It's Sunday afternoon (the 27th) and I've come to Mukono to try the internet....went to Mass at 8 at the Sister's Chapel (I still haven't found the Anglican church - not trying very hard) then down to catch the matatu - had to wait 2 hours for it to fill up. I was about to give up but the girls from Holland showed up to come to the same place so we chatted and the time went faster! Some things that are so easy in the U.S. are more difficult here....but more of a victory when they actually work!! This will be long again - sorry - I still can't seem to shorten my story!
Last Saturday on the way back from Kampala I stopped in a little town (w. all my packages) for a PC "mixer"...fun time w. some PCVs - some from our class, some at one year and some who are at two years and on their way home! Got home early - travel is exhausting!! The parents of one of the girls from Holland are coming next week and they are riding the matatu from Kampala to Nkoko.....can't wait to hear their impressions!!!
Last Sunday after mass the PH brass band had a concert...yes, PH has a brass band. Some man in Germany donated the instruments, uniforms and pays the teacher...it's only been in operation 6 months, but isn't bad - lots of polka music!! There are three trumpets (and the director), three trombones, a tuba, a base drum, four snare drums and a cymbal. It's just amazing. They had learned the Star Spangled Banner for Christine and Theresa and the 3 of us - cannot describe hearing the SSB played by a brass band at PH!!! It was really very emotional and they were so proud. Int he afternoon we all (5 PCVs) went to a good-bye for Theresa (Holly is replacing her at the hospital). Great dinner and lots of speeches - Ugandans love speeches!! This whirlwind of social activities has got to end sometime I know...but it's been fun!
Settling down and doing some work. Monday Shari and I taught what we thought was an English class for the vocational students but because of break (till Oct. 25), it was all the PH kids who are still around - aged 5 - 30!!! It was amusing...many different levels of English. This week I think I'm going to split the class and Shari will teach the older kids "American" (their request) and I'll do ABCs with the little kids - they did VERY badly on their P-1 exams...Sister J was not happy. After May 25, they will go back to school and vocational will start up again. Communications sanfu - very common. I have to catch Sr. Juliet on the run and she talks fast - I really can't complain.
I will also supervise the Community Based Rehabilitation Program - people come to PH on Tuesdays for referrals to hospitals, etc. for rehab. Not much available in Uganda and it's expensive. The numbers coming have been dropping for several months because the Ortho Doctor who used to come stopped coming last fall. We just found out that he has also stopped paying for surgeries at the orthopedic hospital - rather abruptly, leaving PH with some bills! So not sure where that program will be going. There are two men who help and go out to see people one other day a week to do follow ups and get new clients but there are no funds to pay them or for transport so it's hard to get motivated. Technically, they are "volunteers" but do get a small stipend. It's not unusual for people in the towns (not Kampala) to not get paid for 3-6 months at a time...they keep hoping for something and jobs are really hard to find. I think I'd just stay home!!!!
There are an amazing number of disabled people in Uganda and few services...many could have been helped when they were young, but the attitude is bad - thought of as a result of a curse, hidden or rejected. We see cleft lips/palates, deformed limbs, blindness, deafness, epilepsy hydrocephalis, Cerebral Palsey, MS, you name it. They walk in and hope for help. Sometimes, we can get drugs for them....I have a LOT to learn to figure out the illnesses, resources etc., but the two CBR volunteers can help. If I get a bicycle I may go out for some home visits, too.
Sister also wants me to supervise the shoe making and tailoring classes (no tailoring teacher yet, tho - and I'm NOT doing that!). Unless they find a teacher in the next few weeks I'll also teach the slower vocational students Math and English two mornings a week...guess the teacher quit (not surprising). It will really be minimal but my theory is that it's more than they are getting now....really basic English - greetings, etc. and basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and keeping an account book (a notebook w. lines). I can do that!!! Maybe they'll even get a teacher.
China and Paul donated some money and sister paid some back salaries and is giving the shoe making teacher money to start making some school shoes for sale - we're pretty hopeful that we can sell them - everyone is supposed to have black shoes for school (many don't)....and he can make them and sell them at a small profit to the local school (we hope). Sisters don't want to make too much profit - they never forget that their first mission is charity!!!
Progress of any work here is frustrating. It's hard to get materials, hard to get transportation and every decision involves endless discussion!!! Like painting my apartment - I have to go to Kampala and haul four 4 liter cans of paint back on the matatu (plus rollers), and it has to be oil based because that's what's on there and that's what they always have used!! The ladder is somewhere(?), the painting supplies are locked somewhere and the person w. the key is gone - people are gone a lot - family members get sick and they have to nurse them at the hospital or at home, they get sick (malaria or typhoid flare ups), it rains...whatever. It's amazing that things work as well as they do. I'm really thinking more and more about hiring someone to paint - the 12 foot ceilings are intimidating. But that's a whole new adventure - bargaining, supervising, pushing....etc.
Wednesday I followed Sister Juliete around and I had to chronicle the day - it exhausted me, but was typical for her. We were supposed to meet at 9 a.m. to go meet the mayor, etc. so I was ready and meeting w. the shoemaker to get his quote for materials and she texted and said it would be later because they were at the "garden". He took me out there - she and some of the able bodied kids went out at 8:00 to dig holes to plant bananna shoots - holes were at least 3' deep done w. hoes! (before that she had to visit a resident who had a seizure, fallen and gotten injured). She finished there about 10, bathed and we started out to meet the mayor and police chief, but first she had to check on the prison gang who were digging the base for the sidewalks for the compound...donated by the Holland girls' families and others. It will connect the areas w. cement paths which will be such help for those with wheelchairs and who crawl - esp. during the rainy season. Anyway, there were about 20 prisioners there digging away!!! So, then, we walked down to town and got the introductions done, came back and ate lunch. Then she introduced me to the carpenter who will make my wardrobe and drop leaf table (another story), she taught a class in communications to the vocational students, took me and the carpenter to the big convent to show him a drop leave table done there in the 1920s by Mother Kevin who founded the order here - he was having trouble getting the idea from my sketches - then, we walked about a mile to Stella Maris, a really nice boarding skill (up hill naturally - expensive always means up hill) to try and rent their bus for Christine's party on Saturday - got a maybe - walked down the backside past the fields, she returned to make plans for Mass at PH at 6:00 and a baptism (21 year old man who resides there - is blind, hydrocephalic, has CP and serious seizures). While we're walking she fielded about 6 phone calls. After supper she was going up to the hospital at 9 to see a resident who was there - I went to bed!!
Note on furniture in Uganda...it's all hand made and there are hundreds of little shops along the roads, but all the furniture is exactly the same - couches, wardrobes, tables - identical!!. I told my carpenter that he could display my drop leaf table and sell all kinds of them, but he said "no one will buy one - they're different"!. Goes back to the traditional standards for life here. I think it maybe is a result of a very strict tribal structure w. absolute rule, then colonialism which kept the natives in very limited roles, the school system which dictates that children learn enormous amounts of selected information by rote memorization and repeat it to succeed and it's probably also affected by the poverty level and lack of exposure to new ideas or the money to try. Meals are very traditional (same foods), gender roles are very traditional, you need to express long greetings to everyone. How we (PCs and other muzungos) must shock people - it's amazing they are so friendly and accepting as we breeze by on the road w. a wave and a "HI". (find I'm substituting "amazing" for my previously overworked word "overwhelming"...will try to enlarge my vocabulary).
Decided to spruce up my apartment (encouraged by Maria) and paint, get new curtains and some new furniture. Christine lived very simply but I'm justifying it by thinking it will make my life a bit more comfortable and I'll be a happier and more productive person (I can justify just about anything). Plus the wardrobe - 5 1/2 ' high, 4 ' wide with shelves on one side and a pole on the other made of kivule (a hardwood) is only going to be about $90 and will keep my clothes organized and clean!!!
Had to move Friday to the sister's house because of a huge retreat at the convert the next two weeks - 90 nuns moving in!!!It will be cramped for a bit but I hope to be in my apt. (room) by mid May if painting gets done - I'm so impatient. It's small but will afford me some privacy and control over my life.
Thursday, Sister Veronica (just back from Holland), Sister Juliete and I went to Kampala to say goodbye to China and Paul and do some more planning. Sister Veronica drives!!! Long day - they are trying to get the bakery computer fixed so it can get internet - too many people use it and it got pretty messed up. I will use it to do some e-mailing maybe, but didn't want to tie it up for this novel. Tried to e-mail from the hospital Friday and got about 3 done and it stopped....it's just the way things work!!!
Saturday was Christine's party and it was SO much fun. I was at the sister's house and could hear them getting up at 5:30 - I avoided that because I was afraid they were butchering chickens but they'd been done on Thursday nite....Sister Benna's "off layers"...produce or you're food here!! The cook and the matrons were cooking - the kitchen has two huge charcoal stoves and they used some siguris - the older girls were helping. Everyone was SO excited!!! One of the girls who goes to boarding school but is home for the month was cooking and teaching the little kids a song she composed for Christine...and she walks on her hands with sandals - knees are all callouses!! How can you not be inspired by such determination - she has a beautiful voice, too. The older boys were making chipatis. Wish you could have seen the kids faces when they saw the chickens being cooked -- all they ever get is posho (white corn bread) and beans.
The bus came at 10 am and they were on it - old folks, disabled, everyone - had 60 people on a 40 passenger bus! (some couldn't come and some are home for the holidays). Went for about and hour and a half ride to Jinja to the park for the source of the Nile - they were singing and so excited. Last outing for many was Jan. 2007 for the business manager's funeral. They brought the food with the PH pick up and more people!!! They had rice, potatoes, chicken and chipati - and the kids got seconds - they ate SO much. Had soda and bananas, too. Later we had the program - great singing and dancing - and cake and pineapple. It was an amazing experience - there is no other word! A trip on a bus, all that food and playing on fields of grass!! Our kids have no idea!!! Trip home was quieter - we were all tired!! It's so hard to describe how the kids all help each other - the big boys carried the really disabled off the bus and put them on mats on the grass...many went on their own w. crutches.....really heartwarming!!! Everyone who could go went and was included! Had Sister Juliete and Veronica, me and Christine and the two Holland girls and the kids were great!
I'm done now - phew....could go on and on about the party but you get the idea. I had a few ideas for things to sent - people keep asking - very voluntary. Thinking about magazines - esp.about American farming and industries (everyone here "digs" little gardens, but they can't imagine American farming)....the girls love "girly" magazines, boys - cars, hunting...whatever you've got! Also, craft supplies - some of the girls have crocheted scarves and they are so special...so, yarn, crochet hooks, DIRECTIONS, hemp, beads, embroidery thread (and DIRECTIONS), sidewalk chalk (now that we'll have sidewalks - good reinforcement for ABCs), ...they always need food, but having some of those special things can really make life fun! Anything you can think of in that line. I'm so slow at crafts.
I'm doing great....sort of bummed this a.m. about the matatu wait but the Holland girls picked me up and this is working!!! Will now try e-mails.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEN, DYLAN AND BERT - and anyone else I've forgotten.
Life is good here - I'm anxious to have my apartment fixed and move in - but then what will I obsess about! I know the teaching will be frustrating - problems with language and motivation, but that's nothing new. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, packages....everything.
Will try to write again next weekend, but we'll see...may stretch this out and try to write less about each day! It's all so new and interesting to me now....hope you enjoy it.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
I'm Here!!
This is going to be long, sorry. I was so disappointed that the internet was down last Sat; then I tried at the Nkoko Hospital Thursday, but could only read e-mail, not send anything. I try not to get frustrated...a few years ago there was no internet here at all. It's Sat. the 19th and I've braved the trip to Kampala...but only stopped at the outskirts at the mall!! I'm still not ready to brave downtown. Glad Gail added the pictures. I'm going to try to mail some more to her today if I can get prints made...sending via e-mail is so painfully slow.
This was an extraordinary week (and 2 days). Just last Thursday we had our Swearing In at the Ambassador's Home - very nice but not as emotional as I thought it would be. It rained which is considered a blessing, especially this year when the rainy season has been so spotty. Splitting up the group went fast. Maria joined a bunch on a hired matato going out west so it was a quick parting which I liked.
Sister Juliette was there and picked me up in the Providence House (PH) truck....leaving Kampala we picked up a young (late 20s) couple from California, China and Paul. China is working on a PhD from U of Calif, SF, about Ugandan charitable organizations. Paul has a PhD from Harvard in Genetics. China had chosen 3 organizations to focus on and one was PH! They are a very bright, upbeat and energetic couple who are dedicated to PH and it's mission. They are leaving Uganda in a week after 11 months here but were staying at PH for a few days to wrap things up. They were an invaluable source of information about PH, funding priorities and the "how tos". Having them, Christine (the retiring PCV) and you all PH will have some powerful allies in the US! Paul and China's parents donated the cow PH just got ($1 million shillings or abou t $600 for a pregnant Fresian cow). Most of the PH donations in the past have been from Holland and Germany for construction - the bakery, the new boy's dorm and others.
We drove to Nkoko along a back road through sugar cane and tea plantations - just gorgeous - and much less bumpy than the main road...that's a killer!! I got settled in the Guest House which is a really nice place on the convent grounds....have lots of room to roam around and a shower and toilet!! Have my electric pot so make coffe in the a.m...very homey.
Thre are also 2 university students at PH from Holland who leave the end of May after doing a Senior project - they've chosen 6 of the most severely handicapped children and are teaching them hygiene skills. Their parents just donated some beds for the new dorm and a playground structure - a HUGE luxury in Uganda.
The sisters are amazing...I take most of my meals with them. Sister Juliette is only 30 and is taking on PH which is a huge project. She's the only nun working there now, but there are several others assigned to the bakery who help out. There are so many areas to work with here...disabled children and adults, schooling, vocational training, hygiene, rehabilitation, community outreach - they take them all on....plus the biggie of keeping the place solvent!!! However, they keep their original focus...helping the most needy very much on the forefront and try to other charity work.
I spent several days (and nights) meeting with China, Paul, Christine and Sister putting our heads togteher to create a plan for PH....I mainly wrote notes!! Apparently donor organizations today want to fund very specific, measurable and time limited projects - like vocational training or Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) - which I'll be supervising - so these are the target grant area....I have no idea what I'm doing, but I guess I'll learn.
Sunday, the residents had a welcoming ceremony for me. They sang and danced - it's hard to describe a chorus sincing so well and cheerfully when the front row sits on the ground because their legs are crippled or atrophied. But they are smiling and singing away!! They are SO appreciative of my coming..quite a motivator. Christine knows them all by name and story and that's my immediate goal - to hang out some days at PH and meet people and see what they want to hapen. Many of the children go to school during the day (some disabled, some not) but the most severely disabled stay here and some need some programming. The vocational program has some possibilities, but needs lots of work (more later on that).
I'm trying to go slow w. defining needs here - the needs are many, but doable (a China quote). We need to prioitize long term needs so that they can maintain short term expenses (ie., food). For example, they have shoemaking equipment and a teacher and offer a vocational class in shoe making but have no money to buy leather so they work exclusively on old paper bags!! We have thought about having them focus, to start, on making children's school shoes since every school child is supposed to have a pair of black shoes - a HUGE expense for many families, hence, many don't have shoes. We think we could sell a less expensive shoe and hopefully provide a source of income for the home.
Some of you have asked about donations - if you'd like to donate why don't you e-mail me (it's not a Peace Corps thing).....there are small, specific needs.
Tried to maximize the help China and Paul could give re: funding and ideas - it was an exhausting but productive few days...and so hopeful. Late one nite we worked up a budget for PH that included improvements in the water supply, a functional vocational training program, expanded animal husbandry and gardening units, and meeting basic needs (like bedding and hygiene itmes and training) that seems very doable (there's that word again). Sister Juliette was a little afraid to get too excited but it's hard ot to be. China and Paul plan to do fund raising when they get home to cover operating expenses of the home. Their being here right at the start of my time truly fits the category of a Godsend! Christine will also be doing work at home in Oregon.
Have to add two very emotional experiences during the week - again, sorry to be so long. Monday we visiteed a school across the road from PH where many PH kids attend, also run by Franciscan nuns. They are just starting working with a fledgling Catholic sponsorship organization, Caritas, that is partnering w. the nuns here in Uganda. The school just got their first 20 sponsorships and they had a ceremony (Ugandans love ceremonies) and gave them their new uniforms, shoes and notebooks!! (Caritas also pays school fees of about $30/term). Afterwards we walked to 2 boys' homes (boys were about 8). First, had a single mom crippled s. a hip problem in a very small mud house. When she saw her son in a uniform and shoes her face lit up and she thanked us over and over. She mades a little money plaiting hair when she can and gets some from an older son, but struggles.
The 2nd boy lived w. a sibbling and a disabled grandmother who is HIV positive...all the rest of the family has died from HIV. She, too, was SO excited and grateful. School fees here are a killer for many families, but they try so hard! Very emotional visits.
Tuesday we visited a school WAY out - by Lake Vistoria - just stunning scenery and so many trees, but very poor - no textbooks and nothing on the walls. It's a very poor area - teachers don't always get paid (salaries range from $120 - 40/month) but the kids love school and they had a student last year get top honors on their P-7 exam (last year of Primary - tests determine the ability to go on to Secondary and are very hard). The other students did well, too - just an amazing amount of determination. It's never hopeless - hard, but not hopeless!
This has ben a very unusual, emotional, fun and busy week - now to settle in for the long haul and see what I can do organizing, prioritizing and seeking information. Sister has me supervising the vocational programs, teaching two classes (1 day/week) in remedial English to PH kids, and supervising the CBR program...and hopefully some grant writing. Might help with their chicken project too - I raised chickens as a kid!! Chickens here have many health problems, too. Big problem is lack of computer access...and even then a very slow internet - I'll learn patience or perish!!
Weather has been rainy and cool at night -pleasant days. I eat at the sister's house at PH and the food is wonderful..too much actually! The bakery buns are so good - I'm definitely not starving!!!
Haven't seen a lot of Holly and Shari but they are settling in and getting started, too. Can't say enough about how happy I am that they are here. Holly is such a treasure - dedicated and well grounded. We went on a fabulous "power walk" yesterday a.m. - gorgeous scenery. Shari is just as dedicated but her task is to keep me humble by telling it like it is!! Love them both!!!
Wednesday, McGrath Thomas, the PC country director, the new PC Community Health Director and some other staff were here to see the site and wish Christine and Theresa well....they only come 1x during your stay so think I'm done!! Friday the Ugandan Vice President gave a speech in Nkoko...campaigning for a local politician...imagine Dick Cheney in Montgomery!! It has been an extraordinary week. Glad there's not a presidential election here till 2011!!
Good luck to the Redbirds and Mallards - dad sent me a schedule and some news of the Twins. Happy Birthday to Dylan, Ben and Bert....I hope this posts and that I can keep this up more regularly, but it's never a sure thing. Holly got the mail in Mukono yesterday and I got some letters, envelopes and boxes - sent as recently as April 8!!!
I really don't want for anything, but the newspapers, magazines and comfort foods are great....think chocolate might make it!!! Hope you all are well and doing O.K. despite the poor economy. I know I'm all bright eyed and bushy tailed right now and it will change, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts. Thanks for the letters, prayers and thoughts! They really help....I've stayed well because of them!!!
On the get to e-mail, try to get prints and a few things at GAME and Shop Rite - I'm a sucker for the American stores....Keep in Touch.
This was an extraordinary week (and 2 days). Just last Thursday we had our Swearing In at the Ambassador's Home - very nice but not as emotional as I thought it would be. It rained which is considered a blessing, especially this year when the rainy season has been so spotty. Splitting up the group went fast. Maria joined a bunch on a hired matato going out west so it was a quick parting which I liked.
Sister Juliette was there and picked me up in the Providence House (PH) truck....leaving Kampala we picked up a young (late 20s) couple from California, China and Paul. China is working on a PhD from U of Calif, SF, about Ugandan charitable organizations. Paul has a PhD from Harvard in Genetics. China had chosen 3 organizations to focus on and one was PH! They are a very bright, upbeat and energetic couple who are dedicated to PH and it's mission. They are leaving Uganda in a week after 11 months here but were staying at PH for a few days to wrap things up. They were an invaluable source of information about PH, funding priorities and the "how tos". Having them, Christine (the retiring PCV) and you all PH will have some powerful allies in the US! Paul and China's parents donated the cow PH just got ($1 million shillings or abou t $600 for a pregnant Fresian cow). Most of the PH donations in the past have been from Holland and Germany for construction - the bakery, the new boy's dorm and others.
We drove to Nkoko along a back road through sugar cane and tea plantations - just gorgeous - and much less bumpy than the main road...that's a killer!! I got settled in the Guest House which is a really nice place on the convent grounds....have lots of room to roam around and a shower and toilet!! Have my electric pot so make coffe in the a.m...very homey.
Thre are also 2 university students at PH from Holland who leave the end of May after doing a Senior project - they've chosen 6 of the most severely handicapped children and are teaching them hygiene skills. Their parents just donated some beds for the new dorm and a playground structure - a HUGE luxury in Uganda.
The sisters are amazing...I take most of my meals with them. Sister Juliette is only 30 and is taking on PH which is a huge project. She's the only nun working there now, but there are several others assigned to the bakery who help out. There are so many areas to work with here...disabled children and adults, schooling, vocational training, hygiene, rehabilitation, community outreach - they take them all on....plus the biggie of keeping the place solvent!!! However, they keep their original focus...helping the most needy very much on the forefront and try to other charity work.
I spent several days (and nights) meeting with China, Paul, Christine and Sister putting our heads togteher to create a plan for PH....I mainly wrote notes!! Apparently donor organizations today want to fund very specific, measurable and time limited projects - like vocational training or Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) - which I'll be supervising - so these are the target grant area....I have no idea what I'm doing, but I guess I'll learn.
Sunday, the residents had a welcoming ceremony for me. They sang and danced - it's hard to describe a chorus sincing so well and cheerfully when the front row sits on the ground because their legs are crippled or atrophied. But they are smiling and singing away!! They are SO appreciative of my coming..quite a motivator. Christine knows them all by name and story and that's my immediate goal - to hang out some days at PH and meet people and see what they want to hapen. Many of the children go to school during the day (some disabled, some not) but the most severely disabled stay here and some need some programming. The vocational program has some possibilities, but needs lots of work (more later on that).
I'm trying to go slow w. defining needs here - the needs are many, but doable (a China quote). We need to prioitize long term needs so that they can maintain short term expenses (ie., food). For example, they have shoemaking equipment and a teacher and offer a vocational class in shoe making but have no money to buy leather so they work exclusively on old paper bags!! We have thought about having them focus, to start, on making children's school shoes since every school child is supposed to have a pair of black shoes - a HUGE expense for many families, hence, many don't have shoes. We think we could sell a less expensive shoe and hopefully provide a source of income for the home.
Some of you have asked about donations - if you'd like to donate why don't you e-mail me (it's not a Peace Corps thing).....there are small, specific needs.
Tried to maximize the help China and Paul could give re: funding and ideas - it was an exhausting but productive few days...and so hopeful. Late one nite we worked up a budget for PH that included improvements in the water supply, a functional vocational training program, expanded animal husbandry and gardening units, and meeting basic needs (like bedding and hygiene itmes and training) that seems very doable (there's that word again). Sister Juliette was a little afraid to get too excited but it's hard ot to be. China and Paul plan to do fund raising when they get home to cover operating expenses of the home. Their being here right at the start of my time truly fits the category of a Godsend! Christine will also be doing work at home in Oregon.
Have to add two very emotional experiences during the week - again, sorry to be so long. Monday we visiteed a school across the road from PH where many PH kids attend, also run by Franciscan nuns. They are just starting working with a fledgling Catholic sponsorship organization, Caritas, that is partnering w. the nuns here in Uganda. The school just got their first 20 sponsorships and they had a ceremony (Ugandans love ceremonies) and gave them their new uniforms, shoes and notebooks!! (Caritas also pays school fees of about $30/term). Afterwards we walked to 2 boys' homes (boys were about 8). First, had a single mom crippled s. a hip problem in a very small mud house. When she saw her son in a uniform and shoes her face lit up and she thanked us over and over. She mades a little money plaiting hair when she can and gets some from an older son, but struggles.
The 2nd boy lived w. a sibbling and a disabled grandmother who is HIV positive...all the rest of the family has died from HIV. She, too, was SO excited and grateful. School fees here are a killer for many families, but they try so hard! Very emotional visits.
Tuesday we visited a school WAY out - by Lake Vistoria - just stunning scenery and so many trees, but very poor - no textbooks and nothing on the walls. It's a very poor area - teachers don't always get paid (salaries range from $120 - 40/month) but the kids love school and they had a student last year get top honors on their P-7 exam (last year of Primary - tests determine the ability to go on to Secondary and are very hard). The other students did well, too - just an amazing amount of determination. It's never hopeless - hard, but not hopeless!
This has ben a very unusual, emotional, fun and busy week - now to settle in for the long haul and see what I can do organizing, prioritizing and seeking information. Sister has me supervising the vocational programs, teaching two classes (1 day/week) in remedial English to PH kids, and supervising the CBR program...and hopefully some grant writing. Might help with their chicken project too - I raised chickens as a kid!! Chickens here have many health problems, too. Big problem is lack of computer access...and even then a very slow internet - I'll learn patience or perish!!
Weather has been rainy and cool at night -pleasant days. I eat at the sister's house at PH and the food is wonderful..too much actually! The bakery buns are so good - I'm definitely not starving!!!
Haven't seen a lot of Holly and Shari but they are settling in and getting started, too. Can't say enough about how happy I am that they are here. Holly is such a treasure - dedicated and well grounded. We went on a fabulous "power walk" yesterday a.m. - gorgeous scenery. Shari is just as dedicated but her task is to keep me humble by telling it like it is!! Love them both!!!
Wednesday, McGrath Thomas, the PC country director, the new PC Community Health Director and some other staff were here to see the site and wish Christine and Theresa well....they only come 1x during your stay so think I'm done!! Friday the Ugandan Vice President gave a speech in Nkoko...campaigning for a local politician...imagine Dick Cheney in Montgomery!! It has been an extraordinary week. Glad there's not a presidential election here till 2011!!
Good luck to the Redbirds and Mallards - dad sent me a schedule and some news of the Twins. Happy Birthday to Dylan, Ben and Bert....I hope this posts and that I can keep this up more regularly, but it's never a sure thing. Holly got the mail in Mukono yesterday and I got some letters, envelopes and boxes - sent as recently as April 8!!!
I really don't want for anything, but the newspapers, magazines and comfort foods are great....think chocolate might make it!!! Hope you all are well and doing O.K. despite the poor economy. I know I'm all bright eyed and bushy tailed right now and it will change, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts. Thanks for the letters, prayers and thoughts! They really help....I've stayed well because of them!!!
On the get to e-mail, try to get prints and a few things at GAME and Shop Rite - I'm a sucker for the American stores....Keep in Touch.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Safe and Sound
There was a message on our answering machine today when we got back from church and Kath wanted me to post a message. She went to Mukono yesterday to use the internet but it was down so she wasn't able to post anything and wanted me to let everybody know that she has arrived at her site and is doing well. They had a welcoming ceremony for the new PCV's yesterday and she sounded like it was a lot of fun and very nice. The connection wasn't very good but from our conversations last week I know that she is very eager to get started on the work at Providence House, though I'm not sure she knows exactly what that will be. I don't think she will have access to the internet until next weekend if she goes back to Mukono (about an hour away) so if I have more news I will post during the week.
- Gail
- Gail
Friday, April 11, 2008
Pictures
I got some pictures from my mom today and have added a couple of them below.
Kath and Beth @ the list of language placements back in February. (It's the only picture with her in it)
Kath and Beth @ the list of language placements back in February. (It's the only picture with her in it)
Bakery at Providence House - they send bread, muffins and rolls to Kampa every day.
Her room at the host family's house
The big bed!
Typical Sunday afternoon @ the training center - studying?
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
We're in Kampala
I'm at the internet cafe at the Mall in Kampala and it's doing funny things so I'll be brief. I'm getting a few things for Nkokojeru. I'll be in the guest house at convent for the first month at least and not sure if I can cook there, but I got a nice frying pan and a little pot....and a few other things like dish towels. We get a "settlilng in allowance" from PC and I'm spending it fast!
Back to last weekend. Saturday we had a farewell party for host families that was really nice. Each Language group had to do a skit/song/dance...we did a skit about the things we've learned in Uganda - washing clothes by hand, cooking on a sirgiri, eating w. your hand (right), bucket bathing, pit latrine...it was cute I think. Had a great lunch but it was HOT.
I cried when I left the family on Sunday a.m. I will especially miss the girls...they were a lot of fun and I enjoyed doing things with them, even if I was anxious to leave!! A pretty emotional weekend all around.
Took my test Sunday a.m. and I just choked...don't know if I studied too much or what but I couldn't remember anything. We can test again in 3 months and Peace Corps will pay for tutoring at our site 3x a week for the 3 months...so that's what I'll be doing now. I really do need the language to talk to the residents at Providence House..esp. the adults who didn't have English (probably didn't go to school).
Monday we came to Kampala in the a.m. and Maria and I had a great lunch at the Grand Imperial HOtel. Since then it's been going here and there...PC office (which is guarded like Fort Knox) and today, the Embassy....it's new - built in 2001 - and very nice. Tonite we all eat at the Director's house...bet it's nice. She's a very assertive black lady from the U.S. Interesting all the Americans working over here! Guess Uganda is a pretty good post - at least it's very safe.
Weds. is an all day workshop with our site supervisors and Thursday a.m. is swearing in and then we leave for our sites...this phase is almost over and I'm still here!!!
Not sure what access I'll have to internet in Nkoko...but I said that about Luweero...they have internet at the Hospital but limited use for us....the nearest internet cafe is in Mukono which is only an hour ride away. Many people just come to Kampala (2 hours) since there's more to get here. I will be so glad to get settled in one spot and find out what's to do. However, I will then have to work and start earning my $250/month!!!
Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers and letters and good thoughts. They have meant a great deal to me....training had it's rough spots and teary moments, and I had my struggles getting used to Uganda (and still do!), but I'm still here!! Maybe I'm just too stubborn to give in!! Hope you all are well. What's up in bookclub?
Back to last weekend. Saturday we had a farewell party for host families that was really nice. Each Language group had to do a skit/song/dance...we did a skit about the things we've learned in Uganda - washing clothes by hand, cooking on a sirgiri, eating w. your hand (right), bucket bathing, pit latrine...it was cute I think. Had a great lunch but it was HOT.
I cried when I left the family on Sunday a.m. I will especially miss the girls...they were a lot of fun and I enjoyed doing things with them, even if I was anxious to leave!! A pretty emotional weekend all around.
Took my test Sunday a.m. and I just choked...don't know if I studied too much or what but I couldn't remember anything. We can test again in 3 months and Peace Corps will pay for tutoring at our site 3x a week for the 3 months...so that's what I'll be doing now. I really do need the language to talk to the residents at Providence House..esp. the adults who didn't have English (probably didn't go to school).
Monday we came to Kampala in the a.m. and Maria and I had a great lunch at the Grand Imperial HOtel. Since then it's been going here and there...PC office (which is guarded like Fort Knox) and today, the Embassy....it's new - built in 2001 - and very nice. Tonite we all eat at the Director's house...bet it's nice. She's a very assertive black lady from the U.S. Interesting all the Americans working over here! Guess Uganda is a pretty good post - at least it's very safe.
Weds. is an all day workshop with our site supervisors and Thursday a.m. is swearing in and then we leave for our sites...this phase is almost over and I'm still here!!!
Not sure what access I'll have to internet in Nkoko...but I said that about Luweero...they have internet at the Hospital but limited use for us....the nearest internet cafe is in Mukono which is only an hour ride away. Many people just come to Kampala (2 hours) since there's more to get here. I will be so glad to get settled in one spot and find out what's to do. However, I will then have to work and start earning my $250/month!!!
Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers and letters and good thoughts. They have meant a great deal to me....training had it's rough spots and teary moments, and I had my struggles getting used to Uganda (and still do!), but I'm still here!! Maybe I'm just too stubborn to give in!! Hope you all are well. What's up in bookclub?
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The End is Near - or is it the Beginning
Got my Qualifying Project presented (did a mock New Mother's Group)...now all that remains is the party on Saturday for the host families and the language test on Sunday or Monday.....I've really been studying. Lugandan is not easy...there are so many verb tenses and noun classes and the prefixes vary with each class. You can say "good child" omwana mulungi, good children is abanna balungi. Good book is ekitabo kilungi; good books..ebitabo bilungi...and it goes on and on...there are 12 noun classes. No wonder I'm struggling. Maybe all languages are this hard and I just haven't had to learn one. Or maybe it is harder for old folk.
On Monday afternoon we go to Kampala; Tuesday is a reception at the Embassy; Wednesday we can go shopping - there are really some very nice (American style) shops in Kampala...mainly run by South Africans. I don't need to get much since I won't be in my apartment till mid-May and the current PCV is leaving stuff, but it's fun to look. So excited to get yougurt and raising at the Shop Rite grocery. It doesn't take much to get excited these days. Even past tense prefixes and very tenses varies with 3 hours ago/4-24 hours ago and more than 24 hours ago...so you have to think "how long ago was it" plus what's the prefix and tense!!! UGH!! But I think it will be important...many of the adult residents at Providence House don't speak English and it is important to be able to chat w. them...maybe in the language of about a three year old, but they appreciate it.
It will be hard leaving everyone here, but I really am excited about having my own place. Holly and Shari will be wonderful companions. Also, I have electricity and running water which many of the PCV's don't have so I'm not complaining. The town is nice and we're close to lots of services - the matato ride is a killer, but it's not that long. Some people are 6-8 hours out of Kampala. Maria took about 9 hours by bus to Kbale...but her site is very nice and the country is beautiful. I'll get out there after our settling in period.
Hope everyone is well. I know I sound like I'm begging but if you want to send books or comfort foods (whatever would comfort you) padded envelopes take about 4 weeks (like letters) and boxes take 2 months or more. Zip lock bags are nice w. everything. It's all relative in the scheme of two years!! I really appreciate your letters...and your prayers. I haven't been sick yet tho' many have - traveling seems to bring it on plus we all got flu shots Tuesday (Southern Hemisphere variety).
Looked at the comments - you're right Mary...there is plenty to spend the mission money on, but I'm going to wait to find the right thing. Want it to be for something that has some sustainability - animals, garden, workshop....the old "teach them to fish" idea. Got to go...some of the girls got clothes made and they are having a fashion show....I didn't. Don't really think I'd wear the local fashions.
Take care. Hope all is well with your all. Again, thanks for your prayers!!! I can feel them.
On Monday afternoon we go to Kampala; Tuesday is a reception at the Embassy; Wednesday we can go shopping - there are really some very nice (American style) shops in Kampala...mainly run by South Africans. I don't need to get much since I won't be in my apartment till mid-May and the current PCV is leaving stuff, but it's fun to look. So excited to get yougurt and raising at the Shop Rite grocery. It doesn't take much to get excited these days. Even past tense prefixes and very tenses varies with 3 hours ago/4-24 hours ago and more than 24 hours ago...so you have to think "how long ago was it" plus what's the prefix and tense!!! UGH!! But I think it will be important...many of the adult residents at Providence House don't speak English and it is important to be able to chat w. them...maybe in the language of about a three year old, but they appreciate it.
It will be hard leaving everyone here, but I really am excited about having my own place. Holly and Shari will be wonderful companions. Also, I have electricity and running water which many of the PCV's don't have so I'm not complaining. The town is nice and we're close to lots of services - the matato ride is a killer, but it's not that long. Some people are 6-8 hours out of Kampala. Maria took about 9 hours by bus to Kbale...but her site is very nice and the country is beautiful. I'll get out there after our settling in period.
Hope everyone is well. I know I sound like I'm begging but if you want to send books or comfort foods (whatever would comfort you) padded envelopes take about 4 weeks (like letters) and boxes take 2 months or more. Zip lock bags are nice w. everything. It's all relative in the scheme of two years!! I really appreciate your letters...and your prayers. I haven't been sick yet tho' many have - traveling seems to bring it on plus we all got flu shots Tuesday (Southern Hemisphere variety).
Looked at the comments - you're right Mary...there is plenty to spend the mission money on, but I'm going to wait to find the right thing. Want it to be for something that has some sustainability - animals, garden, workshop....the old "teach them to fish" idea. Got to go...some of the girls got clothes made and they are having a fashion show....I didn't. Don't really think I'd wear the local fashions.
Take care. Hope all is well with your all. Again, thanks for your prayers!!! I can feel them.
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