she can read, so I went inside and got the book she had worked on with Diana. Diana saw me get the book and asked what I was doing, I told her what was up. We were both thrilled. Here this little girl who didn’t want to read to begin with was asking me if she could read again.
So there is a bit of a look at the school experiences I have had thus far in Uganda. I am having a blast, and loving my time I am spending here but sadly it is going by way to fast.
Hanging Out, Having Fun, and Stepping in African mud.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Nyero (laughter)
So until now I have only really been sharing what has been occurring while I have been in Uganda. I have not really sat down and shared the personal affect it is having on my life and I think it is something some of you might be interested in.
This trip has meant the world to me. To be able to see, meet, play, and spend time with the kids I work so hard for. To see the smile on their faces, to see the beauty in their eyes. I love observing them play from afar when they don’t quite realize I am watching. I am able to observe their innocence; I am able to see them actually be children. A child running up to hold my hand has never meant more to me than it has since I have been here. I can just be walking and next thing I know I have 10 children surrounding me trying to just hug. Obviously, not all of these kids our DMP kids, or even non-program kids for that matter, they are just kids who think its weird to have some fair skinned, blonde hair, blue eyes girl in their village.
I have never witnessed and observed so much love for life as I have here in Gulu. Many of these people have experience and witnessed more in life than I can ever imagine. Yet, they smile real smiles, genuine smiles more often than most people I have met in my life. I see men and women walking down the street, wounded from war and they greet me with beautiful smiles and genuine eyes. I met a landmine victim today, he could not have been over the age of 25, and he had lost both legs. When I was introduced to him he shook my hand firmly, with pride, and the most beautiful smile I had seen. I hope that if I can bring anything back with me from my experience here in Uganda it will be a further love for life.
These kids, all the kids that I am around regularly both DMP kids and non-program kids continue to amaze me on a daily basis. They get enjoyment out of the small things in life, and it is something I am really appreciate. I am doing more for these kids than just helping pay their school fees or provide art supplies for them, I am becoming a friend. Someone that they can trust and count on and it is perhaps the most amazing feeling in the entire world. I didn’t realize what impact this trip would have on me, but the impact is astronomical. I am seeing that there are many universal things in this world and one of them is kids. We were walking back from a school yesterday and kids were racing down a hill, running as fast as they could, some without shoes on with the biggest grins on their faces you could ever see. I remember doing that as a kid, feeling the wind on your face and the grass between your toes. The most important thing I have really seen while I have been here is the power of laughter. Nothing feels better than laughing, it is probably the best feeling in the world and the most beautiful sound you could hear. Childrens laughter especially brings a special smile to my face. I love to laugh with these kids, and they love to make me laugh and most importantly they love to laugh at me. They love to laugh at my scrapped up leg because I don’t know how to walk, or my attempts at trying to learn Luo. But I love that I can make these kids laugh, because it helps them be kids, if only for a minute. And what is best, is I am laughing all the time, at myself most of the time but it is the best feeling in the world. The best it has ever felt to laugh in recent memory.
That is a bit of what I am feeling and experiencing while I am here in Uganda. So remember to love life, watch kids be kids, and most importantly laugh. Lead with your heart and follow closely behind with your head. (yes I know Aunt Trish, it is opposite of what you always tell me, but it seems to be working good since I have been here)
This trip has meant the world to me. To be able to see, meet, play, and spend time with the kids I work so hard for. To see the smile on their faces, to see the beauty in their eyes. I love observing them play from afar when they don’t quite realize I am watching. I am able to observe their innocence; I am able to see them actually be children. A child running up to hold my hand has never meant more to me than it has since I have been here. I can just be walking and next thing I know I have 10 children surrounding me trying to just hug. Obviously, not all of these kids our DMP kids, or even non-program kids for that matter, they are just kids who think its weird to have some fair skinned, blonde hair, blue eyes girl in their village.
I have never witnessed and observed so much love for life as I have here in Gulu. Many of these people have experience and witnessed more in life than I can ever imagine. Yet, they smile real smiles, genuine smiles more often than most people I have met in my life. I see men and women walking down the street, wounded from war and they greet me with beautiful smiles and genuine eyes. I met a landmine victim today, he could not have been over the age of 25, and he had lost both legs. When I was introduced to him he shook my hand firmly, with pride, and the most beautiful smile I had seen. I hope that if I can bring anything back with me from my experience here in Uganda it will be a further love for life.
These kids, all the kids that I am around regularly both DMP kids and non-program kids continue to amaze me on a daily basis. They get enjoyment out of the small things in life, and it is something I am really appreciate. I am doing more for these kids than just helping pay their school fees or provide art supplies for them, I am becoming a friend. Someone that they can trust and count on and it is perhaps the most amazing feeling in the entire world. I didn’t realize what impact this trip would have on me, but the impact is astronomical. I am seeing that there are many universal things in this world and one of them is kids. We were walking back from a school yesterday and kids were racing down a hill, running as fast as they could, some without shoes on with the biggest grins on their faces you could ever see. I remember doing that as a kid, feeling the wind on your face and the grass between your toes. The most important thing I have really seen while I have been here is the power of laughter. Nothing feels better than laughing, it is probably the best feeling in the world and the most beautiful sound you could hear. Childrens laughter especially brings a special smile to my face. I love to laugh with these kids, and they love to make me laugh and most importantly they love to laugh at me. They love to laugh at my scrapped up leg because I don’t know how to walk, or my attempts at trying to learn Luo. But I love that I can make these kids laugh, because it helps them be kids, if only for a minute. And what is best, is I am laughing all the time, at myself most of the time but it is the best feeling in the world. The best it has ever felt to laugh in recent memory.
That is a bit of what I am feeling and experiencing while I am here in Uganda. So remember to love life, watch kids be kids, and most importantly laugh. Lead with your heart and follow closely behind with your head. (yes I know Aunt Trish, it is opposite of what you always tell me, but it seems to be working good since I have been here)
Friday, June 13, 2008
Lanyero
Hey everyone! I know that it has been awhile since I updated so here it goes...
Sunday was a 'lazy' day. We didn't do much other than hang out at home and talk about DMP things. Later on that day we went to Kope Cafe (the hang out for all the munus in Gulu) It was movie night. We were to watch Amelie with some of the teachers with Invisible Childrens program, Schools for Schools. Right as the movie was about to began we got a phone call from back home in Chicago from our home based crew. It was nice to hear all their voices and we were able to discuss DMP issues. The confrence call lasted quite awhile, and I missed most of the movie but no loss there at all.
On Monday it was Uganda Heros Day so it was another national holiday our kids got off for school.Since our orginal ceremony was put on a stand still due to the rain they performed for us on Monday. It was great being able to see everything our kids worked so hard putting together. They did some amazing drama work that I could have watched all day. They also performed some more songs for us and we loved it. They also had a farwell song for Madison and Chris. The kids really seemed to be enjoying themselves, but of course the rains came again. Luckily though, it was after they were done performing. It was nice to hang out with all the program and non-program kids again though.
Tuesday came and it was a sad day. Chris and Madison left us for Kampala so that they could leave for the states on Wednesday morning. After leaving them at the bus park I left for the office. I got on my Boda and he said he knew where he was going. Next thing I know instead of being at Lacor hospital I was at Gulu University Hospital. I explained Lacor and he said he has misheard me so we were off on our way to what I thought was Lacor. Nope, I was wrong. I ended up at Gulu Independence Hospital. At this point I was ready to jump off of the Boda and get on a new one, but, he eventually got me there. It was just another day at the office once I finally got there.
I've been working on DMP things for awhile now and finally on Thursday Diana and I were able to start going to schools. On Thursday we went to Demonstration Primary School and were able to observe a P4 class in session. It was very difficult for me to sit and watch the class in session. There were 108 students in one classroom, 4 to 5 students to a bench plus students on the floor. Diana and I were sitting in the back of the classroom and could hardly hear the teacher as he spoke. It is no wonder that kids are not performing well, out of the 25 minutes we spent in that classroom only about 10 minutes were spent with the teacher actually teaching. We were then able to talk to all but one of our kids teachers that attend Demonstartion. It was nice to hear what they had to say about them so that we can try to better help them. It was also really good because they said they would keep an eye on them and try to push them to really do well in class. Thursday evening we went to Maq Foods for dinner, which is one of our favorite spots. Patrick, the owner, informed us that there is a new menu being launched in a few days and invited us to a tasting party to make sure everything on the menu was good. He then asked us to sample his homemade wine, which was good but strong.
Today Diana and I spent our time at St. Joes Primary School. They were very prepared for us and had an observation schedule set. We were able to observe both P6 and P4 classes, but ran out of time and were unable to see the P5 class. I was very impressed by the P4 class. The teacher engaged with the students, had them do work at their desks and went around and corrected them. The students also did math excersices on the board and the entire class worked on them together. There were 108 students and they all seemed fairly attentive and participated when she asked them to. Barbara Sharon is in that class and she has been struggling in school. The teacher asked her to come up and perform a multiplication problem in front of the class and she got it correct!!! The entire class clapped and cheered for her, and it was nice to see her proud.
The weather here is dry then wet then dry dry dry. Then we get lots of rain. It is crazy to say in the least, but I don't mind it.
I am loving my time here in Uganda. I love the people, and our kids. I have never given so many high fives and 'bongas' in my entire life, but I am loving every minute of it.
In regards to the title of this blog: That is my new Acholi name. Lanyero means; full of joy, happiness and very social. The women of the compound named me that because I am always outside playing with the children and talking with them. I also got a name from Kevin, Opoyorwot, which means Thanks be to God. I don't know why he named me that, but everyone just calls me Lanyero.
There has been news about possible troubles here in Uganda in regards to the LRA. I just want everyone to know that everything fine here. Nothing is going on, there have been no problems.
I hope that all is well in the states and that this entry finds you all well. I love and miss you all. I will update much more often from now on.
Sunday was a 'lazy' day. We didn't do much other than hang out at home and talk about DMP things. Later on that day we went to Kope Cafe (the hang out for all the munus in Gulu) It was movie night. We were to watch Amelie with some of the teachers with Invisible Childrens program, Schools for Schools. Right as the movie was about to began we got a phone call from back home in Chicago from our home based crew. It was nice to hear all their voices and we were able to discuss DMP issues. The confrence call lasted quite awhile, and I missed most of the movie but no loss there at all.
On Monday it was Uganda Heros Day so it was another national holiday our kids got off for school.Since our orginal ceremony was put on a stand still due to the rain they performed for us on Monday. It was great being able to see everything our kids worked so hard putting together. They did some amazing drama work that I could have watched all day. They also performed some more songs for us and we loved it. They also had a farwell song for Madison and Chris. The kids really seemed to be enjoying themselves, but of course the rains came again. Luckily though, it was after they were done performing. It was nice to hang out with all the program and non-program kids again though.
Tuesday came and it was a sad day. Chris and Madison left us for Kampala so that they could leave for the states on Wednesday morning. After leaving them at the bus park I left for the office. I got on my Boda and he said he knew where he was going. Next thing I know instead of being at Lacor hospital I was at Gulu University Hospital. I explained Lacor and he said he has misheard me so we were off on our way to what I thought was Lacor. Nope, I was wrong. I ended up at Gulu Independence Hospital. At this point I was ready to jump off of the Boda and get on a new one, but, he eventually got me there. It was just another day at the office once I finally got there.
I've been working on DMP things for awhile now and finally on Thursday Diana and I were able to start going to schools. On Thursday we went to Demonstration Primary School and were able to observe a P4 class in session. It was very difficult for me to sit and watch the class in session. There were 108 students in one classroom, 4 to 5 students to a bench plus students on the floor. Diana and I were sitting in the back of the classroom and could hardly hear the teacher as he spoke. It is no wonder that kids are not performing well, out of the 25 minutes we spent in that classroom only about 10 minutes were spent with the teacher actually teaching. We were then able to talk to all but one of our kids teachers that attend Demonstartion. It was nice to hear what they had to say about them so that we can try to better help them. It was also really good because they said they would keep an eye on them and try to push them to really do well in class. Thursday evening we went to Maq Foods for dinner, which is one of our favorite spots. Patrick, the owner, informed us that there is a new menu being launched in a few days and invited us to a tasting party to make sure everything on the menu was good. He then asked us to sample his homemade wine, which was good but strong.
Today Diana and I spent our time at St. Joes Primary School. They were very prepared for us and had an observation schedule set. We were able to observe both P6 and P4 classes, but ran out of time and were unable to see the P5 class. I was very impressed by the P4 class. The teacher engaged with the students, had them do work at their desks and went around and corrected them. The students also did math excersices on the board and the entire class worked on them together. There were 108 students and they all seemed fairly attentive and participated when she asked them to. Barbara Sharon is in that class and she has been struggling in school. The teacher asked her to come up and perform a multiplication problem in front of the class and she got it correct!!! The entire class clapped and cheered for her, and it was nice to see her proud.
The weather here is dry then wet then dry dry dry. Then we get lots of rain. It is crazy to say in the least, but I don't mind it.
I am loving my time here in Uganda. I love the people, and our kids. I have never given so many high fives and 'bongas' in my entire life, but I am loving every minute of it.
In regards to the title of this blog: That is my new Acholi name. Lanyero means; full of joy, happiness and very social. The women of the compound named me that because I am always outside playing with the children and talking with them. I also got a name from Kevin, Opoyorwot, which means Thanks be to God. I don't know why he named me that, but everyone just calls me Lanyero.
There has been news about possible troubles here in Uganda in regards to the LRA. I just want everyone to know that everything fine here. Nothing is going on, there have been no problems.
I hope that all is well in the states and that this entry finds you all well. I love and miss you all. I will update much more often from now on.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Update soon!
Hey everyone I just wanted to let you know that tomorrow I will make a long post with details about everything. We have been really busy here in Uganada and I just have not had the chance so check back later on tomorrow and there should be a nice long update :)
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Chicken necks and a baby on my back
So I am finally able to sitdown and give everyone a real update on everything that has occured while I have been in Uganda...
I didn't get here as planned due to someone stealing all of my malaria medication. So I was stuck in Amsterdam for two days, which worked out just fine because I was able to stay with a wonderful couple, Anton and Janet. I arrived in Uganda on Sunday night and was greated by Chris and Kevin, it was really nice to see a familiar face. I got to Gulu on Monday evening after a very long bus ride from Kampala. Upon my arrival in Gulu I was greated by Madison and Megan, and could not have been happier to see them. Sadly, Diana and Laura were delayed an entire week due to cancelled and delayed planes.
My first day at the office: It was a national holiday so all of the kids were off of school so I got my own small, informal welcoming from them and it was fabulous. I got to know Paul who is one of our staff in the office...let me tell you he is one funny guy. We were served lunch, and it was perhaps some of the best food I have had my entire life.
FINALLY DIANA AND LAURA ARRIVED!!!!
On their first day at the office, Diana and I got to really know the kids who live on the compound and are not part of the partnership. We went and got water with some of the women, and they wanted us to carry it on our heads...before I leave I will try this but I thought for my first water trip I would just carry it. We were then taken around the surrounding areas by the kids, and played Fosi and their version of jacks. We then went with Florence to visit people who lived behind the compound and had a nice discussion with a man who studied in West Virginia for two years.
Onto Saturday...the ceromony...
Diana and I arrived early to help prepare the food and do anything else they might need us to do. One of those things that was needed was for someone to look after baby Nathan so that Monica could help the other women cook. So obviously I jumped on the chance to carry a baby around on my back, and it was WONDERFUL!!! I had never carried a baby like that before so I reached behind me to help hold him up because I was scared he might fall. One of the elder ladies came up behind me and moved my hands straight up in the air and made me walk...not really supposed to hold the baby that is the point of the sheet being wrapped tightly around you. After baby Nathan was taken off my back it was time to slaughter the chickens. Paul had asked me a few times if I was kill on and I said sure...not thinking I would really have to. Well the kids grabbed my hands and the chickens and we went to the back of the compound and it was slaughtering time. One of the little boys killed the first chicken, and then it was my turn. So I closed my eyes and started cutting away at the neck, I was not doing a very good job because I was not watching what I was doing...so I opened my eyes and started sawing away and finally the head was off. I was in shock of what I had just done, but, it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.
It was finally time for the ceromony to begin....
We were brought in officially through a dance with the kids and it was wonderful. They are such amazing dancers. We went under a temporary structure made of bamboo and papyrus and was covers with a tarp. There were introductions and speeches made by the guests including ourselves. While the ceromony was going on we noticed it looked like rain was on its way but we hoped that it would wait till the ceromony was over. It began to rain but we were still able to continue until it started pouring, and when I say pouring it really came down on us. Megan and I kept telling the children to come in out of the rain so we had about 8 or 10 kids around us keeping them from the rain. The tarp started to sink in because of the weight of the rain water...and then it started to leak. So we all jumped up trying not to get wet but we quickly realized we had to do something, so we start to hold the tarp up and push the rain off the sides so it would not fall in on us. Maria and I were in the worst spots and got totally soaked. After about 20 minutes or so of attempting to wait out the rain and keep as dry as possible Grace told us to come to the office so that we could eat. So ourselves and all of the guests in the structure rushed to the office. While waiting for the food, we were taught how to dance. One of the guardians and the elderly lady from earlier were trying to teach us some of the traditional ways of dancing here in Gulu. I will admit I was rubbish at it but it was so much fun to do, and it was amazing to watch them dance in this small office with us. Here comes the food, and boy was it alot of food, delicious food. There was everything you could imagine from my chicken to cabbage and rice and beans and millet, the selection seemed endless and we all ate too much.
Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the day was when I went outside the office and the rain had slowed down and Chris and I just enjoyed the peacefulness of the view. A few minutes later two little girls, Fionna and her sister came out and sat down beside me. They were on awe of my skin and kept touching my arms and legs and it was one of the most adorable things ever. Chris went inside but I stayed out with the girls. The next thing I know Fionna was nuzzled up to my arm with her head on my shoulder and her little sister was sitting on my lap in my arms, and we just sat there. It was a perfect moment and time and I wanted it to last forever.
We were able to talk to Dave for a little while after a long time trying to make our skypes work together. It was nice to hear a familiar voice back in the states. Our trip back into town was very interesting and bumpy one, full of fuems from our taxi, I thought I might get sick. Once we got back to the hotel we all revisited primary school with a few games of MASH, or in this case MASHP thanks to Megan.
Today: We slept late, and went to breakfast and now I am here updating you all on what is going on here in Uganda. Diana and I our going back to the hotel to do some laundry. Later on today we will be talking with Dave again, and hopefully we will be a bit more successful at it.
I hope all is well in the states. Things are great here, I am loving every moment of this trip. I miss and love you all.
I didn't get here as planned due to someone stealing all of my malaria medication. So I was stuck in Amsterdam for two days, which worked out just fine because I was able to stay with a wonderful couple, Anton and Janet. I arrived in Uganda on Sunday night and was greated by Chris and Kevin, it was really nice to see a familiar face. I got to Gulu on Monday evening after a very long bus ride from Kampala. Upon my arrival in Gulu I was greated by Madison and Megan, and could not have been happier to see them. Sadly, Diana and Laura were delayed an entire week due to cancelled and delayed planes.
My first day at the office: It was a national holiday so all of the kids were off of school so I got my own small, informal welcoming from them and it was fabulous. I got to know Paul who is one of our staff in the office...let me tell you he is one funny guy. We were served lunch, and it was perhaps some of the best food I have had my entire life.
FINALLY DIANA AND LAURA ARRIVED!!!!
On their first day at the office, Diana and I got to really know the kids who live on the compound and are not part of the partnership. We went and got water with some of the women, and they wanted us to carry it on our heads...before I leave I will try this but I thought for my first water trip I would just carry it. We were then taken around the surrounding areas by the kids, and played Fosi and their version of jacks. We then went with Florence to visit people who lived behind the compound and had a nice discussion with a man who studied in West Virginia for two years.
Onto Saturday...the ceromony...
Diana and I arrived early to help prepare the food and do anything else they might need us to do. One of those things that was needed was for someone to look after baby Nathan so that Monica could help the other women cook. So obviously I jumped on the chance to carry a baby around on my back, and it was WONDERFUL!!! I had never carried a baby like that before so I reached behind me to help hold him up because I was scared he might fall. One of the elder ladies came up behind me and moved my hands straight up in the air and made me walk...not really supposed to hold the baby that is the point of the sheet being wrapped tightly around you. After baby Nathan was taken off my back it was time to slaughter the chickens. Paul had asked me a few times if I was kill on and I said sure...not thinking I would really have to. Well the kids grabbed my hands and the chickens and we went to the back of the compound and it was slaughtering time. One of the little boys killed the first chicken, and then it was my turn. So I closed my eyes and started cutting away at the neck, I was not doing a very good job because I was not watching what I was doing...so I opened my eyes and started sawing away and finally the head was off. I was in shock of what I had just done, but, it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.
It was finally time for the ceromony to begin....
We were brought in officially through a dance with the kids and it was wonderful. They are such amazing dancers. We went under a temporary structure made of bamboo and papyrus and was covers with a tarp. There were introductions and speeches made by the guests including ourselves. While the ceromony was going on we noticed it looked like rain was on its way but we hoped that it would wait till the ceromony was over. It began to rain but we were still able to continue until it started pouring, and when I say pouring it really came down on us. Megan and I kept telling the children to come in out of the rain so we had about 8 or 10 kids around us keeping them from the rain. The tarp started to sink in because of the weight of the rain water...and then it started to leak. So we all jumped up trying not to get wet but we quickly realized we had to do something, so we start to hold the tarp up and push the rain off the sides so it would not fall in on us. Maria and I were in the worst spots and got totally soaked. After about 20 minutes or so of attempting to wait out the rain and keep as dry as possible Grace told us to come to the office so that we could eat. So ourselves and all of the guests in the structure rushed to the office. While waiting for the food, we were taught how to dance. One of the guardians and the elderly lady from earlier were trying to teach us some of the traditional ways of dancing here in Gulu. I will admit I was rubbish at it but it was so much fun to do, and it was amazing to watch them dance in this small office with us. Here comes the food, and boy was it alot of food, delicious food. There was everything you could imagine from my chicken to cabbage and rice and beans and millet, the selection seemed endless and we all ate too much.
Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the day was when I went outside the office and the rain had slowed down and Chris and I just enjoyed the peacefulness of the view. A few minutes later two little girls, Fionna and her sister came out and sat down beside me. They were on awe of my skin and kept touching my arms and legs and it was one of the most adorable things ever. Chris went inside but I stayed out with the girls. The next thing I know Fionna was nuzzled up to my arm with her head on my shoulder and her little sister was sitting on my lap in my arms, and we just sat there. It was a perfect moment and time and I wanted it to last forever.
We were able to talk to Dave for a little while after a long time trying to make our skypes work together. It was nice to hear a familiar voice back in the states. Our trip back into town was very interesting and bumpy one, full of fuems from our taxi, I thought I might get sick. Once we got back to the hotel we all revisited primary school with a few games of MASH, or in this case MASHP thanks to Megan.
Today: We slept late, and went to breakfast and now I am here updating you all on what is going on here in Uganda. Diana and I our going back to the hotel to do some laundry. Later on today we will be talking with Dave again, and hopefully we will be a bit more successful at it.
I hope all is well in the states. Things are great here, I am loving every moment of this trip. I miss and love you all.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Oh Uganda
So Uganada thus far has been amazing. My first day at the office was nice because the kids were out of school because of a national holiday, so I got a nice welcoming :) Diana and Laura have finally arrived which is more than amazing because now there is no more waiting and wondering for a few more weeks :) I start actually really working at the office today and am so stoaked to really get the ball rolling on the things I want to do. I met Maria from U of I and that makes me happy :) The ceromony is on Saturday and the entire community is going to be there and I cannot wait to see what is in store for us. Uganada is amazing, and luckily not to many bug bites...we did get caught in the rain yesterday and just kept walking and everyone laughed because we didn't stop for shelter. I miss and love you all
Monday, June 2, 2008
I'm here!!!
So I am finally in Uganda...at last. I'm here a bit later than meant, but all is well since I finally have arrived! Uganda is great, and I could not be more thrilled to be anywhere. I get to meet our kids and see the office later on today and cannot wait. Sadly my friends Diana and Laura are not yet here because of flights being delayed and cancelled, but they will be here soon!!!!! It is nice to see Gulu in the daylight, rather than night light. It is amazing to actually be here rather than seeing pictures of Gulu and video of it, I am finally experiencing it on my own. I miss you all!
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