Here she is!!!

WELCOME BAILY JO - and Happy Halloween

Yes, Curt and Jamie had their baby after a LONG day on October 27 - Baily Jo, 8 lb. 1 oz. So, the excitement is now over (for this year?). Four new grandchildren since June - total of 9 - all healthy and fine!!!

Since I've been back at Providence Home seems like there is so much more to write about - the place keeps everyone busy! I returned from training last Friday night - was so glad to be back to my apartment. I enjoy seeing everyone but I can only take so much socializing and sitting. Workshop was interesting, but I thought the material - about Life Skills Training - was pretty Americanized...workbook was written by Americans, basically for Americans. Ugandan counterparts contributed some,but felt they were holding back their opinions - we are definitely more vocal!!! Maria came Saturday around 9 a.m. So fun to have her here! Kids and Sisters really love her (me too). We had the mosquito net presentation ceremony in the afternoon - lots of dancing, speeches, etc. The kids love it! Maria is sending Gail some pictures and maybe some camera video - it's so hard to describe the festivities. The kids love to dance - there was even an elderly sister who came who really got into it!!! One of the shoe making students who is 25 and can't walk "danced" a long time on his hands!! Seeing all the people having so much fun is really rewarding - plus Maria donated sodas, cupcakes and hard candies! Much appreciated - along w. the mosquito nets. After it was over Kassuli managed the radio/CD player as DJ and the kids stayed and danced for another hour till it was time for 6 p.m. prayers (didn't leave quickly). Bakery people also got nets, and the priests and the elderly sisters - Sr. Felicitius gave a really nice talk about Maria's generosity - think she was embarrassed but it was a great gift.

Sunday Maria left very early to try to get back to Kbale - she made it to Kampala on time,but her bus broke down and it was a 14+ hour trip home! I went to Mass at the chapel, had a bagel from New York Kitchen, did some class preparation (going to read an article about malaria since we just got nets), re-did the Small Project Assistance grant budget (didn't know the limit was $2500 - I'd asked for $3300) , went to town to get new rulers - the kids love to use them but I've been "losing" some each coloring session! They love to color and use markers - I had a talk w. them about stealing today - the kids turned in one little boy in a wheelchair who was trying to take a ruler! They need them for school, but.... While in town (random aren't I), bought a fresh pineapple (.60), a papaya (.30) and yogurt (.30)!

I bought a bunch of books in Kampala - basic readers (i.e., like Dick and Jane, but Opio and Apio). I was able to find five books in Lugandan and the same book in English - they were a hit!!!
The mat making teacher didn't come (told her not to come Sat. but thought she'd come Sunday). Little kids had a good time coloring anyway and Kassuli had the radio out in the hall again so the big ones were still dancing!!

I finished "In the Footsteps of Mr. Kurtz" by Michala Wrong - very interesting Congo story of 1960 to late 1990s...Mobutu era (Kurtz is the antagonist in Heart of Darkness)...story of his kleptocracy - rule of theft. There are a lot more popular books on the Congo than on Uganda unfortunately. There's trouble in the east of the Congo again.

Monday, after English, we went on on of our marathon trips to Kampala. Didn't leave till 11:00 (flat tire on the truck). I'll try to tell the details briefly - on the way throught the sugar cane fields (short cut) to Lugazi Sr. J stopped a guy on a bicycle w. two huge bags of charcoal (they make it at home) and bought them, then we stopped at the Lugazi hospital to drop off a resident who needs a checkup there and insulin, dropped off another Sister in Seeta, left Sr. Veronica at ShopRite at Logogo to check out the new Bakery Truck, Sr. J and I went to Barclay's bank to get her on the PH account signature card, meanwhile Sr. V had forgotten bread to give the chairman of the board so the driver took it to her and we waited at the bank (the director of the Cheshire program stopped by to chat). Went to another suburb to Mukisa Foundation - they support our OT and have a day program for severely handicapped children - great work! Then we went to the Bishop's home to drop off the charcoal and pick up some communion wine - stopped for some yogurt since it was 4 (lunch - I always take Luna bars with me to stave off starvation). Sr. V was on her own trek and went home by matatu but Sr. J and I continued on to Katelemwa Hospital to meet w. the director about our NGO status, stopped there by the hospital's outreach director who wants to come to PH on the 25th to do a clinic (great). On the way back we stopped to see the place where the red truck is being repaired in Kampala, stopped in Mukono to get some bananas for matoke, then back to Lugazi for sugar for the bakery - got back to PH at 9!!! I'm exhausted and I just rode along!!!

Tuesday Corky called at 6:30 a.m. (your 10:30 p.m. Monday) and said Jamie had been in the hospital all day but no progress. I went to the Sister's 6:45 a.m. Mass and when I got back there was a message that he'd called - called him and learned about Bailey Jo's brith!!! YEA!!

We had our monthly CBR meeting - lots to cover - upcoming clinic and lots of pending activities. We need to start up outreach to get people to come to the Katelemwa clinic - they said they could see up to 60!! (team of four people). Moses told me the sad story of a neighbor who has a 2 year old that is severely malnourished - mom drinks all day and leaves her and dad is mainly absent. He's threatened to tell the police. He's taking me to see her on Sunday.

Math class was good - getting better - but I'm tired by 2:30 when it starts! I might be helping the slow ones too much, but many barely can count. Nice visit w. Holly in the p.m. as I tried to use the hospital internet (but it was busy)....

Wednesday a.m. got to use the Bakery computer - yea!!! They paid for another month. Then went to check on the tailoring class and got VERY angry about the mess in the cupboard, missing equipment (scissors, machine parts) and just generally sloppy work! The teacher said that last week the kids "broke" 10 sewing machine needles - he needs to supervise them....I'm not sure some of the stuff isn't going to his tailoring business. I really lost it - think I scared them. I feel bad today...not sure how to make them more accountable w/o sitting there all afternoon. Sr. Goretti said she'd stop by when she feels better - she's has a BAD chesty cough since training.

In the afternoon Holly and I went to Mukono - she mailed baskets and I sent my Christmas box....we were shocked to find that the old postmaster has been fired.....he admitted he was running a side business in the office - a secretarial pool - and the guy who sat in the back building distributing the mail is in jail!!! They say they don't have a key for the back building where the mail is sorted and they store packages so they haven't used the back building for a week - so no one is getting mail and we can't get packages - for a week!!! Don't people complain?

Internet cafe was too slow to use so we returned to Nkokonjeru. I'm back today to go to see some people in Mukono at a rehabilitation center - Sr. J was going to come with me, but she was in Kampala again yesterday for another long day, and is going to stay at PH and do some work. So, gave the kids an English assignment, left and am at the internet cafe earlier - it's faster early. Then I'll be off to Cherub. Dr. Antonio is there today for a monthly orthopedic clinic we are hoping we can access - much shorter trip for our parents than the hospitals in Kampala. Still would have to go into town for surgery, but would know what their options are after assessment.

Again, Congrats Curt and Jamie - I'm looking forward to getting some pictures. Gail sent some of Ellie - also one of Naomi's mom (Renee) holding Henry - I'm so jealous!!!

Hope things go well for the elections. I thought about going into Kampala to hear results, but would have to file paperwork for vacation days and it's not worth that, so will listen to BBC - might sneak on the Sister's TV Wednesday a.m. Good luck Montgomery/Lonsdale w. the school referendum and Gail with your bid for School Board!!!

Thanks again all for your letters (hope we can get into the PO soon - new guy appears to never have been in a PO before ???). I really appreciate all your thoughts, prayers, letters, everything...it's been a tough fall, but at least I'm keeping busy and feel semi-productive!!!

Happy Halloween!

Last, but certainly not least...

Curt and Jamie welcomed their baby girl Monday night around 10:30. Welcome to Bailey Jo and congratulations to the entire family! I will post pictures when I get them, but I'm sure she's beautiful. That brings the Westerman Baby Craze to a close for 2008...

Shortest Blog Ever - 10-22-08

We are in Kampala at a training in how to teach Life Skills. It's only Weds. nite but I came to the mall to get the clasp on my watch fixed - have almost lost it many times! Stores here close at 6!!
Thought I'd get a short chapter in so I don't have to worry about it later in the week.

Last Saturday I biked 18-20 miles following Holly running - no one really keeps track of mileage here, but we got to Kisoga and back. It was hot and dusty on the return trip. Holly is really doing well....she's registered for the Kampala Marathon now (Nov. 23). They only allow 200 people!!!

Birthday went very well...had a lovely dinner with Holly and Shari and they gave me a great clock...they covered the numbers w. white paper circles with some of my more prominent obsessions.....5 was "get up" and 9 was "go to sleep"...some others were "read a novel start to finish", "re-arrange pictures of grandkids", " update blog", "write letters"....all the things I obsess about getting done!

Sunday Providence Home was responsible for singing, etc. at the mass at the Sister's chapel...amazing watching all the kids come - the church is not at all handicapped accessible so they had to be carried up, or crawl up and the wheelchairs lifted after them...quite the project. But they sang beautifully - I nearly cried several times. The matrons and the cook carried up the gifts - baskets of fruit, etc. Very nicely done.

Sunday right after church we had really heavy rain - but power was still on. Sister Goretti and I left around 3:00 for Kampala and trainng. This is just for Health and Economic Development volunteers and counterparts. Education group comes in December during school break. Rooming w. Maria - early to bed and early to rise!! Good to see her.

We're using a Life Skills Training book designed by PCVs- I'm a little concerned that it has a distinctly American slant on things. They aren't as open here as we like to be in the U.S. Also, it stresses discussion style learning - also, something everyone is not comfortable with. Think some of the counterparts are a little intimidated by the material and by the was we Americans rush in w. our opinions and comments! Ugandans are more thoughtful (and speak longer).

The Hotel has a small internet cafe but it's not working too well....has a great pool tho' and sauna. We went in last nite tho' it's been cloudy and cool. Sr. Goretti has a bad cold but is still sitting in on all the sessions - that obedience thing! I'd never make a nun!!! We had to do a short presentation on Peer Pressure which went pretty good I think - she's really a good speaker! We are all giving all the presentations - practice for when we actually do teach life skills. Holly and Shari have already done some and HOlly is encorporating some into her Public Health class at PH.

Food has been fabulous - last nite they even made mini pizzas! They also have matoke but they are really trying to accomodate us crazy Americans.

We are done Friday afternoon and can go back then or Sat. a.m. Maria is coming with and we're doing a little presentation to giveout the mosquito nets she and her friends donated to PH on Saturday afternoon. Next week is back to "normal"....I really am missing PH and hope all is well...even missing teaching (never thought I'd say that). I'm not very good sitting and listening all day!

No word from Curt and Jamie - I think she may be induced today. Wish them luck!!!

That's it - not much happening when I'm not at PH!!! Hope everyone is well....I'll write more next week, but for now will sign off.

10-17-08 Happy Birthday to ME!

Well, guess what day today is?? Having a really good BD...spent the morning at Providence Home getting things organized for next week (we have a PC training and will be gone all next week - have to have enough chalk, etc. ready and get the tailoring class with enough to work on - I sort of dole things out so they don't waste so much!). Now I'm up at Shari's site, RASD, at the Internet Cafe (Shari's laptop) doing the blog and checking e-mails.

Got a lot of cards at the P.O. in Mukono yesterday and a GREAT pkg from the kids....some cute clothes, candy, AND lots of pictures and two CDs of the little kids.....I actually spent almost two hours reading letters and looking at things last nite. THANKS. Hope to see the CD tonite - when Shari brings her laptop home from the Internet Cafe - very busy piece of machinery!

Back to last week when I left off (not like this is some exciting serial story)....no funny matatu story, but a funny walking one. Last Sat. I was in Mukono and got a 4 l. (gallon +) can of blackboard paint (smallest size available). Then, at the P.O. I got two heavy boxes (one for me, one for Shari)....plus my backpack had groceries. I was having trouble navigating to the taxi park and thought maybe I could get the paint into the backpack. It went in, but was so stuffed, the zipper opened just as I was bending down to pick up the two boxes - the paint rolled out, hit my head and bounced on the street! It was badly dented (from my head?) but thankfully didn't split. So, I continued on w. the two boxes in my arms and stopping every 50 feet to switch the paint to another hand so I didn't lose my fingers. Must have been a funny site!!

What is blackboard paint you ask? Real blackboards are really expensive here so people either use cement and charcoal, or tack up a piece of plywood and paint it w. blackboard paint. I've wanted to put a blackboard in the shoe making room because Didas never gets to use a classroom (always full)...but the local carpenter didn't know where to get plywood (didn't want to).....Finally, Didas went to Kampala himself and brought back a piece about 4' by 6' (on top of a matatu)...he's my hero! It's up and painted now and looks great....it was quite a project. Sheet is not very nice and was 37,000 sh. ($23). The low table is done and it really works slick for Doreen to use from her wheelchair....can't believe it wasn't done before! Uganda is definitely not "disability sensitive".

Got back in time Sat. to help w. craft class..the kids are getting into the mat making. Some neat mats coming together.

Sunday Mass was special for the local schools' Test Takers - kids in S-4. To advance in Secondary they have to three weeks of tests in 10 subjects!! If you don't pass you can go to Vocational School or you're done. If you pass you can go on to S5 and S6 and maybe university. It's a LOT of pressure!

We had a huge thunderstorm Sunday a.m. - power went out (expected)....it's been hotter and more humid - afternoons are uncomfortable,but still nice at nite. I worked on class preparation, but no copying or no computer - darn! Helped w. mat making and the little kids did coloring - quite the group working in the hall.

Monday a.m. I was reading my Bible at the table (6:30 a.m.) - power still out - and a big old bug dropped out of my window onto the table - I didn't think it was a cockroach but a big, slow praying mantis type thing - the screens have BIG holes! I didn't even get up! But, later saw it on the floor and it was a cockroach - and I got up fast and DOOMed it!! Ugh, I hate cockroaches.

We had a fun English class - did vocabulary words on land forms (mountain, river, etc) and I had them use markers to draw a landscape and label at least five terms. Most just wanted to copy my sample but a few had real artistic talent!

Took some of the girls down to the market in the afternoon to get stuff for the tailoring class...got some material and a charcoal iron (you put hot coals in the bottom and use it - quite heavy and really does a nice job). Still have a little left from Anne's donation to the Tailoring group - we're using it carefully! We had to get some more palm fronds too for mat making - the girls seemed to have fun shopping - girls' nite out.

Tueday a.m. Sr. Juliet took over the Agriculture class and they started some garden plots right in the middle of the compound so everyone can participate....she is really happiest digging and growing. I had gotten some seeds in Kampala and also gave them the ones I brought and some I got from Jessica - they aren't sure what radishes are, but they are willing to try!!!

At CBR we spent our "free" time - when there are no clients - trying to decide what direction we're going to go - no real consensus but lots of good ideas. The guys really like doing the outreach, and I'm O.K. w. that, but instead of trying to always refer people for surgery, want them to work on what people can do at home (exercises, etc.) and how they can help families integrate the disabled into their communities. Moses' niece (the little 7 year old w. the bad burns) died Saturday at the hospital in Kampala - very sad....it had been almost 6 weeks.

Moses and I continued our argument about Barack Obama being an African - the lineage here is patriarchial.....I keep saying he's an AMERICAN!

Power was back on at 2:00 but not time to make copies of worksheets for Math so I had to punt - not my strong suit. They are amazingly patient!

I got some more baskets for sale at church from the women's shop - neat patterns I thought. The women really appreciate the sales. Weds. was a much slower day - actually kind of nice. Kassuli is working with Nelson's kids and doing a great job! I alternated between classrooms just checking on everyone. Typed up my notes for a possible small grant for some vocational school equipment. Sr. J is going to a workshop and she said that will give her time to finally read all the stuff she needs to edit (including the website narrative - did I every say that Gail and China are working on a PH website - www.providencehomeuganda.org - it's still a work in progress, but nice to have it there).

In the afternoon Sr. J took me and Sr. Sara to see the property PH owns that she'd like to clear for gardens, growing corn for animals and an animal area - shed and grazing area. It was quite a way and the sun was HOT. Went into "the bush"as they say - reminded me of the woods at Grandmas w. lots fewer trees - lots of brush and weeds. We stopped to talk to an old woman in her home - she was excited to see a muzungu - they always thingk we're around to give out money!! Sorry!

Had a really nice dinner w. Holly and Shari and some other guests - pumpkin (squash) soup, biscuits and salad - great food, good company - they are good cooks!!! Holly is still training for the marathon...am hoping to bike along Sat. when she goes for a 16 mile run. She's really dedicated.

Thursday's English class went well - maybe I am getting the hang of this. Had a short story about farming and made copies for everyone w. questions. Did vocabulary words first and went REALLY slow and helped them w. the answers - but it went well!!! Told the kids Holly and I wouldn't be around at all next week for classes and they seemed genuinely sad - guess we are amusing!! Kind of nice to know they will miss us.

Holly and I went to Mukono to the P.O. and had a good lunch at a local restaurant....fried chicken,chips (fries) and Pepsi - good!!! Had dinner w. Shari and Holly again - there's a guy from the UC Davis group that's still traveling around Africa and he's here for a bit and he made beef terriyaki - very good. Meat twice in one day - what will my stomach think!. I contributed pineapple and red licorice - I'm such a cook!

Nice day today and the girls are making me a special dinner - fajitas! They are really trying to make my BD special and I appreciate it a lot!!

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. We get lots of news about the economy and the election (pretty skewed tho' I think). Holly actually got up Thursday at 4 a.m. to listen to the debate. I got my absentee ballot Thursday and think I'm more excited to vote for the school referendum and for Gail for School Board than the Presidential election. Since it's so late I'll have to take it to the Embassy next week to get it back on time....but it's exciting to vote from here!

Take care - hope you are enjoying the fall. When I talked to Corky on Monday he said it was getting cold - and asked how I heat my apt. Well, heat is not necessary!!! Everything is relative!

Waiting for Curt and Jamie (or Corky) to call with their new little girl....bet they are waiting too!!!

Monday was Corky's BD - and the local bunch was going to Basil's in Northfield for pizza - I'm jealous!!!

Welcome Eleanor May!

I see someone posted on October 7th so bet Gail put on some pictures of Bert and Naomi's new baby - Eleanor May - Bert said he's still infatuated w. Ellie May from Beverly Hillbilies!!! She looks beautiful - takes after Naomi!!

Today, October 10, marks 6 months at site - 1/4 done - still have 18 mos. to go and that seems long, but it has gone fast!!!

Always a matatu story - when I was coming back from Mukono last Sunday, the road was really greasy from the rain and someone was on the other side and our matatu slipped into the ditch...leaning at a 45 degree angle against the bank!!! I was getting claustrophobic, but people appeared quickly to push - it took awhile, but we got back on the road. I was impressed w. all the good samaritans, but saw the conductor giving all of them a coin - still, I appreciated their coming!!

Monday was National Teacher's Day and no school in most schools, but we had school - kids get bored if we don't. Wrote out a very brief summary of Uganda's recent history (Thursday is another holiday - Ugandan Independence Day) and we read it and discussed (a little - they are not big on discussion). Found out after that I got a few facts wrong - i.e. said 1952 instead of l962! Will have to correct that before the quiz.

Was going to play w. Nelson's kids, but there were too many other kids around and I got roped into being hostess for two elderly Irish nuns (one of whom works in Uganda) who came to Nkokonjeru to see Mother Kevin's grave (our Irish founder). They were in their 70s, I'd guess, but really fun to talk to. One had been in Uganda during the Idi Amin days and said the country was destroyed - she's also been in Zimbabwe. Had conversations ranging from the Pope to Mother Theresa's "dark night of the soul"! Then had tea w. a Ugandan priest who was visiting - he's been a missionary in So. America for three years and studied in America and was also very interesting. Guess I'm the social director - or the least busy person at Providence Home.

Had a nice walk w. Holly in the evening - haven't been getting them in lately.

Tuesday was CBR day - busy one! Started at 8:30 w. a mom with a cleft palate baby that we referred for surgery. Moses had to leave with some consultants for the Cheshire Inclusive Education program but Kassuli was great! He did an amazing job talking to a mom with a 2 year old who has CP - pretty severe - can't hold his head up, but she said she'd been doing exercises and he was improving! Congratulated her a lot. He can really relate because he's disabled, too (polio at age 3). Another man was here on a mission to get University fees for one of his 11 children. Dr. Antonio's wife is finding someone in Italy who will do it but needed a letter from Sister Juliet recommending the family and some background. He's written up such a sad letter - has 3 severaly disabled children (one died in March), he had to quit his job, his wife left them - but he's sending them all to school! Pretty impressive - he cuts and sells firewood! I want to go out and meet them all. Success and misery hand in hand.

Math class went well - Corky called me during class to tell me about Bert and Naomi's baby - who at that time was named TBD. I was so excited and the kids kept staring at me!!! Got some great packages from Mukono via Holly and she even got me some yogurt - good day all around!

Wednesday I finally got to spend some time w. Nelson's kids (the really handicapped ones - many are non verbal and either don't walk or use walkers and wheelchairs - significant mental retardation in most). In the afternoon I did some typing for Sr. J. and even designed a new form AND was able to rotate it (to "landscape") on my own!!! I'm impressed w. me!

One of "Nelson's kids" is a boy Andrew (about 13) who I just love - he's very crippled (CP?) but walks lurching forward and is very smart - loves to do math problems. He's hard to understand but speaks English - lots of palsy, too. He drools a lot but has a WONDERFUL smile and disposition. Wednesday tho' he smelled really bad (sweat and urine) and I asked Sr. G if he had a caretaker child and she said "no". After Mass Wednesday nite I thought he looked better and mentioned it to him, but he told Sr. Goretti he would bathe but doesn't have a basin or soap! I felt just awful for talking about his odor in front of him forgetting he speaks English! So I got him a basin and soap to ease my conscience. A lot of the kids don't bathe well or wash their clothes well....you get used to it usually.

THursday was Independence Day for Uganda and no school! Sr. Juliet and I were going to Kampala to see Dr. Antonio and his wife to deliver some papers so they could proceed w. fund gathering...bank account nos., registration, etc. We were going to leave at 8 but of course it was 10 before we left Providence Home.....series of visitors, crises, etc. We were walking down to the Nkoko taxi park and met the driver (Hassan) leaving the convent with the convent car...going to Mukono to pick up something. He gave us a lift to Mukono and in Mukono as we were walking to the taxi stage (pick up area)and another car stopped - it was the regional superior sister who Sr. J had to see today anyway. She offered us a ride to their home so she and Sr. J could meet and then she let us use her car and driver to go to Dr. Antonio's home (UP the hill). Providential day!! Dr. Antonio and his wife and four kids (12-18) ive in a nice home owened by an Italian currently in Thailand. Got our paperwork done and had a wonderful lunch - 3 kinds of pasta, beef fillet, green salad , freshly grated parmesan cheese (from Italy), ricotta and bread, plus fruit and Italian coffee and chocolate - a real feast!! And such nice people. Walked w. Anna to the main road and got a matatu to the dreaded taxi park, then home to Nkokonjeru. Lots of time to talk w. Sr. J - a bonus! Very fun and productive day!!!

During our stay I had a nice talk w. Anna about malnutrition in Uganda. I'd read that 38% of the children here are mentally impaired to some degree becasue of malnutrition....and Dr. said it's the cause of many deformities (also, prenatal malnutrition). 38%!!! She's advocating mashed ground nuts in porridge, adding greens (which are plentiful, but not used), and also, they have tiny, dried silver fish that are pretty inexpensive and could be eaten whole in sauce over posho to increase nutritiional value drastically - they have them in huge piles in the market - smell bad, but guess they are good for you. People just need to change their children's eating habits. Her idea is to start some mothers using better nutrition and get them to convince other mothers....there's nothing like a mom on a mission!

There were no celebrations or flage for Independence Day in our travels , ...all the stores were open except government offices, banks and schools!! I missed the flags and frieworks! Sr. J. said people are too poor to care...they just keep working!

One of our conversation topics on the trip was the PH gardens which Sr. is really working hard on - she thinks PH could be growing all their own corn and vegetables by mid 2009! Grow cassava, beans, banana trees, maize (corn), and yams (we need to add green and ground nuts, too). The big garden is about 20 minutes away by truck....property of a recently deceased Chairman of the PH Board he just lets us use. Sister would like to have the kids work in the garden more, but transport is a problem...we have an OLD red pickup but it needs a lot of work - battery, tire, turn signal, etc., so she has to hire gardners. Don't think the kids could do it all anyway since they only work on Saturday and in the a.m.

Now it's Friday and I'm finishing up. Worked w. Nelson's kids for a few hours and then Sr. J got the idea to REALLY clean Nelson's room - she's like a tornado. Had a bunch of the girls sweeping and scrubbing. It really looks nice now!

So, things are continuing to go well. The 19th-25thwe have PC training on Life Skills at a hotel near Kampala and Sr. Goretti is going w. me to the training....she's so much fun! Hope she enjoys it. Continue very busy with school and CBR and planning new things.

Not good news on BBC about the American economy - it's really scary in fact. Am patiently waiting for my absentee ballot - at this point will probably take it to the Embassy to assure it gets to Mn. on time. Lots to vote on! School Board, School referendum - plus the Presidentail contest.

Things go well....I'm really bummed about not seeing the new babies - and the old kids. Help to keep busy and feel like I am making some contribution here. Thanks again for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Henry's a Big Brother!

Congratulations Bert and Naomi!

Eleanor May Westerman
October 6 at 12:30 pm
6lbs 5oz and 20 inches

Sunday Afternoon - Oct. 5, 2008

I'm back in Mukono - we've been out of power in Nkokonjeru for a few days so wanted to come to blog (and get some groceries). I really try to get the blog done before Sunday so I won't get obsessive, but it didn't work this week! Started out the week very wordy, so get a cup of tea!

Last Saturday I was in Mukono to check the P.O. and shop (peanut butter, etc.) Sent the picture CD so there should be some new pictures in a few weeks! I hadn't taken many in awhile but got activated again! Got back Saturday afternoon for the craft class (2:30). Margaret (the teacher) didn't tell me that the dyed palm fronds we'd purchased needed to be hung to dry and so they were pretty moldy!! Got them scraped off and we used the best and may try to re-dye the others!! Lessons to be learned!

Short aside: Compliments here are sometimes hard to read. Saying "you're fat" is a compliment to women...big women are prized. There are signs all over advertising for herbalists who can guarantee to make you "Grow Big Bums", "Gain Weight Quickly" - it's a sign of prosperity and health (people with HIV, before drugs, really wasted away). The other day Sr. Juliet (with a big smile) told me that my English class "was like a REAL class" - I said "it is a real class" - sort of ruined the compliment for her. The vocational program was really let go the past few years - they had other problems and prioities, but it's starting to come around. Monday a.m. the kids teased me because I was 5 minutes late!!! P.S. Sr. Juliet also told me I'd gained weight while she was gone and looked better (I have).

Sr. Goretti stopped to see my apartment after Mass on Sunday and said it was "very organized" (and "very nice"). They get a kick out my folders, lists and notebooks!!

Sunday I went to Mass, did class preparation - tried to get some copies made but the copy place was closed (I got it done later in the day - found out the lady who runs it is also a part time policewoman in town - I didn't picture her as the type - she's very jolly and a very "traditionally buillt" African lady). Got some yogurt on the way home to comfort myself w. a banana smoothie! Afternoon are getting very hot and sticky, but nights are still O.K.

Went down to PH about 1:00 (got there for lunch). An organization promised the home 10 new wheelchairs but the deadline to apply was Monday, so Sr. J had gotten the hospital scale and was weighing 17 kids to put on a list (ever hopeful)...they needed weights and ages for sizes I guess! I got the list typed and did a Letter of Inquiry for a grant for the vocational school with Global Children's Fund (we'll see if they reply - the Letter is very short so not much time lost if it doesn't fly). We had craft class and the little kids colored on the floor - fun day!!!

Finished "Things Fall Apart" by Chnia Achebe (Nigerian) about a tribal society that fell part when the whites came - why are the books about Africa so tragic? Also read The River Between by Ngugi wa Throng'o (Kenyan) - same theme. Now am reading one Theresa sent called The Night Birds - good book set around the Sioux uprisings in Minnesota (and how the Native American society fell apart when the whites came).

Monday was a day of humility - tried to work on Reading Comprehension in English class, but the story was too long and too hard for 90% of the kids. It was from a P-4 English book, and about raising tea, but the kids are not used to reading (I'd made copies) , or listening and getting the main points. Doreen said was a good idea (bless her heart), but I needed to have a shorter story and go slower (she's right). Then the tailoring teacher didn't come till 1:30 (for an 11:00 class - this is not uncommon in Uganda), and I just blew up at him in front of the kids - very unprofessional! He said he was there but the room was locked, but I was there playing w. Nelson's kids right next door and he was NOT there - the kids were in the room waiting!!! I stayed too long in Nelson's room and the rest of the little kids came back from school (1:15) and they stormed the resource room, grabbing the toys and asking for sweeties and balloons (I'd tried to make balloon animals for Nelson's kids - also not very successful)....had a terrible time shooing them out and getting the door locked!!!

Tuesday was actually a public holiday - the end of Ramadan. BUT, it wasn't officially a holiday till 9:30 Monday night because someone, somewhere had to see the moon for it to be official (it was Weds. in Kenya). I got a call at 9:30 Monday night from Dr. Antonio, the Italian orthopedic doctor, who said he and his wife, daughter and neice were coming Tuesday since it was a holiday - crazy system!! So Tuesday was interesting. The stove guy came at 8:30 and we started up the new stove (THANKS ALL). He stayed a long time helping the cook get used to using smaller pieces of wood and a LOT less wood....porridge cooked very fast with the fire all enclosed under the pot. Very Exciting.

We started CBR - had a short meeting (monthly update) and then the Doctor came. He met with Sr. J and me and his wife and family went out w. Moses and Kinene to see some disabled children at their homes. The Italians are opening their new orthopedic hospital in Entebbe (south of Kampala) in Feb. '09 and he wanted to talk about that, about some fund-raising he's been doing for PH and the clinic he's still hoping to do out here in October/November. He and his wife are really nice and are so interested in helping PH - stayed for lunch (I am really into lunch aren't I?). Good visit all around.

Got to talk to Naomi for her BD in the evening - she sounds in good spirits for someone who's 8 1/2 months pregnant! It was also Holly's BD (they are one year apart). I didn't get to celebrate much w. Holly, but did give her her presents in the evening....mainly a neat basket made by one of the epilepsy clients.

Wednesday I went on the early matatu to a meeting in Kampala at the Africana hotel - Sr. Juliet was invited, but she and Sr. Veronica went to Kenya to take three of our non-verbal children to a special home in Kenya that specializes in speech therapy, so I was elected to go. The meeting was called by Katelemwa hospital to get together groups that work with disabled children in the hopes of working on a draft of policy to be presented to the government and incorporated into a new National Development Plan. A lot of it was over my head, but it was interesting. I was surprised at how many people I knew - guess the advocacy group for disabled children in Uganda is pretty small!!!

Funny trip home - from Mukono the matatu was really a wreck. The sliding door fell off every time they opened it! The driver and conductor had to tie it back on whenever anyone got out. When we got to Nkokonjeru he wouldn't stop anywhere but the taxi park and people were complaining - usually they make a few stops around town before they get to the park...guess they were tired of typing up the door!!! Matatu rides always have stories....

Thursday's English class was much better - took Doreen's suggestions. This time I did vocabulary words first and went slower! Monday I want to do a short story about Ugandan independence and some easy questions...we'll get there!!! I'm learning!

Thursday was Epilepsy Clinic Day and Florence did a great job - she saw 37 people (7 brand new)...the woman is amazing! Had "lunch" at 4:00 and she left at 6:30. I was exhausted and she still had to go back to Kampala. People's stories are sometimes so tragic - she's great at talking to them. Kinene talked to the waiting patients/parents for two hours about Epilepsy and other health problems - Moses translated for Florence - I just sit there and am caught up in the stories - it really went well.

The sisters had choir practiceat the chpael outside my window till 10:30 p.m. - drums and all. Great way to fall asleep - very relaxing. It's been raining a lot at night and the power was out Friday a.m. I washed clothes and cleaned for awhile....down at PH by 8:30 - crazy day (when are they not?). Bookkeeping teacher didn't show...I called him and he was in Mukono! He hadn't called to say he wouldn't be there- said he was out of phone minutes. Really, this is NOT unusual in Ugandan schools, but VERY frustrating! Tailoring teacher, again, didn't show by 11:00 - I called him...he had a "meeting" till 2:00 he said (no notice)....eventually, it rained at 2:00 and he never came either!

But, Sr. Margaret (the former administrator) showed up with a group of students from Tororo (north) who are here to study at St. Anthony's girls' school for a month to get ready for their secondary exams. The boys (about 20) are staying at PH in the dorm (but eating at St. Anthony's). Sr. wanted some of the tailoring students to sew St. Anthony patches on white shirts for the "new" students. Rushed around to get organized, get bobbins and white thread and then the four 2nd year students sewed - I was really proud of them. Took them several hours but they really worked - and the boys were waiting right there watching them! Sr. Margaret said some of the boys are former child soldiers in Kony's Lord's Resistance Army in the rebel insurgency in Northern Uganda - now going to school in Tororo!

At the same time the carpenter was here to measure a new shoe-making table for Doreen so she can work from her wheel chair and Sr. Juliet wanted me to come to a "budget meeting"....which turned out to be trying to allocate some Liliane grant money she got to all the school fee debts Providence Home has - of course, it wasn't enough so we had to "budget"....don't know what will be left for the vocational school teachers, but I hope they get paid - might improve their attendance (I hope).

Saturday a.m. I biked with Holly on her 16 mile run - then went with her for awhile to another women's baking class. Came back for craft class at 2:00 and there were visitors from an organization called Mukisa Foundation that pays the OT's salary - came out w. two visiting British Airways pilots who actually fund the organization. The kids were really having fun with them. The craft teacher didn't come (this is getting old)....it was the Feast Day of St. Francis (and these are Sisters of St. Francis) so St. Anthony's, where she works, had a big ceremony and meal and she couldn't get away....just wish people would let me know in advance!!

So, now it's Sunday, and I'm writing this all down....it was a busy week, but I like that. Happy 5th Anniversary (last Sat.) to Gail and Jesse. Jamie and Naomi have about a week or two till their due dates! Wish them the best - easy and fast deliveries (but time to get to the hospital and get settled).

Thanks to everyone for the your prayers and letters and just for remembering me! Coming up on 6 months (Oct. 10) at site - one quarter of the way through. Some days are harder than others, but I do feel I'm making a contribution, however small. Will make for good stories someday!!!