Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Holly's friends are here from the U.S. and we're planning to have dinner w. the Sisters tomorrow on the day, then I'm hoping to go up to Sorotti (northeast) to have dinner Saturday w. some other Peace Corps Volunteers....I'm not looking forward to the matatu ride, but am looking forward to the dinner and seeing friends and a different part of the country!
It's been really hot and dry - they say it will rain in a month or so......very dusty and the sun is just brutal! But at least there's no humidity!!! You just drink lots of water and sweat!
Finished reading The Shack by Wm. Pyning....very interesting. It's a different way of looking at God...Julie sent it, but I'd read about it in Newsweek. Some pats were a bit of a stretch, but I really got something out of it. Simple parts, like talking about God as pure love and the power of relationships vs. trying to go it alone and not being judemental were inspiriting. I was reading it on the matatu (I usually don't read on there because it's so bumpy) and was crying!!
Last week I spent a lot of time on shoes....up and down the hills taking the shoe flyers around and trying to close some sales at PH (no luck, but we tried). A guy came to my door at 7 a.m. one day for shoes, tried to get him some, but no one could find the key to the shoe classroom....the teacher gave it to a little boy the afternoon before to return to the convent and the boy just threw it in a basket in the cook's room and didn't tell anyone!! Finally found it and opened up but we didn't have his size and he needed them now!!!
Friday a.m. the kids were all worried because there was absolutely NO food at Providence. I had the "profit" from the baskets and decided to give it to the Sisters (Holly was O.K. w. that; no immediate plans for the Savings and Loan and this was immediate). So I gave Sr. Sara the money I had, 500,000 sh ($280) and she actually cried!! I told them it was from my church - they love you guys. Good thing I'd checked my e-mail on Weds. and got to Mukono on Thursday (I was only going to wait one hour and if it didn't leave by then I was off - it was less than an hour and there were 5 sisters on board which is always a good omen). Thanks to all who bought baskets.
Trying to get exams typed, copied (tough w/o power).....and get them all done this week. I still have to write my Math one....and then get report cards done next week.....will be glad when the term is over, but then I have a lot more free time which isn't always good.
Saturday I cleaned, and went down to PH to take Doreen for a short shopping trip to town - soap,sugar, and some pens....she really enjoys getting out and she's fun to take. Went to the wedding at 1:00 (time printed on the invitation)....the bride didn't come till 3:00!!! She walked in to the PH brass band playing "Here Comes the Bride".....really unusual. I left shortly after since I wanted to get to Kampala before dark.....Marathon weekend.
Met with the runners and "support staff" in Kampala and we had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant Saturday nite. There were 11,000 runners tho' only about 300 in the Marathon (there was a 10K and 1/2). It got started on time and was very well done - a sea of yellow shirts. Shari and I took off up the first hill to cheer and then got on a matatu to get farther down to a place where we could get coffee and gelato!! We did lots of cheering till our PC group (5) went by....we all met again near City Square when it was just the Marathoners left....they looped a lot so we got a lot of cheering in. It was really hot - and we were standing in the shade as much as possible.
The first PC finisher came in at 3:58 and was the 9th woman!! Holly finished in a little under 6 hours...looked good at the end!!! I was glad to leave town and get home and clean up and get the dust off me!
Monday after class I was going to move tables and chairs around for the Tuesday clinic, but it was too hot! It's still O.K. at night at least.... For those of you freezing in the north I know that's not much to complain about - I wouldn't trade!
While I was gone there was a fire at the primary school across the road from my apt....it's the school where a lot of the PH kids go. Arson fire in the office that destroyed all their records - nasty move by someone.
The Clinic was yesterday and I thought it went well....we had about 50 clients. I went down about 7 a.m. and we got things organized quickly. The hospital people came about 8:45 (not bad)...had two physiotherapists and two techinicians (who fixed wheelchairs and measured people for appliances)....Moses,Kinene and Kasule took registrations and did a great job! Nelson (the OT) sat with the PT people and kept track of that end. Sr. Juliet talked to people and made the big decisions. I was the gopher - good spot for me to burn off nervous energy. There was a long wait for some but people were really patient.....now to work on the follow up. The clients were mostly children with Cerebral Palsy....cripped and many mentally impaired. One little 5 year old girl couldn't sit, but they determined it was just malnutrition....and Moses had met w. the mom last year and talked to her about nutrition! Very sad. The villages are just full of disabled and mentally impaired children - there is no end and these all need exercises, appliances, follow up - hope the parents will do it all. It's hard when you have little money and BIG families and lots of work to do. We finished about 5 p.m. and I was exhausted!!
Sister had hoped to have the kids clean chickens last nite, but at the last minute she called her buyer in Katelemwa and he couldn't take them today, so they stay alive and get fatter for awhile longer!!!
So, life continues in the slow lane....Thanksgiving isn't celebrated here. It's funny to see the Christmas Decorations at the malls in Kampala....it's really not a big holiday for Ugandans either.
Again, hope you all have a great holiday and can get where you want to go and get enough to eat!!! (usually not a problem). I'll be thinking of you!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday November 20
Took a quick trip to Mukono after English class (we're reviewing for exams - there will be no surprises)...to try to send my vacation request slips to PC so I can go to Kenya December 5 for Sr. Veronica's Final Profession and to Sorotti (north east) for Thanksgiving Dinner....got them scanned and attach at the Internet Cafe before I realized I'd brought my London request form and not the Sorotti one! Will have to try again! I'm going into Kampala this weekend to watch Holly run the Marathon (she said there are now 2000 runners)...so will try to get it right the next time. Sort of a last minute trip and I was rushing - never works.
Was going to do the blog tomorrow at Shari's internet cafe, but the computer is working here now, and you never know about power in Nkokonjeru! Week in review: Last Sunday we had another small group from Holland -the director of the Liliane Fund that pays school fees and other things for about 30 of our disabled residents and about 90 in the villages. She's really nice and had lots of good ideas. They are asking for better record keeping and budgeting...which we sorely need...problem is finding the time to put it together...maybe over break!
After English Monday I went up to RASD (Shari's site) to get her help making up a flyer to advertise shoes for sale. Maria's had the idea to send flyers home w. the kids from the area schools at break since many need new shoes for the new term. Time is now short to get it done.
Late afternoon Sister had all the kids who can walk (and some who can't) behind the wall planting the new sweet potato vines....a new variety w. more vitamins than the traditional white ones! She got them Sunday nite and had a guy lined up to plant them on our newly plowed acre, but he didn't show! I wanted to help, but they hill up the soil for each plant and Sr. said it was too hard....looked hard! She said I could weed when the time came....think there's a right way to do it and they all know it, and I don't!!
Tuesday at CBR we had a REALLY hyperactive little girl (7)....she was all over the place! Mom was in town trying to find the dad who apparently is from Nkokonjeru and she stopped by to see if she could get money from the Sister (no luck). There is no welfare system or child support here...if your family won't or can't help you, you are on your own.
We spent a lot of time planning for next Tuesday's Katelemwa orthopedic clinic....I want it to be organized, but better be prepared for chaos. The guys think there will be at least 50 clients!!!
Wednesday was a crazy day - Holly had to go to the PC office w. her forms for her Mt. Kilamanjaro trip the end of next week, so I took her Public Health class (exam review)....then tried to peddle flyers. Went up the BIG hill to Stella Maris Primary, but the headmistress was out; will try again. Back down. Had good luck at St. Anthony's Secondary. I am not cut out to be a salesperson! And we need to sell shoes!
Went up to RASD again so Shari (volunteer par excellence) is working on flyers announcing the times for distribution of the eyeglass that came. In March a group of opticians from the U.K. came to PH and for four days they saw people - about 100/day; two days of glasses just arrived and we need to start distributing them (after the clinic tho'). They are coming again for four days in March 2009!
After that I got on the bakery computer and typed exams, forms for the clinic and eyeglass distribution (my Excel is improving).....took them all down to the lady that does copies in town and will pick them (and the shoe flyers and eyeglass flyers) up tomorrow....lots of foot miles - I was tired!!! Went back to PH to check in and the three non-verbal kids who'd been at the Kenyan school came back for Holiday....they were SO happy to be back. They seemed better behaved (but no words)....hope they stay that way w/o the structure of the Kenya school!
Got back up to Stella Maris after English class this a.m. and Sr. Immaculate said she'd be glad to send out the flyers, too (this is easy)....will get them to her tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that we generate some sales!
Corky sent me a crank pencil sharpener and I showed the kids (and staff) how it worked this a.m. at class....no one had seen one before!!! Really an experience....told them a lot of American's use electric ones which they just laughed at....they use razor blades, knives, or the little plastic ones that keep breaking (and I keep buying).
That's about it - Tuesday(here) was Henry's 2nd Birthday! My kids at home are really working hard to keep the Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions alive......I'm really proud of them!!!
I will really miss that, but we're planning a big PCV party in Nkokonjeru w. the PH kids and then on the 26th I'm off to London to meet the Skluzaceks....when Gail first proposed meeting I thought it was a lot for them, but now I'm so glad - gives me something to look forward to!
Take care -thanks for all the wonderful letters and for your thoughts and prayers. The basket/bead sale at church was a huge success...thanks to everyone who contributed!!! Got some money from the bank today and decided to share some of the profit w. Sr. Juliet - we're having a food crisis right now and this will really help. Thanks again!
Was going to do the blog tomorrow at Shari's internet cafe, but the computer is working here now, and you never know about power in Nkokonjeru! Week in review: Last Sunday we had another small group from Holland -the director of the Liliane Fund that pays school fees and other things for about 30 of our disabled residents and about 90 in the villages. She's really nice and had lots of good ideas. They are asking for better record keeping and budgeting...which we sorely need...problem is finding the time to put it together...maybe over break!
After English Monday I went up to RASD (Shari's site) to get her help making up a flyer to advertise shoes for sale. Maria's had the idea to send flyers home w. the kids from the area schools at break since many need new shoes for the new term. Time is now short to get it done.
Late afternoon Sister had all the kids who can walk (and some who can't) behind the wall planting the new sweet potato vines....a new variety w. more vitamins than the traditional white ones! She got them Sunday nite and had a guy lined up to plant them on our newly plowed acre, but he didn't show! I wanted to help, but they hill up the soil for each plant and Sr. said it was too hard....looked hard! She said I could weed when the time came....think there's a right way to do it and they all know it, and I don't!!
Tuesday at CBR we had a REALLY hyperactive little girl (7)....she was all over the place! Mom was in town trying to find the dad who apparently is from Nkokonjeru and she stopped by to see if she could get money from the Sister (no luck). There is no welfare system or child support here...if your family won't or can't help you, you are on your own.
We spent a lot of time planning for next Tuesday's Katelemwa orthopedic clinic....I want it to be organized, but better be prepared for chaos. The guys think there will be at least 50 clients!!!
Wednesday was a crazy day - Holly had to go to the PC office w. her forms for her Mt. Kilamanjaro trip the end of next week, so I took her Public Health class (exam review)....then tried to peddle flyers. Went up the BIG hill to Stella Maris Primary, but the headmistress was out; will try again. Back down. Had good luck at St. Anthony's Secondary. I am not cut out to be a salesperson! And we need to sell shoes!
Went up to RASD again so Shari (volunteer par excellence) is working on flyers announcing the times for distribution of the eyeglass that came. In March a group of opticians from the U.K. came to PH and for four days they saw people - about 100/day; two days of glasses just arrived and we need to start distributing them (after the clinic tho'). They are coming again for four days in March 2009!
After that I got on the bakery computer and typed exams, forms for the clinic and eyeglass distribution (my Excel is improving).....took them all down to the lady that does copies in town and will pick them (and the shoe flyers and eyeglass flyers) up tomorrow....lots of foot miles - I was tired!!! Went back to PH to check in and the three non-verbal kids who'd been at the Kenyan school came back for Holiday....they were SO happy to be back. They seemed better behaved (but no words)....hope they stay that way w/o the structure of the Kenya school!
Got back up to Stella Maris after English class this a.m. and Sr. Immaculate said she'd be glad to send out the flyers, too (this is easy)....will get them to her tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that we generate some sales!
Corky sent me a crank pencil sharpener and I showed the kids (and staff) how it worked this a.m. at class....no one had seen one before!!! Really an experience....told them a lot of American's use electric ones which they just laughed at....they use razor blades, knives, or the little plastic ones that keep breaking (and I keep buying).
That's about it - Tuesday(here) was Henry's 2nd Birthday! My kids at home are really working hard to keep the Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions alive......I'm really proud of them!!!
I will really miss that, but we're planning a big PCV party in Nkokonjeru w. the PH kids and then on the 26th I'm off to London to meet the Skluzaceks....when Gail first proposed meeting I thought it was a lot for them, but now I'm so glad - gives me something to look forward to!
Take care -thanks for all the wonderful letters and for your thoughts and prayers. The basket/bead sale at church was a huge success...thanks to everyone who contributed!!! Got some money from the bank today and decided to share some of the profit w. Sr. Juliet - we're having a food crisis right now and this will really help. Thanks again!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Saturday - November 14, 2008
I'm in Kampala to do a few errands and talk to the bank people - again!!! They say they will fix my balance but it never gets done!!! Very frustrating! I got a statement printed (costs 5000 sh to get a printed statment for a month) and it says I should have 300,000 more than the ATM says - they say they made a mistake, but that was over a month ago! I'm trying to utilize Ugandan patience, but it's not working well.
Couldn't blog in Nkokonjeru (no power) so will get that done, too. However, the power went out two times since I started - had to start over. We are now on a generator so hope it holds! It's always an adventure. After awhile I feel my blood pressure rising tho' and I have to quit!
We had a great group of 14 people last weekend - from Holland. They are part of an organization called Bake for Life, started by professional bakers wives and they built the bakery here in Nkokonjeru and one in Budaka (north). They like working w. the Sisters - the Sisters get things done and are honest! Holly and Shari came for supper at the convent- it was really quite a party. Sunday they went to Mass and we had breakfast and they were off to other places.....the Sisters were exhausted.
Found a hymn in the book at the chapel that I just love - we've never sung it, but it's so appropriate (will just give you the chorus):
"God Loves a Cheerful Giver"
God loves a cheerful giver, give it all you've got.
He loves to hear you laughing when you are in an akward spot.
When the odds add up against you - it's time to stop and sing - Praise God!
To praise Him is a joyous thing!
Maria called me Sunday - she got an order for 700 wine baskets from Euchimi (big supermarket in the Garden City Mall)...she has really been working, walking around Kampala trying to sell baskets at stores. And she needs them made in 2 weeks!!! She really thinks big! Made me decide to renew my efforts to get some shoes sold - however, I'm sticking locally...I can barely make myself come to Kampala! Will try flyers in the schools (her idea) to send home w. kids and they will hopefully buy new shoes for next term.
Read Judy Picoult, Change of Heart and the Alchemist by Paul Coelho - very spiritual type books but good. Monday Holly heard that the mail was finally sorted (3 weeks worth) and so she went to Mukono and returned w. a bonanza. I have a lot of magazines, papers, books, etc. to read now!!! Got a Halloween package from Julie - even more appreciated since I had to wait! Lots of grandchildren pictures too - now to re-arrange my picture gallery - my walls are getting covered! Great painting from Dylan w. fall leaves glued to it!!! I really missed fall.
Sr. Juliet called an impromptu meeting of the teachers Monday afternnoon. We decided to have a parent meeting day in December right before the kids go home, but she's disguising it as a Christmas Program (Dec. 13) so they won't try to skip out thinking she's asking for $$ - which she will! She has lined up someone to do a crash, intensive tailoring course in December hoping we can get the four 2nd year students finished - the teacher now (who I've complained about endlessly) has such low standards - they re-did their shirts and they are still bad! He said they rush - I said he should be watching their every move! There are only four of them!!!
During break she's hoping to take me to see some of the 2nd year students' homes and see what opportunities there are for employment there and what they might need to get hired/start a shop. Hope it all gets done. There hasn't been a graduation since 2003 so no rush....we'll do one when they are ready and we can figure out what's appropriate for a re-settlement package (and if we have $).
I am planning to go to Kenya for Sr. Veronica's Final Profession of Faith December 6 - Sr. Juliet has hers here Jan. 6....really a big deal. They get their rings and are official!!! But there's lots to do to get ready. Will start finals in a week and get report cards done before we go.....that should keep me busy. Plus we have the orthopedic/CP clinic sponsored by Katelemwa Hospital the 25th of December at PH - lots to get done before that, too. Holly's marathon is next Sunday and I plan to be there - have some marathon cheering experinece thanks to Gail.
I really would like to spend some of the break time (if Sr. Juliet has time) to develop a strategy for placing kids in the vocational program. Some are so behind mentally and scholastically it's not effective and bogs the program down - but they need some socialization skills so they are here. We need to be more honest w. parents and parents need to be more realistic. Some of the kids who've been in the program 4-5 years (it's a 2 year program) can't run a sewing machine or make a pair of shoes, yet (or count). They don't pay fees or any costs (everyone thinks PH is free - it's shouldn't be....but old habits die hard). Sometimes, it's just a place for parents to put kids - no cost, no hassle. I know that sounds harsh, but our capacity is so limited an there's a waiting list. It's just hard to make those cuts...or devise an alternative strategy, like having them garden, but that's hard w. their physical disabilities. I feel we need to do the best we can and limit numbers. I realize people so want to think their child can do it (and some just want someone else to take care of their disabled child). However, I'm an outsider and a temp - it will go on LONG after I'm gone.
CBR was spent trying to decide how to mobilize for the Katelemwa Clinic...I'm having a hard time getting the volunteers to limit "invitations" to people with orthopedic needs and CP. They are really into epilepsy now - but the group coming doesn't deal w. that. I told them I'll turn people away if they aren't appropriate! I don't think they believe me, but we can't waste the doctor's time or they won't come back.
Best moment of Tuesday was at the end. Got a letter from Gail's friend Betsy and her 7 year old daughter, Jessica. Jessica sent a letter and picture for Vanungi (she'd already sent her some clothes). Vanungi is 7 or 8 and is very thin....bloated stomach and thin arms and legs. She has sickle cell anemia and is pretty slow. She has a huge scar on her head from a family member hitting her w. a charcoal stove (she never goes home now). But she is always cheerful and loves to help - she also likes to sit on my lap! Vanungi wasn't sure what to make of the her"mikwano" (friend) in America - really touching.
Wednesday a.m. I heard stories abobut one of the tailoring girls and a friend who were very verbally abusive to Sr. J. I talked to the girl a long time about her life - she's an orphan and is here caring for a 23 year old uncle who is hydrocephalic, blind and has CP so she goes to school free (who doesn't?). She also has a brother here in a wheelchair and guess her parents left them after he was born. They lived with a grandmother till 2 years ago but she died...anyway, her life is pretty hard caring for a bedridden young man. But she was really out of line. Thursday found out my talk had not worked - and she and the other girl threatened to get petrol and burn PH! The other kids were very frightened and Sr. Juliet reluctantly called the police and they were put in jail. There have been a lot of school fires in Uganda in the past year started by angry students so it's a serious threat! Yesterday, Sr. J. took them up to the program in Tororo (north) run by the former Administrator of PH. It was really sad - she was doing well in tailoring but think the whole caretaking thing (she's 15) got to her and she didn't know how to get out of it. I asked her if she wanted to stop taking care of him for awhile, but she said no - maybe she didn't know what would happen if she stopped!
Thursday afternoon Moses took me out on some home visits - I love my little bike!!! What a humbling experience. Lots of children who are severely disabled in very bleak circumstances....The most upsetting was a girl who is 16 (looked 8), doesn't walk, or talk, and very skinny. The grandparents are raising 8 young grandchildren w/o much for resources (parents are "gone" - don't know if that means left or dead, it's hard to know). The saddest part was that the family was sitting all together, but she was sitting on the ground a way away! We are hoping that they will bring her on the 25th to the clinic and will bring her broken wheelchair and we will try to get it repaired. Bad situation all around. We were way out in "the bush"....I never could have found my way back on the trails w/o Moses. Little kids scream when they see me - out there they never see a muzungu!!!
Friday was a slow day - opportunity for visiting...... Am trying to re-send the picture CD - the other one never arrived (or yet)....bummer. Will get that done today so hope Gail can add some pictures to the blog.
Hope you all are well. Please be really thankful this year - there are people a lot worse off than we are!( and Uganda, esp. around here is better than many places). Thanks again for the thoughts, prayers, and letters, etc. Not sure how the holidays will go, but on Dec. 27 I'm meeting Gail, Jesse and the kids in London for a week and am really looking forward to it!!!
Couldn't blog in Nkokonjeru (no power) so will get that done, too. However, the power went out two times since I started - had to start over. We are now on a generator so hope it holds! It's always an adventure. After awhile I feel my blood pressure rising tho' and I have to quit!
We had a great group of 14 people last weekend - from Holland. They are part of an organization called Bake for Life, started by professional bakers wives and they built the bakery here in Nkokonjeru and one in Budaka (north). They like working w. the Sisters - the Sisters get things done and are honest! Holly and Shari came for supper at the convent- it was really quite a party. Sunday they went to Mass and we had breakfast and they were off to other places.....the Sisters were exhausted.
Found a hymn in the book at the chapel that I just love - we've never sung it, but it's so appropriate (will just give you the chorus):
"God Loves a Cheerful Giver"
God loves a cheerful giver, give it all you've got.
He loves to hear you laughing when you are in an akward spot.
When the odds add up against you - it's time to stop and sing - Praise God!
To praise Him is a joyous thing!
Maria called me Sunday - she got an order for 700 wine baskets from Euchimi (big supermarket in the Garden City Mall)...she has really been working, walking around Kampala trying to sell baskets at stores. And she needs them made in 2 weeks!!! She really thinks big! Made me decide to renew my efforts to get some shoes sold - however, I'm sticking locally...I can barely make myself come to Kampala! Will try flyers in the schools (her idea) to send home w. kids and they will hopefully buy new shoes for next term.
Read Judy Picoult, Change of Heart and the Alchemist by Paul Coelho - very spiritual type books but good. Monday Holly heard that the mail was finally sorted (3 weeks worth) and so she went to Mukono and returned w. a bonanza. I have a lot of magazines, papers, books, etc. to read now!!! Got a Halloween package from Julie - even more appreciated since I had to wait! Lots of grandchildren pictures too - now to re-arrange my picture gallery - my walls are getting covered! Great painting from Dylan w. fall leaves glued to it!!! I really missed fall.
Sr. Juliet called an impromptu meeting of the teachers Monday afternnoon. We decided to have a parent meeting day in December right before the kids go home, but she's disguising it as a Christmas Program (Dec. 13) so they won't try to skip out thinking she's asking for $$ - which she will! She has lined up someone to do a crash, intensive tailoring course in December hoping we can get the four 2nd year students finished - the teacher now (who I've complained about endlessly) has such low standards - they re-did their shirts and they are still bad! He said they rush - I said he should be watching their every move! There are only four of them!!!
During break she's hoping to take me to see some of the 2nd year students' homes and see what opportunities there are for employment there and what they might need to get hired/start a shop. Hope it all gets done. There hasn't been a graduation since 2003 so no rush....we'll do one when they are ready and we can figure out what's appropriate for a re-settlement package (and if we have $).
I am planning to go to Kenya for Sr. Veronica's Final Profession of Faith December 6 - Sr. Juliet has hers here Jan. 6....really a big deal. They get their rings and are official!!! But there's lots to do to get ready. Will start finals in a week and get report cards done before we go.....that should keep me busy. Plus we have the orthopedic/CP clinic sponsored by Katelemwa Hospital the 25th of December at PH - lots to get done before that, too. Holly's marathon is next Sunday and I plan to be there - have some marathon cheering experinece thanks to Gail.
I really would like to spend some of the break time (if Sr. Juliet has time) to develop a strategy for placing kids in the vocational program. Some are so behind mentally and scholastically it's not effective and bogs the program down - but they need some socialization skills so they are here. We need to be more honest w. parents and parents need to be more realistic. Some of the kids who've been in the program 4-5 years (it's a 2 year program) can't run a sewing machine or make a pair of shoes, yet (or count). They don't pay fees or any costs (everyone thinks PH is free - it's shouldn't be....but old habits die hard). Sometimes, it's just a place for parents to put kids - no cost, no hassle. I know that sounds harsh, but our capacity is so limited an there's a waiting list. It's just hard to make those cuts...or devise an alternative strategy, like having them garden, but that's hard w. their physical disabilities. I feel we need to do the best we can and limit numbers. I realize people so want to think their child can do it (and some just want someone else to take care of their disabled child). However, I'm an outsider and a temp - it will go on LONG after I'm gone.
CBR was spent trying to decide how to mobilize for the Katelemwa Clinic...I'm having a hard time getting the volunteers to limit "invitations" to people with orthopedic needs and CP. They are really into epilepsy now - but the group coming doesn't deal w. that. I told them I'll turn people away if they aren't appropriate! I don't think they believe me, but we can't waste the doctor's time or they won't come back.
Best moment of Tuesday was at the end. Got a letter from Gail's friend Betsy and her 7 year old daughter, Jessica. Jessica sent a letter and picture for Vanungi (she'd already sent her some clothes). Vanungi is 7 or 8 and is very thin....bloated stomach and thin arms and legs. She has sickle cell anemia and is pretty slow. She has a huge scar on her head from a family member hitting her w. a charcoal stove (she never goes home now). But she is always cheerful and loves to help - she also likes to sit on my lap! Vanungi wasn't sure what to make of the her"mikwano" (friend) in America - really touching.
Wednesday a.m. I heard stories abobut one of the tailoring girls and a friend who were very verbally abusive to Sr. J. I talked to the girl a long time about her life - she's an orphan and is here caring for a 23 year old uncle who is hydrocephalic, blind and has CP so she goes to school free (who doesn't?). She also has a brother here in a wheelchair and guess her parents left them after he was born. They lived with a grandmother till 2 years ago but she died...anyway, her life is pretty hard caring for a bedridden young man. But she was really out of line. Thursday found out my talk had not worked - and she and the other girl threatened to get petrol and burn PH! The other kids were very frightened and Sr. Juliet reluctantly called the police and they were put in jail. There have been a lot of school fires in Uganda in the past year started by angry students so it's a serious threat! Yesterday, Sr. J. took them up to the program in Tororo (north) run by the former Administrator of PH. It was really sad - she was doing well in tailoring but think the whole caretaking thing (she's 15) got to her and she didn't know how to get out of it. I asked her if she wanted to stop taking care of him for awhile, but she said no - maybe she didn't know what would happen if she stopped!
Thursday afternoon Moses took me out on some home visits - I love my little bike!!! What a humbling experience. Lots of children who are severely disabled in very bleak circumstances....The most upsetting was a girl who is 16 (looked 8), doesn't walk, or talk, and very skinny. The grandparents are raising 8 young grandchildren w/o much for resources (parents are "gone" - don't know if that means left or dead, it's hard to know). The saddest part was that the family was sitting all together, but she was sitting on the ground a way away! We are hoping that they will bring her on the 25th to the clinic and will bring her broken wheelchair and we will try to get it repaired. Bad situation all around. We were way out in "the bush"....I never could have found my way back on the trails w/o Moses. Little kids scream when they see me - out there they never see a muzungu!!!
Friday was a slow day - opportunity for visiting...... Am trying to re-send the picture CD - the other one never arrived (or yet)....bummer. Will get that done today so hope Gail can add some pictures to the blog.
Hope you all are well. Please be really thankful this year - there are people a lot worse off than we are!( and Uganda, esp. around here is better than many places). Thanks again for the thoughts, prayers, and letters, etc. Not sure how the holidays will go, but on Dec. 27 I'm meeting Gail, Jesse and the kids in London for a week and am really looking forward to it!!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Post Election Thoughts - 8/11/08
Holly and I are in Mukono using the internet - we've been w/o power for a bit in Nkokonjeru....had our great breakfast at the Colline hotel (made to order omlettes)....life is good.
I wanted to listen all nite to the radio for election coverage, but fell asleep....Holly called about 5:30 a.m. to tell me that Obama had taken Minnesota! Gail called at 6:30 to say the referendum passed (YEA - that was my biggest concern) and that she's on the School Board!!! I went to Mass at 6:45 to say "Thank you". Then went down to PH and watched Obama's acceptance speech on the Sisters' TV - he seemed so calm!!! Read in the Kampala paper yesterday that the Onion (American newspaper) had the headline "Black Man Gets Worse Job in the U.S." How true!
The Sisters were really excited - some of their funnier comments: Sr. Goretti "Won't the other man (McCain) be angry and cause trouble?", and "How will they make the man in the house now (Bush) leave?". Sr. Melody said "Obama only had 388 votes - is that all the people in America that vote?". Sr. Ephram (convent), "So, now Obama is the President of North and South America"? But everyone was happy (except Sr. Juliet who thought McCain had more experience and would be better). Obamamania is crazy here - but the most commented on fact was the peacefulness of the transfer and the lack of arguing....really was an interesting twist and made me VERY proud to be an American!!! Holly really missed being in Chicago - and Jean was in New York on business for the week.
Wednesday got busy quickly - I was watching them load scrap metal(and helping a bit) from the shed they cleaned out and Sr. J. decided that since the little kids were off school, I should take them up to the hospital to have HIV testing (she'd talked to them about it)...SO, I ended up w. 35 children (w. assorted disabilities, wheelchairs and crutches) - quite the sight I'm sure!!! They were really good (have to have blood drawn) - some of the little girls sat on my lap - fortunately the results are fast. They do a rapid dipstick test and if that's negative you are O.K. - all were negative - another thing to thank God for!
Our mail situation is still bad (told the story last time about the postmaster in Mukono getting fired - he opened up his secretarial business/copy shop two doors from the P.O.), but the new postmaster is really slow....we have gotten no mail for 3 weeks - it's annoying and scary!!! The old crew was so friendly and efficient....not sure what's the problem.
Thursday we had a good English class tho' people are starting to come later and later...frustrating. Going to give "treats" to the on-time people and see if it helps. We had a new nurse for the epilepsy clinic and she came 2 hours later than Florence does. It always amazes people how long it takes to get out here - but she was really good and very efficient - like her a lot!!! She was very direct w. people - some come because there children have some serious mental impairment and they want a "fix" and she explained there is none - she even diagnosed some as ADD - and said they should be on Ritalin but they have to go to Kampala to get it and it's 600sh/pill (30 cents) so that's not going to happen....kids just won't go to school.
Friday a.m. Holly knocked on my door at 6:30 and I was still sleeping - I was tired! She was going running and wanted to know if I wanted to bike along - I did and it was just beautiful - the hills were covered in mist. It's hard to take pictures that captures it.....when we first got here we used to take early a.m. walks - very inspiring! Rest of the day was very peaceful - I got my clothes washed, went down to PH and it rained for a few hours so I was trapped and had to eat lunch w. the sisters (funny how that works...I'm such a mooch). Big visitor day tomorrow - 14 people from Holland - the group that sponsored the construction of the bakery. The kids are practicing lots of songs and dances - they love it!!!
Had a mouse/rat in my apartment last nite....ugh. It came in under the door (lots of room) but I yelled and he exited again quickly. Reminded me of when Corky and I were in Texas (his AF basic training) and lived in a tiny apt. (smaller than the one I have now) and I was so bored I was feeding a cute little "mouse" that would come to our back sliding door - well, he grew and Corky said "IT'S A RAT!" and got our landlord to come and shoot it!!! You really have to watch out for rats and snakes here - Sr. Melody uncovered some snakes yesterday under a mat, and LOTS of rats in the shed we cleaned.....just a hazard of the location.
So, that's it for now.....will go back and be part of the festivities....should be fun! So, excited about the election - esp. the referendum passing!!!
Take care all - thanks again for your thoughts ( I'm sure there will be a BIG bunch of letters at some point when they get things straightened out). I really miss the little kids - say "goodnight" to their pictures just before I shut off the lights. Know they are growing up and doing lots of fun things - but this has been a good adventure for me. Really learning to appreciate things I took for granted.....
I wanted to listen all nite to the radio for election coverage, but fell asleep....Holly called about 5:30 a.m. to tell me that Obama had taken Minnesota! Gail called at 6:30 to say the referendum passed (YEA - that was my biggest concern) and that she's on the School Board!!! I went to Mass at 6:45 to say "Thank you". Then went down to PH and watched Obama's acceptance speech on the Sisters' TV - he seemed so calm!!! Read in the Kampala paper yesterday that the Onion (American newspaper) had the headline "Black Man Gets Worse Job in the U.S." How true!
The Sisters were really excited - some of their funnier comments: Sr. Goretti "Won't the other man (McCain) be angry and cause trouble?", and "How will they make the man in the house now (Bush) leave?". Sr. Melody said "Obama only had 388 votes - is that all the people in America that vote?". Sr. Ephram (convent), "So, now Obama is the President of North and South America"? But everyone was happy (except Sr. Juliet who thought McCain had more experience and would be better). Obamamania is crazy here - but the most commented on fact was the peacefulness of the transfer and the lack of arguing....really was an interesting twist and made me VERY proud to be an American!!! Holly really missed being in Chicago - and Jean was in New York on business for the week.
Wednesday got busy quickly - I was watching them load scrap metal(and helping a bit) from the shed they cleaned out and Sr. J. decided that since the little kids were off school, I should take them up to the hospital to have HIV testing (she'd talked to them about it)...SO, I ended up w. 35 children (w. assorted disabilities, wheelchairs and crutches) - quite the sight I'm sure!!! They were really good (have to have blood drawn) - some of the little girls sat on my lap - fortunately the results are fast. They do a rapid dipstick test and if that's negative you are O.K. - all were negative - another thing to thank God for!
Our mail situation is still bad (told the story last time about the postmaster in Mukono getting fired - he opened up his secretarial business/copy shop two doors from the P.O.), but the new postmaster is really slow....we have gotten no mail for 3 weeks - it's annoying and scary!!! The old crew was so friendly and efficient....not sure what's the problem.
Thursday we had a good English class tho' people are starting to come later and later...frustrating. Going to give "treats" to the on-time people and see if it helps. We had a new nurse for the epilepsy clinic and she came 2 hours later than Florence does. It always amazes people how long it takes to get out here - but she was really good and very efficient - like her a lot!!! She was very direct w. people - some come because there children have some serious mental impairment and they want a "fix" and she explained there is none - she even diagnosed some as ADD - and said they should be on Ritalin but they have to go to Kampala to get it and it's 600sh/pill (30 cents) so that's not going to happen....kids just won't go to school.
Friday a.m. Holly knocked on my door at 6:30 and I was still sleeping - I was tired! She was going running and wanted to know if I wanted to bike along - I did and it was just beautiful - the hills were covered in mist. It's hard to take pictures that captures it.....when we first got here we used to take early a.m. walks - very inspiring! Rest of the day was very peaceful - I got my clothes washed, went down to PH and it rained for a few hours so I was trapped and had to eat lunch w. the sisters (funny how that works...I'm such a mooch). Big visitor day tomorrow - 14 people from Holland - the group that sponsored the construction of the bakery. The kids are practicing lots of songs and dances - they love it!!!
Had a mouse/rat in my apartment last nite....ugh. It came in under the door (lots of room) but I yelled and he exited again quickly. Reminded me of when Corky and I were in Texas (his AF basic training) and lived in a tiny apt. (smaller than the one I have now) and I was so bored I was feeding a cute little "mouse" that would come to our back sliding door - well, he grew and Corky said "IT'S A RAT!" and got our landlord to come and shoot it!!! You really have to watch out for rats and snakes here - Sr. Melody uncovered some snakes yesterday under a mat, and LOTS of rats in the shed we cleaned.....just a hazard of the location.
So, that's it for now.....will go back and be part of the festivities....should be fun! So, excited about the election - esp. the referendum passing!!!
Take care all - thanks again for your thoughts ( I'm sure there will be a BIG bunch of letters at some point when they get things straightened out). I really miss the little kids - say "goodnight" to their pictures just before I shut off the lights. Know they are growing up and doing lots of fun things - but this has been a good adventure for me. Really learning to appreciate things I took for granted.....
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day - November 4, 2008
I'm on the bakery computer sort of late, but I'm having a hard time settling down w. the election going on. I decided to sit it out in Nkokonjeru - I think I'll remember this one a long time regardless of the outcome. Have my fingers (and toes) crossed for the MLHS school referendum...lots of people have worked really hard on it! It's already 6:30 p.m. but only 8:30 a.m. in Montgomery - so hope you are all voting. My ballot is long on it's way!
When I left last I was attending the orthopedic clinic with Dr. Antonio in Mukon - it was amazing. It was so well organized....they had records and X-rays and everything! The people also looked much more prosperous than our village folk. At present they don't have room for us but they said they'd keep us in mind...it would be so much easier for our parents to have their children checked and do their post-surgery treatment there. Seeing all the deformities etc. really made me appreciate that all my children and grandchildren so far are whole and healthy - maybe that's why I'm here - to learn to appreciate things!!!
Friday I made trouble again - saw the shirts the kids had made for Tailoring 2 and was appalled....seams unfinished, puckers everywhere, white thread on blue shirts....showed them to the Sisters and Sister Juliet had a "talk" with the teacher - made the kids rip the shirts apart to start over - they are not ready to graduate in December - lots of work to be done!
Starting to make some inquiries about selling shoes...Sister J is taking some sandals to a shop in Kampala. Then we start at the local schools...she's worried about taking too many orders; I'm worried about not selling!
Holly brought me fresh green beans from the Hospital garden - great w. my basil and dill - wonder if I'll be able to go back to popcorn for supper!!!
An elderly sister died and they brought the body from up north - at 9 p.m. there was a terrible siren and the church bells started ringing and I thought there was a fire...ran outside in my pjs and saw the sisters welcoming the casket - their all nite vigil is the ultimate in "sisterhood".
Just after I went to bed, Shari and Holly came by and put a "ghost" on my door - really a neat thing - don't know how I'd make it w/o them! (a request: if anyone sees that awful, sugary Brach's autumn mix - w. the pumpkins and bats on sale, you can send it our way - we miss it!!!)
Saturday a.m. I biked w. Holly - only 8 miles and then went with her and Shari to a baking class. Great group of village women - about 25 - who really enjoyed the lesson and just being together (not working) and having lunch!
Had to have another jigger operation - this time by Sr. Sara - I seem to attract them. She cut the skin on my toe w. a razor blade and dug at it w. a safety pin - Sr. Goretti finally pulled it out - they were sutiably impressed by the worm - "a big one, full of eggs"!!!
Sunday there was a huge storm during Mass - lots of wind and rain. Later in the day I went with Holly and Shari to a one year memorial service for the mom of one of Holly's Project Hope volunteers and then biked out to meet Moses at his home to do some home visits.....saw the little malnourished girl (really sad - the mom was out drinking when we were there). In the little time we had we saw about 5 clients - one was a 17 year old girl (about the size of a 5 yr. old) with Cerebral Palsy who was in a Budda like position all the time from contractures...but she was clean and seemed well cared for. Normal till 2 - then got a fever and her limbs contracted. Same store over and over!!! Homes are tiny one or two room mud houses - and lots of children peeking out all over (I'm quite a rock star here). Left Moses at 6:30 and had to bike FAST to get home by 7:00 (dark) - it was really fun to book - got a lot of stares (always do, but this was really a sight).
Holly came over w. a great picture Maria had gotten me for my BD - it had a long journey from Kbale - framed by someone else, carried by Holly and Shari home in the rain - typical Ugandan story! It's a women sitting in the middle of two women nursing - really beautiful. The words are in Lugandan and I asked Kassuli to translate them - the first part says (literally) "a mother is like a prison guard"...I was a bit put off by that, but he said it means every vigilant, watchful and alert!! Then the 2nd part says that breastfeeding is good for mother and child. Really thoughtful.
Holly also brought over some great chocolate chip cookies they made on their gas stove - resourceful Americans!!! They felt sorry for me because I was whining about missing Tucker's Baptism.....I'm always whining about something it seems!
Am reading Three Cups of Tea - about a man who built schools in Pakistan and Afganistan - incredible story (but not the best writing). He was a former mountain climber who just started a foundation on his own.
Monday the topic at English was the election - kids are really interested. After class someone wrote on the board the interesting question - "If Obama is elected, how will America be different"? We talked about that Tuesday - really, initially, not a lot - which is the beauty of America! Quite Monday - Sister got a man to plow an acre behind the wall for potatoes...a little gray tractor that reminded me of my dad's little Ford (except this one was Chinese)....the kids were fascinated by it!!! Big event of the day....who needs T.V.?
Later in the afternoon Sr. J got one of her "bugs" and decided to clean out a shed and a storeroom - got lots of interesting scrap metal from discarded wheelchair and car parts. We burned a lot of old clothing - but they saved the left over gallon oil jugs to wash out and use for water (ugh)....gerry cans are precious I guess!
Week so far is going well....hope to watch the sister's TV tomorrow a.m.
When I left last I was attending the orthopedic clinic with Dr. Antonio in Mukon - it was amazing. It was so well organized....they had records and X-rays and everything! The people also looked much more prosperous than our village folk. At present they don't have room for us but they said they'd keep us in mind...it would be so much easier for our parents to have their children checked and do their post-surgery treatment there. Seeing all the deformities etc. really made me appreciate that all my children and grandchildren so far are whole and healthy - maybe that's why I'm here - to learn to appreciate things!!!
Friday I made trouble again - saw the shirts the kids had made for Tailoring 2 and was appalled....seams unfinished, puckers everywhere, white thread on blue shirts....showed them to the Sisters and Sister Juliet had a "talk" with the teacher - made the kids rip the shirts apart to start over - they are not ready to graduate in December - lots of work to be done!
Starting to make some inquiries about selling shoes...Sister J is taking some sandals to a shop in Kampala. Then we start at the local schools...she's worried about taking too many orders; I'm worried about not selling!
Holly brought me fresh green beans from the Hospital garden - great w. my basil and dill - wonder if I'll be able to go back to popcorn for supper!!!
An elderly sister died and they brought the body from up north - at 9 p.m. there was a terrible siren and the church bells started ringing and I thought there was a fire...ran outside in my pjs and saw the sisters welcoming the casket - their all nite vigil is the ultimate in "sisterhood".
Just after I went to bed, Shari and Holly came by and put a "ghost" on my door - really a neat thing - don't know how I'd make it w/o them! (a request: if anyone sees that awful, sugary Brach's autumn mix - w. the pumpkins and bats on sale, you can send it our way - we miss it!!!)
Saturday a.m. I biked w. Holly - only 8 miles and then went with her and Shari to a baking class. Great group of village women - about 25 - who really enjoyed the lesson and just being together (not working) and having lunch!
Had to have another jigger operation - this time by Sr. Sara - I seem to attract them. She cut the skin on my toe w. a razor blade and dug at it w. a safety pin - Sr. Goretti finally pulled it out - they were sutiably impressed by the worm - "a big one, full of eggs"!!!
Sunday there was a huge storm during Mass - lots of wind and rain. Later in the day I went with Holly and Shari to a one year memorial service for the mom of one of Holly's Project Hope volunteers and then biked out to meet Moses at his home to do some home visits.....saw the little malnourished girl (really sad - the mom was out drinking when we were there). In the little time we had we saw about 5 clients - one was a 17 year old girl (about the size of a 5 yr. old) with Cerebral Palsy who was in a Budda like position all the time from contractures...but she was clean and seemed well cared for. Normal till 2 - then got a fever and her limbs contracted. Same store over and over!!! Homes are tiny one or two room mud houses - and lots of children peeking out all over (I'm quite a rock star here). Left Moses at 6:30 and had to bike FAST to get home by 7:00 (dark) - it was really fun to book - got a lot of stares (always do, but this was really a sight).
Holly came over w. a great picture Maria had gotten me for my BD - it had a long journey from Kbale - framed by someone else, carried by Holly and Shari home in the rain - typical Ugandan story! It's a women sitting in the middle of two women nursing - really beautiful. The words are in Lugandan and I asked Kassuli to translate them - the first part says (literally) "a mother is like a prison guard"...I was a bit put off by that, but he said it means every vigilant, watchful and alert!! Then the 2nd part says that breastfeeding is good for mother and child. Really thoughtful.
Holly also brought over some great chocolate chip cookies they made on their gas stove - resourceful Americans!!! They felt sorry for me because I was whining about missing Tucker's Baptism.....I'm always whining about something it seems!
Am reading Three Cups of Tea - about a man who built schools in Pakistan and Afganistan - incredible story (but not the best writing). He was a former mountain climber who just started a foundation on his own.
Monday the topic at English was the election - kids are really interested. After class someone wrote on the board the interesting question - "If Obama is elected, how will America be different"? We talked about that Tuesday - really, initially, not a lot - which is the beauty of America! Quite Monday - Sister got a man to plow an acre behind the wall for potatoes...a little gray tractor that reminded me of my dad's little Ford (except this one was Chinese)....the kids were fascinated by it!!! Big event of the day....who needs T.V.?
Later in the afternoon Sr. J got one of her "bugs" and decided to clean out a shed and a storeroom - got lots of interesting scrap metal from discarded wheelchair and car parts. We burned a lot of old clothing - but they saved the left over gallon oil jugs to wash out and use for water (ugh)....gerry cans are precious I guess!
Week so far is going well....hope to watch the sister's TV tomorrow a.m.
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