We've been w/o power for four days so I came to Mukono early Sat. a.m. to blog, check the P.O., visit the ATM and the grocery and change the scenery! Corky said he has a new appreciation for my little trips to Mukono after his matatu ride.....it is quite an adventure (ordeal?) - if you see him, be sure to ask. Nothing like being "up close and personal"!
We had a good weekend - pretty slow but fun. Last Friday I took Corky all over town to distribute flyers about the U.K. Doctors' Eye Clinic next week and it was pretty hot and think it was quite the walk for him! Sunday nite the kids had a special musical tribute and farewell party (he supplied sodas and cakes and they loved him!). Then we had elections for "officers" - it's a tradition in boarding schools that PH hasn't done for awhile...took several hours but was very spirited! Monday a.m. I taught English while he packed, etc. and then after lunch we took the PH truck to the airport - with some stops for "sister errands".....we dropped him off about 6 p.m. and came back to Kampala to pick up Sr. Sara, who was in the very center of town in the wholesale district picking up bakery supplies. The traffic was so bad we were just stopped - got back to Nkokonjeru at 10:30!! Corky made it home just fine and had a short customs stop in Minneapolis....think he's glad to be back where things work!!!
Tuesday was CBR day, but Sr. Juliet wanted me to go with her to the dedication of a new village school donated by some Americans through Educate Uganda Foundation....very impressive function and a beautiful 6 classroom structure! Previously they'd just had an open wood shed.
The lunch was catered by some former local boys who now work w. a caterer in Entebbe and they had wonderful food - the best of which was a hamburger/tomato/macaroni casserole and a salad w. head lettuce!!!
Came back around 3 but the kids still wanted to do math class - I must really be amusing or they are terribly bored! In the midst of that the man from Kampala came to work on servicing all our sewing machines and he got them all tuned up - great improvement!
Wednesday a.m. we had a huge wind storm - which is why we still don't have power. I had plans to type and copy forms for next week, plus a bunch of other lists/forms, etc. but that will have to wait! I went to 6:45 Mass to get ashes and it was very nice by candle light and lantern till the sun rose!
Taught Public Health Weds. a.m. - Shari was sick - and I was out of ideas, so we talked about "leisure time"...well, didn't call it that (not in their vocabulary) but, time when you are looking for things to do. I brought things so they could play some games - cards, a local game called Ludo (like Parchesi), Uno...some did some drawing, some crocheted....it actually was lots of fun!! (they also have no word for "fun"). I mused that Americans often work very hard at having fun and we always need "stuff"....Ugandans usually just sit around and talk tho' they did love the "stuff".
The little girl, Anastasia, who has sickle cell, diabetis and is HIV positive, is not doing well...she's at the hopspital and vomiting blood....may be TB, but they can't take an X-ray because there's no power. It's the type of thing that happens to HIV positive people - the side infections. Please pray for her - not sure what the resolution will be - she's so ill and thin - but she wants to live.
Thursday was the Katelemwa Clinic - long day. Got to PH at 7 a.m. and the kids were already mopping the floors. We had a smaller turnout than in November - not sure why - planting season? date change? word is out that PH is no longer paying for hospital stays w/o a contribution? Don't know, but it was still good and the the PTs could take a lot of time w. people. Some of the children are really disabled, but there was one 12 year old boy who'd had malaria at 4 and a high fever, causing brain damage and his legs were paralyzed. He was bright and walked w. a walking stick, but had never been to school (tho' his siblings did)....he and the dad were well dressed and the dad asked the PT, "Can you make him normal?" I wanted to yell at him and say, "look at these other kids - he is 'normal'...he can walk and talk and is bright"....I didn't say it but tried to really encourage the dad to send him to school.....boy has lots of potential!
Thursday night we had a Mass at PH to swear in the new officers. Father gave a really nice sermon about role models and leadership (I got a few words of the Lugandan)....kids are really enthused...many dressed up!!! And they had a special supper w. meat and fish and rice!!! BIG EVENT!
Friday, the craft teacher started - teaching bead making, which the kids want to know tho' the market is saturated!!! She is supposed to alternate w. bookkeeping/basic math - we sparated the kids by ability level at the teacher's request. I quarreled w. the bookkeeping teacher about being on time and staying for both his classes, and turning in a lesson plan -he had lots of excuses! Holly stopped by - she had a great time climbing in the Rwenzories...even got to use ice axes, crampons and ropes to scale the ice and rock.....not my idea of "fun" but she was thrilled!!! Sr. J took me along again to Stelal Maris (local girls' primary - the "up the hill" school)...she was Guest of Honor at their game and sports day and was embarrassed! It was really fun - the girls competed hard - grass lanes w. oil marking the lines, a sand pit for the high jump landing, but great enthusiasm and effort!! And it was HOT - sun was intense!!! They compete by "houses" - dormitories - and it's very spirited!!!
Piggery is going slow....Joseph (the builder) was sick, then a neighbor died.....I can never fathom the lists of reasons they have for not working......just get it done!!!! But Fred hopes he will finish this week.....think Fred is tired of me calling him asking "will Joseph be here today?"! Then I want to do some research at local places about the best type of pig to buy. Sister wanted to slaughter one of our existing pigs for the feast on Thursday, but the little boys have been helping take care of them and they each "have" one and when she suggested slaughter, they all cried!!! So she bought meat!!!
Hope you are all well and seeing signs of spring...hear it's been a LONG winter in Minnesota! Thanks for all your good wishes, thoughts, prayers, letters.....means a lot. Have been away from home for a year....I'm still really enjoying my site and the people here, tho' another year seems long at this point! There are frustrations - as in any job - and I don't really get the culture - don't know if I would if I lived here all my life - so I'm usually a little out of step - but they are tolerant! This will be a busy week with the U.K. Opticians here for their clinic...hope the turnout is good. The word is out! Will let you know next week!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
New Pictures
My dad has returned and I have uploaded all of the pictures from Kath's memory card so check out the Flickr link.
- Gail
- Gail
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Corky's Visit - Feb. 21, 2009
Am up at RASD and the computer is working VERY well so thought I'd do a short update on "the visit"....Corky is napping (11 a.m.). He's having a problem w. the heat - it is hot by 10 a.m. and the food. The Sisters keep inviting us to eat w. them (their natural hospitality) so he's getting a good taste of local food but it's causing some minor problems (my cooking would probably be worse!).
We spent Saturday in Kampala touring the Mall and the area around the hotel....he was pretty jet lagged - it's a tough trip to do at one time! Sunday we went out early and went down to the center of town and saw the taxi park, etc. Had a great afternoon at the pool at one of the better hotels (tho' I actually sunburned my legs!!).
Sunday nite we went to the Red Chilli Hideaway and had a nice burger and went to sleep in the dormitory with all the backpackers - actually pretty quiet! We left early Monday a.m. in a van with a couple from Norway (their daughter works in the Norwegian embassy in Uganda), a father and son from Australia who travel a LOT, and a couple from Washington State (she's nurse and he's a PT - her brother is here as a medical missionary - he's a P.A.)....good group!!! The drive took about 7 hours and got hotter and drier the farther north (toward the Sahara) we went.
We went right to the top of the falls on Monday afternoon - it's amazing. The falls gorge narrows to 7m at one point and the water busts out! After that we went to the "Red Chilli Rest Camp" (it's not actually a hotel) and we joined the American couple in a 4 man tent!! (this was the rustic trip).
There were a lot of people there and a real mix - lots of fun conversations - mainly about others past travels (people travel a LOT). and about Africa and what it would take to "fix" their problems - lots of suggestions to improve water quality and sanitation. Many thought we (Americans and Europeans) should just stay out for now and let them try to solve their own problems....there is so much corruption in the give away programs now! It would be awful, but I don't know if we're helping all that much sometimes!
Tuesday a.m. we went out early for a safari (in our pop top van)....I was amazed at the number and variety of animals - there were about 30 giraffe in a group, lots of elephants, big herds of Cape Buffalo and endless hoofed animals (Hardebeast, waterbuck, Ugandan kob, etc.) and warthogs. Didn't see any lions but I'm sure they were in the shade somewhere! The park was decimated during the Amin (1960-80) years and has just started to re-group since 1990 but is doing great. Lots and lots of little babies and juveniles!
Corky will bring home my picture card and I'm hoping Gail can post pictures - there are some from Jan. 6 and thereon but it will include some of the park.
Tuesday afternoon we went on a boat trip on the Nile from the landing to the falls....there were SO many hippos - hundreds!!! Also, at one spot by the falls there were about 70 (?) Nile crocodiles that we scared into the water. Also, a big herd of elephants playing in the water! Lots of birds - amazing colors! There were kingfishers, ibis, storks, beautiful little beecatchers, fish eagle...more than I could name. I was more than satisfied w. the park!!! Coming back from the falls we saw a dead hippo (the males fight to the death) being eaten by crocodiles - really a feeding frenzy and lots more swimming to the site!
Food at the lodge was good - it was all in all a very good excursion. On the way back Weds. we stopped at a Rhino Sanctuary, but it was hot and the Rhinos were just sitting looking at us (sort of anti-climactic after the Park and all the action there).
We got back to Kampala at 6:00 and rushed to the main road to catch a matatu to Mukono and got the last matatu to Nkokonjeru there (7 p.m.).....so we got to spend Weds. nite at my apt.! Thursday, we checked out Providence Home - and Corky was checked out by the residents/staff! Friday was a busy day w. my usual problem w. teachers not showing and then we walked around town distributing flyers for the U.K. Eye Clinic at PH (March 2-6) - long walk up hill and down and may have been a bit much for Corky! In the evening we went out to see where the CBR volunteer Moses lives and chat w. him.
Should be a pretty slow weekend......which is O.K. We took a nice walk this a.m. before it got hot.
One of the pictures I'm sending is of the advanced sewers with some unforms and shirts they made. At Christmas time Maria gave them some bright patterned material to make Christmas stockings - the kids were horrified at using that good material to make something no one would ever wear! We had some left over and they used it to make some cute African style shirts for the little boys that they can use for Sunday uniforms. We want to get more of the bright prints and do some for all....so the kids are now satisfied that at least we used half of the material for something practical!!!! They are so funny!
Hope you are all well. I'm sure Corky will have lots of stories to tell.....I'd better get back and see if he's up and O.K. We are having lunch w. the sisters (they just keep insisting and it's impossible to disobey a Sister), but may pass on supper - they eat at 9 p.m. and we're all ready for bed!
Thursday next week the people from Katelemwa are supposed to come out and do an orthopedic clinic and they want to stay till Friday to do some village visits. The UK optical group arrives Sunday the 1st and will be checking eyes all week....they want to see 100 people every day!!! The volunteers have been working hard to get the word out! So it will be a busy time with school and the usual crises!!!! Pig shed slowed because the builder was sick (malaria), but it rising again. So life goes on! Thanks again and again for your generosity, good wishes and prayers.
We spent Saturday in Kampala touring the Mall and the area around the hotel....he was pretty jet lagged - it's a tough trip to do at one time! Sunday we went out early and went down to the center of town and saw the taxi park, etc. Had a great afternoon at the pool at one of the better hotels (tho' I actually sunburned my legs!!).
Sunday nite we went to the Red Chilli Hideaway and had a nice burger and went to sleep in the dormitory with all the backpackers - actually pretty quiet! We left early Monday a.m. in a van with a couple from Norway (their daughter works in the Norwegian embassy in Uganda), a father and son from Australia who travel a LOT, and a couple from Washington State (she's nurse and he's a PT - her brother is here as a medical missionary - he's a P.A.)....good group!!! The drive took about 7 hours and got hotter and drier the farther north (toward the Sahara) we went.
We went right to the top of the falls on Monday afternoon - it's amazing. The falls gorge narrows to 7m at one point and the water busts out! After that we went to the "Red Chilli Rest Camp" (it's not actually a hotel) and we joined the American couple in a 4 man tent!! (this was the rustic trip).
There were a lot of people there and a real mix - lots of fun conversations - mainly about others past travels (people travel a LOT). and about Africa and what it would take to "fix" their problems - lots of suggestions to improve water quality and sanitation. Many thought we (Americans and Europeans) should just stay out for now and let them try to solve their own problems....there is so much corruption in the give away programs now! It would be awful, but I don't know if we're helping all that much sometimes!
Tuesday a.m. we went out early for a safari (in our pop top van)....I was amazed at the number and variety of animals - there were about 30 giraffe in a group, lots of elephants, big herds of Cape Buffalo and endless hoofed animals (Hardebeast, waterbuck, Ugandan kob, etc.) and warthogs. Didn't see any lions but I'm sure they were in the shade somewhere! The park was decimated during the Amin (1960-80) years and has just started to re-group since 1990 but is doing great. Lots and lots of little babies and juveniles!
Corky will bring home my picture card and I'm hoping Gail can post pictures - there are some from Jan. 6 and thereon but it will include some of the park.
Tuesday afternoon we went on a boat trip on the Nile from the landing to the falls....there were SO many hippos - hundreds!!! Also, at one spot by the falls there were about 70 (?) Nile crocodiles that we scared into the water. Also, a big herd of elephants playing in the water! Lots of birds - amazing colors! There were kingfishers, ibis, storks, beautiful little beecatchers, fish eagle...more than I could name. I was more than satisfied w. the park!!! Coming back from the falls we saw a dead hippo (the males fight to the death) being eaten by crocodiles - really a feeding frenzy and lots more swimming to the site!
Food at the lodge was good - it was all in all a very good excursion. On the way back Weds. we stopped at a Rhino Sanctuary, but it was hot and the Rhinos were just sitting looking at us (sort of anti-climactic after the Park and all the action there).
We got back to Kampala at 6:00 and rushed to the main road to catch a matatu to Mukono and got the last matatu to Nkokonjeru there (7 p.m.).....so we got to spend Weds. nite at my apt.! Thursday, we checked out Providence Home - and Corky was checked out by the residents/staff! Friday was a busy day w. my usual problem w. teachers not showing and then we walked around town distributing flyers for the U.K. Eye Clinic at PH (March 2-6) - long walk up hill and down and may have been a bit much for Corky! In the evening we went out to see where the CBR volunteer Moses lives and chat w. him.
Should be a pretty slow weekend......which is O.K. We took a nice walk this a.m. before it got hot.
One of the pictures I'm sending is of the advanced sewers with some unforms and shirts they made. At Christmas time Maria gave them some bright patterned material to make Christmas stockings - the kids were horrified at using that good material to make something no one would ever wear! We had some left over and they used it to make some cute African style shirts for the little boys that they can use for Sunday uniforms. We want to get more of the bright prints and do some for all....so the kids are now satisfied that at least we used half of the material for something practical!!!! They are so funny!
Hope you are all well. I'm sure Corky will have lots of stories to tell.....I'd better get back and see if he's up and O.K. We are having lunch w. the sisters (they just keep insisting and it's impossible to disobey a Sister), but may pass on supper - they eat at 9 p.m. and we're all ready for bed!
Thursday next week the people from Katelemwa are supposed to come out and do an orthopedic clinic and they want to stay till Friday to do some village visits. The UK optical group arrives Sunday the 1st and will be checking eyes all week....they want to see 100 people every day!!! The volunteers have been working hard to get the word out! So it will be a busy time with school and the usual crises!!!! Pig shed slowed because the builder was sick (malaria), but it rising again. So life goes on! Thanks again and again for your generosity, good wishes and prayers.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wheelchairs and Piggery
I got a letter and some pictures today in the mail from Kath that she wanted me to post. New wheelchairs and the parade as well as the beginning work on the piggery. We got an email that Cork made it, will be interesting to hear what he thought of everything!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Past the One Year Mark - 14 months to go! 2-11-09
I know I said I wasn't going to blog till after Corky's visit, but I'm in Mukono to bank, do the PO and check e-mails and the internet is working well, so here I am (came on the 6:30 matatu and the internet seems better this time of day)....Plus, I still just find some things at PH so interesting I want to share the stories! As of tomorrow I will have been journaling for a year (thanks Mary and Anne) and will be able to see how my thoughts have changed!
I got a call last Friday afternoon late from Katelemwa REhabilitation Center saying they can't come the 12th to do the orthopedic clinic (money not allocated?)....I was SO angry. We (mostly Moses) spends days going on a boda (hired motorcycle) house to house to contact people (they call it "mobilize") and it's time consuming and expensive....now he has to go BACK and tell them it's cancelled. Fortunately, yesterday we got a re-schedule date (26th), but he's already been to some homes the 2nd time. THe guy at Katelemwa said "put it on the radio"....I had to explain that there isno station and many don't have radios. Some have listed phone contact numbers, but 90% of the time their phones aren't charged (no electricity till they come to town and find someone with power!). People who live in Kampala sometimes forget what it's like "in the bush".
On my way in early Sat. a.m. there was a influx of flying "white ants"...they mass around lights and people were up picking them up as they dropped their wings...guess they are quite a delicacy - roasted (or not).
Sunday was a fun day...Sister had a meeting w. the kids to talk about the "new system" of student leadership w. staff supervision....elections for head people and captains for the various job areas are the 15th! Then we gave out the mattresses and sheets to the little girls (memorial from China's mom)....they were SO excited. Two still wet the bed and will temporarily have old mattresses - one cried!!! Let's see if they can do it!! Sister J left their mattresses in the room on an empty bed as an incentive.
In the afternoon Nelson went with me to visit the church youth group that got balls as a result of the St. John Luther League donation!!! There was a HUGE crowd - the other team didn't show up so the boys played the girls at "netball"...there are two hoops on poles and it's on grass so they can't dribble, but otherwise like basketball...girls won 5-3 - boys were rougher but girls were better shooters. Then, they had the soccer game - Youth against the "Ex-Internationals" (the retired players - in their late 20s, 30s and even 40s)....it was a great game - lots of crowd enthusiasm - and tied 1-1. The "old" guys really hung in there - lots of running!! The soccer pitch is a field that was donated and they cleared about 15 years ago...still full of debiris and pokey sticks and they play w/o shoes, but they sure have fun!!!
They gave me some sugarcane, bananas, a pineapple, avacados, passion fruit, a pumpkin, a jackfruit (you'll have to google that one).....it was amazing. Lots of speeches - I was SO embarrassed. Another example of generosity from those who have little. Wish some of the Luther Lg. kids had been there - maybe someday!!!
School started Monday - I didn't prepare much (a lot of students aren't here yet), but they seemed eager - at least it's something to do!!! We tried some reading in the little children's books I have that are both English and Lugandan and they are really poor in reading - either language - except for a few. They got a kick out of the books tho'. Need to change my approach a bit, but hate to slow it too much for the ones that can do well.
The elderly have made some small banana fiber purses I'm sending to church...they aren't as well made as the baskets (or as practical), but they asked me to try - thanks all!
Tuesday was really busy (where are the lazy days of January? - I knew I'd be sorry I was slacking)...CBR was busy and we're working on doing objectives, a budget and a workplan for 2009 - I know it's late, but this is Uganda!! I'm encouraging them to be realistic in scope but it's hard! Got in our first Math class (late but at we got it in). Pig shed is at a temporary standstill...guess w. all the rain it takes more time for the concrete to set (sounds reasonable).
Fred finally finished the books for 2008 (June to Dec. only) and has the budget done fo4 2009...he worked SO hard! He almost quit a week ago but he finally got Sr. J to sit down and try to explain things. The result is really impressive!!! Est. for 2009 is that we will spend (and take in) 83M shillings ($46,000) which really doesn't seem excessive when you think there are 125 people to feed, house, medicate, educate and keep busy! 20M was for school fees and 10M for food ($1.00 = 1800 shillings). The total is higher than I thought and some projects won't get done, but it's such a positive step it's hard no to get excited (after years of no records and no plan).
Well, that's all - things are good here...hope it's the same where you are. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL....Corky arrives Friday nite - I'm getting pretty excited. Maria is coming to Kampala to meet him, too! The kids are really excited to see my "omwami wange".."husband yours". It's a short trip but that's probably O.K.
Best wishes to all!!!
I got a call last Friday afternoon late from Katelemwa REhabilitation Center saying they can't come the 12th to do the orthopedic clinic (money not allocated?)....I was SO angry. We (mostly Moses) spends days going on a boda (hired motorcycle) house to house to contact people (they call it "mobilize") and it's time consuming and expensive....now he has to go BACK and tell them it's cancelled. Fortunately, yesterday we got a re-schedule date (26th), but he's already been to some homes the 2nd time. THe guy at Katelemwa said "put it on the radio"....I had to explain that there isno station and many don't have radios. Some have listed phone contact numbers, but 90% of the time their phones aren't charged (no electricity till they come to town and find someone with power!). People who live in Kampala sometimes forget what it's like "in the bush".
On my way in early Sat. a.m. there was a influx of flying "white ants"...they mass around lights and people were up picking them up as they dropped their wings...guess they are quite a delicacy - roasted (or not).
Sunday was a fun day...Sister had a meeting w. the kids to talk about the "new system" of student leadership w. staff supervision....elections for head people and captains for the various job areas are the 15th! Then we gave out the mattresses and sheets to the little girls (memorial from China's mom)....they were SO excited. Two still wet the bed and will temporarily have old mattresses - one cried!!! Let's see if they can do it!! Sister J left their mattresses in the room on an empty bed as an incentive.
In the afternoon Nelson went with me to visit the church youth group that got balls as a result of the St. John Luther League donation!!! There was a HUGE crowd - the other team didn't show up so the boys played the girls at "netball"...there are two hoops on poles and it's on grass so they can't dribble, but otherwise like basketball...girls won 5-3 - boys were rougher but girls were better shooters. Then, they had the soccer game - Youth against the "Ex-Internationals" (the retired players - in their late 20s, 30s and even 40s)....it was a great game - lots of crowd enthusiasm - and tied 1-1. The "old" guys really hung in there - lots of running!! The soccer pitch is a field that was donated and they cleared about 15 years ago...still full of debiris and pokey sticks and they play w/o shoes, but they sure have fun!!!
They gave me some sugarcane, bananas, a pineapple, avacados, passion fruit, a pumpkin, a jackfruit (you'll have to google that one).....it was amazing. Lots of speeches - I was SO embarrassed. Another example of generosity from those who have little. Wish some of the Luther Lg. kids had been there - maybe someday!!!
School started Monday - I didn't prepare much (a lot of students aren't here yet), but they seemed eager - at least it's something to do!!! We tried some reading in the little children's books I have that are both English and Lugandan and they are really poor in reading - either language - except for a few. They got a kick out of the books tho'. Need to change my approach a bit, but hate to slow it too much for the ones that can do well.
The elderly have made some small banana fiber purses I'm sending to church...they aren't as well made as the baskets (or as practical), but they asked me to try - thanks all!
Tuesday was really busy (where are the lazy days of January? - I knew I'd be sorry I was slacking)...CBR was busy and we're working on doing objectives, a budget and a workplan for 2009 - I know it's late, but this is Uganda!! I'm encouraging them to be realistic in scope but it's hard! Got in our first Math class (late but at we got it in). Pig shed is at a temporary standstill...guess w. all the rain it takes more time for the concrete to set (sounds reasonable).
Fred finally finished the books for 2008 (June to Dec. only) and has the budget done fo4 2009...he worked SO hard! He almost quit a week ago but he finally got Sr. J to sit down and try to explain things. The result is really impressive!!! Est. for 2009 is that we will spend (and take in) 83M shillings ($46,000) which really doesn't seem excessive when you think there are 125 people to feed, house, medicate, educate and keep busy! 20M was for school fees and 10M for food ($1.00 = 1800 shillings). The total is higher than I thought and some projects won't get done, but it's such a positive step it's hard no to get excited (after years of no records and no plan).
Well, that's all - things are good here...hope it's the same where you are. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL....Corky arrives Friday nite - I'm getting pretty excited. Maria is coming to Kampala to meet him, too! The kids are really excited to see my "omwami wange".."husband yours". It's a short trip but that's probably O.K.
Best wishes to all!!!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Almost a Year - Feb. 6, 2008
In four days it will be a year since I left Minneapolis...WOW! I was so excited to go, but so sad at the same time. I've really enjoyed the time here, love Providence Home and the people at Nkokonjeru (most of the time), but two years seems long. Guess the one year point can be a "downer" for some and I can see how!
I'm feeling cheated by lack of internet access...RASD was down the two times I tried this week,ours isn't paid, and the hospital is always busy (plus I feel silly going there)....when I can't get it, I really miss it. Have to remember that many volunteers are WAY more isolated than I am! Took a quick trip to Mukono to reconnect and do the bank and P.O.
To Jessica - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I might not get back to all till Valentine's Day is over, too. It's not much of a holiday here, but am wishing all of you a Happy Valentine's Day. One week till Corky arrives - that came fast!!! So, I may not blog for awhile...depends on computer access and time available....will fill you all in later!
Last Sunday two men from the Rotary came to take pictures of the kids getting the wheelchairs. The 18 were free although PH had to pay a 20,000 shilling transportation charge/chair something that really surprised Maria who used to be in the Rotary. The residents (and several community members)were thrilled. We're having a bit of a problem with some residents using them too much....one boy uses a walker at PH and just needs the wheelchair to get out but he's loving the ride! We're afraid he'll lose the ability to walk so Nelson is going to "hide" his chair for awhile.
Kids are starting to come back from Holiday (amazes me how slowly they come back..miss a week or two of school - no problem? Some are still looking for fees and requirements). We have a new requirement that they register tho' some still try to sneak in! They were also supposed to bring a 20,000 shilling contribution toward food (not nearly enough but a start)...a few have, but most don't - they all have a really sad story or say "I'll bring it in two weeks". Sister said she'd send them home if they didn't have it, but she can't do it!!
It's been raining a LOT -several hours at a time and nearly every day (or nite)....not time for the rainy season yet so farmers are wondering whether to plant or not! Lots of power outages as poles fall.
Monday was a quiet day - worked on a puzzle w. Sanne (from Holland) and Nelson's kids, typed some things, went to the market and had a nice bike ride w. Holly - see how easy this is?
Tuesday was our monthly CBR meeting - lots of "events" coming up...Epilepsy clinic this Thursday; next Thursday is another orthopedic clinic by Katelemwa and March 2-6 the eye doctors from the U.K. will be here for the eye clinic (5 days/100/day!!!). Also, I am way overdue doing a year end report and Financial Statement (not my favorite activities!!).
Wednesday, things started to get busy (remember all that time I lounged away in January?). Didas and I made a year end Financial Statement for the shoe "business"...I'e been really lax keeping up the books and it took us several hours - it was good lesson tho'. From now on he'll keep track (he really was). We didn't do as well as I'd hoped. The Ugandan problem: when we bought the leather originally, Didas said we'd get 40 shoes out of 60 feet of leather and that's how we priced - but it's really closer to 25 shoes (he didn't want to tell me the real amt. in fear that I wouldn't go ahead and give him the money to buy it - same story as the pig shed!). And we didn't sell a lot (maybe that's a good thing)...so we're raising prices after this round (we have ads out at the old prices). It's really trial and error, but he's trying to adapt to American strategies and is willing to change!
Fred and I checked the piggery - the guys made the stalls (brick walls about 3'high) 6' wide instead of the 7' we'd told them - not sure how that happened - some were nearly 7' and the storeroom was 10' wide, and we don't need it that big. The brick layer just shrugged his shoulders and suggested someone could live in the storeroom!!! It's actually funny if you don't get upset - it appears they don't follow a plan...but the guy did have a tape measure! I can hardly wait for Corky to see the project...actually, the construction is good and they appear to be holding the line w. materials/money so I'm getting more optomistic! It appears the builder (and not the buyer) is in control in Uganda!!!
THursday we had the Epilepsy Clinic - Florence was back - saw 48 people! She said the hospital has agreed to send two nurses after the next one...just too many for one! We ate lunch at 5:30 (usually 2) and ended around 7!
While we were at the clinic an older man came to ask if we had any crutches...his son (18) was burning wood to make charcoal to sell to earn his school fees and his foot fell into a pile of burning wood and they had to amputate it below the knee. After the clinic Moses and I went to see the boy - such a good looking kid and so sad! Now he has no leg (a real problem here where everything is so labor intensive) and no way to earn school fees. The dad told Moses that he's already lost 5 children and this is his last. It's just so sad sometimes, it can be overwhelming.
(I learned later that the family tried local "medicine" for several weeks and by the time they came to the hospital it was hopelessly infected - must have been painful! Why do they avoid the hospital - cost? ignorance? mistrust? Who knows? - I ask and ask, but never get a straight answer)
During the clinic a man came to see Sr. J about his nephew, whose parents had abandoned. The boy is 14 and very mentally impaired...the uncle is tired of taking care of him and demanded that Sister take him. She said she'd look into it and get back to him and that it was his family responsibility. The guy said "I'll just let him die"...hard for me to appreciate the desperation - and how rude people can be to Sister when she says "no" or "maybe"....good thing the sisters pray every day!
We had a baby goat born yesterday....we only have one goat given to Sister. And Sunday I get to go to Moses' children's school to watch soccer and netball matches with the balls from the St. John Luther League - he said the kids are so excited!!! I'm the "guest of honor" - wish the St. John kids could be here! I'll send pictures home with Corky. I haven't used the money from the Women of the Church, but Sister and I decided to do something for the elderly - probably new bedding and blankets - much needed!
So, life here is never dull - well there are moments - but it turns quickly. I really miss the little kids and sometimes another year seems too long, but it will pass. I got tired of being at home sometimes - and look where that got me!!! I really appreciate your prayers, thoughts, letters, etc. Hope you are well and looking forward to spring. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY (early but well meant).
I'm feeling cheated by lack of internet access...RASD was down the two times I tried this week,ours isn't paid, and the hospital is always busy (plus I feel silly going there)....when I can't get it, I really miss it. Have to remember that many volunteers are WAY more isolated than I am! Took a quick trip to Mukono to reconnect and do the bank and P.O.
To Jessica - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I might not get back to all till Valentine's Day is over, too. It's not much of a holiday here, but am wishing all of you a Happy Valentine's Day. One week till Corky arrives - that came fast!!! So, I may not blog for awhile...depends on computer access and time available....will fill you all in later!
Last Sunday two men from the Rotary came to take pictures of the kids getting the wheelchairs. The 18 were free although PH had to pay a 20,000 shilling transportation charge/chair something that really surprised Maria who used to be in the Rotary. The residents (and several community members)were thrilled. We're having a bit of a problem with some residents using them too much....one boy uses a walker at PH and just needs the wheelchair to get out but he's loving the ride! We're afraid he'll lose the ability to walk so Nelson is going to "hide" his chair for awhile.
Kids are starting to come back from Holiday (amazes me how slowly they come back..miss a week or two of school - no problem? Some are still looking for fees and requirements). We have a new requirement that they register tho' some still try to sneak in! They were also supposed to bring a 20,000 shilling contribution toward food (not nearly enough but a start)...a few have, but most don't - they all have a really sad story or say "I'll bring it in two weeks". Sister said she'd send them home if they didn't have it, but she can't do it!!
It's been raining a LOT -several hours at a time and nearly every day (or nite)....not time for the rainy season yet so farmers are wondering whether to plant or not! Lots of power outages as poles fall.
Monday was a quiet day - worked on a puzzle w. Sanne (from Holland) and Nelson's kids, typed some things, went to the market and had a nice bike ride w. Holly - see how easy this is?
Tuesday was our monthly CBR meeting - lots of "events" coming up...Epilepsy clinic this Thursday; next Thursday is another orthopedic clinic by Katelemwa and March 2-6 the eye doctors from the U.K. will be here for the eye clinic (5 days/100/day!!!). Also, I am way overdue doing a year end report and Financial Statement (not my favorite activities!!).
Wednesday, things started to get busy (remember all that time I lounged away in January?). Didas and I made a year end Financial Statement for the shoe "business"...I'e been really lax keeping up the books and it took us several hours - it was good lesson tho'. From now on he'll keep track (he really was). We didn't do as well as I'd hoped. The Ugandan problem: when we bought the leather originally, Didas said we'd get 40 shoes out of 60 feet of leather and that's how we priced - but it's really closer to 25 shoes (he didn't want to tell me the real amt. in fear that I wouldn't go ahead and give him the money to buy it - same story as the pig shed!). And we didn't sell a lot (maybe that's a good thing)...so we're raising prices after this round (we have ads out at the old prices). It's really trial and error, but he's trying to adapt to American strategies and is willing to change!
Fred and I checked the piggery - the guys made the stalls (brick walls about 3'high) 6' wide instead of the 7' we'd told them - not sure how that happened - some were nearly 7' and the storeroom was 10' wide, and we don't need it that big. The brick layer just shrugged his shoulders and suggested someone could live in the storeroom!!! It's actually funny if you don't get upset - it appears they don't follow a plan...but the guy did have a tape measure! I can hardly wait for Corky to see the project...actually, the construction is good and they appear to be holding the line w. materials/money so I'm getting more optomistic! It appears the builder (and not the buyer) is in control in Uganda!!!
THursday we had the Epilepsy Clinic - Florence was back - saw 48 people! She said the hospital has agreed to send two nurses after the next one...just too many for one! We ate lunch at 5:30 (usually 2) and ended around 7!
While we were at the clinic an older man came to ask if we had any crutches...his son (18) was burning wood to make charcoal to sell to earn his school fees and his foot fell into a pile of burning wood and they had to amputate it below the knee. After the clinic Moses and I went to see the boy - such a good looking kid and so sad! Now he has no leg (a real problem here where everything is so labor intensive) and no way to earn school fees. The dad told Moses that he's already lost 5 children and this is his last. It's just so sad sometimes, it can be overwhelming.
(I learned later that the family tried local "medicine" for several weeks and by the time they came to the hospital it was hopelessly infected - must have been painful! Why do they avoid the hospital - cost? ignorance? mistrust? Who knows? - I ask and ask, but never get a straight answer)
During the clinic a man came to see Sr. J about his nephew, whose parents had abandoned. The boy is 14 and very mentally impaired...the uncle is tired of taking care of him and demanded that Sister take him. She said she'd look into it and get back to him and that it was his family responsibility. The guy said "I'll just let him die"...hard for me to appreciate the desperation - and how rude people can be to Sister when she says "no" or "maybe"....good thing the sisters pray every day!
We had a baby goat born yesterday....we only have one goat given to Sister. And Sunday I get to go to Moses' children's school to watch soccer and netball matches with the balls from the St. John Luther League - he said the kids are so excited!!! I'm the "guest of honor" - wish the St. John kids could be here! I'll send pictures home with Corky. I haven't used the money from the Women of the Church, but Sister and I decided to do something for the elderly - probably new bedding and blankets - much needed!
So, life here is never dull - well there are moments - but it turns quickly. I really miss the little kids and sometimes another year seems too long, but it will pass. I got tired of being at home sometimes - and look where that got me!!! I really appreciate your prayers, thoughts, letters, etc. Hope you are well and looking forward to spring. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY (early but well meant).
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