I have to check my dates more carefully....Gail found that last week I said "May" - wishful thinking? We just finished our PC Mid-Service Conference - it was fun to see everyone and fun to get away from PH for a few days.....but I'm more tired than ever!!! Will be happy to see my little apartment again and get "re-organized".
The presentation at Mulago went well. The Head of the Dept., Dr. Atai, really wanted it to be more family centered and it started well - but the Doctors could not resist the Ugandan tendency to "overtalk" and they got really technical....maybe the audience liked that, but it strayed from her intent to talk about malnutrition as a SYMPTOM of a larger dysfunctional system....ignorance, poverty, isolation.... I think I need to study more the effects of long term poverty on people's energy and inertia. I remember from Nickle and Dimed that long term poverty actually changes your brain chemistry and makes you have less energy! Mom came w. the babies but had to go for feeding time - Nakato looks better but still a long way to go. I was incorrect about her weight at entrance (4/9) - she was 2.6 kg (6 lbs)!!! at 2 years - is 8 lb. now.
Before we left Monday a.m. I talked to Fred and Vincent about the "pig class" they took on Friday - they said it was really good!!! We now have a formula to determine how much food/money we will need for the pigs' first year - might just get the 3 females - if we get a male we have to feed him for nearly a year before he even does anything - and then he only has to impregnate 3 females!!! Not productive enough for me! Sister got a call from someone who was selling maize flour for a good price and would also sell the maize bran(the outer portion of the kernel) - prices are rising rapidly because of the drought in e. Uganda and Kenya. So we bought a ton of maize bran (to mix w. our ton of wheat bran)...still need to buy some more items, but the big bulk items are in place. Now thinking we may wait a little more to buy pigs till we find out what the deal is w. the swine flu! No rush.....
I was impressed again w. what nice people I have to work with. Monday a.m. Didas was starting on the 38 pairs of shoes (and Simon is back to help), Moses could handle CBR w. ease, Nelson was a great addition to the Mulago presentation...and yesterday Sister J called me to tell me that it was St. Catherine's feast day and they all prayed for me!!! WOW!
Tuesday a.m. I met w. some other volunteers to be on a planning committee for an All Volunteer Conference set for the end of June - my one effort at helping w. PC Uganda - it should be fun and only a 2 month committment! Lots of programming ideas thrown around at the meeting. Next week I have my one year physical....we'll see how I'm doing. I'm curious about my cholesterol after a year in Uganda.
Not a long blog - the meetings were good, and the food was good, company was great, but not as amazing as life at PH. Hope you all have a good weekend. Big BD week for us - Ben, Dylan and Bert!!! WOW!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Saturday April 25 - Kampala Again
I't Sat. afternoon and I'm in Kampala again after swearing that I was not coming again this week ...but I'll get to that later. You might want a cup of tea before you get going on this one.....I cannot believe I still get so excited about what happens! Finished a book "St. Francis of Assisi" by G.K. Chesterton - actually good. Now starting one about Joseph Kony (the man who caused the problems in No. Uganda for 20 years and is still loose in the Congo). It was sent to me by one of the UK visitors! Two very different people tho' many think each was crazy!
On Monday last week we went to Kampala (CoRSU hospital) with the boy (Benicto) who'd had his leg amputated at Nkokonjeru after being badly burned and becoming toxic. Dr. Antonio wanted to reduce the stumpso he can get a prosthesis. No power in Nkoko so we had to stop at the Mukono hospital for an X-ray and then we stopped at a BIG place to get a TON of wheat bran to have for the soon to be gotten pigs (loaded it all in the pickup)....Fred went along to supervise that part of the journey. Long stops and got back late.
We had a busy CBR day on Tuesday - lots of clients - I'm not sure why so many, but it was interesting. One lady came w. a 10 year old who had terribly clubbed feet and never treated or been to school. The lady is a community volunteer and takes in abandoned children (she's brought others)....she comes from a village about 6 miles away and carried the girl on her back to Nkokonjeru (I gave her boda money to get back) We'll try to get the girl to see Dr. Antonio when we take a group for clinic day but it will be LOTS of surgeries and rehab time in the hospital....if done when they are little it's much simplier.
Wednesday was one of those days when everything worked!!! I went to Kampala early w. Sula because the truck was going in for service We left at 6 a.m. ( Sr. J didn't go - she was sick). I got off at Garden City and walked up to Mulago Hospital (25 min) and dropped off the pictures and information for the Doctor about the little girls (Barbara and Kizza)...stopped to see them and mom. They all look so good but think the mom wants to go home - she misses the other kids and it's hard staying in the hospital. Walked back to GC mall and got a matatu to the old taxi park so I could go to Kiempe Lane (the alley w. all the fabric shops) and got some scissors as gifts for the kids finishing 2nd year sewing...I was pretty proud that I shopped in Kampala w/o help and got the taxi for Nkokonjeru at the taxi park!!! On the way back I got a call that Stella Maris had the money for the shoes they ordered so when I got back I walked up there and got it and got it to Didas so he can go shopping! They are getting 38 pairs of shoes - it's for their students who are sponsored by an organization in the U.S., Caritas....nice cooperation of agencies!! I'll be sure to take some publicity photos.
On the way up to Stella Maris I got a call from the nurse who comes from the Epilepsy Clinic and Butabika Hopsital has some piglets to give to "peasants" with epilepsy and were were interested in being a distribution point? - SURE! Not sure how many or when but hope it works.
Pig and cow purchases are on their way. Fred and Vincent (the animal caretaker) are going to the "pig class" at the nearby commerical farm this week, and after training next week we'll all go to look at some cows that are possibilities. Still some planning to do, but it's on the way (YEA). Ended Wednesday w. a nice conversation w. Holly - they had a great time at Queen Elizabeth Park - saw the tree climbing lions and zebras (but no giraffe there). They slept in tents in the bush an heard lots of night sounds!!! Great Day!!
Thursday started out fine - Holly and I finished some more planting - the first group is up and looks good. Then did laundry and went down to PH to help Sr. J w. a computer project, but she was busy, then I went to copy reports and was gone - then she was busy again.... Then, she told me that one of the 2nd year sewing girls' (Medina) father died the night before - bummer. He apparently was in an accident (worked in Kampala and she stayed w. an aunt when not in PH - mom is dead), and sustained a bad head injury. Sr. Goretti and Sara and a bunch of kids were going to the funeral and I went along at the last minute - and was very glad I did. He was Muslim and it was at a large clan burial area really in the bush. Got to thinking as we waited, about all the losses these kids have - family members, health, mobility - but they are so resilient. They almost never quit, but I think it takes a toll on their willingness to take risks or to dream beyond the immediate and familiar! (or maybe that's poverty). Medina had an epileptic seizure two years ago and fell into a fire and was badly burned on the right side (face to hand)...but she's a good student and a great girl!
The days keep getting busier and stranger - I could never make this up!! Sister got me to go to Kampala AGAIN on Friday because she wanted to stop mid-journey and we had clients to pick up. We started out about 9:30 - had lots of stops - and some LONG ones including Sister waiting an hour in a bank line while we all waited in the truck in downtown. There were a couple of boys in the back we were taking to the taxi park so they could go home and they were HOT and HUNGRY. I bought some bananas from a street vendor to hold them. Finally, we got going, dropped the riders off at their various stops and proceeded to CoRSU. (There are always extra people along - when you go anywhere in Africa w. a vehicle it's an invitation for anyone and everyone to catch a ride).
We picked up Benicto and his father at the hospital - he was so cheerful after surgery! We got stuck in Friday afternoon traffic, but made it to Mukono about 6:00 to pick up 3 deaf students who come back to Nkokonjeru for Holiday (one lives at PH). I was worried about how to take them home since they don't talk (do have lively conversations w. each other in sign language tho')....but found out they stay in PH till their parents come to get them. Dropped Benicto and his father off w. the Italian nuns in Kisoga (two sisters about my age who run a clinic there).....they will keep his dressing changed and watch him till he goes back in a month - just adorable ladies!!! We stopped by his home, too - very decrepit structure, but the Sisters have built him a little 2 room house of his own - actually, they and the PCV who was there (left in March) build 67 homes like that w. donations from the U.S. (about $150/house)...nice cement floor, brick and tin roofs!!! Habitat got them started thinking about it but then dropped out because of problems w. the Government so they raised the money on their own (the PCV and the two Italian nuns - that's so neat!!).
I was asking Sula (the driver) about Muslim burials (since he's Muslim and drove us to the burial) and he said that the prayers were short (20 min) because the man was not an observant Muslim and drank alcohol - if he had been observant the prayers would have been 2 hours!!! (can I be glad he drank?).
Reading "The Camel Bookmobile" (not sure who sent it any more but thanks). At first the author annoyed me because she was writing about a village in Kenya w/o ever being in Africa then I wondered if the story bothered me because the "heroine" was an American lady who comes to Africa to find herself/do good and thinks that people should think like her! May be too close to home!
The Holland girls have donated money to put paving bricks on the entry to PH - great project. It was all washed and rutted and really hard to push wheelchairs up to the sidewalk. A not so funny aside I learned about when Sister was looking at paving stones yesterday. I saw the bid and the guy who's doing it built the boys' dorm in 2007 and looks competent - even did the extimate on a form w. letterhead! (I'm easily impressed). However, he quoted the bricks at 600 sh. each and then when he went to get them they were 800sh.....a 600,000 sh. difference!! And it's just too bad for the buyer!!! AMAZING! Sister is going to cover the difference since she's embarrassed to tell the girls.
Swore I was going to sit in my apt. all day on Saturday - then at 9 p.m. Firday nite I got a call from the Dr. at Mulago who's working on the case study and he wanted us in Sat. a.m. at 9 for a planning session...I was not happy, but here I am. I asked Nelson (OT) to come too and I'm glad he did! We met w. the Head of the Family Medicine Program at the Medical School - she's impressive!!! This will be Family Medicine's first time to present a case at Ground Rounds (ever) and she wants it to reflect the uniqueness of Family Medicine and to emphasize that Malnutrition is a symptom of a larger dysfunctional system....and she wants Nelson and I to present part - the background! (to medical students and staff). Some of the other doctors were a bit put out - it's not "how it's done", but she insisted on doing something different because family medicine should be holistic....I'm nervous but my part is really small! We have to meet Monday to rehearse and then present on Tuesday afternoon (I got permission to miss some of Mid Service for the presentation). Shoudl be very interesting - even having a Doctor talk about the molecular changes to the brain and body when a baby is malnourished - not just a recitation of clinical facts!!! Discussion to follow on "what to do?". It's SO important, because they can fatten the babies up but if they send them home to the same environment in 3 mos. they would be back where they started.
So, is your tea gone? Sorry I'm so long - tomorrow I plan to wash/clean/go over paperwork I've neglected - maybe even look at my grant application (finally - next review is May 14). It's been a busy, but productive week. I hear Spring has hit the midwest - baseball has started - I miss that, too! Could someone send Marigold seeds? - was just reading in the Kampala paper that if planted in the garden they repel bugs??
Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers!
On Monday last week we went to Kampala (CoRSU hospital) with the boy (Benicto) who'd had his leg amputated at Nkokonjeru after being badly burned and becoming toxic. Dr. Antonio wanted to reduce the stumpso he can get a prosthesis. No power in Nkoko so we had to stop at the Mukono hospital for an X-ray and then we stopped at a BIG place to get a TON of wheat bran to have for the soon to be gotten pigs (loaded it all in the pickup)....Fred went along to supervise that part of the journey. Long stops and got back late.
We had a busy CBR day on Tuesday - lots of clients - I'm not sure why so many, but it was interesting. One lady came w. a 10 year old who had terribly clubbed feet and never treated or been to school. The lady is a community volunteer and takes in abandoned children (she's brought others)....she comes from a village about 6 miles away and carried the girl on her back to Nkokonjeru (I gave her boda money to get back) We'll try to get the girl to see Dr. Antonio when we take a group for clinic day but it will be LOTS of surgeries and rehab time in the hospital....if done when they are little it's much simplier.
Wednesday was one of those days when everything worked!!! I went to Kampala early w. Sula because the truck was going in for service We left at 6 a.m. ( Sr. J didn't go - she was sick). I got off at Garden City and walked up to Mulago Hospital (25 min) and dropped off the pictures and information for the Doctor about the little girls (Barbara and Kizza)...stopped to see them and mom. They all look so good but think the mom wants to go home - she misses the other kids and it's hard staying in the hospital. Walked back to GC mall and got a matatu to the old taxi park so I could go to Kiempe Lane (the alley w. all the fabric shops) and got some scissors as gifts for the kids finishing 2nd year sewing...I was pretty proud that I shopped in Kampala w/o help and got the taxi for Nkokonjeru at the taxi park!!! On the way back I got a call that Stella Maris had the money for the shoes they ordered so when I got back I walked up there and got it and got it to Didas so he can go shopping! They are getting 38 pairs of shoes - it's for their students who are sponsored by an organization in the U.S., Caritas....nice cooperation of agencies!! I'll be sure to take some publicity photos.
On the way up to Stella Maris I got a call from the nurse who comes from the Epilepsy Clinic and Butabika Hopsital has some piglets to give to "peasants" with epilepsy and were were interested in being a distribution point? - SURE! Not sure how many or when but hope it works.
Pig and cow purchases are on their way. Fred and Vincent (the animal caretaker) are going to the "pig class" at the nearby commerical farm this week, and after training next week we'll all go to look at some cows that are possibilities. Still some planning to do, but it's on the way (YEA). Ended Wednesday w. a nice conversation w. Holly - they had a great time at Queen Elizabeth Park - saw the tree climbing lions and zebras (but no giraffe there). They slept in tents in the bush an heard lots of night sounds!!! Great Day!!
Thursday started out fine - Holly and I finished some more planting - the first group is up and looks good. Then did laundry and went down to PH to help Sr. J w. a computer project, but she was busy, then I went to copy reports and was gone - then she was busy again.... Then, she told me that one of the 2nd year sewing girls' (Medina) father died the night before - bummer. He apparently was in an accident (worked in Kampala and she stayed w. an aunt when not in PH - mom is dead), and sustained a bad head injury. Sr. Goretti and Sara and a bunch of kids were going to the funeral and I went along at the last minute - and was very glad I did. He was Muslim and it was at a large clan burial area really in the bush. Got to thinking as we waited, about all the losses these kids have - family members, health, mobility - but they are so resilient. They almost never quit, but I think it takes a toll on their willingness to take risks or to dream beyond the immediate and familiar! (or maybe that's poverty). Medina had an epileptic seizure two years ago and fell into a fire and was badly burned on the right side (face to hand)...but she's a good student and a great girl!
The days keep getting busier and stranger - I could never make this up!! Sister got me to go to Kampala AGAIN on Friday because she wanted to stop mid-journey and we had clients to pick up. We started out about 9:30 - had lots of stops - and some LONG ones including Sister waiting an hour in a bank line while we all waited in the truck in downtown. There were a couple of boys in the back we were taking to the taxi park so they could go home and they were HOT and HUNGRY. I bought some bananas from a street vendor to hold them. Finally, we got going, dropped the riders off at their various stops and proceeded to CoRSU. (There are always extra people along - when you go anywhere in Africa w. a vehicle it's an invitation for anyone and everyone to catch a ride).
We picked up Benicto and his father at the hospital - he was so cheerful after surgery! We got stuck in Friday afternoon traffic, but made it to Mukono about 6:00 to pick up 3 deaf students who come back to Nkokonjeru for Holiday (one lives at PH). I was worried about how to take them home since they don't talk (do have lively conversations w. each other in sign language tho')....but found out they stay in PH till their parents come to get them. Dropped Benicto and his father off w. the Italian nuns in Kisoga (two sisters about my age who run a clinic there).....they will keep his dressing changed and watch him till he goes back in a month - just adorable ladies!!! We stopped by his home, too - very decrepit structure, but the Sisters have built him a little 2 room house of his own - actually, they and the PCV who was there (left in March) build 67 homes like that w. donations from the U.S. (about $150/house)...nice cement floor, brick and tin roofs!!! Habitat got them started thinking about it but then dropped out because of problems w. the Government so they raised the money on their own (the PCV and the two Italian nuns - that's so neat!!).
I was asking Sula (the driver) about Muslim burials (since he's Muslim and drove us to the burial) and he said that the prayers were short (20 min) because the man was not an observant Muslim and drank alcohol - if he had been observant the prayers would have been 2 hours!!! (can I be glad he drank?).
Reading "The Camel Bookmobile" (not sure who sent it any more but thanks). At first the author annoyed me because she was writing about a village in Kenya w/o ever being in Africa then I wondered if the story bothered me because the "heroine" was an American lady who comes to Africa to find herself/do good and thinks that people should think like her! May be too close to home!
The Holland girls have donated money to put paving bricks on the entry to PH - great project. It was all washed and rutted and really hard to push wheelchairs up to the sidewalk. A not so funny aside I learned about when Sister was looking at paving stones yesterday. I saw the bid and the guy who's doing it built the boys' dorm in 2007 and looks competent - even did the extimate on a form w. letterhead! (I'm easily impressed). However, he quoted the bricks at 600 sh. each and then when he went to get them they were 800sh.....a 600,000 sh. difference!! And it's just too bad for the buyer!!! AMAZING! Sister is going to cover the difference since she's embarrassed to tell the girls.
Swore I was going to sit in my apt. all day on Saturday - then at 9 p.m. Firday nite I got a call from the Dr. at Mulago who's working on the case study and he wanted us in Sat. a.m. at 9 for a planning session...I was not happy, but here I am. I asked Nelson (OT) to come too and I'm glad he did! We met w. the Head of the Family Medicine Program at the Medical School - she's impressive!!! This will be Family Medicine's first time to present a case at Ground Rounds (ever) and she wants it to reflect the uniqueness of Family Medicine and to emphasize that Malnutrition is a symptom of a larger dysfunctional system....and she wants Nelson and I to present part - the background! (to medical students and staff). Some of the other doctors were a bit put out - it's not "how it's done", but she insisted on doing something different because family medicine should be holistic....I'm nervous but my part is really small! We have to meet Monday to rehearse and then present on Tuesday afternoon (I got permission to miss some of Mid Service for the presentation). Shoudl be very interesting - even having a Doctor talk about the molecular changes to the brain and body when a baby is malnourished - not just a recitation of clinical facts!!! Discussion to follow on "what to do?". It's SO important, because they can fatten the babies up but if they send them home to the same environment in 3 mos. they would be back where they started.
So, is your tea gone? Sorry I'm so long - tomorrow I plan to wash/clean/go over paperwork I've neglected - maybe even look at my grant application (finally - next review is May 14). It's been a busy, but productive week. I hear Spring has hit the midwest - baseball has started - I miss that, too! Could someone send Marigold seeds? - was just reading in the Kampala paper that if planted in the garden they repel bugs??
Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers!
Friday, April 17, 2009
I Think This Is 100 Posting!!! April 19, 2009
Sorry about the date mix-up last week...our COS (ending) date is April 9, 2010! Wishful thinking I guess!!! I started this blog on Friday and am finishing Sunday afternoon - good think it saved!!!I thought it was going to be shorter, but not now!!! Another busy week - but interesting (I hope to you all, too).
Easter Sunday was fun. The Holland girls boiled eggs and the kids decorated w. markers...and then ate them (some ate before decorating). We had a lovely dinner and sodas (a big hit) and Maria had brought 8 big baskets and candy that we handed out. The girls donated a big CD player to the kids - really a great present and much appreciated.
Monday Maria went back and I went home to re-organize and get the English final typed and copied. Took some girls to the market to buy some used clothing for Nantale (the girl w. the braces). They love to have money and shop! They are also very frugal! I stay away while they are bargaining!
The kids have started painting animal murals outside their dormitory rooms (giraffe, elephant, etc.)- each dorm got to pick one to identify itself and the Holland girls are supervising. They are really cute!! We found out that Saturday nite while the kids were at church someone came in and stole Bob's locker (he's the one w. MD in the wheelchair). Really a rotten thing to do!!! Sister thinks she knows who it is (former resident). Stealing is a terrible problem!
Tuesday, Sister talked me into going to Kampala to take Justine back to the hospital (I was hoping she'd go). I got Alex to do math class again...he's good and I give him a little money for subbing (1000sh - 60 cents!). We were supposed to leave at 7 and actually left at 7:20 (Holland girls went along to do shopping and tour the hospital) but a little way out of town we realized we'd forgotten a key to get copied so had to come back. REALLY left at 7:45 which is still good! Sr. Sara went along to do bakery shopping and it was a LONG day. Dropped Justine off in Entebbe at the hospital, went to town to buy material the girls wanted to make uniforms for Nelson's class, picked up Sr. Sara at the warehouse district (a madhouse), went to Katelemwa so they could see it, went to pick up plastic bags for the bakery, and then went back downtown to look for shirts they want to buy for Nelsons class....we met someone there to guide us and went through the labryinth of shops in the heart of the city - it's unbelievable! They finally got some nice dk. green polo shirts....then a quick stop at Logogo mall and we got back at 8!!
Wednesday I gave the Math final - no helping and no copying - really hard for some! Moses had gone out on Tuesday to see the home of the mom w. the malnourished babies we took to the hospital last week. SURPRISE - she has a husband who lives there, but Moses said, tho' they have land, they aren't working it! Also, there are older children living there and going to school when they have money but not doing much else (Moses was pretty disgusted w. them). The woman has had 15 children - five have died in infancy. No wonder she wanted to save this one! I was angry w. her at first for lying about having a husband, but can see she was desperate to get help.
Easter Sunday was fun. The Holland girls boiled eggs and the kids decorated w. markers...and then ate them (some ate before decorating). We had a lovely dinner and sodas (a big hit) and Maria had brought 8 big baskets and candy that we handed out. The girls donated a big CD player to the kids - really a great present and much appreciated.
Monday Maria went back and I went home to re-organize and get the English final typed and copied. Took some girls to the market to buy some used clothing for Nantale (the girl w. the braces). They love to have money and shop! They are also very frugal! I stay away while they are bargaining!
The kids have started painting animal murals outside their dormitory rooms (giraffe, elephant, etc.)- each dorm got to pick one to identify itself and the Holland girls are supervising. They are really cute!! We found out that Saturday nite while the kids were at church someone came in and stole Bob's locker (he's the one w. MD in the wheelchair). Really a rotten thing to do!!! Sister thinks she knows who it is (former resident). Stealing is a terrible problem!
Tuesday, Sister talked me into going to Kampala to take Justine back to the hospital (I was hoping she'd go). I got Alex to do math class again...he's good and I give him a little money for subbing (1000sh - 60 cents!). We were supposed to leave at 7 and actually left at 7:20 (Holland girls went along to do shopping and tour the hospital) but a little way out of town we realized we'd forgotten a key to get copied so had to come back. REALLY left at 7:45 which is still good! Sr. Sara went along to do bakery shopping and it was a LONG day. Dropped Justine off in Entebbe at the hospital, went to town to buy material the girls wanted to make uniforms for Nelson's class, picked up Sr. Sara at the warehouse district (a madhouse), went to Katelemwa so they could see it, went to pick up plastic bags for the bakery, and then went back downtown to look for shirts they want to buy for Nelsons class....we met someone there to guide us and went through the labryinth of shops in the heart of the city - it's unbelievable! They finally got some nice dk. green polo shirts....then a quick stop at Logogo mall and we got back at 8!!
Wednesday I gave the Math final - no helping and no copying - really hard for some! Moses had gone out on Tuesday to see the home of the mom w. the malnourished babies we took to the hospital last week. SURPRISE - she has a husband who lives there, but Moses said, tho' they have land, they aren't working it! Also, there are older children living there and going to school when they have money but not doing much else (Moses was pretty disgusted w. them). The woman has had 15 children - five have died in infancy. No wonder she wanted to save this one! I was angry w. her at first for lying about having a husband, but can see she was desperate to get help.
The malnourished baby
Fred and I met to discuss the pigs - we want to have stockpiled (or have money saved) for enough food and medicine for a long time - it takes about a year to actually "make" money from pigs - we get them at 2 months, they can be bred at 8 mos., takes about 4 months to gestate (3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days???) and then 2 months to sell the piglets (am I close, those of you who know pigs?).
Thursday we did the English Exam - I had to read it to some (and did help them). Am helping Nelson with Nantale's braces every day and getting her to walk a few times a day - it's exhausting!. Her grandfather stopped by and it's obvious he doesn't want her to come home any time soon. And he never brings her anything (even bananas) - I think they think she'll stay here forever, but she's not!
Nantale
Decided to take a quick trip to Mukono to check the P.O. instead of correcting English Exams (did that at night tho'). The Postmaster was out of the office and he has the only key to the mailroom!!! The guy who's there just shruged!!!
I was already on the matatu back when Nelson texted me and said the dad of the 15 children was in his room and could I come quickly! Got back and talked to the man (through Nelson) - he gave a different story than what Moses reported - said they had gardens/chickens etc. Think he was trying to make himself look good. Also, said that the babies died because the mom had children too close together and that it was TOTALLY her responsibility to do any family planning!!! (He neglected to mention he wouldn't give her permission or money to go to a clinic). He also said that if she stops having babies he'll get a new wife and have more because he wants a lot (like 10 living children isn't enough?)...but they have no money and no food! (which he denied). I was having a hard time hearing all this. Nelson was being WAY too polite! And he wants his wife home NOW!(probably to work). I told him to go get her - don't think Nelson translated it that way - Of course, he has no money to go get her! After he left I helped Nelson clean some oozing sores on Vanungi's ankle - (well, I held her)...she really screamed which is very uncharacteristic...must have hurt badly. I kept venting about the man!!
Both Bookkeeping and Tailoring got their exams done on Friday (YEA) so all are done...now to get reports done! I had the Math and English ones corrected in one day and the kids were amazed! Most did well. Nelson and I went by matatu to Mulago to see the mom and babies (2 and 4 mos.)...wanted to see why she lied about the husband (tho' after meeting him I can see why). The 2 year old looked SO much better - waving her arms and smiling at me!! I couldn't believe what a week of intensive feeding had done! And, apparently there is no bill (a service that is govt. sponsored - YEA), so she'll stay longer. Mom looked better, too! While we were there a young doctor stopped by and said that Mulago is trying to do more community based work (isn't everyone?) and he wants some pictures of the family home and was going to present this family as a case study at a staff meeting on April 28 and we were invited! If it helps get attention for the mom and kids, I'm all for it!
Got back at 8 (again - I'm really too old for this)...had a great supper of toasted bagel (New York Kitchen), spam single and cheese - wonderful!! Know it's LOTS of calories and fat, but it balances the Luna bar for lunch!!!
Satuday I went with the Sisters and some children to an event in Tororo (Northeast)....put on by Sr. Margaret, the former administrator at PH. Very nice, but LONG. Met some great "older" (my age) gals from Ireland who are working in the area for 3 weeks. They are totally frustrated w. Ugandans, but can't wait to come back!!! The place is irritating but compelling!
On the way back we stopped to see a milk cow at a baby orphanage in Iganga run by the Sisters.(that sentence is hard to get - sorry). They have 3 and need to sell one - she's had one calf and is pg again and looks good, but we want to look at some others. The sister in charge had really good ideas about feeding and care tho' - she's got it down! We need to have some reserve to be sure we can get good food and medicine when we need it! We left Saturday at 5 a.m. (actually 5:45 - 5 was the target time) and returned at 9 - and Sr. J still had a meeting to go to!!
I'm having a very quiet Sunday - actually trying to avoid people....need to "re-charge". Reading a good book Julie sent me (first book in weeks). I was sitting in Mass this a.m. in the back w. the kids thinking about how "church" isn't a building, it's a community....and that this has, for now, become my community....not family, but still people I really care about and enjoy.
Hope all had a good Easter and that spring is on it's way!!! Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers - goodness knows I need them!!!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
ONE YEAR DONE AT SITE!!!
Friday was the official one year point at site - our COS (Close of Service) Date is April 9, 2010. At 6 months I was just hoping to make it a year - who wants to go home between November and March? But now think I can make it - we'll see!!! Sorry this blog is long - it's a week and a half and it's been a busy time!!!!
For those of you who were sad when my bike was stolen, cheer up...it was returned. Wednesday nite about 9 p.m.there was knock at my door and a man (one of Holly's volunteers and someone I know well) was there w. two little boys (8 & 10?) who said they "found" my bike and were returning it...I gave them a reward, but later learned that they don't go to school and are known thieves in the area so they probably took it. Our guess is that when they heard the announcement at Market Day they figured it was too "hot" to ride or sell!!! Sister Victoria had seen them in the compound that day and chased them out. Holly thinks they took the lock apart by digging out the plastic w. a nail...Oh, well, it's back (YEA).
My gosh, a whole week and a half ago. That Thursday (4/2) was the Orthopedic Clinic and the Epilepsy Clinic....quite the day. It was raining in the am and people were slow to come, but they came...had 21 to see the Orthopedic Doctor (Dr. Antonio)and 55 at the Epileptic Clinic (plus the nurse brought 9 students to observe - w/o warning again). Our work crew was fabulous! Both groups were very happy w. the organization and turnout. I do little - I'm the "gopher" and questions answerer (as best I can). We were registering for the ortho clinic under the big jackfruit tree and Sr. Benna had hired a guy w. a chain saw to cut up firewood about 50' away - it was LOUD - such ambiance! Holly brought down a 16 year old from the hospital w. severe osteomyletis in her r. femur and the Dr. wants to do surgery ASAP!!! Mother has no money to send her (father left the family when the girl went into the hospital because the mother sold off their animals to pay - sorry guys). There are 6 more children at home now staying w. her sister.
Friday afternoon I went to Kampala, did some shopping and had a lovely dinner w. some other PCVs, and one mom from America!!! Ate lots that day - chicken ceasar salad, cheesecake, pizza - great stuff. Saturday I ventured out to a small town to meet the children sponsored by Jane from the U.K. who wrote to me (she found my blog and gave it a shot). Got to their school and had a good visit. There is one in nursing school in Kampala and 3 in Secondary in Lugo - the older girl comes home every weekend...the parents are gone and no extended family. I took pictures to send her!
Palm Sunday they started the service in the convent and and we all walked (w. palms) to the chapel...very impressive, but they read the WHOLE passion - phew! We had visitors from Holland (Bake for Life) - two really great couples. One of them had gotten 300 Euros from a friend to help a child in Africa who needed medical care (no problem finding one). I thought immediately about Holly's girl....Sr. Veronica took us up to the hospital to see her and her mom and they loved her. SO, she's going to get her surgery (YEA)!!
The Holland group was off after noon - these people are SO passionate about baking and starting bakeries in Africa - and Sr. Veronica is their manager of choice!!! I had to call Holly right away to tell her about the donation!! The girl is very undernourished - her hemoglobin was 2!!! She had given up and was in a LOT of pain and wasting away.
On Monday Sr. Juliet called Dr. Antonio and we got her scheduled for surgery Tuesday - plus another little boy who'd burned his hand on a live electrical wire and needed to been seen ASAP.
Joepsh finished the piggery Monday! (YEA) We still will cement the walkway but will use someone else - the building is SO nice - he did do a good job! Sent Gail a CD last week w. some pictures and will send more - now to research pig breeds, feeding and medication costs. Limiting the number of new pigs to the money at hand minus the cost of feeding and treating for 6 months! So maybe 3 new pigs. We have four left but they should be sold off soon. Will "move in" in two weeks when the cement is fully hardened.
In the afternoon Sr. Juliet took me out to see 34 acres a distance away that PH owns but can't afford to work....it's just bush and people have been making charcoal on it w/o permission....looks to me like a bulldozer is called for, but if we get it worked up it will just be manual labor!
Tuesday we took the two children to the new orthopedic hospital and got them admitted for surgery. Moses came along to translate and see the hospital - he's such a day brightener! The driver, Sula, is fun, too. I had a nice talk w. Dr. Antonio and also w. Dr. Andrew, the plastic surgeon about another girl at PH. Did my "muzungu stubborn" to get access - sometimes it helps! Most Ugandans see Doctors as unapproachable and rarely ask any questions!!!
During the day I got a call from Maria about Easter (she's coming!!) and from the bursar at Stella Maris who wants 43 pairs of shoes made! Never a dull moment!
Wednesday, things got crazier (possible?). Sorry if this blog is so random - I keep notes day to day and it's the only way I can remember and narrate! Wednesday a.m. I started out quietly organizing the CBR files from last week's clinics. Fred came and wants to pave the walkway in the piggery NOW but I said we have to wait till Sister starts a small project so we can share loads of sand and stones (not that I'm trying to be economical - I just can't think about it now - sort of a Scarlet O'Hara moment). The Bursar came from Stella Maris and agreed to our price and terms (YEA), but we need 1/2 down to get materials and start...he said that was possible but would take a few days. I think we'll get Simon (graduated) back temporarily to help Didas. Poor Didas...it's a big project and he's home in Kbale this weekend because the house he was constructing there (his wife is there - very common in Uganda for couples to work apart) collapsed in a rain storm 4/1.
Then Nelson called and said I should come to the office right away. Sr. Juliet was gone but Srs. Sara and Benna were there w. Nelson and a mom with a severely malnourished 2 year old and a 4 month old and their mom who'd been at the hospital for a few weeks after another 2 year old (this one's twin) died 3/15/09 at home of malnutrition. Hospital can't help them - their advice was that they go to Kampala to Mulago Hospital for an intensive feeding program. We decided to use some of the Holland $ for them and Nelson and I went to the hospital and got referral letters and made plans for Nelson to take them Thursday. Mom wanted to go home and tell they other 6 kids (oldest 12 - 2 have died) and again, husband left (also common in Uganda). Whew - at 3 p.m. I had nothing crossed off on my "to do" list.
Thursday I went to the hospital at 7 a.m. to see them off and neither Nelson or the mom were there!!! Bummer!!! They got there about 7:40. Unfortunately, for her, Holly was up and I vented on her doorstep!!! BUT, then Sister J. called and asked me to go w. them because we had to pick up the two children at CoRSU since that hospital was closing for the Easter holiday! I really didn't want to at first (that "to do" list was calling!), but am glad I did. Raced down to PH and got Alex (one of the better students) to present my English lesson (see, it's good that I prepare in advance), and talked to Didas about measuring the girls at Stella Maris that day and we took off - the hospital "loaned" us their vehicle and driver - we just had to put in gas. Sr. J. had to go to court that day for a hearing of the men who took the money from the UK optical group - that turned out badly - 9 a.m. hearing; judge came at 1:00; no one had called the suspect to come from prison - - rescheduled - so it was a total waste!.
Nelson and I got to Mulago - it's huge! Think Mayo on one level...got registered, did blood work and the nurses put an IV in the girls (the 2 year old weighed 8 lbs! - 4 mo. old slightly more). Nurses were great. We waited in the lines but when it came to seeing the Dr. we go muzungu treatment - and saw the top guy! Very impressive Ugandan Doctor. In the morning the mom just wanted to take the babies home - I think this is all getting too much for her - it's a HUGE step to go to Kampala and stay knowing her other children and gardens are untended. The mom seems very distant - she has such a vacant look. I tried to place it and thought of the picture of the mom in the classic dust bowl photo - just hopeless! They will stay at the hospital for a month - we gave the mom some money for food for her and X-rays - hope this works (thank you Holland). Had to wonder if we shouldn't have just let her go home and see what happened tho' we are convinced that the 2 year old would have died.
Picked up the kids at CoRSU at 3 (Mulago took only about 4 hours - I thought that was pretty good). Justine (the girl w. the leg surgery) has a huge "halo" in her leg w. pins and she and her mom will stay at PH till they return on Tuesday when the hospital reopens; the little boy and his mom went home - a really cute little kid. They said Justine was eating well in the hospital - maybe hope is restored! She's in a LOT of pain when she moves (and lays still) but made it on the trip on the bumpy roads w/o a whimper!!!She's one tough girl!!! It's still along recovery/PT time, but it should be O.K. in 6-8 months!! (YEA).
Friday is 4/10 - one year - and Good Friday. We got our garden planted in the a.m. and then I walked along w. the Sisters and kids - and many community members - on a Way of the Cross - walked around town and stopped at each taped up sign (they added a 15th station - the Resurrection!). It was really moving - someone actually carried a wooden cross and they sang - Sr. asked me to read the 3rd Station - quite an honor I thought! Our kids were there on crutches, wheelchairs, etc. I took pictures but they don't do it justice!
Rest of Friday I was finally able to work on the "to do" list - got the math final done and copied, worked w. Nantale to help her w. her walking practice w. her braces on, found some knitting needles in the storeroom for the girls who have someone who wants them to teach them to knit, did e-mails at RASD - just a typical day!!!
Next week is finals - then will do reports and onto re-writing my SPA grant and doing the PC quarterly report (ugh). We have a mid-service conference the last week of April - nice time to unwind!
I hope everyone has a HAPPY EASTER! The Holland girls are boiling eggs for the kids to color; Maria has donated money for a special dinner and is buying candy.
No Easter Bunny - but we'll make do!
After one year of sticking w. me, I really want to thank all of you for your generosity - of donations, packages...but mostly your generosity of spirit. It helps so much to know you're rooting for me and praying for me! Hopefully, I'll make it!!!
For those of you who were sad when my bike was stolen, cheer up...it was returned. Wednesday nite about 9 p.m.there was knock at my door and a man (one of Holly's volunteers and someone I know well) was there w. two little boys (8 & 10?) who said they "found" my bike and were returning it...I gave them a reward, but later learned that they don't go to school and are known thieves in the area so they probably took it. Our guess is that when they heard the announcement at Market Day they figured it was too "hot" to ride or sell!!! Sister Victoria had seen them in the compound that day and chased them out. Holly thinks they took the lock apart by digging out the plastic w. a nail...Oh, well, it's back (YEA).
My gosh, a whole week and a half ago. That Thursday (4/2) was the Orthopedic Clinic and the Epilepsy Clinic....quite the day. It was raining in the am and people were slow to come, but they came...had 21 to see the Orthopedic Doctor (Dr. Antonio)and 55 at the Epileptic Clinic (plus the nurse brought 9 students to observe - w/o warning again). Our work crew was fabulous! Both groups were very happy w. the organization and turnout. I do little - I'm the "gopher" and questions answerer (as best I can). We were registering for the ortho clinic under the big jackfruit tree and Sr. Benna had hired a guy w. a chain saw to cut up firewood about 50' away - it was LOUD - such ambiance! Holly brought down a 16 year old from the hospital w. severe osteomyletis in her r. femur and the Dr. wants to do surgery ASAP!!! Mother has no money to send her (father left the family when the girl went into the hospital because the mother sold off their animals to pay - sorry guys). There are 6 more children at home now staying w. her sister.
Friday afternoon I went to Kampala, did some shopping and had a lovely dinner w. some other PCVs, and one mom from America!!! Ate lots that day - chicken ceasar salad, cheesecake, pizza - great stuff. Saturday I ventured out to a small town to meet the children sponsored by Jane from the U.K. who wrote to me (she found my blog and gave it a shot). Got to their school and had a good visit. There is one in nursing school in Kampala and 3 in Secondary in Lugo - the older girl comes home every weekend...the parents are gone and no extended family. I took pictures to send her!
Palm Sunday they started the service in the convent and and we all walked (w. palms) to the chapel...very impressive, but they read the WHOLE passion - phew! We had visitors from Holland (Bake for Life) - two really great couples. One of them had gotten 300 Euros from a friend to help a child in Africa who needed medical care (no problem finding one). I thought immediately about Holly's girl....Sr. Veronica took us up to the hospital to see her and her mom and they loved her. SO, she's going to get her surgery (YEA)!!
The Holland group was off after noon - these people are SO passionate about baking and starting bakeries in Africa - and Sr. Veronica is their manager of choice!!! I had to call Holly right away to tell her about the donation!! The girl is very undernourished - her hemoglobin was 2!!! She had given up and was in a LOT of pain and wasting away.
On Monday Sr. Juliet called Dr. Antonio and we got her scheduled for surgery Tuesday - plus another little boy who'd burned his hand on a live electrical wire and needed to been seen ASAP.
Joepsh finished the piggery Monday! (YEA) We still will cement the walkway but will use someone else - the building is SO nice - he did do a good job! Sent Gail a CD last week w. some pictures and will send more - now to research pig breeds, feeding and medication costs. Limiting the number of new pigs to the money at hand minus the cost of feeding and treating for 6 months! So maybe 3 new pigs. We have four left but they should be sold off soon. Will "move in" in two weeks when the cement is fully hardened.
In the afternoon Sr. Juliet took me out to see 34 acres a distance away that PH owns but can't afford to work....it's just bush and people have been making charcoal on it w/o permission....looks to me like a bulldozer is called for, but if we get it worked up it will just be manual labor!
Tuesday we took the two children to the new orthopedic hospital and got them admitted for surgery. Moses came along to translate and see the hospital - he's such a day brightener! The driver, Sula, is fun, too. I had a nice talk w. Dr. Antonio and also w. Dr. Andrew, the plastic surgeon about another girl at PH. Did my "muzungu stubborn" to get access - sometimes it helps! Most Ugandans see Doctors as unapproachable and rarely ask any questions!!!
During the day I got a call from Maria about Easter (she's coming!!) and from the bursar at Stella Maris who wants 43 pairs of shoes made! Never a dull moment!
Wednesday, things got crazier (possible?). Sorry if this blog is so random - I keep notes day to day and it's the only way I can remember and narrate! Wednesday a.m. I started out quietly organizing the CBR files from last week's clinics. Fred came and wants to pave the walkway in the piggery NOW but I said we have to wait till Sister starts a small project so we can share loads of sand and stones (not that I'm trying to be economical - I just can't think about it now - sort of a Scarlet O'Hara moment). The Bursar came from Stella Maris and agreed to our price and terms (YEA), but we need 1/2 down to get materials and start...he said that was possible but would take a few days. I think we'll get Simon (graduated) back temporarily to help Didas. Poor Didas...it's a big project and he's home in Kbale this weekend because the house he was constructing there (his wife is there - very common in Uganda for couples to work apart) collapsed in a rain storm 4/1.
Then Nelson called and said I should come to the office right away. Sr. Juliet was gone but Srs. Sara and Benna were there w. Nelson and a mom with a severely malnourished 2 year old and a 4 month old and their mom who'd been at the hospital for a few weeks after another 2 year old (this one's twin) died 3/15/09 at home of malnutrition. Hospital can't help them - their advice was that they go to Kampala to Mulago Hospital for an intensive feeding program. We decided to use some of the Holland $ for them and Nelson and I went to the hospital and got referral letters and made plans for Nelson to take them Thursday. Mom wanted to go home and tell they other 6 kids (oldest 12 - 2 have died) and again, husband left (also common in Uganda). Whew - at 3 p.m. I had nothing crossed off on my "to do" list.
Thursday I went to the hospital at 7 a.m. to see them off and neither Nelson or the mom were there!!! Bummer!!! They got there about 7:40. Unfortunately, for her, Holly was up and I vented on her doorstep!!! BUT, then Sister J. called and asked me to go w. them because we had to pick up the two children at CoRSU since that hospital was closing for the Easter holiday! I really didn't want to at first (that "to do" list was calling!), but am glad I did. Raced down to PH and got Alex (one of the better students) to present my English lesson (see, it's good that I prepare in advance), and talked to Didas about measuring the girls at Stella Maris that day and we took off - the hospital "loaned" us their vehicle and driver - we just had to put in gas. Sr. J. had to go to court that day for a hearing of the men who took the money from the UK optical group - that turned out badly - 9 a.m. hearing; judge came at 1:00; no one had called the suspect to come from prison - - rescheduled - so it was a total waste!.
Nelson and I got to Mulago - it's huge! Think Mayo on one level...got registered, did blood work and the nurses put an IV in the girls (the 2 year old weighed 8 lbs! - 4 mo. old slightly more). Nurses were great. We waited in the lines but when it came to seeing the Dr. we go muzungu treatment - and saw the top guy! Very impressive Ugandan Doctor. In the morning the mom just wanted to take the babies home - I think this is all getting too much for her - it's a HUGE step to go to Kampala and stay knowing her other children and gardens are untended. The mom seems very distant - she has such a vacant look. I tried to place it and thought of the picture of the mom in the classic dust bowl photo - just hopeless! They will stay at the hospital for a month - we gave the mom some money for food for her and X-rays - hope this works (thank you Holland). Had to wonder if we shouldn't have just let her go home and see what happened tho' we are convinced that the 2 year old would have died.
Picked up the kids at CoRSU at 3 (Mulago took only about 4 hours - I thought that was pretty good). Justine (the girl w. the leg surgery) has a huge "halo" in her leg w. pins and she and her mom will stay at PH till they return on Tuesday when the hospital reopens; the little boy and his mom went home - a really cute little kid. They said Justine was eating well in the hospital - maybe hope is restored! She's in a LOT of pain when she moves (and lays still) but made it on the trip on the bumpy roads w/o a whimper!!!She's one tough girl!!! It's still along recovery/PT time, but it should be O.K. in 6-8 months!! (YEA).
Friday is 4/10 - one year - and Good Friday. We got our garden planted in the a.m. and then I walked along w. the Sisters and kids - and many community members - on a Way of the Cross - walked around town and stopped at each taped up sign (they added a 15th station - the Resurrection!). It was really moving - someone actually carried a wooden cross and they sang - Sr. asked me to read the 3rd Station - quite an honor I thought! Our kids were there on crutches, wheelchairs, etc. I took pictures but they don't do it justice!
Rest of Friday I was finally able to work on the "to do" list - got the math final done and copied, worked w. Nantale to help her w. her walking practice w. her braces on, found some knitting needles in the storeroom for the girls who have someone who wants them to teach them to knit, did e-mails at RASD - just a typical day!!!
Next week is finals - then will do reports and onto re-writing my SPA grant and doing the PC quarterly report (ugh). We have a mid-service conference the last week of April - nice time to unwind!
I hope everyone has a HAPPY EASTER! The Holland girls are boiling eggs for the kids to color; Maria has donated money for a special dinner and is buying candy.
No Easter Bunny - but we'll make do!
After one year of sticking w. me, I really want to thank all of you for your generosity - of donations, packages...but mostly your generosity of spirit. It helps so much to know you're rooting for me and praying for me! Hopefully, I'll make it!!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 1 - Almost 1 year!!!
I'm actually at the Bakery Computer - Sr. Veronica paid for this month so I'm maximizing usage!!! It's Weds. but thought I'd write before this got too long! (it maybe already is) I want to go to Kampala this weekend to see the girls the lady from the UK sponsors (she'd written to me)...and hope to do some shopping but not sure how the time will work out so wanted to get the blog done today. I do so like to cross things off my list! Back to where I left off - like this was a Soap Opera (well, it sort of is). I came back from Mukono last Weds. afternoon and Didas (the shoemaking teacher) had been locked out of the shoe room!!! (key was in the convent but not in the basket) This key thing is getting old...I will leave keys with Jenifer when I go Friday. The builder signed the contract to finish within a budget and by April 9 or there's a deduct in his pay...YEA!! Not sure it will work, but it's progress! He does good work, and I sort of think that as long as he's here, he's "employed".....once done he's "unemployed" so he's been making it last. Thursday our Supervisor, Jolie, from PC came to see the three of us! She came to PH for the tour and a review of my activities...we went over my grant application draft and she suggested I make things here look more organized...I'd made the narrative pretty grim hoping for pity, but she said it's better if it looks like your organization can handle the use of the money - makes sense! I said I'd re-work it over the school holiday (starts 4/24)...brain is too full now! Nice lunch w. Holly, Shari and the Sisters. The three of us sat together after she'd left for a re-cap - actually, we ended thinking we were all doing pretty good work!!! Friday was the opening of the new orthopedic hospital in Entebbe - CoRSU - built w. donations from CBM of Germany, Italy, Australia and Switzerland. It's BEAUTIFUL. Sister J said it looked like a "muzungu" hospital - it does (except for the latrine alternative - there are toilets but also latrines for those that prefer outside work). Very muzungu ceremony - timed speeches, snacks and sodas after and done quickly! Dr. Antonio (the orthopedic surgeon) and his wife were there (I'm continually amazed at how many people I know when I go to these events). He wants to come to PH next Thursday (2nd) for an orthopedic clinic - YIKES! Called Moses to start to mobilize - short notice and it's Epilepsy Clinic Day, too!!! But it was the Doctor's only time - surgeries start the next week at the new hospital! Moses' response was a slow "that means we willl be very busy" - no problem!! You have to love the guy's optomism and can do attitude (maybe he could work for Obama). I had the Sisters drop me off in Kisoga on the way home (1/2 hour away) for a village farewell for one of the departing PCVs. His Dad and Sister were visiting, too. Great ceremony - it's a small, poor community but they went all out w. the food, gifts, etc. They seemed to get such joy out of entertaining him - Ican see how leaving is a two way pull - but 2 years is enough!!! It has been hot, dry and very dusty - it was like this in Luweero last year for training and I thought it was Luweero! We got here (4/10) and it was cool and wet so thought Nkokonjeru has nicer weather - but it was just the change of seasons. But the rain is starting and we're planting the garden on Friday - I'm excited! Lots on the BBC radio about the floods in Fargo - 100 year floods??? Funny to hear "North Dakota and Minnestoa" on BBC! The pig shed is progressing - and looking good. I'm a bit nervous about the builder making the door in the big wall - he says "no problem" but they always say that. Fred noticed that someone was sleeping in the soon-to-be storeroom at night!! Supposed it looked cozy; Fred got a padlock! Sunday we had a party for Kassuli and Janet - two PH residents who graduated from universities this year! Quite an accomplishment for a disabled person - the colleges are not handicapped friendly. The kids got beef, rice and matoke - made it a BIG event. And in the evening Holly made pizza for the Sisters in her little "oven" on the gas burner! Amazing! Monday was a strange day - as many are. Lots of kids were late for English and I got peeved...ironic thing was that the lesson was polite ways to ask in English! Those on time got candy - I love bribery. After class I edited some written reports for the Holland girls - they are so fun and gung ho!! Didas needed some money from shoe sales to get materials in Kampala Tuesday so I went to my apt. to get it around 11. I went back to work on organization for Thursday, waited for the tailoring teacher (came at 1:30 for 11 class), went home at 3:00 for a cup of tea and my bike was missing!!! Someone had come up on my veranda, cut the lock and took the bike...in the middle of the day! It must have been someone who had planned for some time to know when I'm gone and to have a wire cutters! I was bummed! Fortunately, Holly was home to talk to. We told the sisters and then went to the police station to report it (picture Mayberry). I'm bummed - I really liked the bike! And who would think someone would have the nerve to do it during the day? Theresa warned me about things getting stolen - but I live in a convent!!! Sisters were outraged! Monday evening I went to the Market w. some of the girls and Holly - they even announced the bike theft on the announcements at the market!!! We had a good time - got "ice cream" from the guy who sells from a cooler on a boda (it's more like a slush) - he plays crazy tunes. Not Good Humor but close - nice end to the day! On Thursday Moses and I left early w. some children to see the PTs at Katelemwa Rehab Center. One girl, Nantale, was supposed to get leg braces (think 1950 polio ads - really)....I'd called and they said they were ready and just needed final fitting. Well, they hadn't started! We were there 7 hours while they made them. It was decided that she'd stay at PH for a few weeks so we can practice with her walking w. them (she's never walked and has virtually no leg muscles)....she lives w. grandparents. They are heavy and uncomfortable but she's trying! I called Jamie and Curt Sunday (Curt's Golden BD - 30th) and their Anniv (1st) good to talk to them. But it made me realize the hardest thing about living here is that there are no things that you can take for granted! Like power, but even that things will be done, that people will tell the truth, that things will happen on time, that transport will be reliable.... The locals understand how to live w. it - you live in the moment and use up what you have while you have it and wait if you have to, but I'm struggling. I want to know my lights will work tomorrow and the next day! At least I know I'll have food tomorrow - many don't know that! Still the old "stranger in a strange land" feeling....leaves me sort of unsettled and always on edge - and it's tiring! Enough whining - everyone has something bugging them! Heard you all got a late snowstorm - but Spring will come. Easter is very soon. We have finals the week after Easter and then report cards and then almost a month of holiday! We have our Mid-Term Meeting then. One year at site almost down and one year to go! It has gone fast. Wishing you all a good week. |
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