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!!!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
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).
Saturday, January 31, 2009
January is Almost Done - 1/31/09
January has seemed LONG - and to those of you in sub zero weather I'm sure it's been longer. December was so busy, and then the trip to London....January has just been there. School starts in a week so it will be busy again and I'll wish for the slow days!!!
The pig shed (called a piggery here) is going well...I'm struggling w. the business end (as you'll hear later), but the work is going fast. I'm sending Gail some prints to put on the blog when she gets them - will send more back w. Corky!
In my last trip to Kampala I got Moses' church's Youth Group a 2nd soccer ball since the girls were feeling left out! I'd gotten one ball I thought they could share.....but I didn't realize girls in Uganda don't play soccer (same reason girls in the 60s couldn't play full court basketball - they are too delicate). They can only play a version of basketball called "netball"...he said they could use a soccer ball, but I may get a basketball since it was my mistake. I told Moses that baby Fiona (now 7 mos) would play soccer and he said "Never". I told him that in 13 years when he's watching her play to remember me!!! They are planning a game day on Feb. 8 so I can watch and take pictures.
Last Saturday Sr. Juliet and I went to get the wheelchairs donated by the Rotary of the U.S. and distributed by the Rotary in Uganda. We started late (normal), traffic was awful (normal), had to meet the rotary member at Lubago Catherdral - then we had to wait for another group, then drop off his car at his parents since it has "problems". We got to the pick up site at 1 and they'd left at 12! Went to another site which turned out to be the Luweezi Conference Center where we spent our first nite in Uganda!! (at last, someplace I felt I knew). We got our 18 chairs and had to take the other groups' 6 in the back of the little red pickup - piled high and tied - dropped off theirs and came home - nothing is ever a straight line project!
On Sunday I actually was productive - worked on my school syllabus for Eng. and Math and worte up the basic standards for tailoring (starts w. threading a needle and ends w. making a gomesi - fancy native costume)...you can check off "Introduced", "Practicing" and "Mastered" - I think it will help up track progress from term to term for each student. Couldn't type Sunday because Sr. Veronica had taken the power strip from the bakery computer and no one could find it and she was gone! I know all jobs have their problems but it just seems MORE here. Also, with the big girls help, I got a tentative list of all the residents...need to type that and have Sr. Juliet look it over...a productive day...and had some coloring time!!
There's been a lot of rain this week (so now I can't complain about the dust)...it's about 6 weeks earlier than it should be and the farmers are understandably nervous about planting. It rains for about 2 hours at a time and it's hard rain.
I'm re-reading Audacity of Hope by BO - I'm finding it more interesting than the first time. Teared up at the end of the Chapter on "Family"...he's talking about the guilt of being an absent dad (for me, mom, grandma)..."am I out saving the world or feeding my ego"? I can relate!!
Monday I met with the builder of the pig shed...he built Fred's house (the business mgr.) and a piggery at the local teacher's college and Fred likes him. But it's SO different from U.S. planning...he gave Fred the figures w/o visiting the site or measuring...just gives an "estimate" from the description. He said Monday he made a "mistake" and needed to charge 1/2 again as much for his labor (would guess that was when he realized I was a muzungu )...I said NO - and he pouted. We did some negotiation and I tried to get him to realize that there is a fixed amount and he's using it all!!! He appeared unconvinced! On Tuesday I talked to Moses about his "estimate" and learned that that's the way things are done here - the builder gives you a guess and then adds on as he goes along!! I was horrified! Fred said he told him this was a final deal, but I'm really concerned. He came the first day to start w/o a tape measure!! Oh, and they don't have any equipment...he needed to borrow hoes, a wheelbarrow and gerry cans from PH - and ours are really in bad shape!!! (the 2nd day he did have a tape measure). I got up at 3 a.m. and drew out a plan w. dimensions to give him, but not sure he appreciated my input!!!
Now reading an Anne tyler book, "Back When We Were Grownups"...53 year old woman going through a "what if I'd...." moment - I'm enjoying it!
Fred (and Moses) are finding it hard to believe that in America you set a quote and if prices go up or you underestimate the amount needed the builder eats the difference....Fred at least said it sounds like a better system, but "it's not the way things are done here!" UGH!
On Weds. the two students from Holland were helping at PH and they decorated wheelchairs w. balloons and stickers and took five chairs and a bunch of kids on a parade through town...it was GREAT and the kids loved it! I'll send a few prints of that, too...words cannot do it justice. I really enjoy their enthusisam and fresh outlook!
THursday, Moses and I went to Mukono so he could get a feel for the Rehab Clinic there...talked a long time to their PT who worked at PH from '94 to 2000 (and left w. bitter feelings)...he had some good suggestions about improving our program...he thinks (and I agree) that we should narrow our focus more and really be serious about following up on the people we see instead of the scatter shot approach we now have. We can't help everyone - there are just too many - but to use our little money wisely I think we need to work intensively with the ones we do refer. However, it's not "my" program - I'll be gone in a year and they will carry on....I'm getting better at letting go!
Friday kids started coming back - our rule was that they HAD to bring 20,000 shillings (very little - $12) to help w. food costs for the next term. Sister said that if they didn't they had to go back home - well, she's caving w. the sad stories - everyone here has a sad story (and you never know if they are true)...she's such a soft heart! We were supposed to have a teacher meeting at 9 a.m. but it was raining and NOTHING happens when it rains....so it started at noon and went to 3!!! Lots of discussion of getting the kids organized into groups that would be responsible for various jobs and having student leaders and teachers as supervisiors - it's a great plan, but it's going to be hard to turn things around. We'll give it our best shot!!!
That's the week....my favorite accomplishment (not really my accomplishment) was to get Josephine a new cover for her wheelchair. She goes back to school sunday and the seat on her chair was SO ripped (it's a really sturdy one and she wants to keep it instead of getting the newer, lighter one). Didas (shoemaker) came back Friday for the meeting, and he got some material and covered it for her - she was SO grateful she teared up! It doesn't take much to do good deeds here (less than $10).
Sunday we are having the Rotary people come to take pictures w. the kids who are getting the new wheelchairs - should be fun!
Hope you all are well...talked to Emma for a minute on Thursday to wish her a happy(2nd) BD - she wasn't impressed w. my singing! Hated to think I will miss her 3rd BD, too....some times are easier than others. Have had some great discussions w. Holly and Shari about that topic and fortunately, we still are "down" on different days!!!
Best wishes to all....thanks again for everything! Happy February!!!
The pig shed (called a piggery here) is going well...I'm struggling w. the business end (as you'll hear later), but the work is going fast. I'm sending Gail some prints to put on the blog when she gets them - will send more back w. Corky!
In my last trip to Kampala I got Moses' church's Youth Group a 2nd soccer ball since the girls were feeling left out! I'd gotten one ball I thought they could share.....but I didn't realize girls in Uganda don't play soccer (same reason girls in the 60s couldn't play full court basketball - they are too delicate). They can only play a version of basketball called "netball"...he said they could use a soccer ball, but I may get a basketball since it was my mistake. I told Moses that baby Fiona (now 7 mos) would play soccer and he said "Never". I told him that in 13 years when he's watching her play to remember me!!! They are planning a game day on Feb. 8 so I can watch and take pictures.
Last Saturday Sr. Juliet and I went to get the wheelchairs donated by the Rotary of the U.S. and distributed by the Rotary in Uganda. We started late (normal), traffic was awful (normal), had to meet the rotary member at Lubago Catherdral - then we had to wait for another group, then drop off his car at his parents since it has "problems". We got to the pick up site at 1 and they'd left at 12! Went to another site which turned out to be the Luweezi Conference Center where we spent our first nite in Uganda!! (at last, someplace I felt I knew). We got our 18 chairs and had to take the other groups' 6 in the back of the little red pickup - piled high and tied - dropped off theirs and came home - nothing is ever a straight line project!
On Sunday I actually was productive - worked on my school syllabus for Eng. and Math and worte up the basic standards for tailoring (starts w. threading a needle and ends w. making a gomesi - fancy native costume)...you can check off "Introduced", "Practicing" and "Mastered" - I think it will help up track progress from term to term for each student. Couldn't type Sunday because Sr. Veronica had taken the power strip from the bakery computer and no one could find it and she was gone! I know all jobs have their problems but it just seems MORE here. Also, with the big girls help, I got a tentative list of all the residents...need to type that and have Sr. Juliet look it over...a productive day...and had some coloring time!!
There's been a lot of rain this week (so now I can't complain about the dust)...it's about 6 weeks earlier than it should be and the farmers are understandably nervous about planting. It rains for about 2 hours at a time and it's hard rain.
I'm re-reading Audacity of Hope by BO - I'm finding it more interesting than the first time. Teared up at the end of the Chapter on "Family"...he's talking about the guilt of being an absent dad (for me, mom, grandma)..."am I out saving the world or feeding my ego"? I can relate!!
Monday I met with the builder of the pig shed...he built Fred's house (the business mgr.) and a piggery at the local teacher's college and Fred likes him. But it's SO different from U.S. planning...he gave Fred the figures w/o visiting the site or measuring...just gives an "estimate" from the description. He said Monday he made a "mistake" and needed to charge 1/2 again as much for his labor (would guess that was when he realized I was a muzungu )...I said NO - and he pouted. We did some negotiation and I tried to get him to realize that there is a fixed amount and he's using it all!!! He appeared unconvinced! On Tuesday I talked to Moses about his "estimate" and learned that that's the way things are done here - the builder gives you a guess and then adds on as he goes along!! I was horrified! Fred said he told him this was a final deal, but I'm really concerned. He came the first day to start w/o a tape measure!! Oh, and they don't have any equipment...he needed to borrow hoes, a wheelbarrow and gerry cans from PH - and ours are really in bad shape!!! (the 2nd day he did have a tape measure). I got up at 3 a.m. and drew out a plan w. dimensions to give him, but not sure he appreciated my input!!!
Now reading an Anne tyler book, "Back When We Were Grownups"...53 year old woman going through a "what if I'd...." moment - I'm enjoying it!
Fred (and Moses) are finding it hard to believe that in America you set a quote and if prices go up or you underestimate the amount needed the builder eats the difference....Fred at least said it sounds like a better system, but "it's not the way things are done here!" UGH!
On Weds. the two students from Holland were helping at PH and they decorated wheelchairs w. balloons and stickers and took five chairs and a bunch of kids on a parade through town...it was GREAT and the kids loved it! I'll send a few prints of that, too...words cannot do it justice. I really enjoy their enthusisam and fresh outlook!
THursday, Moses and I went to Mukono so he could get a feel for the Rehab Clinic there...talked a long time to their PT who worked at PH from '94 to 2000 (and left w. bitter feelings)...he had some good suggestions about improving our program...he thinks (and I agree) that we should narrow our focus more and really be serious about following up on the people we see instead of the scatter shot approach we now have. We can't help everyone - there are just too many - but to use our little money wisely I think we need to work intensively with the ones we do refer. However, it's not "my" program - I'll be gone in a year and they will carry on....I'm getting better at letting go!
Friday kids started coming back - our rule was that they HAD to bring 20,000 shillings (very little - $12) to help w. food costs for the next term. Sister said that if they didn't they had to go back home - well, she's caving w. the sad stories - everyone here has a sad story (and you never know if they are true)...she's such a soft heart! We were supposed to have a teacher meeting at 9 a.m. but it was raining and NOTHING happens when it rains....so it started at noon and went to 3!!! Lots of discussion of getting the kids organized into groups that would be responsible for various jobs and having student leaders and teachers as supervisiors - it's a great plan, but it's going to be hard to turn things around. We'll give it our best shot!!!
That's the week....my favorite accomplishment (not really my accomplishment) was to get Josephine a new cover for her wheelchair. She goes back to school sunday and the seat on her chair was SO ripped (it's a really sturdy one and she wants to keep it instead of getting the newer, lighter one). Didas (shoemaker) came back Friday for the meeting, and he got some material and covered it for her - she was SO grateful she teared up! It doesn't take much to do good deeds here (less than $10).
Sunday we are having the Rotary people come to take pictures w. the kids who are getting the new wheelchairs - should be fun!
Hope you all are well...talked to Emma for a minute on Thursday to wish her a happy(2nd) BD - she wasn't impressed w. my singing! Hated to think I will miss her 3rd BD, too....some times are easier than others. Have had some great discussions w. Holly and Shari about that topic and fortunately, we still are "down" on different days!!!
Best wishes to all....thanks again for everything! Happy February!!!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
How's Life in Obama Land? 22/01/09
Saved a copy of the Kampala Newspaper from Tuesday - one of those "where were you when...." days! Lots of coverage and hype here. 50% of Ugandans polled think there will be benefits for Uganda - I think he'll have his hands full trying to make things better in the U.S.!!!
When I started blog notes last week I was complaining about HOT, DRY and DUSTY...but the last three days it's rained every day and much nicer and nites are cool! Don't expect it to last since all say the "rainy season" doesn't start till late March, but it's a nice break!!!
There are two university students from Holland in Nkokonjeru - one is at the hospital (she's in pre-med) and the other is at PH. They went to another site first but the site folded and they found us. Sanne is at PH - very nice girl and all gung ho. She's taking psychology and drama therapy but wants to change to midwifery! Nice having some new enthusiasm. Friday I was in town getting some things and saw her coming down the street taking Ferdico for a "walk" - he's blind, paralyzed and hydrocephalic (22) and she had him in a wheeled hospital bed going down the street with another little boy holding an umbrella over his head to keep off the sun! I'd never even considered that but he was loving getting out of his room! She's going to try to work with the kids in the a.m. - so far has been tough getting organized, but she's a hard worker!
Sr. Immaculate from Stella Maris Primary (up the hill in Nkokonjeru) was in the U.S. in December as a guest of a sponsoring agency, Caritas, based in Milwaukee. She came dow to PH to tell us about her trip and she went on and on about how wonderful the U.S. is. She asked "How can you live in Uganda knowing what you left behind?" She was impressed with things that work, the ease of travel, washers and dryers (I do miss my washing machine), just everything. "You people come here and say that living here is 'just fine' but how can you say that?". I said "because it is"...it really is fine here - it's not the U.S. but the U.S. has problems too. She thought AMericans wer SO friendly - so are Ugandans. I was a bit embarrassed!
Really having a slow time at "work" - two months is too long a break from school and Sr. Juliet has been gone a lot so we're not getting the paperwork done we'd planned -and I'm REALLY slowing down in the heat!! Saturday Holly invited me along while she taught the hospital nuns how to make pizza in her "2 pot oven" and Sunday we took a puzzle over and tried to work on it w. the elderly nuns (about 20 of them) - didn't take into account that many of them can't see well and it was a 1,000 piece puzzle!! A few stayed just for the novelty, but think we need a new activity. It was fun tho' - many of them remember the founder of the order and many schools and hospitals, Mother Kevin, who came from Ireland in 1903 and died in 1957...fun stories.
Sunday at Mass they sang "I The Lord of Sea and Sky" - almost cried, but made it. Reminded me of mission trips.
Monday I found a BINGO game in Nelson's room and Sanne and I played w. the kids...took awhile but they enjoyed it - had hard candies, pencils and stickers for prizes and made them choose one. They make so few decisions in PH I wanted them to have to make one. Lunch & dinner is always beans and posho or beans and cassava. Clothes come from charity. They got the idea quickly tho'! Will try that with the elderly nuns.
I got to watch the Inaugural on the Sisters TV. Power had been out for 3 days and didn't come on till 4 p.m. on Tuesday (8 a.m. in D.C.)...so I was a bit nervous, but all worked out well and it was fun. The Sisters had lots of ?? e.g., "what does "inaugural" mean?" "Is that his house?". They were again very impressed by the orderliness of the transfer and how short the ceremony was (Ugandans would have gone over 3 hours w. speeches they said). It was very impressive, if strange, to watch 8000 miles away from home. I really loved the last minister - he was great!!!
Right as it ended Sr.Goretti saw a rat streak across the floor and she and Sr. Sara started to chase it with sticks, under furniture, around the walls - screaming the whole time. It was hilarious! Don't know where it went - probably died of fright!!!
Yesterday I joined the Sisters for Supper again - a farewell for Sr. Melody. She's going for 6 months of spiritual study (?) and then will most likely get a new assignment! Several of the nuns have been reassigned...the headmistress at St. Anthony's Secondary, Sr. Mary Ruth, Sr. Immaculate of Stella Maris and the head of the convent, Sr. Felicitus...I'm really sad to see them go, but they move a lot I guess...mostly bigger jobs!
I really want to say THANKS to St. Johns Church (my church)...they are donating two years of Mission funds to PH and we're going to build a new shed for our pigs....we've been using an old shed at a nearby farm and it's falling down and a big pig got stollen recently. Fred, the new farm/business manager, has designed one that will work into an extension of our present wall and be adjacent to PH so much easier and safer. Also, we're hoping to use some donated $ to buy some new piglets - better breeds - and try to start a really viable income generating project. It's great to be able to do this for PH - again, thanks much everyone!
Hope you are all well. I hear the weather has been up and down with some DOWNS in Minnesota!!! Stay warm...that I don't miss!!! I'm anxious for our school to start again (Feb. 9) so I'll have to follow a schedule...when I'm not forced to be busy I can get pretty lazy, and then also seem to get down on being here - not that I want to come back but small things bother me - the Ugandana propensity to not want to try to new things or to be satisfied w. things that don't work when there is an answer....but I'm sure we Americans have our quirks - we do, don't we?
All in all, things are going well. Saturday Sister and I will pick up 18 wheelchairs donated by the Rotary....will be great for kids whose chairs are really wrecked or who never had one. Great addition!!! Thanks again for all your prayers and thoughts. Couldn't do it w/o knowing you're behind me!!
When I started blog notes last week I was complaining about HOT, DRY and DUSTY...but the last three days it's rained every day and much nicer and nites are cool! Don't expect it to last since all say the "rainy season" doesn't start till late March, but it's a nice break!!!
There are two university students from Holland in Nkokonjeru - one is at the hospital (she's in pre-med) and the other is at PH. They went to another site first but the site folded and they found us. Sanne is at PH - very nice girl and all gung ho. She's taking psychology and drama therapy but wants to change to midwifery! Nice having some new enthusiasm. Friday I was in town getting some things and saw her coming down the street taking Ferdico for a "walk" - he's blind, paralyzed and hydrocephalic (22) and she had him in a wheeled hospital bed going down the street with another little boy holding an umbrella over his head to keep off the sun! I'd never even considered that but he was loving getting out of his room! She's going to try to work with the kids in the a.m. - so far has been tough getting organized, but she's a hard worker!
Sr. Immaculate from Stella Maris Primary (up the hill in Nkokonjeru) was in the U.S. in December as a guest of a sponsoring agency, Caritas, based in Milwaukee. She came dow to PH to tell us about her trip and she went on and on about how wonderful the U.S. is. She asked "How can you live in Uganda knowing what you left behind?" She was impressed with things that work, the ease of travel, washers and dryers (I do miss my washing machine), just everything. "You people come here and say that living here is 'just fine' but how can you say that?". I said "because it is"...it really is fine here - it's not the U.S. but the U.S. has problems too. She thought AMericans wer SO friendly - so are Ugandans. I was a bit embarrassed!
Really having a slow time at "work" - two months is too long a break from school and Sr. Juliet has been gone a lot so we're not getting the paperwork done we'd planned -and I'm REALLY slowing down in the heat!! Saturday Holly invited me along while she taught the hospital nuns how to make pizza in her "2 pot oven" and Sunday we took a puzzle over and tried to work on it w. the elderly nuns (about 20 of them) - didn't take into account that many of them can't see well and it was a 1,000 piece puzzle!! A few stayed just for the novelty, but think we need a new activity. It was fun tho' - many of them remember the founder of the order and many schools and hospitals, Mother Kevin, who came from Ireland in 1903 and died in 1957...fun stories.
Sunday at Mass they sang "I The Lord of Sea and Sky" - almost cried, but made it. Reminded me of mission trips.
Monday I found a BINGO game in Nelson's room and Sanne and I played w. the kids...took awhile but they enjoyed it - had hard candies, pencils and stickers for prizes and made them choose one. They make so few decisions in PH I wanted them to have to make one. Lunch & dinner is always beans and posho or beans and cassava. Clothes come from charity. They got the idea quickly tho'! Will try that with the elderly nuns.
I got to watch the Inaugural on the Sisters TV. Power had been out for 3 days and didn't come on till 4 p.m. on Tuesday (8 a.m. in D.C.)...so I was a bit nervous, but all worked out well and it was fun. The Sisters had lots of ?? e.g., "what does "inaugural" mean?" "Is that his house?". They were again very impressed by the orderliness of the transfer and how short the ceremony was (Ugandans would have gone over 3 hours w. speeches they said). It was very impressive, if strange, to watch 8000 miles away from home. I really loved the last minister - he was great!!!
Right as it ended Sr.Goretti saw a rat streak across the floor and she and Sr. Sara started to chase it with sticks, under furniture, around the walls - screaming the whole time. It was hilarious! Don't know where it went - probably died of fright!!!
Yesterday I joined the Sisters for Supper again - a farewell for Sr. Melody. She's going for 6 months of spiritual study (?) and then will most likely get a new assignment! Several of the nuns have been reassigned...the headmistress at St. Anthony's Secondary, Sr. Mary Ruth, Sr. Immaculate of Stella Maris and the head of the convent, Sr. Felicitus...I'm really sad to see them go, but they move a lot I guess...mostly bigger jobs!
I really want to say THANKS to St. Johns Church (my church)...they are donating two years of Mission funds to PH and we're going to build a new shed for our pigs....we've been using an old shed at a nearby farm and it's falling down and a big pig got stollen recently. Fred, the new farm/business manager, has designed one that will work into an extension of our present wall and be adjacent to PH so much easier and safer. Also, we're hoping to use some donated $ to buy some new piglets - better breeds - and try to start a really viable income generating project. It's great to be able to do this for PH - again, thanks much everyone!
Hope you are all well. I hear the weather has been up and down with some DOWNS in Minnesota!!! Stay warm...that I don't miss!!! I'm anxious for our school to start again (Feb. 9) so I'll have to follow a schedule...when I'm not forced to be busy I can get pretty lazy, and then also seem to get down on being here - not that I want to come back but small things bother me - the Ugandana propensity to not want to try to new things or to be satisfied w. things that don't work when there is an answer....but I'm sure we Americans have our quirks - we do, don't we?
All in all, things are going well. Saturday Sister and I will pick up 18 wheelchairs donated by the Rotary....will be great for kids whose chairs are really wrecked or who never had one. Great addition!!! Thanks again for all your prayers and thoughts. Couldn't do it w/o knowing you're behind me!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
At the Peace Corps Office - January 15, 2009
Hello to all! Hope you are enjoying 2009...hear it's cold in Minnesota. Very hot, dry and DUSTY here. I was cleaning my apt. Sunday thinking about how the dust just keeps coming back....was wondering if, by next Jan, I won't care and will let it go (Holly says "no, you're too compulsive")....we'll see!! You can wipe up the floor every day and it still looks bad! I've limited myself to 2x/week! Floors are concrete and painted a dark reddish brown so the light red dust really shows.
The week has been good. I'm in the Peace Corps office today using the volunteer computer - pretty fast!!! Yesterday I finally got Sr. Juliet to sit down and go over a Small Project Assistance Grant application I'd started in October for things for the Vocational School....she's been gone, or busy or distracted!!! She liked it and I wanted to bring the rough copy in to PC before I do any more work and see, #1, if it's doable and, #2 how much more work it will take before they submit it. If it doesn't fly that's O.K, but I think it should (am a bit prejudiced).
Last Saturday Sr. Goretti and I took a load of kids to a Thanksgiving Mass out in one of the villages organized by a lady called Mama Deo, who is a tireless worker for the disabled. We had about 18 kids in the back of the red pickup - Sr. G decided to take the really disabled ones...Ambrose, Innocent and Jamil who can't walk, Anastasia who has diabetes, HIV and sickle cell (and is really thin)...the ones who usually don't get to go anywhere - plus just about everyone else. The kids sang all the way there and back...Moses and his wife came along, too. There was a Mass, a large Baptism (15 kids), speeches and lunch.
I wish I was better at describing the day. As much as I read you'd think I could write! It was long, hot and dusty, but great!! There were about 200 villagers - very poor people, but they rented some tents and chairs and had a get together. There were a number of disabled children from the area that they introduced...many who have been helped through PH. The priest's sermon was interesting - he went on a tirade about unmarried parents asking for their child to be baptized. NO sugar on that talk! Lots of speeches, great meal - just so generous coming from such poor people! The kids love to go anywhere in the truck - plus got to eat matoke (steamed, mashed bannana)!!!
There was a time in the past when PH accepted the charge for all the hospital stays for the disabled and paid for transport for many, but we can't do that anymore....racked up huge bills that are still there. So, most will have to make some contribution - maybe next year we won't be so popular. We are finding that many people can pay some and I think it's good for them to make a contribution.
Funny of the week....Sunday Holly sent me a text that there was a cat dying on her lawn..I went over and couldn't even look. It was breathing, but really gone..yuk! Sr. Magwali stopped by (she's a nurse at the hospital) and she discovered that the cat had an enormous tapeworm (some coming out it's butt). Finally, the security guard took it away somewhere! Kids here get de-wormer at school and the local council gives them out free to other children!
Monday's morning coffe discussion at the convent was about a tribe in Northern Uganda that has a tradition of eating their first born. The Sisters say it's true - even if not, the fact they believe it is amazing! You never know what the conversation will be around their table.
Sr. Juliet hired a young lady to do a crash course in sewing with the four 2nd year students - she's really doing a great job. Tuesday we took the kids to Kampala to get material to work on - making jumpers, shirts, shorts and one outfit for themselves. There is one street (alley?) in downtown Kampala where you buy mateial, scissors, bobbins, etc. It's SO crowded and noisy...think the kids were a bit overwhelmed (I was and it's my 2nd time). We did well tho'...got the supplies we needed. They were supposed to pick out 3 Metes each for their outfit but they all choose the same fabric!! They have so little experience making decisions - all are made for them. I am still using money donated by Maria's family for the vocational program....nice to have for "special" events! We also got some new sewing scissors, bobbins, needles, pins, etc....I painted numbers on everything numbered now and they are each responsible so that "their" things don't get "lost" or stolen!
Nelson has stated his Wednesday Cerebral Palssy exercise class...has about 10 small children and parents who will come every week for exercies. It's a neat project sponsored by the agency that pays him....the parents seemed very motivated. Sister J took them around PH and after the parents saw some of the residents they said to her that their kids didn't seem so bad!!!
Ended Weds. w. Mass in the chapel and dinner at Holly's. As I was looking around at the little group in the chapel I was struck by how much I have learned to like these kids....their stories, disabilities, smiles, and how much fun they are. It's really not much of a hardship to be here! I do miss everyone, but it's a neat expereience!
Hope you are all well and surviving the cold. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
I'm excited to see Corky in February....wonder how he will "see" Nkokojeru and PH?
The week has been good. I'm in the Peace Corps office today using the volunteer computer - pretty fast!!! Yesterday I finally got Sr. Juliet to sit down and go over a Small Project Assistance Grant application I'd started in October for things for the Vocational School....she's been gone, or busy or distracted!!! She liked it and I wanted to bring the rough copy in to PC before I do any more work and see, #1, if it's doable and, #2 how much more work it will take before they submit it. If it doesn't fly that's O.K, but I think it should (am a bit prejudiced).
Last Saturday Sr. Goretti and I took a load of kids to a Thanksgiving Mass out in one of the villages organized by a lady called Mama Deo, who is a tireless worker for the disabled. We had about 18 kids in the back of the red pickup - Sr. G decided to take the really disabled ones...Ambrose, Innocent and Jamil who can't walk, Anastasia who has diabetes, HIV and sickle cell (and is really thin)...the ones who usually don't get to go anywhere - plus just about everyone else. The kids sang all the way there and back...Moses and his wife came along, too. There was a Mass, a large Baptism (15 kids), speeches and lunch.
I wish I was better at describing the day. As much as I read you'd think I could write! It was long, hot and dusty, but great!! There were about 200 villagers - very poor people, but they rented some tents and chairs and had a get together. There were a number of disabled children from the area that they introduced...many who have been helped through PH. The priest's sermon was interesting - he went on a tirade about unmarried parents asking for their child to be baptized. NO sugar on that talk! Lots of speeches, great meal - just so generous coming from such poor people! The kids love to go anywhere in the truck - plus got to eat matoke (steamed, mashed bannana)!!!
There was a time in the past when PH accepted the charge for all the hospital stays for the disabled and paid for transport for many, but we can't do that anymore....racked up huge bills that are still there. So, most will have to make some contribution - maybe next year we won't be so popular. We are finding that many people can pay some and I think it's good for them to make a contribution.
Funny of the week....Sunday Holly sent me a text that there was a cat dying on her lawn..I went over and couldn't even look. It was breathing, but really gone..yuk! Sr. Magwali stopped by (she's a nurse at the hospital) and she discovered that the cat had an enormous tapeworm (some coming out it's butt). Finally, the security guard took it away somewhere! Kids here get de-wormer at school and the local council gives them out free to other children!
Monday's morning coffe discussion at the convent was about a tribe in Northern Uganda that has a tradition of eating their first born. The Sisters say it's true - even if not, the fact they believe it is amazing! You never know what the conversation will be around their table.
Sr. Juliet hired a young lady to do a crash course in sewing with the four 2nd year students - she's really doing a great job. Tuesday we took the kids to Kampala to get material to work on - making jumpers, shirts, shorts and one outfit for themselves. There is one street (alley?) in downtown Kampala where you buy mateial, scissors, bobbins, etc. It's SO crowded and noisy...think the kids were a bit overwhelmed (I was and it's my 2nd time). We did well tho'...got the supplies we needed. They were supposed to pick out 3 Metes each for their outfit but they all choose the same fabric!! They have so little experience making decisions - all are made for them. I am still using money donated by Maria's family for the vocational program....nice to have for "special" events! We also got some new sewing scissors, bobbins, needles, pins, etc....I painted numbers on everything numbered now and they are each responsible so that "their" things don't get "lost" or stolen!
Nelson has stated his Wednesday Cerebral Palssy exercise class...has about 10 small children and parents who will come every week for exercies. It's a neat project sponsored by the agency that pays him....the parents seemed very motivated. Sister J took them around PH and after the parents saw some of the residents they said to her that their kids didn't seem so bad!!!
Ended Weds. w. Mass in the chapel and dinner at Holly's. As I was looking around at the little group in the chapel I was struck by how much I have learned to like these kids....their stories, disabilities, smiles, and how much fun they are. It's really not much of a hardship to be here! I do miss everyone, but it's a neat expereience!
Hope you are all well and surviving the cold. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
I'm excited to see Corky in February....wonder how he will "see" Nkokojeru and PH?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Happy New Year - January 9, 2009
2008 is gone - but guess you all figured that out already. Tomorrow will be 11 months since I left home....it's gone FAST! Time really does speed up as you get older! Don't know if I've accomplished anything or changed myself for the better, but it's been an interesting experience!
After the fabulous Christmas party at Proidence Home I was off to London. Riley recognized my (but complained that my hair was different - shorter on top). Emma was cautious and Tucker just goes w. the flow. We had a great hotel with a kitchen in So. Kensington - close to lots of stuff. It was a struggle some days to get out and see places before the little ones (and big ones) got too tired/hungry but we did well! We did the city bus tour two days and saw the Tower of London, walked to Buckingham Palace, Trafalger Square, Big Ben, Westminster and, of course, to the Burberry shop and Harrods (world's largest department store - it was PACKED!). We were only about 10 minutes from the Natural History Musueum so we went 3x - it was free - great dinasour exhibits! We did a whole day bus trip to Windsor Castle, Stonhenge and the Roman ruins at Bath so got to see some of the countryside, too. We finished Saturday at the zoo! Everyone did great - Emma got sick once and Gail and Tucker had some problems, but it all worked out. It was cool (3C) - but I had long underwear, sweaters and two jackets!
It was very hard to say goodbye at the airport. On the plane home I had to keep reading all nite to keep from crying! I finished LONDON by Wm. Rutherford...a Mitchner type family saga over the ages (40 BC to 1997) that was fun because we'd just been in the places, and started the sequel to Pillars of the Earth, WORLD W/O END - am enjoying that - also set in England!
I think I'd forgotten how much I miss the little people. I am hoping to go home in August for 3 weeks and Holly is worried that I won't come back. They are at such fun ages....say the neatest things - sometimes wise, sometimes just hilarious.
Got home and washed clothes and went down to PH and was so warmly greeted by the kids and Sisters it helped a LOT. Ended the day w. a walk w. Holly (I whined, she listened). Life is good here too (I just want it ALL)!
Tuesday was the day of Sister Juliet's Profession at the Convent...I walked out my door at 9 a.m. and there were two soldiers WITH GUNS sitting on my front step! President Museveni was coming (he knew one of the nuns who was celebrating her 25th Jubilee). There were First Professions(4 years), Final (perpetual) Professions (another 6 years) and Jublilee nuns (25 and 50 years). A huge crowd under tents on the convent grounds - the convent is BIG but it was crowded! The security guards took my camera (darn)...had to take it back to my apartment. It was a four hour ceremony but really entertaining. The President spoke at the end. In her speech the Mother Superior asked the President to fix the road to Nkokonjeru (it's awful)..she said "for the hospital's sake". He said he would, but didn't give a date!(been promised before) After the Mass the groups divided and each celebrated nuns' village/family put out food they'd cooked before and fed their crowd - very organized and everyone ate! Sort of like a group wedding w. dinners - but our brides don't have to prostate themselves on the floor before their husbands (thank goodness). Saw some kids from town w. ripped and dirty clothes who just came to the convent for the free food - there was plenty for all!!!
It finally rained this week....most say the rainy season won't start till February/March but it was a welcome relief from the heat and dust! Lots of chirping at dusk!
We had the Epilepsy Clinic on Thursday - saw 42 clients - so I got back to work and it felt good! At the London Airport I got the Sisters the DVD of Sound of Music and Song of Bernadette (old black & white)...saw some of them watching it and they loved it!!! Lots of commentary!
I sent some pictures w. Gail - I haven't checked but am sure she has them up...had some of our pigs and "borrowed" pig shed (piggery)....am thinking that the Church money left would be well used to construct a new shed. Our new business manager (Fred), made up a plan and wants to put it just outside our walls w. a wall around it since a big pig just got stolen from the old one which is off site. Hope that works for you all...know the pigs look thin....they eat mostly garbage but that's how it's done here. It's a good income generator and would fit right into the plan.
Hope you are all doing well and enduring the cold. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2009. Thanks again and again for all your thougthts and prayers.
P.S. to the lady who wrote that she was coming in Feb. as a PCV in Uganda please e-mail me at kathywesterman@hotmail.com - I'd love to talk to you!
After the fabulous Christmas party at Proidence Home I was off to London. Riley recognized my (but complained that my hair was different - shorter on top). Emma was cautious and Tucker just goes w. the flow. We had a great hotel with a kitchen in So. Kensington - close to lots of stuff. It was a struggle some days to get out and see places before the little ones (and big ones) got too tired/hungry but we did well! We did the city bus tour two days and saw the Tower of London, walked to Buckingham Palace, Trafalger Square, Big Ben, Westminster and, of course, to the Burberry shop and Harrods (world's largest department store - it was PACKED!). We were only about 10 minutes from the Natural History Musueum so we went 3x - it was free - great dinasour exhibits! We did a whole day bus trip to Windsor Castle, Stonhenge and the Roman ruins at Bath so got to see some of the countryside, too. We finished Saturday at the zoo! Everyone did great - Emma got sick once and Gail and Tucker had some problems, but it all worked out. It was cool (3C) - but I had long underwear, sweaters and two jackets!
It was very hard to say goodbye at the airport. On the plane home I had to keep reading all nite to keep from crying! I finished LONDON by Wm. Rutherford...a Mitchner type family saga over the ages (40 BC to 1997) that was fun because we'd just been in the places, and started the sequel to Pillars of the Earth, WORLD W/O END - am enjoying that - also set in England!
I think I'd forgotten how much I miss the little people. I am hoping to go home in August for 3 weeks and Holly is worried that I won't come back. They are at such fun ages....say the neatest things - sometimes wise, sometimes just hilarious.
Got home and washed clothes and went down to PH and was so warmly greeted by the kids and Sisters it helped a LOT. Ended the day w. a walk w. Holly (I whined, she listened). Life is good here too (I just want it ALL)!
Tuesday was the day of Sister Juliet's Profession at the Convent...I walked out my door at 9 a.m. and there were two soldiers WITH GUNS sitting on my front step! President Museveni was coming (he knew one of the nuns who was celebrating her 25th Jubilee). There were First Professions(4 years), Final (perpetual) Professions (another 6 years) and Jublilee nuns (25 and 50 years). A huge crowd under tents on the convent grounds - the convent is BIG but it was crowded! The security guards took my camera (darn)...had to take it back to my apartment. It was a four hour ceremony but really entertaining. The President spoke at the end. In her speech the Mother Superior asked the President to fix the road to Nkokonjeru (it's awful)..she said "for the hospital's sake". He said he would, but didn't give a date!(been promised before) After the Mass the groups divided and each celebrated nuns' village/family put out food they'd cooked before and fed their crowd - very organized and everyone ate! Sort of like a group wedding w. dinners - but our brides don't have to prostate themselves on the floor before their husbands (thank goodness). Saw some kids from town w. ripped and dirty clothes who just came to the convent for the free food - there was plenty for all!!!
It finally rained this week....most say the rainy season won't start till February/March but it was a welcome relief from the heat and dust! Lots of chirping at dusk!
We had the Epilepsy Clinic on Thursday - saw 42 clients - so I got back to work and it felt good! At the London Airport I got the Sisters the DVD of Sound of Music and Song of Bernadette (old black & white)...saw some of them watching it and they loved it!!! Lots of commentary!
I sent some pictures w. Gail - I haven't checked but am sure she has them up...had some of our pigs and "borrowed" pig shed (piggery)....am thinking that the Church money left would be well used to construct a new shed. Our new business manager (Fred), made up a plan and wants to put it just outside our walls w. a wall around it since a big pig just got stolen from the old one which is off site. Hope that works for you all...know the pigs look thin....they eat mostly garbage but that's how it's done here. It's a good income generator and would fit right into the plan.
Hope you are all doing well and enduring the cold. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2009. Thanks again and again for all your thougthts and prayers.
P.S. to the lady who wrote that she was coming in Feb. as a PCV in Uganda please e-mail me at kathywesterman@hotmail.com - I'd love to talk to you!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Pictures, Pictures and more Pictures
I have added some more pictures to the Flickr site. There are lots from the Christmas Program and Christmas Party at PH, the first few are from London. We had a great time with Grandma, the goodbye was hard, but they usually are and we have lots of great memories. Here are just a couple pictures from the week.
- Gail
Guard at Windsor Castle
Big Ben on New Year's Eve at Midnight
Books before bed
On the Double Decker bus
- Gail
Big Ben on New Year's Eve at Midnight
Books before bed
On the Double Decker bus
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