Greetings again from Kampala. Training is "over" but we stay tonite and leave in the a.m. The "kids" are planning a Prom Nite - with outfits bought from the big market in town, but since I'm not going to attempt going there, I'll be the audience. Had a talent nite last nite that was really funny - some really good acts and some not, but all in good fun! I'm glad to be returning to Nkokonjeru tomorrow. I miss the kids, the Sisters and my little apartment. It was fun to see everyone and hear how things are doing , but I'm done visiting!!
We finished early today and came to the mall with another couple of Senior volunteers. Will finish my shopping and can go straight to Mukono - needed another pillow and a few things I can't get in Mukono. Easier to make fewer stops with my heavy backpack and bags! We haven't been to the PO for over a week and between the 3 of us there could be a lot of mail.
I may be starting a new blog site - password protected - but will let you know when I do. Had a problem with Peace Corps office reading the site, which they have a right to do, but think it would be better to keep it more private. They misread some dates and thought I'd left my site earlier than I did and it resulted in some problems. I'm a little old for someone to be checking up on me!! I realize they are ultimately responsible if I get hurt but it still bugs me! Will figure out a way to let everyone know if I switch! I really enjoy hearing your responses to the blogs...Corky said people mention it a lot...so want to keep you all posted.
Back to events - this will probably be shorter than usual....Training wasn't as interesting as PH!!!
Friday nite Maria and I went to the Shabat service - very nicely done and great food. FUn to be in such a different setting. Saturday we went to Entebbe (south of Kampala) for the Memorial Service for her daughter in law - very nice place (sailing club) and very nicely done. It's by Lake Victoria and has a beach and I sat down there awhile with a mom and her little kids - borrowed the kids for awhile!!! My only function for the day was to take pictures and support Maria and think I did O.K. It was a very emotional day for her.
Sunday training started - good to see everyone. Most are hitting their stride, but some are still stuggling with not enough to do, uncooperative supervisors, problems with expectations (a lot of people think we're here to get them $), or bad housing. Some are switching sites after this....SO glad I have a site I love, great supervisors and plenty to do! Sisters are happy with some peanut butter and instant coffee!!!
Training was mainly about vision statements, mission statements, goals, objectives - it's good stuff and we should be doing it in some fashion, but it's hard when your operation is so day to day and crisis oriented. Maybe if we did long range planning, it wouldn't be so day to day!!! Did find out that the grant I'd hoped to apply for doesn't fund pigs.....too expensive to maintain! Bummer....will maybe try something else to benefit the vocational school. AT least I hadn't done all the work before I found that out.
Trying to get the stove repaired/replaced at PH - the UC Davis group working at Shari's site are willing to help, but we need technical information and supplies from a local group that does stove work for institutions that are supposed to use less firewood. Unfortunately, their quote has more thank doubled since 2 months ago - not sure why....maybe because they know we got a donation (for the original amount) and because the UC Davis people are now involved! Will see if anything got done when I get back...not paying the inflated price!!! It happens.....they are a struggling organization, too, and we are a lot of muzungus.
Had a really sore toe Wednesday night - thought it was infected - just throbbed. Went to the PC doctor Thursday a.m. (they even provided a car!) and it was jiggers.... THey are worms that get under your toenail and multiply - pain was from the pressure of the family growing and pushing up!!! UGH. They have to be cut out so the Dr. did that and it's much better. Kids at PH get them all the time (they are in the dirt). Sisters dig the family out w. a safety pin - the kids just scream! Doctor did a nice job with me! It was a bit embarrassing, but it feels so much better I don't care. Nurses told us to take special care of our feet and I took them at their word.
Thursday we had a "gripe session" with the Country Director...our group was the largest ever in Uganda, the office was understaffed and there have been lots of problems. People feel they are not being supported adequately, there are sites that didn't meet standards, lack of trust on both sides. It's sad that it started out so negatively....maybe it will get better now.
That's about it....hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend. And a great start of school for all of you going.....time is going SO fast. We have another training in October and that should do us till the one year mark. Thanks everyone for the books, letters, thoughts and prayers.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
From Kampala - 8-21-08
Came to Kampala today w. the Sisters in the truck - meeting Maria here for the weekend, but we also picked up the 300 mosquito nets Maria's work donated - it was a bit of a process (not surprising - this is Uganda). Went to the Red Cross where we were told to go, but they sent us to their warehouse (big warehouse district)...have them loaded tho' so the end result was good. Left the Sisters and came to the Mall to meet Maria and lunch!!! Tonight we're meeting the Jewish young man and lady we met at Bunyoni and going to a Shabat dinner with them! Tomorrow, Maria is going to Entebbe for a memorial for her daughter in law and I will go along. It's a lunch at the Entebbe Sailing Club. Sunday, Holly has organized a swim at the Imperial Hotel (10,000 sh - $6 - for lunch and swim!!). So, if anyone is feeling sorry for me I'm sure you're over it now!!! But, then Sunday nite we check in for the week of PC training - I am going to miss Providence Home - have lots of projects going and hate to be gone.
Last time I wrote I was in Mukono about to search for an orphanage - it turned out to be a rehabilitation center. It took awhile to find - no phone books or maps. Walked out to the Mukono District Office to get directions!! Sister and I hope to meet with their director - they have 20 beds and accept children after orthopedic surgery while they are in rehab. They have a physiotherapist and nurse on staff and it's much cheaper and more convenient for our parents than the hospital in Kampala ....much closer and less hectic.
Maria called while I was in Mukono and told me that her daughter in law (ex) was killed this week...they live in very rural Baltimore and she works for Johns Hopkins. She was sleeping at 4 a.m. and a stolen truck, running from the police crashed into the house and killed her. They have three girls (teens) who were home but not injured. Very freaky! That's why there's the memorial in Entebbe tomorrow...sorry I didn't explain that first.
Saturday I had a bad head cold - think all my lack of sleep was catching up with me. Our parent meeting was cancelled - most had already come or the ones going home had gone on their own. Washed clothes, cleaned, had an ABC class with the little kids and just relaxed....read all afternoon.
Sunday was another quiet day - did lots of reading and even watched a little Olympic coverage on the Sister's TV (yes, they do have a TV - very recent purchase by the Bakery). I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with how to start on my grant search so am doing nothing! Book I'm in now is "Eastward to Tartary" by Robert Kaplan - his journey from Hungary to Turkmenestan in 1998-9. An area of the world I know virtually nothing about. I was especially interested in his description of Georgia in light of the trouble there. He said the "Caspian region might be, in the 1st decade of the new century, an explosive region that draws in the Great Powers"...let's hope not, but we do seem intent on irritating Russia (e.g.,missles in Poland)...we get news courtesy of BBC Africa. Another good quote "only war is a faster locomotive than oil for change in the 3rd world". THey are starting to drill for oil in Uganda by Lake Albert - we'll see!
CBR on Tuesday went well....having Dr. Antonio's money at the hospital makes things a lot easier...it's not as much as he'd have liked, but it's a start. We had a good discussion (at least I thought so) about the best way to spend what limited resources we have. Going to see fewer people and maybe concnetrate on a smaller geographic area but do better with follow up. Try to get people to do exercises, use appliances, go to follow up visits. We need to assess potential for success before sending children for surgery - some get home and the kids regress! It's hard to decide who, tho'. I call it "playing God" , but our resources are short. Want Moses and Kinene to do the choosing since they do all the follow up visits, and they know people better. They saw the rationale - we can never help eveyrone, so let's really do a good job with those w. do.
Did make two referrals to Katelemwa....start of using the donation from Dr. Antonio. Little girl (4 mos) with club feet and and 11 yr. old boy wiht osteomyletis (bone infection). I'd never heard of that before but it is common here. Treatment is to surgically remove the infected piece of bone (usually leg) before it spreads. It often results in a shorter leg and crutches. If it doesn't get removed totally it spreads.
Had a nice dinner with the group that is here working with Shari's organization from UC - Davis. Graduate students and staff in engineering and soil science - very smart but really friendly and willing to work.
Trying to keep the little kids left at PH busy - having ABC class about every other day...they realy seem to like it and are trying! There's only two girls left from tailoring so we got the one who can sew some fabric for an outfit and Sr. Goretti is going to help her make it. She's been helping with ABC class and is really a sweetie. She's here as a caretaker for her 23 yrs. old uncle who is blind and totally unable to move (CP?). Been doing that since she was 12 (she's 15 now)...it's a tough life, but it gets her some schooling.
I really should be doing more, but am adapting to the slow pace all too well. Visited with some of the UC Davis group about our collapsing cooking stove. There are 3 ENORMOUS pots that sit on iron rings over a brick stove that uses firewood....but the front bricks have totally collapsed and it's hugely inefficient. It needs repair but not sure how to get it done ($ and technique). At least now the census is down so they put one pot on 3 larg rocks over a wood fire - like camping with volume!!! The Florida couple donated some money for renovation but the contractor keeps stalling - the Davis people could maybe do it but we need the funds for materials - another typical Ugandan confused activity!!
I'm trying to work on the PC piggery grant, but not sure how to start. You can't walk into the lumber yard and get a quote for a pig shed!!! And I have no idea who to ask! My last forays into carpentry (wardrobe) didn't fare so well!! Also, need some idea of price of piglets, feed, vet supplies, etc. One of Holly's Project Hope volunteers raises pigs and I checked his piggery out - looks nice and he's active in the government agricultural program. Now need to meet with him for ideas and costs (and I'm in Kampala for a week).
Yesterday (Thursday) the Sisters and I cleaned out this awful storeroom....had to prod them a bit to get them going, but we found some treasures - including yarn and knitting needles. THey burned a lot of rubbish (yea)!! Holly cut my hair again - she's really getting good. I did her a favor in the a.m. by going over and rescuing a gekko trapped in her shower enclosure - pushed it into a basin and took it outside!!! AT home that would have been a job for one of the boys!
That's about it....not a busy week, but things going on. Thanks for all the letters and Peg, for the package. Probably won't write much about training, but you never know. Hope you are all well and things are O.K. Almost back to school time.....Gail said Riley is going to pre-school and needs a backpack, but he can't see any reason to go to school because he's going to drive a bobcat when he grows up!!! I missed the week at the lake - they had good weather. Jean is settling in in Lombard, Il, south of Chicago. Life goes on - hope it's treating you all well.
Last time I wrote I was in Mukono about to search for an orphanage - it turned out to be a rehabilitation center. It took awhile to find - no phone books or maps. Walked out to the Mukono District Office to get directions!! Sister and I hope to meet with their director - they have 20 beds and accept children after orthopedic surgery while they are in rehab. They have a physiotherapist and nurse on staff and it's much cheaper and more convenient for our parents than the hospital in Kampala ....much closer and less hectic.
Maria called while I was in Mukono and told me that her daughter in law (ex) was killed this week...they live in very rural Baltimore and she works for Johns Hopkins. She was sleeping at 4 a.m. and a stolen truck, running from the police crashed into the house and killed her. They have three girls (teens) who were home but not injured. Very freaky! That's why there's the memorial in Entebbe tomorrow...sorry I didn't explain that first.
Saturday I had a bad head cold - think all my lack of sleep was catching up with me. Our parent meeting was cancelled - most had already come or the ones going home had gone on their own. Washed clothes, cleaned, had an ABC class with the little kids and just relaxed....read all afternoon.
Sunday was another quiet day - did lots of reading and even watched a little Olympic coverage on the Sister's TV (yes, they do have a TV - very recent purchase by the Bakery). I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with how to start on my grant search so am doing nothing! Book I'm in now is "Eastward to Tartary" by Robert Kaplan - his journey from Hungary to Turkmenestan in 1998-9. An area of the world I know virtually nothing about. I was especially interested in his description of Georgia in light of the trouble there. He said the "Caspian region might be, in the 1st decade of the new century, an explosive region that draws in the Great Powers"...let's hope not, but we do seem intent on irritating Russia (e.g.,missles in Poland)...we get news courtesy of BBC Africa. Another good quote "only war is a faster locomotive than oil for change in the 3rd world". THey are starting to drill for oil in Uganda by Lake Albert - we'll see!
CBR on Tuesday went well....having Dr. Antonio's money at the hospital makes things a lot easier...it's not as much as he'd have liked, but it's a start. We had a good discussion (at least I thought so) about the best way to spend what limited resources we have. Going to see fewer people and maybe concnetrate on a smaller geographic area but do better with follow up. Try to get people to do exercises, use appliances, go to follow up visits. We need to assess potential for success before sending children for surgery - some get home and the kids regress! It's hard to decide who, tho'. I call it "playing God" , but our resources are short. Want Moses and Kinene to do the choosing since they do all the follow up visits, and they know people better. They saw the rationale - we can never help eveyrone, so let's really do a good job with those w. do.
Did make two referrals to Katelemwa....start of using the donation from Dr. Antonio. Little girl (4 mos) with club feet and and 11 yr. old boy wiht osteomyletis (bone infection). I'd never heard of that before but it is common here. Treatment is to surgically remove the infected piece of bone (usually leg) before it spreads. It often results in a shorter leg and crutches. If it doesn't get removed totally it spreads.
Had a nice dinner with the group that is here working with Shari's organization from UC - Davis. Graduate students and staff in engineering and soil science - very smart but really friendly and willing to work.
Trying to keep the little kids left at PH busy - having ABC class about every other day...they realy seem to like it and are trying! There's only two girls left from tailoring so we got the one who can sew some fabric for an outfit and Sr. Goretti is going to help her make it. She's been helping with ABC class and is really a sweetie. She's here as a caretaker for her 23 yrs. old uncle who is blind and totally unable to move (CP?). Been doing that since she was 12 (she's 15 now)...it's a tough life, but it gets her some schooling.
I really should be doing more, but am adapting to the slow pace all too well. Visited with some of the UC Davis group about our collapsing cooking stove. There are 3 ENORMOUS pots that sit on iron rings over a brick stove that uses firewood....but the front bricks have totally collapsed and it's hugely inefficient. It needs repair but not sure how to get it done ($ and technique). At least now the census is down so they put one pot on 3 larg rocks over a wood fire - like camping with volume!!! The Florida couple donated some money for renovation but the contractor keeps stalling - the Davis people could maybe do it but we need the funds for materials - another typical Ugandan confused activity!!
I'm trying to work on the PC piggery grant, but not sure how to start. You can't walk into the lumber yard and get a quote for a pig shed!!! And I have no idea who to ask! My last forays into carpentry (wardrobe) didn't fare so well!! Also, need some idea of price of piglets, feed, vet supplies, etc. One of Holly's Project Hope volunteers raises pigs and I checked his piggery out - looks nice and he's active in the government agricultural program. Now need to meet with him for ideas and costs (and I'm in Kampala for a week).
Yesterday (Thursday) the Sisters and I cleaned out this awful storeroom....had to prod them a bit to get them going, but we found some treasures - including yarn and knitting needles. THey burned a lot of rubbish (yea)!! Holly cut my hair again - she's really getting good. I did her a favor in the a.m. by going over and rescuing a gekko trapped in her shower enclosure - pushed it into a basin and took it outside!!! AT home that would have been a job for one of the boys!
That's about it....not a busy week, but things going on. Thanks for all the letters and Peg, for the package. Probably won't write much about training, but you never know. Hope you are all well and things are O.K. Almost back to school time.....Gail said Riley is going to pre-school and needs a backpack, but he can't see any reason to go to school because he's going to drive a bobcat when he grows up!!! I missed the week at the lake - they had good weather. Jean is settling in in Lombard, Il, south of Chicago. Life goes on - hope it's treating you all well.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Mukono 8-15-08
Am in Mukono to go to the post office and to see some people from an orphanage here about cooperating w. the Doctors from Katelemwa to have some of our people come to a clinic they hold here and wanted to do the computer thing - but have just about used up my patience on e-mail...used 45 minutes to send 4 e -mails!!! But, have no other options at the present. Bakery hasn't paid their bill again and probably won't till Sr. Veronica comes back in Sept. and went up to RASD (Sheri's site w. the new "internet cafe") and spent 15 minutes sending nothing!! Sometimes I think the internet here is more trouble than it's worth....although at times it works O.K. You just never know. Will see how the blog goes....
O.K., on to more positive subjects. Had to vent there for a minute. Had a great weekend w. Maria in Kbale...bus trip was long, but actually, the easiest part of the trip....the trip to Kampala from Nkoko and the taxi park were the bad parts for me!! We had lots of great talking time, went to Lake Bunyoni (resort area), had lunch at an island resort, took a boat ride, a short swim (cold), and just had a good time! The area is much hillier than here but fewer trees...the hills are terraced for farming to the very top....like Rwanda, which makes sense since they are only 1/2 hour from Rwanda (which is very densely populated) and probably there are a lot of Rwandan refugees in the Kbale area.
When I got back no power yet - talked to Sr. Felicitas (my landlady) and she said the sisters don't miss it - YIKES. Did get it back later in the week - YEA! But my lightbulb blew out...I couldn't figure out how to get it out and had to have help from a young girl who's very tall - she's part of the UC Davis group that is at RASD (Rural Agency for Sustainable Development - Sheri's site) now - the Duke kids go home tomorrow. I needed her to stand on the table and see how to get the bulb out - they don't screw...have two prongs that have to be moved. I did get the new one back in tho' by myself and felt a terrific sense of accomplishment - love the light!!!!
Tuesday was CBR day (Community Rehab)...the guys had done some outreach last week and did a village "sensitization" meeting on Sunday at a nearby village....good to have some $ for transport and supplies!!! They do follow ups to people we've seen before and try to let people know what can be done for the disabled in Uganda.....also encourage epileptics to come to the clinic at PH. Lots of good work. One sad case came in today (they are all sad, really). 6 month old girl who was one of twins - her left side didn't develop - short arm and no hand and some other deformities. Don't know what really can be done....and after she was born the dad left the mom (6 kids total) because she had a deformed baby!!! (couldn't be his??) I really think the only thing to be done is exercises to strengthen her left side because her head rolls that way....mom can't get too far so are going to wait till the Doctors come to PH in the fall. She was such a cute, bright, little girl. All of you be grateful for the healthy kids you have!!!!
Had supper Tueday night with the RASD folks and the new people from UC Davis and the "old" group from Duke...quite the group. UC brought two professors who brought some other people to see Uganda for a few weeks. Nice bunch...two wives are former teachers and one professor brought her 15 year old daughter (the tall girl mentioned above), and they want to come down to PH to "play" with the kids - bring it on!!! Sheri does a great job promoting PH!
Wednesday we had a marathon trip to Kampala....I was tired from the weekend, had a bad nite's sleep from the malaria meds (happens one nite every week) and it was a long day....I really have to describe it - it was so typical of an African adventure. I was able to use the CBR funds donated to pay for the trip - we had an appointment with the Italian Doctor who was then at Mengo hospital at 1:00 and I really wanted to make that!!!
I was determined to leave as close to 8 as possible (wanted to leave at 6 but the sisters wanted to go to 6:45 Mass)....got there and with a lot of prodding and clapping, we left at 8:25...quite good actually!! Group included myself and the driver, Sr. Goretti and Sr. Melody, Kassuli (he's a 25 yr. old recent university grad who's finishing his Senior Research paper - very smart, but also very disabled - in a wheelchair), Kassuli's helper, Nsulu (she's a 13 year old who lives at PH; had a HUGE tumor removed from behind her eye 2 years ago; the wound is still raw after all that time - I've seen the hole - the eye is gone and lots of tissue - it has been bleeding lately so she had to go to Katelemwa Hospital), Veronica (24 - she's been working at PH, but going back to college), and 3 kids who were going to Kampala on their way home for break - so 11 of us (four in back), plus baggage, wheelchair, etc. I wish I'd have brought my camera. Dropped Sr. Melody off near downtown so she could go around on bodas (motorcycle taxis) to visit a friendly NGO to borrow $ for Veronica's tuition and get it to the college; we took the three kids to the taxi park and Sr. G got them sent off (lots of stuff!), dropped Kassuli and his helper at Makere University and from there Veronica and I rode in the back to protect her stuff - it's SO crowded in town whenever you stop (and it's often), people steal things out of the back!. Took Nsula to Katelemwa - out of town a bit - she had to stay till the weekend, but picked up a dad and his 5 year old daughter who were from the Nkoko area who were at the hospital (she has CP and was referred in FEb. from PH) and needed a ride back... they had a suitcase, a CP chair and a CP standing frame !! Also, picked up a new wheelchair for another resident. We got to Mengo Hospital on time - our driver is amazing - and Sr. G and I met w. Dr. Antonio. He was only able to raise about 1/2 the money he hoped to, so we need to find more or seriously limit referrals...but at least we have some now! However, he agreed to start coming out to PH to do quarterly orthopedic clinics to assess patients and see if they need surgery - it's a HUGE help to the people out where we are - going to Kampala is really scary (I know) and expensive. His group (an Italian Christian organization) is building a new orthopedic hospital south of Kampala and think surgeries there will be free to the poor - should open in January he hopes....so mainly good news. He's so nice!!! Will probably start coming to PH in October - I need to line up some things with the hospital for X-rays and blood work.
While we were there Sr. G got a call from Sr. Melody and she said the college wouldn't accept partial payment for Veronica - she was devestated and started crying!!! So we wnet down to pick up Sr. Melody in town, they went to the a bank to get the money they had and we went to the college anyway. The two sisters convinced them they could and should take Veronica - they are SO persuasive!!! So, she unloaded all her things - foam mattress, gerry can, several suitcases, etc. Then went to a place way out to get printed plastic bags ordered for the bakery, back to Makere to pick up Kassuli (he's gotten his paper ready to print), and off for home, stopping in Kisoga (1/2 hr. from Nkokonjeru) to pick up two girls at a secondary school there who needed to come back to PH for break - plus their luggage and another wheelchair!!! So, returned with me, driver, 2 sisters, Kassuli and attendant, dad and little girl (in my lap) and the two girls....plus 3 wheelchairs and all the gear!!! We really utilized our gas $ that day....plus everything got accomplished and we were back by 8:30.....Sr. G said the dad and girl could stay overnite and have dinner at PH which was really nice. And, as we drove by I could see lights on at the convent - God IS good!!!
I know that's a confusing narrative, but really that's how things work here...plus imagine the streets full of vehicles, people, dust......when you lose the people you get goats and cows!!! I was exhausted and I did little!!! It costs 60,000sh to go to Kampala - gas and driver - and the Sisters try to maximize the value - Sr. Goretti even had a list of destinations for the driver when we got in so he could plan the route!!! I was so proud!
Thursday I was really slow...did some forms on the computer, tried to use the internet, played with the kids with the 15 year old - they loved her - did drawing, had treats and balloons (thanks St. John's and others). Didas, the shoemaker, put new heels on my brown sandals....wore them down to the leather - a testament to how much we walk! So, a good day all in all.
Family was up at Lake Vermillion this week...I really missed seeing all the little ones play together (hope it was good), Jean and Kody were driving from Portland - him to Mn, her on to Chicago.
Got some great packages and letters this week...thanks all !!! Will check at the PO today and see what we all have! Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. It's going well - the break helped....still lots to do and plenty of books to read!!! Plus I have electricity!!! How can I complain? Take care and will probably write again next weekend from Kampala - we have a PC training all week from the 25th to the 31st! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone from our class, but not a week of sitting at lectures! And I really miss PH when I'm gone! Never a dull day!
O.K., on to more positive subjects. Had to vent there for a minute. Had a great weekend w. Maria in Kbale...bus trip was long, but actually, the easiest part of the trip....the trip to Kampala from Nkoko and the taxi park were the bad parts for me!! We had lots of great talking time, went to Lake Bunyoni (resort area), had lunch at an island resort, took a boat ride, a short swim (cold), and just had a good time! The area is much hillier than here but fewer trees...the hills are terraced for farming to the very top....like Rwanda, which makes sense since they are only 1/2 hour from Rwanda (which is very densely populated) and probably there are a lot of Rwandan refugees in the Kbale area.
When I got back no power yet - talked to Sr. Felicitas (my landlady) and she said the sisters don't miss it - YIKES. Did get it back later in the week - YEA! But my lightbulb blew out...I couldn't figure out how to get it out and had to have help from a young girl who's very tall - she's part of the UC Davis group that is at RASD (Rural Agency for Sustainable Development - Sheri's site) now - the Duke kids go home tomorrow. I needed her to stand on the table and see how to get the bulb out - they don't screw...have two prongs that have to be moved. I did get the new one back in tho' by myself and felt a terrific sense of accomplishment - love the light!!!!
Tuesday was CBR day (Community Rehab)...the guys had done some outreach last week and did a village "sensitization" meeting on Sunday at a nearby village....good to have some $ for transport and supplies!!! They do follow ups to people we've seen before and try to let people know what can be done for the disabled in Uganda.....also encourage epileptics to come to the clinic at PH. Lots of good work. One sad case came in today (they are all sad, really). 6 month old girl who was one of twins - her left side didn't develop - short arm and no hand and some other deformities. Don't know what really can be done....and after she was born the dad left the mom (6 kids total) because she had a deformed baby!!! (couldn't be his??) I really think the only thing to be done is exercises to strengthen her left side because her head rolls that way....mom can't get too far so are going to wait till the Doctors come to PH in the fall. She was such a cute, bright, little girl. All of you be grateful for the healthy kids you have!!!!
Had supper Tueday night with the RASD folks and the new people from UC Davis and the "old" group from Duke...quite the group. UC brought two professors who brought some other people to see Uganda for a few weeks. Nice bunch...two wives are former teachers and one professor brought her 15 year old daughter (the tall girl mentioned above), and they want to come down to PH to "play" with the kids - bring it on!!! Sheri does a great job promoting PH!
Wednesday we had a marathon trip to Kampala....I was tired from the weekend, had a bad nite's sleep from the malaria meds (happens one nite every week) and it was a long day....I really have to describe it - it was so typical of an African adventure. I was able to use the CBR funds donated to pay for the trip - we had an appointment with the Italian Doctor who was then at Mengo hospital at 1:00 and I really wanted to make that!!!
I was determined to leave as close to 8 as possible (wanted to leave at 6 but the sisters wanted to go to 6:45 Mass)....got there and with a lot of prodding and clapping, we left at 8:25...quite good actually!! Group included myself and the driver, Sr. Goretti and Sr. Melody, Kassuli (he's a 25 yr. old recent university grad who's finishing his Senior Research paper - very smart, but also very disabled - in a wheelchair), Kassuli's helper, Nsulu (she's a 13 year old who lives at PH; had a HUGE tumor removed from behind her eye 2 years ago; the wound is still raw after all that time - I've seen the hole - the eye is gone and lots of tissue - it has been bleeding lately so she had to go to Katelemwa Hospital), Veronica (24 - she's been working at PH, but going back to college), and 3 kids who were going to Kampala on their way home for break - so 11 of us (four in back), plus baggage, wheelchair, etc. I wish I'd have brought my camera. Dropped Sr. Melody off near downtown so she could go around on bodas (motorcycle taxis) to visit a friendly NGO to borrow $ for Veronica's tuition and get it to the college; we took the three kids to the taxi park and Sr. G got them sent off (lots of stuff!), dropped Kassuli and his helper at Makere University and from there Veronica and I rode in the back to protect her stuff - it's SO crowded in town whenever you stop (and it's often), people steal things out of the back!. Took Nsula to Katelemwa - out of town a bit - she had to stay till the weekend, but picked up a dad and his 5 year old daughter who were from the Nkoko area who were at the hospital (she has CP and was referred in FEb. from PH) and needed a ride back... they had a suitcase, a CP chair and a CP standing frame !! Also, picked up a new wheelchair for another resident. We got to Mengo Hospital on time - our driver is amazing - and Sr. G and I met w. Dr. Antonio. He was only able to raise about 1/2 the money he hoped to, so we need to find more or seriously limit referrals...but at least we have some now! However, he agreed to start coming out to PH to do quarterly orthopedic clinics to assess patients and see if they need surgery - it's a HUGE help to the people out where we are - going to Kampala is really scary (I know) and expensive. His group (an Italian Christian organization) is building a new orthopedic hospital south of Kampala and think surgeries there will be free to the poor - should open in January he hopes....so mainly good news. He's so nice!!! Will probably start coming to PH in October - I need to line up some things with the hospital for X-rays and blood work.
While we were there Sr. G got a call from Sr. Melody and she said the college wouldn't accept partial payment for Veronica - she was devestated and started crying!!! So we wnet down to pick up Sr. Melody in town, they went to the a bank to get the money they had and we went to the college anyway. The two sisters convinced them they could and should take Veronica - they are SO persuasive!!! So, she unloaded all her things - foam mattress, gerry can, several suitcases, etc. Then went to a place way out to get printed plastic bags ordered for the bakery, back to Makere to pick up Kassuli (he's gotten his paper ready to print), and off for home, stopping in Kisoga (1/2 hr. from Nkokonjeru) to pick up two girls at a secondary school there who needed to come back to PH for break - plus their luggage and another wheelchair!!! So, returned with me, driver, 2 sisters, Kassuli and attendant, dad and little girl (in my lap) and the two girls....plus 3 wheelchairs and all the gear!!! We really utilized our gas $ that day....plus everything got accomplished and we were back by 8:30.....Sr. G said the dad and girl could stay overnite and have dinner at PH which was really nice. And, as we drove by I could see lights on at the convent - God IS good!!!
I know that's a confusing narrative, but really that's how things work here...plus imagine the streets full of vehicles, people, dust......when you lose the people you get goats and cows!!! I was exhausted and I did little!!! It costs 60,000sh to go to Kampala - gas and driver - and the Sisters try to maximize the value - Sr. Goretti even had a list of destinations for the driver when we got in so he could plan the route!!! I was so proud!
Thursday I was really slow...did some forms on the computer, tried to use the internet, played with the kids with the 15 year old - they loved her - did drawing, had treats and balloons (thanks St. John's and others). Didas, the shoemaker, put new heels on my brown sandals....wore them down to the leather - a testament to how much we walk! So, a good day all in all.
Family was up at Lake Vermillion this week...I really missed seeing all the little ones play together (hope it was good), Jean and Kody were driving from Portland - him to Mn, her on to Chicago.
Got some great packages and letters this week...thanks all !!! Will check at the PO today and see what we all have! Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. It's going well - the break helped....still lots to do and plenty of books to read!!! Plus I have electricity!!! How can I complain? Take care and will probably write again next weekend from Kampala - we have a PC training all week from the 25th to the 31st! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone from our class, but not a week of sitting at lectures! And I really miss PH when I'm gone! Never a dull day!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
August 7, 2008
Whenever it takes me a week to write again the past entry seems to have happened in the distant past....not sure what that means. Will try to fill you in on this week. If you didn't note, Gail put some pictures on before my last post - quite a few in fact. She's only got 5 weeks till delivery (hopefully for her)...don't know how much she'll be able to do after that - it will be busy.
Last Friday after I left the Internet cafe I went to New York Kitchen and had a toasted bagel w. cream cheese AND cheesecake (huge piece)...I was a bit queasy on the matatu ride back to Nkokonjeru!!!
The power at the convent has been out for 8 days - O.K. now I've said that and won't keep repeating it. I'm sort of getting used to it, but not saying I like it. The hospital electrician said yesterday that the sisters owe for 4 months of electricity and they cut them off! I wondered why it was just the convent -
We had some kids from a High School in Mukono come on last Saturday - very nice young men. Our kids did a great job of entertaining! Even a mini soccer game with non-walkers! The kids borught bags of stuff to give away - sort of looked like they went around the dorms and got unused stuff and used clothes...much appreciated tho'. Soap, notebooks, shoe polish, TP - think they are all going home next Friday and will get more. The teacher said they boys come from pretty wealthy families and they decided to bring them to PH to see how poor and disabled kids live - not sure if I appreciated that!(sort of like we were a poor people zoo?) At the end she bought fresh donuts from the bakery and gave them to her boys to eat while they were still at PH! Ate them in front of the little kids - the kids didn't beg but you could see them wishing! A little toughtless I thought - they should have waited till they got on their bus. But, all in all, it was a good group. They said they'd be back with their dance group; and they sang "Bless This House" to our kids, which was really cute.
Was reading Newsweek - guess Ugandan food prices aren't so cheap - while one egg is only .13 a dozen is $1.50 - and $1.90 in the U.S. (per Newsweek 7/14)...a 1 lb. loaf of bread in the U.S. was $1.37 - $1.38 here! So with the difference in income food is EXPENSIVE here!! I just don't buy very much - available fruits and veggies are low - pineapple $1, avacado .10, beans are cheap, but rice is high (imported)...most try to eat and grow matoke bananas, sweet potatoes, cassava, yams as subsistence foods.
Sunday I washed clothes and got the math test copied. Went down to PH and got into a ball game with the kids - called "net ball" but w/o a net - played w. bare feet on the grass. It's sort of more like keep away and passing a basketball - did O.K. but I didn't know the rules - very limited foot movement allowed - can't even pivot - it was fun tho'. Sr. Sara played too. Went for a nice walk to end the evening. I'm eating my bigger meal at noon now while it's still light! (said I wouldn't mention my outage again!)
Monday was rainy and I was feeling glum - "Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down" - anyone remember the Carpenters? Gave the math tests - am amazed at the span of knowledge - from not being able to count to doing division. Need to really have a remedial math class - will see if it works into the schedule for next term - might shorten up class time too, and keep it more focused! But do I want to add more teaching hours? I was swamped this term!
After class I got my grades done - took longer than I thought it would. Got a little subjective with my "effort" grade..probably not completely fair, but also not fair that some try SO hard but are behind because they have never gotten the help they needed! (I can justify almost anything).
Tuesday I discovered that my radio has a pretty powerful flashlite - much better and easier than the kerosene lantern. Listening to the BBC coverage of the Olympics which is sparse but better than nothing! Things I miss right now - back to school sales, end of summer, Olympic coverage, electricity - and the week at the lake! Enjoy it all guys!!
People ask about what to send or what I need - actually, I'm doing very well - even buy "expensive" Chinese toilet paper! Think what it must cost to ship TP from China to Uganda!!
I do really enjoy the packages and letters tho' so don't stop! If you'd like to send something for PH the best way is to get money to Corky and he deposits it and I can get it out of the ATM in Ugandan shillings - really slick. (his e-mail is donwesterman@westermanlumber.com if you're interested). If you need ideas - $5 will provide school supplies for a term (3 terms/year); $10 a uniform or school shoes - almost none of our kids have school shoes - or any shoes!; $25 - school fees for a term for primary; $40 - a special Sunday dinner - chicken, rice and fruit; $120 - school fees for a term for secondary (they are steep); $135 - settlement pkg for graduates of our vocational school - In December we should have a few who are ready to go out - they don't have families or families are really poor so PH tries to provide them w. some tools of their trade and a little money to pay for rent for 3 mos. I'm not begging (I hope) - just some ideas if you're interested - and if you're not, that's O.K. too.
Tuesday CBR was slow, but Moses and I had a good talk - mainly about his view of America as "paved with gold". Having just finished Nickle and Dimed I could assure him otherwise! As we were leaving I went to check out the owner of a vehicle parked at PH (always sign of visitors). It was a man sent by Cheshire to check out the 10 schools in the area selected for Inclusive Ed and he was expecting a guide! No one had called - again, really bad communication and faith in their program dropped lower (if possible). Moses agreed to help them out and I insisted they reimburse him for his time (they did). Sr. Goretti was gone to a funeral up north and Sr. Sara wasn't familiar with the schools at all (and I don't think she wanted to go). After all that, I went up to Sheri's site (past town and up a big hill) - the Duke "boys" set up an Internet cafe there - it's a bit off the beaten path, but hope it gets business. For now, they just use the two computers they had. Stopped to watch the band - they are learning the Dutch National Anthem because a friend of the director (he's Ugandan) from Holland is coming for a visit. There are two medical students from Holland at the hospital for 3 weeks and they came out to sing along - it really is a small world!! Holly is doing very well with her trumpet!!!
Seems strange not to have to rush this week w/o classes. Am working hard to get all the grading done and the report cards to the respective teachers so they are done before Friday - last day of the term. Kids are staying till the 16th tho' (hopefully) to work in the gardens.
Weds. a.m. I helped the kids sort beans - it's really time consuming - they use them for food and while shucking them awhile ago, they got rocks etc. in them. Some others were peeling casava for lunch. Not a favorite food, but we're having a bit of a food crisis right now - corn meal is almost out so they are trying to stretch it! We had some visitors from Holland who are working for a month at a nearby yogurt 'factory' (one room) and wanted to see if they could rent space on the bakery trucks to expand their market - couldn't, in fact the bakery would like to get a 2nd truck but can't save enough $ because PH is so needy (per Sr. Benna). They took me to see their operation - very small but interesting! They also give cows to local families IF the family agrees to take in an orphan! Quite a deal!!! I really like their yogurt and get it when ever it's available in Nkokonjeru - it's the drinkable yogurt which is most often available here - I've gotten quite used to it.
Sort of funny incident w. a resident - his name is Mulondo and he's about 16 (no one knows). He's quite severely retarded, mute and schizophrenic....and he wants to eat all the time (but is super skinny)...very active, too. He'll steal food from anyone he can - even caught him going into the bakery to steal buns! He came from a village where he was an outcast - ate garbage (still does sometimes) and was beaten pretty severely. Brought to PH by a priest. Anyway, he went into the sister's house and got into a cake Sr. Benna had just finished decorating for an order - he got caught and only got a corner off, but Sr. was SO mad! Mulondo usually listens to the OT (Nelson) - his one good "friend" - but has been getting more and more bold (maybe because of reduced food).
Spent this a.m. digging with the kids - got some big blisters to prove it. They weren't very enthusiastic - esp. after 2 hours - sisters had to keep after them. Clearning a plot and planting beans so they can eat in November just doesn't do it. I think it's important that they help. If they were home they'd be digging every day!
I'm really excited about my weekend away to see some new territory, visit w. Maria and just get a change. It's been a busy couple of weeks and helps to get a new perspective! Plus next week is the family week at the lake and I'm feeling a big blue about missing that! Have fun and take lots of pictures! Would love to see the cousins together!!!!
Thanks again for the wonderful letters and packages...much appreciated!!! And for your thoughts and prayers which really keep me going!
Last Friday after I left the Internet cafe I went to New York Kitchen and had a toasted bagel w. cream cheese AND cheesecake (huge piece)...I was a bit queasy on the matatu ride back to Nkokonjeru!!!
The power at the convent has been out for 8 days - O.K. now I've said that and won't keep repeating it. I'm sort of getting used to it, but not saying I like it. The hospital electrician said yesterday that the sisters owe for 4 months of electricity and they cut them off! I wondered why it was just the convent -
We had some kids from a High School in Mukono come on last Saturday - very nice young men. Our kids did a great job of entertaining! Even a mini soccer game with non-walkers! The kids borught bags of stuff to give away - sort of looked like they went around the dorms and got unused stuff and used clothes...much appreciated tho'. Soap, notebooks, shoe polish, TP - think they are all going home next Friday and will get more. The teacher said they boys come from pretty wealthy families and they decided to bring them to PH to see how poor and disabled kids live - not sure if I appreciated that!(sort of like we were a poor people zoo?) At the end she bought fresh donuts from the bakery and gave them to her boys to eat while they were still at PH! Ate them in front of the little kids - the kids didn't beg but you could see them wishing! A little toughtless I thought - they should have waited till they got on their bus. But, all in all, it was a good group. They said they'd be back with their dance group; and they sang "Bless This House" to our kids, which was really cute.
Was reading Newsweek - guess Ugandan food prices aren't so cheap - while one egg is only .13 a dozen is $1.50 - and $1.90 in the U.S. (per Newsweek 7/14)...a 1 lb. loaf of bread in the U.S. was $1.37 - $1.38 here! So with the difference in income food is EXPENSIVE here!! I just don't buy very much - available fruits and veggies are low - pineapple $1, avacado .10, beans are cheap, but rice is high (imported)...most try to eat and grow matoke bananas, sweet potatoes, cassava, yams as subsistence foods.
Sunday I washed clothes and got the math test copied. Went down to PH and got into a ball game with the kids - called "net ball" but w/o a net - played w. bare feet on the grass. It's sort of more like keep away and passing a basketball - did O.K. but I didn't know the rules - very limited foot movement allowed - can't even pivot - it was fun tho'. Sr. Sara played too. Went for a nice walk to end the evening. I'm eating my bigger meal at noon now while it's still light! (said I wouldn't mention my outage again!)
Monday was rainy and I was feeling glum - "Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down" - anyone remember the Carpenters? Gave the math tests - am amazed at the span of knowledge - from not being able to count to doing division. Need to really have a remedial math class - will see if it works into the schedule for next term - might shorten up class time too, and keep it more focused! But do I want to add more teaching hours? I was swamped this term!
After class I got my grades done - took longer than I thought it would. Got a little subjective with my "effort" grade..probably not completely fair, but also not fair that some try SO hard but are behind because they have never gotten the help they needed! (I can justify almost anything).
Tuesday I discovered that my radio has a pretty powerful flashlite - much better and easier than the kerosene lantern. Listening to the BBC coverage of the Olympics which is sparse but better than nothing! Things I miss right now - back to school sales, end of summer, Olympic coverage, electricity - and the week at the lake! Enjoy it all guys!!
People ask about what to send or what I need - actually, I'm doing very well - even buy "expensive" Chinese toilet paper! Think what it must cost to ship TP from China to Uganda!!
I do really enjoy the packages and letters tho' so don't stop! If you'd like to send something for PH the best way is to get money to Corky and he deposits it and I can get it out of the ATM in Ugandan shillings - really slick. (his e-mail is donwesterman@westermanlumber.com if you're interested). If you need ideas - $5 will provide school supplies for a term (3 terms/year); $10 a uniform or school shoes - almost none of our kids have school shoes - or any shoes!; $25 - school fees for a term for primary; $40 - a special Sunday dinner - chicken, rice and fruit; $120 - school fees for a term for secondary (they are steep); $135 - settlement pkg for graduates of our vocational school - In December we should have a few who are ready to go out - they don't have families or families are really poor so PH tries to provide them w. some tools of their trade and a little money to pay for rent for 3 mos. I'm not begging (I hope) - just some ideas if you're interested - and if you're not, that's O.K. too.
Tuesday CBR was slow, but Moses and I had a good talk - mainly about his view of America as "paved with gold". Having just finished Nickle and Dimed I could assure him otherwise! As we were leaving I went to check out the owner of a vehicle parked at PH (always sign of visitors). It was a man sent by Cheshire to check out the 10 schools in the area selected for Inclusive Ed and he was expecting a guide! No one had called - again, really bad communication and faith in their program dropped lower (if possible). Moses agreed to help them out and I insisted they reimburse him for his time (they did). Sr. Goretti was gone to a funeral up north and Sr. Sara wasn't familiar with the schools at all (and I don't think she wanted to go). After all that, I went up to Sheri's site (past town and up a big hill) - the Duke "boys" set up an Internet cafe there - it's a bit off the beaten path, but hope it gets business. For now, they just use the two computers they had. Stopped to watch the band - they are learning the Dutch National Anthem because a friend of the director (he's Ugandan) from Holland is coming for a visit. There are two medical students from Holland at the hospital for 3 weeks and they came out to sing along - it really is a small world!! Holly is doing very well with her trumpet!!!
Seems strange not to have to rush this week w/o classes. Am working hard to get all the grading done and the report cards to the respective teachers so they are done before Friday - last day of the term. Kids are staying till the 16th tho' (hopefully) to work in the gardens.
Weds. a.m. I helped the kids sort beans - it's really time consuming - they use them for food and while shucking them awhile ago, they got rocks etc. in them. Some others were peeling casava for lunch. Not a favorite food, but we're having a bit of a food crisis right now - corn meal is almost out so they are trying to stretch it! We had some visitors from Holland who are working for a month at a nearby yogurt 'factory' (one room) and wanted to see if they could rent space on the bakery trucks to expand their market - couldn't, in fact the bakery would like to get a 2nd truck but can't save enough $ because PH is so needy (per Sr. Benna). They took me to see their operation - very small but interesting! They also give cows to local families IF the family agrees to take in an orphan! Quite a deal!!! I really like their yogurt and get it when ever it's available in Nkokonjeru - it's the drinkable yogurt which is most often available here - I've gotten quite used to it.
Sort of funny incident w. a resident - his name is Mulondo and he's about 16 (no one knows). He's quite severely retarded, mute and schizophrenic....and he wants to eat all the time (but is super skinny)...very active, too. He'll steal food from anyone he can - even caught him going into the bakery to steal buns! He came from a village where he was an outcast - ate garbage (still does sometimes) and was beaten pretty severely. Brought to PH by a priest. Anyway, he went into the sister's house and got into a cake Sr. Benna had just finished decorating for an order - he got caught and only got a corner off, but Sr. was SO mad! Mulondo usually listens to the OT (Nelson) - his one good "friend" - but has been getting more and more bold (maybe because of reduced food).
Spent this a.m. digging with the kids - got some big blisters to prove it. They weren't very enthusiastic - esp. after 2 hours - sisters had to keep after them. Clearning a plot and planting beans so they can eat in November just doesn't do it. I think it's important that they help. If they were home they'd be digging every day!
I'm really excited about my weekend away to see some new territory, visit w. Maria and just get a change. It's been a busy couple of weeks and helps to get a new perspective! Plus next week is the family week at the lake and I'm feeling a big blue about missing that! Have fun and take lots of pictures! Would love to see the cousins together!!!!
Thanks again for the wonderful letters and packages...much appreciated!!! And for your thoughts and prayers which really keep me going!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Friday in Kampala - August 1, 2008
Came into Kampala on the early taxi - had to go to the bank at Garden City Mall to clear up some statement confusion - was going to come Sat., but our Sunday company is now coming Saturday so came today. Will do the blog, get some bagels and leave the big city and return to the country where I belong!!
I keep thinking things will become routine and I won't be writing such long blogs - it's not happening. Sorry, I'm so wordy (but those of you who know me know that's my style). Am really enjoying reading Nickeled and Dimed - sorry I never read it before. Got some great packages yesterday too - and letters (got two from Jean, one from June 30 and one from July 15!!).
Anyway, last Sunday on the way up the hill from the Nkoko Taxi Park (Mujkono trip) back to the convent I got my veggies and fruit and 2 plastic basins for the herb garden. Went down to PH and traded the new basins with the kids for two really old ones (one girl didn't have a basin, but found one in the garbage so that counted - now she has a basin)....kids thought I was crazy! Had to punch holes in the bottom anyway and less likely to be stolen (I hope). Two of the older girls (Jenipher and Medina - in vocational and very nice girls) saw me puttting cow manure in the basins and came back w. me to see what I was possibly doing. They aren't familiar w. herbs - asked if they were medicine, which I guess they could be. They admired my gas stove, electric kettle and flush toilet - all the modern conveniences - no carrying water in gerry cans, heating charcoal, collecting firewood - see, my apartment is VERY impressive!! Ended with a tea party on the "veranda".
Note on bathing, etc. in Uganda...90% of the population goes outside for toileting and bathing....usually the lucky ones have a two stall "outhouse"...one stall is the latrine - a hole you squat over (very egronomic) - and the other is the "bathing" stall - you take out your water and do a bucket bath there in a basin. I do my bucket bath in my indoor shower area (mainly so I can use warm water) so I am really privileged!!! Shower area is just an area with a drain and a lip, but it works well! Also, use it for washing dishes. Also have a tap in my bathroom which is really a luxury!
Monday English was a total, word by word, review for the exam. The shoemaking teacher, Didas told me he reads the test to some of the kids which was a relief to hear....can read and fill in the answers. Several don't read or write either English or Lugandan. He wasn't crazy about the streamlined report card I'd designed but said he's try it (I later revised it and added some categories - don't want to upset everyone TOO much).
Sr. Goretti got a call that a.m. from another Sister in Budakka (north) about a meeting in Kampala for the "stakeholders" - she had no idea what it was about but she and the parish priest were going - asked if I could go too and she said O.K. Father was driving the truck and I was thinking I could maybe get some errands done (didn't). Turned out is was a meeting with Cheshire (our former funders) about the Inclusive Educaiton Program they are starting at some of the schools around the Sisters' homes (will hopefully facilitate putting disabled children in regular schools - but there's a LOT of work to do). Met the newly hired co-ordinator. Two other sisters were there from the north but none had gotten any notice before Sunday and they traveled a long way by matatu to see what was up. I kept bringing up budget, seeing written guidelines, or a copy of the proposal and reimbursing the Sisters' expenses. The powers that be didn't want to talk about money, but we met at a VERY expensive hotel at the Garden City Golf Course (where they are all staying). The Sisters where not happy about the late notice or the lack of information. They hae been pretty much cut out of the planning process but are expected to do most of the leg work - an no guarantee of money for phone, gas. We found out Monday that the group was coming to PH Wednesday - wanted to visit some schools and expected us to notify the schools - it was just awful and so rude to expect the Sisters to do all that work - like they have any free time!
Funny of the day - Sr. G had never been in an elevator before and at the hotel she said she was glad I came because she wouldn't know how to push the buttons!! The two sisters from the north went as far as Lugazi with us in the truck and got a matatu there for a 6 hour trip north (all in one day) and the conversation was heated!! I hope they never get that angry w. me!!!
Holy and Sheri went to Mukono for mail that day too - great package from Church - my "service member" Memorial Day package - Sunday School pictures, letters, balloons, etc. = so fun and thoughtful!!
Got a local newspaper - the latest issue is the conflict with the central government (Museveni's govt) and the Bugandan Kingdom's Government - it's sort of a "shadow government". They have a king (kabaka) and a Prime Minister and offices and everything. The current issue is land "reform"...apparently the Kabaka has a lot of land and the president wants to give some of it away - some say to poor people, some say to his friends and investors. It's created quite a stir!!
Am amazed at how the newspapers can criticize the President!!
Tuesday we had our CBR (Community Based Rehabilitation)monthly meeting - not a lot going on without the funds for the hospital referrals (still hopeful the Italian Dr. will come through again) - but we got a nice donation from my sister and Corky that will enable the guys to do some outreach (boda - motorbike -reimbursement) and maybe get some people who can't afford it to a hospital in Kamapla. Thanks! I never know what they think about my meetings - I always have an agenda and stick to it - they don't say much - maybe they do after?
Math class went bettter (maybe I'm getting better at teaching or they are more used to me). The lower "addition/subtraction" group did especially well - some counting on fingers but who cares! On of the boys (who's probably 20) got 30/30 and was SO proud!! Must be fun for them to see some good grades!! Other group struggles w. simple story problems, but it's getting better and they work hard on them. Now to write up the math tests.
Nelson,the OT who works wiht the severely disabled, and I made up some report forms for his kids - basically whether they can do simple skills independently or not. Will try my Excel skills again -have Holly lined up to help.
Holly started practicing w. the band with her new trumpet! Quite the conversation piece since they practice on a porch right by the main road. We went out on a run/walk again tonite - I misjudged her time and had to run back UP the big hill - am about up to a mile but it's really not my thing - you miss all the great scenery and the bird calls!
Cheshire group came on Weds. It rained really hard and finally there's water in the new tanks - YEA!. Again, I tried to get some answers about their expectations for the sisters and what they will contribute - most were quiet - had to wonder if the sisters up north maybe gave them a rough time yesterday. I feel like I can be direct since everyone expects Americans to be obnoxious!!
Thinking tonite (Weds.) about Melanie (Corky's nephew's wife ) and her mastectomy tomorrow. Went to the sisters' mass at the chapel Thursday a.m. at 6:45 - it's such a peaceful place. No power, so service was by candelelite, kerosene lantern and overcast sunrise. The Chapel is one of those places where the presence of God seems very real - almost touchable. Don't know how to explain it - the Boundary Waters feels that way, too. They ended the service by singing the "Franciscan Prayer" - it's beautiful - ends in "May the Lord bless you and keep you, may he lift his countenance upon you and grant you peace". I had to leave after that because I was starting to tear up! Good luck Mel!!
Gave the English Exam on Thursday a.m. Read it to about 6 and we didn't finish - I kept getting interrupted and they are slow, but they want SO much to do it right. I gave them a lot of answers, especially if they knew it verbally. Next time I'm doing two exams like Math.
The Epilepsy nurse (Florence) came late becasue of a conflict but people just wait. Remember last month there was a young lady who had a seizure and fell into the cooking fire and her arm was so badly burned. It has healed SO nicely - it's scarred but not awful and she can flex all her fingers! We have two young women who come who did the same thing but both had to have their hands amputated! Florence didn't get done till 6:30 - four new people - 30 in all. I'm beat and she did all the work and still had to go backto Kampala by matatu. She is such a gem! Really patient and caring. Moses and Nelson were great interpreters, too. I just sit there and update the records!
Sheri went to Mukono and I got some great packages again (Anne, Mary, Eggerts) and some letters - new picture of Ben!! Everyone asks what I need - really nothing - I do live well by any standards, but I love the letters and the treats and just feeling remembered! Mary, thanks for the picture of book club! Could use some warm socks but for the girls who are in wheel chairs - they don't have shoes and on these cold (60) mornings they could use some warm socks - regular size - (9-11 or whatever it is). Doreen's have big holes in the toes!!!
Thursday was also the feast day of St. Ignatious of Loyola (learned this at Mass). He's the founder of the Jesuits. We had a little "treat sharing party" when Sheri brought the mail in his honor since Sheri went to Fordam, Holly did her internship at Loyola in Chicago and I had 2 years at Georgetown - all Jesuit schools!!! Also, Thursday Jean (my baby) was 24!!
Power was still out this a.m. Was having problems with my kerosene lantern wick - hope I didn't break it. It was too dark to work on it - so, I'm just use the candles and the headlamp - it works, but I love electricity. Have one outlet (and a power strip) and a single bulb dangling from a wire in each room, but it sure lights up the place!!
Again, thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers and the great letters and stuff. I suppose I shouldn't be so hung up on "stuff" but it's contact with home and it means a lot! Things here are good - am really looking forward to the school break (8/8 to 9/9)....have a lot of planning to do for next term, but at least not all the class preparation! You teachers have my sympathy!!!
I keep thinking things will become routine and I won't be writing such long blogs - it's not happening. Sorry, I'm so wordy (but those of you who know me know that's my style). Am really enjoying reading Nickeled and Dimed - sorry I never read it before. Got some great packages yesterday too - and letters (got two from Jean, one from June 30 and one from July 15!!).
Anyway, last Sunday on the way up the hill from the Nkoko Taxi Park (Mujkono trip) back to the convent I got my veggies and fruit and 2 plastic basins for the herb garden. Went down to PH and traded the new basins with the kids for two really old ones (one girl didn't have a basin, but found one in the garbage so that counted - now she has a basin)....kids thought I was crazy! Had to punch holes in the bottom anyway and less likely to be stolen (I hope). Two of the older girls (Jenipher and Medina - in vocational and very nice girls) saw me puttting cow manure in the basins and came back w. me to see what I was possibly doing. They aren't familiar w. herbs - asked if they were medicine, which I guess they could be. They admired my gas stove, electric kettle and flush toilet - all the modern conveniences - no carrying water in gerry cans, heating charcoal, collecting firewood - see, my apartment is VERY impressive!! Ended with a tea party on the "veranda".
Note on bathing, etc. in Uganda...90% of the population goes outside for toileting and bathing....usually the lucky ones have a two stall "outhouse"...one stall is the latrine - a hole you squat over (very egronomic) - and the other is the "bathing" stall - you take out your water and do a bucket bath there in a basin. I do my bucket bath in my indoor shower area (mainly so I can use warm water) so I am really privileged!!! Shower area is just an area with a drain and a lip, but it works well! Also, use it for washing dishes. Also have a tap in my bathroom which is really a luxury!
Monday English was a total, word by word, review for the exam. The shoemaking teacher, Didas told me he reads the test to some of the kids which was a relief to hear....can read and fill in the answers. Several don't read or write either English or Lugandan. He wasn't crazy about the streamlined report card I'd designed but said he's try it (I later revised it and added some categories - don't want to upset everyone TOO much).
Sr. Goretti got a call that a.m. from another Sister in Budakka (north) about a meeting in Kampala for the "stakeholders" - she had no idea what it was about but she and the parish priest were going - asked if I could go too and she said O.K. Father was driving the truck and I was thinking I could maybe get some errands done (didn't). Turned out is was a meeting with Cheshire (our former funders) about the Inclusive Educaiton Program they are starting at some of the schools around the Sisters' homes (will hopefully facilitate putting disabled children in regular schools - but there's a LOT of work to do). Met the newly hired co-ordinator. Two other sisters were there from the north but none had gotten any notice before Sunday and they traveled a long way by matatu to see what was up. I kept bringing up budget, seeing written guidelines, or a copy of the proposal and reimbursing the Sisters' expenses. The powers that be didn't want to talk about money, but we met at a VERY expensive hotel at the Garden City Golf Course (where they are all staying). The Sisters where not happy about the late notice or the lack of information. They hae been pretty much cut out of the planning process but are expected to do most of the leg work - an no guarantee of money for phone, gas. We found out Monday that the group was coming to PH Wednesday - wanted to visit some schools and expected us to notify the schools - it was just awful and so rude to expect the Sisters to do all that work - like they have any free time!
Funny of the day - Sr. G had never been in an elevator before and at the hotel she said she was glad I came because she wouldn't know how to push the buttons!! The two sisters from the north went as far as Lugazi with us in the truck and got a matatu there for a 6 hour trip north (all in one day) and the conversation was heated!! I hope they never get that angry w. me!!!
Holy and Sheri went to Mukono for mail that day too - great package from Church - my "service member" Memorial Day package - Sunday School pictures, letters, balloons, etc. = so fun and thoughtful!!
Got a local newspaper - the latest issue is the conflict with the central government (Museveni's govt) and the Bugandan Kingdom's Government - it's sort of a "shadow government". They have a king (kabaka) and a Prime Minister and offices and everything. The current issue is land "reform"...apparently the Kabaka has a lot of land and the president wants to give some of it away - some say to poor people, some say to his friends and investors. It's created quite a stir!!
Am amazed at how the newspapers can criticize the President!!
Tuesday we had our CBR (Community Based Rehabilitation)monthly meeting - not a lot going on without the funds for the hospital referrals (still hopeful the Italian Dr. will come through again) - but we got a nice donation from my sister and Corky that will enable the guys to do some outreach (boda - motorbike -reimbursement) and maybe get some people who can't afford it to a hospital in Kamapla. Thanks! I never know what they think about my meetings - I always have an agenda and stick to it - they don't say much - maybe they do after?
Math class went bettter (maybe I'm getting better at teaching or they are more used to me). The lower "addition/subtraction" group did especially well - some counting on fingers but who cares! On of the boys (who's probably 20) got 30/30 and was SO proud!! Must be fun for them to see some good grades!! Other group struggles w. simple story problems, but it's getting better and they work hard on them. Now to write up the math tests.
Nelson,the OT who works wiht the severely disabled, and I made up some report forms for his kids - basically whether they can do simple skills independently or not. Will try my Excel skills again -have Holly lined up to help.
Holly started practicing w. the band with her new trumpet! Quite the conversation piece since they practice on a porch right by the main road. We went out on a run/walk again tonite - I misjudged her time and had to run back UP the big hill - am about up to a mile but it's really not my thing - you miss all the great scenery and the bird calls!
Cheshire group came on Weds. It rained really hard and finally there's water in the new tanks - YEA!. Again, I tried to get some answers about their expectations for the sisters and what they will contribute - most were quiet - had to wonder if the sisters up north maybe gave them a rough time yesterday. I feel like I can be direct since everyone expects Americans to be obnoxious!!
Thinking tonite (Weds.) about Melanie (Corky's nephew's wife ) and her mastectomy tomorrow. Went to the sisters' mass at the chapel Thursday a.m. at 6:45 - it's such a peaceful place. No power, so service was by candelelite, kerosene lantern and overcast sunrise. The Chapel is one of those places where the presence of God seems very real - almost touchable. Don't know how to explain it - the Boundary Waters feels that way, too. They ended the service by singing the "Franciscan Prayer" - it's beautiful - ends in "May the Lord bless you and keep you, may he lift his countenance upon you and grant you peace". I had to leave after that because I was starting to tear up! Good luck Mel!!
Gave the English Exam on Thursday a.m. Read it to about 6 and we didn't finish - I kept getting interrupted and they are slow, but they want SO much to do it right. I gave them a lot of answers, especially if they knew it verbally. Next time I'm doing two exams like Math.
The Epilepsy nurse (Florence) came late becasue of a conflict but people just wait. Remember last month there was a young lady who had a seizure and fell into the cooking fire and her arm was so badly burned. It has healed SO nicely - it's scarred but not awful and she can flex all her fingers! We have two young women who come who did the same thing but both had to have their hands amputated! Florence didn't get done till 6:30 - four new people - 30 in all. I'm beat and she did all the work and still had to go backto Kampala by matatu. She is such a gem! Really patient and caring. Moses and Nelson were great interpreters, too. I just sit there and update the records!
Sheri went to Mukono and I got some great packages again (Anne, Mary, Eggerts) and some letters - new picture of Ben!! Everyone asks what I need - really nothing - I do live well by any standards, but I love the letters and the treats and just feeling remembered! Mary, thanks for the picture of book club! Could use some warm socks but for the girls who are in wheel chairs - they don't have shoes and on these cold (60) mornings they could use some warm socks - regular size - (9-11 or whatever it is). Doreen's have big holes in the toes!!!
Thursday was also the feast day of St. Ignatious of Loyola (learned this at Mass). He's the founder of the Jesuits. We had a little "treat sharing party" when Sheri brought the mail in his honor since Sheri went to Fordam, Holly did her internship at Loyola in Chicago and I had 2 years at Georgetown - all Jesuit schools!!! Also, Thursday Jean (my baby) was 24!!
Power was still out this a.m. Was having problems with my kerosene lantern wick - hope I didn't break it. It was too dark to work on it - so, I'm just use the candles and the headlamp - it works, but I love electricity. Have one outlet (and a power strip) and a single bulb dangling from a wire in each room, but it sure lights up the place!!
Again, thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers and the great letters and stuff. I suppose I shouldn't be so hung up on "stuff" but it's contact with home and it means a lot! Things here are good - am really looking forward to the school break (8/8 to 9/9)....have a lot of planning to do for next term, but at least not all the class preparation! You teachers have my sympathy!!!
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