EEd is the end of Ramadan! A Holiday in Uganda, but it's Sunday anyway - lots of Muslims all dressed up and going to the mosque. The date has something to do w. the phase of the moon.....was in the supermarket and they were buying up lots of treats for the kids!
As proof of how compulsive I am (at least about blogging weekly - and pretty much all my routines) I need to relate the story of today's blog. There still is no internet in Nkokonjeru - so, since the "standfast" was lifted Saturday I decided to come to Kampala today - just to the outmost mall to blog and get my passport pictures done (I need to renew my regular passport - why I didn't do it when I was home is a mystery to me). The internet cafe there wasn't open but I figured I'd catch the cafe in Mukono on the way back - BUT, power was out in Mukono and they weren't running their generator - I was bummed but got back on the matatu and came back to Garden City Mall where I now sit in great comfort (AC) and have a fast computer! - only 6 1/2 months left to go to our COS (Close of Service) date - can I keep it up?
Last weekend came and went w. no where to go - Maria stayed in Nkokonjeru - the riots had calmed in Kampala, but PC (and lots of others) were still worried about travel. We (Maria, Holly & I) took walks, played cards (I consistently lost everything - yatzee, phase 10 - even solitare), and ate! Not so bad, but it's hard not having any news of what's going on. Sunday matatu traffic resumed and by Monday all was normal.....Shari got back Monday after four days at the Red Chili Guest House in Kampala w. 17 other PCVs! Kabaka (King of Buganda) traveled Friday and no trouble at all!
I was going to start class on Monday, but as I walked down to PH I saw Sister and ALL the kids walking up the hill w. hoes. It appears that w. all the tanks dry (it's been terrible), one of the kids tried to get into the tank that's locked for animal water and broke the tap - no one would admit and no one would rat so they all had to skip school and go to the garden!
Tuesday we got lots done - w. Sister Juliet's help, Didas, I and some others went through the big storeroom to get all the shoemaking tools there so we can make a list of what to purchase. I was really wishing for a dumpster! Ugandans make a pack rat proud - in fact there was a lot of evidence of rats in the storeroom!!! There were quite a few tools so we can expand our list from the SPA grant. It was a busy CBR day, too - planning for a Katelemwa orthopedic clinic next Wednesday - the Nkokonjeru Town Council is still avoiding us but we're going up the road to Ngogwe for this one! I still argue w. the guys about what PH can do for people - I insist our program is only for referral and information - they want Providence Home to provide funds to people! It's just not possible. I realize it's tough for a lot of people, but it's tough for PH too - Kinene said that people "expect" money because there is a muzungu (white) at PH which really made me mad!!! (the guys need to be firmer too, but it's hard when it's their neighbors and they want to give them hope - even a false hope). Back to my old complaint about Ugandans expecting someone to come in and "fix" things by giving them money - they need to contribute and to expect their government to help (they just said that the government officials won't contribute to help the disabled even tho the money is allotted - so that's it!).
I didn't make class (Englilsh) becuase it was so late when the last people left the office; Bummer - lots of kids back and ready to go!
We had a nice rain Tuesday nite - our garden is sprouting and needs moisture. It is amazing how fast the rain soaks in. The rain put a little water in the tanks which helped the kids a lot.
Holly left on Thursday - I was hoping to go w. her to the airport, but the standfast was still on - even w. the PH truck and two sisters riding shotgun I couldn't go!! She got to go since she had a ticket! I had to laugh at the truck departure - there were the two sisters, the driver's mom and brother, and stops at the bank, for chicken feed, the orthopedic hospital in Entebbe - you really get your money's worth when you rent the PH truck!!! I did go to Mukono to do internet, PO and ATM. My trip back from Mukono was on the worst matatu I've been on - windshield looked like a spiderweb, it rattled all the time, the hatchback came open and sacks flew out necessitating a turn around on the road (which is very narrow and curvey), and we got a flat tire!!!
Thursday nite it really rained - an hour and a half of sheets of rain.....filled the tanks at PH and finally beat down the dust!!! Rain is great but causes lots of power outages - poles fall down in hard to get at places.....can't have it all I guess!
News from home - the Gophers won their first game in the new stadium (so glad I saw the place), Riley and Dylan are in the same Sunday School class - can't wait to see how singing in church goes this year (Gail said Riley is much better at going), bumper crop in corn and beans expected! I love the trivia from home!!
I finished my 2 1/2 pound jar of Skippy Super Chunk is exactly 3 weeks - sad day! I can get a good "American Garden" peanut butter in Mukono but only small jars - stocked up today!!! I've never been w/o peanut butter in Uganda which is important (to me).
Friday a.m. it was still raining and the little kids were coming up the road to Primary School - no jackets, no shoes and a banana leaf umbrella!!! Math started late because of the rain but went well - kids seem anxious to be back in class!!! I started walking again in the evening and think it helps my disposition - it really is a beautiful country and people are SO friendly!!!
Our animals continue to do well - the cow is self supporting and we'll breed her again in a month, we have 8 1 mo. old piglets almost ready to sell (good - the pigs need feed) - one mama pig set to deliver any day and 9 pigs ready to go as meat by Christmas - will be good to get that project self-supporting, too. 3 more months till the chickens produce, but they are doing well and none have died which is absolutely amazing!!! Hope our luck holds! Farming is exhausting!!! (and I don't do any of the physical labor - all I do is worry).
Saturday we had some visitors from a Pentacostal Church in Kampala - 8 University students. The ones from Makerere Univesity - the one in town - said the riots were really scary for them - and the students had chosen last weekend to strike - protesting fee increases - so the police and army were there in force! They agreed that many of the rioters don't care about the King - just in it for the "fun" of rioting and the loot. Lots of great singing and dancing by our kids and them and a special dinner for the kids - rice and meat! Much enjoyed.
On my walk last nite I was composing in my head a little article about "what I've given up and what I've gained" from being in PC - long list on both sides - but I'm still glad I did it. There's a line from the last song in Wicked - "I know it's said, that people come into our lives for a reason, giving something we can learn if we let them, and we help them in return" - I hope I've learned and helped! 2010 will be learning from and helping family at home!!!!
Have a great week - hopefully I'll get to the blog next week (you all know I'll get it done somehow). Mail has been really bad w. all the disturbances - I'm looking forward to some letters! Thanks for all you do for me!!!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Trouble In Uganda - September 12, 2009
It's been an interesting two weeks since I came back - the Country Director had to leave, several other PCVs are leaving or strongly considering leaving (for various reasons)...but will get to that later. The BIG events of the past few days has been the unrest in Kampala and other cities. Apparently the President did not want the King of our region (Baganda) to go to a particular community ceremony. The President said it wasn't safe, but it may be that the King is getting too popular. Anyway, it created a great deal of anger in Baganda (central Uganda), and people started rioting. There were even some vehicles burned in Mukono! Most of the disturbances were in Kampala and about 7 people were killed.....lots of looting and burned vehicles they say. There are a LOT of unemployed young men in Kampala and I would guess it became a way for them to steal - along w. those genuinely mad about the treatment of their King.
PC ordered us to "stand fast" which means not leave our sites. People in Kampala who were just visiting had to all go to a Hotel and stay there (Thursday nite to at least Sat. nite). Maria was here visiting and we planned to go into Kampala Friday w. Holly, but those plans changed!!! We've just been hanging out and playing cards. There is NO problem in Nkokonjeru. We know the police well and talked to them yesterday - five officers sitting on the bench outside the police station on the main road - looked like Mayberry RFD! No problems here!!! Peace Corps called each of us to see if we felt unsafe - not in Nkokonjeru!!!
It's now Saturday and some matatus are running again (service was cancelled yesterday), and things are quieting down in Kampala we hear. It's hard to get information - most is on the Lugandan language radio stations (the President shut down several stations), and is sometimes sensationalized. We watched the news on the Sister's TV Thursday nite and there was no mention of the riots and no pictures - Sr. Goretti said that the President won't let them broadcast pictures because it could cause more trouble!!! (try that one in America!!!)
We did get excited for a bit and were wondering if we'd have to be evacuated (we all want to go home anyway), but it's over for now. Holly is going home THursday for a few weeks and she was worried about getting to the airport, but it appears that things will be back to "normal" on Monday.
Back to the week - it has really been crazy around here and we are sort of out of sorts - hard to concentrate. Learned that one of the PCVs who just returned from a trip home in August, had a "nervous breakdown" and is going to the US for psychiatric care. He's a great guy and it's really sad. We visited him at the hospital on Monday and he said it just hit him - he's in a really isolated site w/o water or electricity and hit a down cycle. Very scary!! There are several others who are deliberating whether to stay and most are really solid volunteers!!!
I'm having problems re-adjusting to Uganda again - the travel is always a problem but maybe the most frustratng is the trouble getting things done. I really want to get some things organized and make purchases w. the grant money, but I need Sister's permission to move forward and she's so busy it's hard. Didas went to Kampala to price shoemaking tools to purchase, but first we need to see what's in storage and Sister wants to go w. us to the storeroom and doesn't have time. It's hard not being in control (especailly for a control freak like myself!!).
Tuesday we had a staff meeting that took all morning!!! Not much decided either - everyone is frustrated w. the kids' behaviors (don't want to work, sneaking out, stealing - the usual) but it's hard to control w. such limited personnel!! Good news is it rained Tuesday (a long time) which was wonderful - it's been so hot and dusty. When we got back from Kampala Monday I took a bucket bath and the was in the basin I stand in looked like I'd mopped my floor - UGH! Looked today and some of our garden plants are up - now we need more rain tho'.
We have a new visitor. There is a 19 year old girl staying at Providence from Germany, named Jasemine. She'll be here for 3 months helping Nelson, the Occupational Therapist. Wednesday Nelson, Jasimine, Moses and I went out to a home to watch Moses make a seat for a child with Cerebral Palsy from cardboard, newspaper and cassava flour glue ("locally available materials") - part of his practicum. The Sisters were all gone and I had to go back because a new resident had come and I called Nelson to come too, because of problems - so we left her out there w. Moses who she didn't know and she handled it fine!!! She was gluing paper on the frame when we got back!
The Country Director who came about 6 months ago was removed from his post and returned to the U.S. this week, too. There was quite an uproar from some of the PCVs about wanting to know WHY he left, but don't think we'll ever know - some say it was political, some say he was too liberal. It's sort of all the same to me.....I do my job at PH and PC operates like a branch of the Federal Government - I don't get too involved. They say we'll get a new director soon -
So, less work done at PH than I'd like - seems like all the uproar has distracted me quite a bit. Also, now Maria is staying for a few days and we're just "hanging out"....It's REALLY hot in the afternoons and better to stay put! Holly leaves for home on Thursday - I'll really miss her calming influence! School starts Monday (still quite a few students not here, but we'll start anyway - it could be 3 weeks before everyone is back).....good to get into the old routine!
Tucker was one year old yesterday (9/11).....next year I'll be there for birthdays!!! I hope you all have a pleasant weekend - and week. Thanks again for all your kind wishes when I was home and for your constant support - seriously, I could not do it w/o you!!!
PC ordered us to "stand fast" which means not leave our sites. People in Kampala who were just visiting had to all go to a Hotel and stay there (Thursday nite to at least Sat. nite). Maria was here visiting and we planned to go into Kampala Friday w. Holly, but those plans changed!!! We've just been hanging out and playing cards. There is NO problem in Nkokonjeru. We know the police well and talked to them yesterday - five officers sitting on the bench outside the police station on the main road - looked like Mayberry RFD! No problems here!!! Peace Corps called each of us to see if we felt unsafe - not in Nkokonjeru!!!
It's now Saturday and some matatus are running again (service was cancelled yesterday), and things are quieting down in Kampala we hear. It's hard to get information - most is on the Lugandan language radio stations (the President shut down several stations), and is sometimes sensationalized. We watched the news on the Sister's TV Thursday nite and there was no mention of the riots and no pictures - Sr. Goretti said that the President won't let them broadcast pictures because it could cause more trouble!!! (try that one in America!!!)
We did get excited for a bit and were wondering if we'd have to be evacuated (we all want to go home anyway), but it's over for now. Holly is going home THursday for a few weeks and she was worried about getting to the airport, but it appears that things will be back to "normal" on Monday.
Back to the week - it has really been crazy around here and we are sort of out of sorts - hard to concentrate. Learned that one of the PCVs who just returned from a trip home in August, had a "nervous breakdown" and is going to the US for psychiatric care. He's a great guy and it's really sad. We visited him at the hospital on Monday and he said it just hit him - he's in a really isolated site w/o water or electricity and hit a down cycle. Very scary!! There are several others who are deliberating whether to stay and most are really solid volunteers!!!
I'm having problems re-adjusting to Uganda again - the travel is always a problem but maybe the most frustratng is the trouble getting things done. I really want to get some things organized and make purchases w. the grant money, but I need Sister's permission to move forward and she's so busy it's hard. Didas went to Kampala to price shoemaking tools to purchase, but first we need to see what's in storage and Sister wants to go w. us to the storeroom and doesn't have time. It's hard not being in control (especailly for a control freak like myself!!).
Tuesday we had a staff meeting that took all morning!!! Not much decided either - everyone is frustrated w. the kids' behaviors (don't want to work, sneaking out, stealing - the usual) but it's hard to control w. such limited personnel!! Good news is it rained Tuesday (a long time) which was wonderful - it's been so hot and dusty. When we got back from Kampala Monday I took a bucket bath and the was in the basin I stand in looked like I'd mopped my floor - UGH! Looked today and some of our garden plants are up - now we need more rain tho'.
We have a new visitor. There is a 19 year old girl staying at Providence from Germany, named Jasemine. She'll be here for 3 months helping Nelson, the Occupational Therapist. Wednesday Nelson, Jasimine, Moses and I went out to a home to watch Moses make a seat for a child with Cerebral Palsy from cardboard, newspaper and cassava flour glue ("locally available materials") - part of his practicum. The Sisters were all gone and I had to go back because a new resident had come and I called Nelson to come too, because of problems - so we left her out there w. Moses who she didn't know and she handled it fine!!! She was gluing paper on the frame when we got back!
The Country Director who came about 6 months ago was removed from his post and returned to the U.S. this week, too. There was quite an uproar from some of the PCVs about wanting to know WHY he left, but don't think we'll ever know - some say it was political, some say he was too liberal. It's sort of all the same to me.....I do my job at PH and PC operates like a branch of the Federal Government - I don't get too involved. They say we'll get a new director soon -
So, less work done at PH than I'd like - seems like all the uproar has distracted me quite a bit. Also, now Maria is staying for a few days and we're just "hanging out"....It's REALLY hot in the afternoons and better to stay put! Holly leaves for home on Thursday - I'll really miss her calming influence! School starts Monday (still quite a few students not here, but we'll start anyway - it could be 3 weeks before everyone is back).....good to get into the old routine!
Tucker was one year old yesterday (9/11).....next year I'll be there for birthdays!!! I hope you all have a pleasant weekend - and week. Thanks again for all your kind wishes when I was home and for your constant support - seriously, I could not do it w/o you!!!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Happy Labor Day Weekend
This should be short -blogged on Monday, but I'm trying to get back into my weekend routine.....I can't believe I'm keeping up the blog, but so many of you mentioned that you read it and use it to keep up I have been re-inspired! When I get home for good I'll print it up and have a great record of my 2 years!
Spending the weekend in Jinja - staying at the home of another PCV and Maria is here - actually, there are five who play bridge and having a tournament, and Holly and I who are just here! The home actually overlooks the Nile -I continue to be amazed to be right by the Nile River!!! We walked down the road to a hotel today w. a pool and sat around and swam - again, tough duty as a PCV!!!
The week went fast. On Monday four Peace Corps Trainees arrived in town w. their language instructor - new program at training. They visit PCVs at their sites and have language "immersion" - they are forced to speak Lugandan when out in town. Nice group - really making me feel old! I think there are 45 in their class.
Went down to the Nkokonjeru Market w. Josephine to get some things for her to take back to school and there was an outdoor bloodmobile there - needless to say,I didn't offer to donate!
Tuesday we started digging up the garden early with the PCTs - Sister was horrified that we were having them work since they were company - but they wanted to!! Nice to have the extra help! CBR was quiet but we worked on Moses plan for his month of practicum and who he'll visit for his report.
Wednesday Sr. Goretti, Sr. Juliet and I went to Kamapala - Sr. Juliet had some meetings and Sr. Goretti and I were going to start shopping for the sewing portion of the SPA grant. Had a meeting first with a retired Bishop about some disputed land the Sisters "own" - there are not real land titles here (and no property tax) - it's a very informal system and apparently the land was sold by the brother of a man who died 15 years ago - he sold it supposedly to pay for his brother's childrens' education - but now the kids say they should still own it! Not sure who will win this one. Also, if you work a piece of land for 10 years or so and no one else works it you can claim "squatter's rights". Needless to say, there are a lot of disputes -there seems to be a lot of land,but with the population increasing it's going to get pretty ugly!
Sr. Goretti and I had a great time - but exhausting. We went to the area of Kampala where they sell material and it's a jungle - about 2 city blocks, lots of small shops up and down stairs (3 stories) and the shops go down aisles through the whole block on each floor - it's crazy! We did manage to purchase 4 treadle (Singer) machines at a good price,and then went on to get scissors, tapes, etc. and then material for sewing children's dresses and for the advanced class to try making the traditional dress - a gomez....a long gown that wraps around and is pretty complex! Sr. Goretti just learned how to make them and will teach the class.
We met up w. Sr. Juliet and since Sr.Goretti had to get some stuff for the bakery, Sr. J and I took the matatu to Corsu,the orthopedic hospital in Entebbe to visit some patients. Nususla is there - they are working to patch some skin over the hole in her face that resulted from bad surgery some years ago to remove a tumor (removed her eye as well); Justine is still there and there's a new client (10 year old girl) who just went Tuesday who has one leg that sticks out at a 90 degree angle at the knee.
I actually enjoyed the crowds at Kampala today - 'course it helped having Sr.Goretti to follow. We even went to the big market, Owino....acres and acres of little wooden stalls, connected by narrow lanes - and everyone yelling at you to buy! It's overwhelming to me.
Thursday was the epilepsy clinic - they brought out 20 student nurses and did some home visits...busy day and I was a bit disorganized since I was gone last month,but it all worked out well. The PCTs came down for a tour of PH and they were impressed with the size of the operation!
Friday we got garden planted (now we really need rain). Got wash and cleaning done and had a great lunch at Holly's with the PCTs and Maria arrived on time to eat, too. Holly made pumpkin curry which sounds funny but was delicious! Indian food is popular with the Peace Corps crowd.
So, the week ends. Next week I need to get ready for school. I'm getting back into the rountine, but it's hard. I'm really glad I got to go home for a bit - but now back to work!
Spending the weekend in Jinja - staying at the home of another PCV and Maria is here - actually, there are five who play bridge and having a tournament, and Holly and I who are just here! The home actually overlooks the Nile -I continue to be amazed to be right by the Nile River!!! We walked down the road to a hotel today w. a pool and sat around and swam - again, tough duty as a PCV!!!
The week went fast. On Monday four Peace Corps Trainees arrived in town w. their language instructor - new program at training. They visit PCVs at their sites and have language "immersion" - they are forced to speak Lugandan when out in town. Nice group - really making me feel old! I think there are 45 in their class.
Went down to the Nkokonjeru Market w. Josephine to get some things for her to take back to school and there was an outdoor bloodmobile there - needless to say,I didn't offer to donate!
Tuesday we started digging up the garden early with the PCTs - Sister was horrified that we were having them work since they were company - but they wanted to!! Nice to have the extra help! CBR was quiet but we worked on Moses plan for his month of practicum and who he'll visit for his report.
Wednesday Sr. Goretti, Sr. Juliet and I went to Kamapala - Sr. Juliet had some meetings and Sr. Goretti and I were going to start shopping for the sewing portion of the SPA grant. Had a meeting first with a retired Bishop about some disputed land the Sisters "own" - there are not real land titles here (and no property tax) - it's a very informal system and apparently the land was sold by the brother of a man who died 15 years ago - he sold it supposedly to pay for his brother's childrens' education - but now the kids say they should still own it! Not sure who will win this one. Also, if you work a piece of land for 10 years or so and no one else works it you can claim "squatter's rights". Needless to say, there are a lot of disputes -there seems to be a lot of land,but with the population increasing it's going to get pretty ugly!
Sr. Goretti and I had a great time - but exhausting. We went to the area of Kampala where they sell material and it's a jungle - about 2 city blocks, lots of small shops up and down stairs (3 stories) and the shops go down aisles through the whole block on each floor - it's crazy! We did manage to purchase 4 treadle (Singer) machines at a good price,and then went on to get scissors, tapes, etc. and then material for sewing children's dresses and for the advanced class to try making the traditional dress - a gomez....a long gown that wraps around and is pretty complex! Sr. Goretti just learned how to make them and will teach the class.
We met up w. Sr. Juliet and since Sr.Goretti had to get some stuff for the bakery, Sr. J and I took the matatu to Corsu,the orthopedic hospital in Entebbe to visit some patients. Nususla is there - they are working to patch some skin over the hole in her face that resulted from bad surgery some years ago to remove a tumor (removed her eye as well); Justine is still there and there's a new client (10 year old girl) who just went Tuesday who has one leg that sticks out at a 90 degree angle at the knee.
I actually enjoyed the crowds at Kampala today - 'course it helped having Sr.Goretti to follow. We even went to the big market, Owino....acres and acres of little wooden stalls, connected by narrow lanes - and everyone yelling at you to buy! It's overwhelming to me.
Thursday was the epilepsy clinic - they brought out 20 student nurses and did some home visits...busy day and I was a bit disorganized since I was gone last month,but it all worked out well. The PCTs came down for a tour of PH and they were impressed with the size of the operation!
Friday we got garden planted (now we really need rain). Got wash and cleaning done and had a great lunch at Holly's with the PCTs and Maria arrived on time to eat, too. Holly made pumpkin curry which sounds funny but was delicious! Indian food is popular with the Peace Corps crowd.
So, the week ends. Next week I need to get ready for school. I'm getting back into the rountine, but it's hard. I'm really glad I got to go home for a bit - but now back to work!
Monday, August 31, 2009
I'm Back - August 31, 2009
Back in Uganda - no interruptions on the flight back (I was hoping for a delay in Minneapolis - it was hard to leave). Today, I'm at the bakery computer - Sr. Vero left us her wireless connector but the connection has gone off twice - one was a power outage - but the generator is on and I'll give this a try. Am constantly reminded of how everything in Uganda takes so much more time than it does in the U.S. Sister and I were doing some review of the past 3 weeks this a.m. and there are so many things to be done, but each has SO many steps and people to talk to and places to go - it's really discouraging!!!
While I was gone the cow got out (Vincent, the animal manager was not around) and ate some poisonous vegetation in the compound and miscarried - bummer! It was a bull calf but was 2 1/2 months early and didn't make it. When she recovers we'll try again! Need to get rid of bad plants - and reinforce the cow stall!
One of Sister's big pigs gave birth - 11 piglets - 2 died (very small) but the rest are doing well. We'll sell most of them at 2 months - too many mouths to feed already.
A lot of the children have gone home for the holiday - back next week and the week after.
The group from UC Davies (6) was in town while I was gone and got the old pump fixed (donated by the Italians in 2002, but hasn't worked for years) and set up six biosand filter boxes for filtering drinking water. Had a great send-off for them last nite! (it was also a welcome for me - Josephine had even written a song in my honor!!).
Our baby chickens are doing very well - lost none so far. Four months to go before we have eggs. Sula is selling his broilers (at 8 weeks) and will get another 500.
Dr. Norberto and his wife Anna from Florida were here but I got to see them at a gathering Saturday in Lugazi - great folks that I met last year on their visit.
Nantalie (girl w. leg braces) is now walking w. crutches - she's really trying. The interns and a visiting PT from Holland did a lot of work w. her while I was gone (unfortunately, they are gone now too).
RASD internet cafe was struck by lightening and is out of business - another bummer! The UC Davis folks are going to take the modem back to the US and see if it can be repaired.
When I put my traveling outfit (coral jacket and top) in to soak before washing I threw in the pair of socks I got in my KLM "gift packet" from the layover in Amsterdam (the goodie pack w. toothpaste, etc) - and they bled all over the jacket and top - super bummers - won't scrub out. I'll have to wear on my return as tie dyed! The last blow from Delta/NWA/KLM!!!
Moses is back from training for a one month practicum. We are working on planning for the report he has to turn in - then he goes back to COMBRA for two more months. CBR tomorrow and Epilepsy Clinic Thursday - I'm slow getting back into the swing, but guess I will be forced to carry on!! School won't start till the 13th (supposed to start the 7th, but I'm sure not enough students will be back). Wednesday, Sr. Goretti and I are going to Kampala to price materials and sewing machines for the grant. So, I'm being forced to get to work, but I really miss home.
Holly wants to re-try the garden - so do I but neither of are anxious to re-dig the plot!! There's been some rain so it's time. There was a mini earthquake here last nite about 1 a.m. - I was awake (too big and too late supper at the convent w. the UC Davies people) and heard it and couldn't figure out what it was - I thought maybe a huge truck going by - not much but a noise and then the dogs started howling!!!!
The mayor and Town Council are really dragging their feet in letting us use the city building for the Katelemwa orthopedic Clinic. I'm sure they don't want the local people getting the idea they should come to the local government for help (tho' the town council gets funding from the federal government to do just that)......Sister is reluctant to take it to a higher level - doesn't want to make the local officials angry - but they need to be accountable (easy for me to say, I'm a temp).
I so enjoyed seeing many of you while I was home. It was hard to leave everyone - the grandchildren were SO much fun. After a bit I'll get accustomed to Uganda again I'm sure. Holly is going home in September and is so ready.
Thanks again for the wonderful time and for all your support!
While I was gone the cow got out (Vincent, the animal manager was not around) and ate some poisonous vegetation in the compound and miscarried - bummer! It was a bull calf but was 2 1/2 months early and didn't make it. When she recovers we'll try again! Need to get rid of bad plants - and reinforce the cow stall!
One of Sister's big pigs gave birth - 11 piglets - 2 died (very small) but the rest are doing well. We'll sell most of them at 2 months - too many mouths to feed already.
A lot of the children have gone home for the holiday - back next week and the week after.
The group from UC Davies (6) was in town while I was gone and got the old pump fixed (donated by the Italians in 2002, but hasn't worked for years) and set up six biosand filter boxes for filtering drinking water. Had a great send-off for them last nite! (it was also a welcome for me - Josephine had even written a song in my honor!!).
Our baby chickens are doing very well - lost none so far. Four months to go before we have eggs. Sula is selling his broilers (at 8 weeks) and will get another 500.
Dr. Norberto and his wife Anna from Florida were here but I got to see them at a gathering Saturday in Lugazi - great folks that I met last year on their visit.
Nantalie (girl w. leg braces) is now walking w. crutches - she's really trying. The interns and a visiting PT from Holland did a lot of work w. her while I was gone (unfortunately, they are gone now too).
RASD internet cafe was struck by lightening and is out of business - another bummer! The UC Davis folks are going to take the modem back to the US and see if it can be repaired.
When I put my traveling outfit (coral jacket and top) in to soak before washing I threw in the pair of socks I got in my KLM "gift packet" from the layover in Amsterdam (the goodie pack w. toothpaste, etc) - and they bled all over the jacket and top - super bummers - won't scrub out. I'll have to wear on my return as tie dyed! The last blow from Delta/NWA/KLM!!!
Moses is back from training for a one month practicum. We are working on planning for the report he has to turn in - then he goes back to COMBRA for two more months. CBR tomorrow and Epilepsy Clinic Thursday - I'm slow getting back into the swing, but guess I will be forced to carry on!! School won't start till the 13th (supposed to start the 7th, but I'm sure not enough students will be back). Wednesday, Sr. Goretti and I are going to Kampala to price materials and sewing machines for the grant. So, I'm being forced to get to work, but I really miss home.
Holly wants to re-try the garden - so do I but neither of are anxious to re-dig the plot!! There's been some rain so it's time. There was a mini earthquake here last nite about 1 a.m. - I was awake (too big and too late supper at the convent w. the UC Davies people) and heard it and couldn't figure out what it was - I thought maybe a huge truck going by - not much but a noise and then the dogs started howling!!!!
The mayor and Town Council are really dragging their feet in letting us use the city building for the Katelemwa orthopedic Clinic. I'm sure they don't want the local people getting the idea they should come to the local government for help (tho' the town council gets funding from the federal government to do just that)......Sister is reluctant to take it to a higher level - doesn't want to make the local officials angry - but they need to be accountable (easy for me to say, I'm a temp).
I so enjoyed seeing many of you while I was home. It was hard to leave everyone - the grandchildren were SO much fun. After a bit I'll get accustomed to Uganda again I'm sure. Holly is going home in September and is so ready.
Thanks again for the wonderful time and for all your support!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Last Sunday at Home - August 23, 2009
My time at home is going so fast - I'm still O.K. w. going back to Uganda, but it's getting harder by the day!!! I'm really not doing much except visiting, but it's been fun. I really do enjoy the convenience of going where you want to go when you want to go!!!
If you looked at the pictures last week, Bailey (Curt and Jamie's baby) is missing from the family picture - she was taking a nap. Curt is missing, too, but he was in Alaska fighting a fire. We got to see him Thursday evening at Hinkley (1/2 way for each of us). He really enjoyed his time in Alaska....guess it's pretty unusual for Minnesota crews to go to Alaska. He said the Alaskans like to take care of their own stuff and have thier own system - refer to the rest of us as "America" - they are ALASKA!!!
Did a lot of moving around during the week - drove in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul w/o a hitch - well I got lost going to St. Paul, but I made it!!! Took Riley and Henry to the Children's Museum on Friday - they were a lot of fun - topped off w. lunch at McDonalds - the American experience!!! I was exhausted!!!
Saturday we went to a inter-squad scrimmage at the new University of Minnesota outdoor football stadium. It's really beautiful - lots of space to walk around and nice seating. Great day w. the band and football!
I know I"ve gained weight - not doing any exercising and eating whatever I can get my hands on - had a Taco in a Bag and a Milk Shake today! Jean and I were going to take Riley and Emma somewhere and we decided on the local County Fair and Gail and Jesse came w. Tucker and Greg and Jessica were there w. Dylan and Olivia, so it was a family event - lots of fun!!! Riley thinks the animals stink.....but loved the Demolition Derby! Dylan loved the rides. Another All-American experience!!
I'm watching Dylan and Oliva Monday and Tuesday and we're going to a Twins baseball game on Monday night. Tuesday nite is dinner for the local crowd at Gails and Thursday I leave - it will be sad, but it's not long till I'm home again. Enjoyed church this a.m. - did a short talk about what I do and life in Uganda. I meant to get a power point together but the project got lost in all the visiting!
Next blog will be from Uganda - maybe in two weeks. I'll bet it takes me awhile to get used to being there again. Fortunately it's still Holiday so I won't have to start teaching till mid-September and can take it easy (which is basically what I'm doing here, but it's different!).
If you looked at the pictures last week, Bailey (Curt and Jamie's baby) is missing from the family picture - she was taking a nap. Curt is missing, too, but he was in Alaska fighting a fire. We got to see him Thursday evening at Hinkley (1/2 way for each of us). He really enjoyed his time in Alaska....guess it's pretty unusual for Minnesota crews to go to Alaska. He said the Alaskans like to take care of their own stuff and have thier own system - refer to the rest of us as "America" - they are ALASKA!!!
Did a lot of moving around during the week - drove in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul w/o a hitch - well I got lost going to St. Paul, but I made it!!! Took Riley and Henry to the Children's Museum on Friday - they were a lot of fun - topped off w. lunch at McDonalds - the American experience!!! I was exhausted!!!
Saturday we went to a inter-squad scrimmage at the new University of Minnesota outdoor football stadium. It's really beautiful - lots of space to walk around and nice seating. Great day w. the band and football!
I know I"ve gained weight - not doing any exercising and eating whatever I can get my hands on - had a Taco in a Bag and a Milk Shake today! Jean and I were going to take Riley and Emma somewhere and we decided on the local County Fair and Gail and Jesse came w. Tucker and Greg and Jessica were there w. Dylan and Olivia, so it was a family event - lots of fun!!! Riley thinks the animals stink.....but loved the Demolition Derby! Dylan loved the rides. Another All-American experience!!
I'm watching Dylan and Oliva Monday and Tuesday and we're going to a Twins baseball game on Monday night. Tuesday nite is dinner for the local crowd at Gails and Thursday I leave - it will be sad, but it's not long till I'm home again. Enjoyed church this a.m. - did a short talk about what I do and life in Uganda. I meant to get a power point together but the project got lost in all the visiting!
Next blog will be from Uganda - maybe in two weeks. I'll bet it takes me awhile to get used to being there again. Fortunately it's still Holiday so I won't have to start teaching till mid-September and can take it easy (which is basically what I'm doing here, but it's different!).
Monday, August 17, 2009
PICTURES - Aug. 17,2009
Gail added 138 pictures today bless her heart! Most are of Uganda but some are from the vacation at Lake Vermillion for those who know our family....or who have heard about them. It was really a lot of fun, tho' we all had our moments. The little kids get along well for the most part, but there was still lots of squabbles and tears.....I'm not used to children being so verbal. In Uganda children rarely talk to adults and they just sort of do their own thing - we all were shocked at first to see little children unattended on the streets, but that's the way it's done there!
Weather at Lake Vermillion was beautiful - 80s and sunny. In fact, we got so much sun we spent one afternoon at the Tower-Soudan Underground Mine (a State Park)...very interesting. You go underground 1/2 mile in an old miner's elevator and then travel 3/4 mile on an old rail track - really well done! I got a bit claustrophobic in the elevator but we made it!!!
I wish I could describe how it feels to be back - in some ways it feels like I never left. In others, it seems so alien. I have made it through Target and that was fine, but I went to the Mall today and that was too much. Nothing looked worth buying and I balked at a Smoothie for $5.29!! I'm trying to get to see a lot of people but my time is running out fast. It was good to go to church on Sunday - everyone was so nice, but after an initial "how is it?" they like to talk about what's going on in their lives, which is actually more fun for me rather than listening to myself. Lots of people have been reading the blog and are pretty up on the news anyway!!
Tomorrow I watch Riley play T-ball and go to book club. Wednesday I hope to do some more visiting and have a dental appt. I'm hoping to get to the zoo with some of the little kids and have to schedule a meeting w. Curt - he's back from Alaska already. The fire they went to fight is 40% contained and the outstate crews were sent home. Saturday we're going to a football scrimmage at the new University of Minnesota outdoor stadium!!!
I do often wonder how things are going at Providence Home and if the animals are prospering. I know things will go along well w/o me and lots of kids are home for the holidays. I think it will be hard to go back, but I'm determined to do the next 7 months barring any unforseen problems.
I hope you all have a good end of summer!!!
Weather at Lake Vermillion was beautiful - 80s and sunny. In fact, we got so much sun we spent one afternoon at the Tower-Soudan Underground Mine (a State Park)...very interesting. You go underground 1/2 mile in an old miner's elevator and then travel 3/4 mile on an old rail track - really well done! I got a bit claustrophobic in the elevator but we made it!!!
I wish I could describe how it feels to be back - in some ways it feels like I never left. In others, it seems so alien. I have made it through Target and that was fine, but I went to the Mall today and that was too much. Nothing looked worth buying and I balked at a Smoothie for $5.29!! I'm trying to get to see a lot of people but my time is running out fast. It was good to go to church on Sunday - everyone was so nice, but after an initial "how is it?" they like to talk about what's going on in their lives, which is actually more fun for me rather than listening to myself. Lots of people have been reading the blog and are pretty up on the news anyway!!
Tomorrow I watch Riley play T-ball and go to book club. Wednesday I hope to do some more visiting and have a dental appt. I'm hoping to get to the zoo with some of the little kids and have to schedule a meeting w. Curt - he's back from Alaska already. The fire they went to fight is 40% contained and the outstate crews were sent home. Saturday we're going to a football scrimmage at the new University of Minnesota outdoor stadium!!!
I do often wonder how things are going at Providence Home and if the animals are prospering. I know things will go along well w/o me and lots of kids are home for the holidays. I think it will be hard to go back, but I'm determined to do the next 7 months barring any unforseen problems.
I hope you all have a good end of summer!!!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Coming to America - 8-07-09
Well, I am here - it was quite the journey. Monday afternoon, we went to the Entebbe airport w. Sr. Juliet, Sula (driver), Jan and Maggie and another young woman from Holland (on the same flight) and Andrew and Fede...Andrew is about 16 and has Cerebral Palsy and loves to draw airplanes but had never seen one; Fede, an 8 year old girl, is one of the children who never goes home. They enjoyed the trip so much!!!
Our flight from Entebee went well, but I had problems in Amsterdam. Got there about 5:30 a.m. (only an hour difference from Uganda), printed my boarding pass which should have said 10:30 - it said "9:00" - I asked a worker and she said the entire flight was cancelled and re-booked to the next day at 9:00!!! I was devestated! I just sat on the floor in a corner and cried. After several attempts at the service desk and ticketing (going in and out of customs) it was apparent there was no option but to stay - flights were all over booked and you had to have your luggage on the plane you were on (U.S. regulation). We all took shuttles to a very nice hotel - way out in the country. I got a hold of Gail to tell her (she was up - 3 a.m. - and had seen the notice on the internet)...cried again. I decided to go to Amsterdam for the day - took the shuttle back to the airport, got some Euros and took the train into town. Fabulous public transport system!
It's a lovely city - I got tickets for a hop on/hop off tour and walked around looking for the bus stop - I was getting really frustrated not finding one, then saw a man w. a brochure like mine and followed him. The tour was from the canals by boat!!! Not having done any "research" on Amsterdam was hard for this tourist......there are many, many canals in the city that used to be used for commercial transport, but now are for leisure - tours, private boats and lots of houseboats on the sides. The canals are lined by 4-5 story condominiums with restaurants and shops on the ground floor....very picturesque! I wanted to tour the Anne Frank house and the Van Gogh Museum but the lines were v. long - lots of Europeans on holiday! I was impressed w. the thousands of bicycles - parked all over - even 2-3 story parking ramps for bicycles!!! There were very few private vehicles on the roads.
We had a great buffet dinner at the hotel (all courtesy of NWA)....lots of cold meats, cheeses, fish, pasta dishes - and fabulous desserts - it was GOOD! Weds. a.m. we all took the shuttle back to the airport - a pretty nervous bunch. I was saying what I might do if we didn't take off Weds. and someone said to be careful...."don't say that in an airport"...good warning! But, we did take off and landed in MSP at 10:30 a.m. (7 hour time difference). Greg, Jessica, Gail and Corky were waiting w. Dylan, Olivia, Riley, Emma, Tucker and Henry!!! Quite the sight I'm sure - the grandkids were a bit hesitant at first, but quickly got into the hugging! Very nice lunch at Olive Garden - my request!
It's funny, but in many ways it seems like I never left - I have a real advantage in that Corky is in the house and everything is where it was when I left (other PCVs have to sell their houses, rent or have children living in them). So, the adjustment was pretty easy which in itself is strange. I thought it would be harder. People ask about Uganda, but it's hard to explain - and most just want a simple story. I can't believe how much the little people talk! In Uganda children never talk to adults - adults yell at children but there are almost no conversations. Most of the time the children amuse themselves in what seems to us some pretty dangerous ways.....but there's a lot of disinterest by parents in what the kids think or do unless they do something really bad. Same applies to their progress at school - learning is the schools' job and they only get involved (to punish) if the grades are really bad.
Sad to say, but I was not appalled by the excess - went to Bert and Naomi's Thursday and stopped at Target and Fleet Farm (looking for cheap sandbox stuff to take to the lake) and loved every minute!!! I guess I can appreciate both ways of life. I realize that if we took a tiny portion of the money we spend on "toys" and gave it to the Africans, it would be a huge donation, but I'm not sure giving money is the answer. Corky got the book "Dead Aid" for me from the library and I'm anxious to read it (after "The Half Blood Prince" - wanted to see what the movie missed). I do think we have some right to enjoy the fruits of our labors! And most money is so poorly spent in Uganda from what I see - unless you give directly to someone who uses it to help the local people, too much gets siphoned off to politicians, NGO staff, big vehicles, workshops, per diem, travel, computers, corruption, etc.
I am really looking forward to the week at the lake. Bert and Naomi won't arrive till late Saturday nite - Mallard baseball game Saturday afternoon (I'd love to see that too, but not sticking around), and they have to come back early for a wedding next Saturday; not sure when Jean and Kody will arrive but they'll be there a few days. But, no family picture - Curt called yesterday and he's off to fight fires in Alaska! He called from the Duluth airport - waiting for a charter flight to Alaska w. the crew. I'm sad, but it's a great opportunity for him - he said it's just for two weeks so I'll see him before I go back. We'll miss his quiet, calming presence at the lake, but nothing to do about it! At least we'll use up a week of Jamie's "alone time".
I'm looking forward to seeing some of you while I'm home.....the time is going so fast!!! Hope the weather is good next week at the lake - but whatever, it will be fun!
Our flight from Entebee went well, but I had problems in Amsterdam. Got there about 5:30 a.m. (only an hour difference from Uganda), printed my boarding pass which should have said 10:30 - it said "9:00" - I asked a worker and she said the entire flight was cancelled and re-booked to the next day at 9:00!!! I was devestated! I just sat on the floor in a corner and cried. After several attempts at the service desk and ticketing (going in and out of customs) it was apparent there was no option but to stay - flights were all over booked and you had to have your luggage on the plane you were on (U.S. regulation). We all took shuttles to a very nice hotel - way out in the country. I got a hold of Gail to tell her (she was up - 3 a.m. - and had seen the notice on the internet)...cried again. I decided to go to Amsterdam for the day - took the shuttle back to the airport, got some Euros and took the train into town. Fabulous public transport system!
It's a lovely city - I got tickets for a hop on/hop off tour and walked around looking for the bus stop - I was getting really frustrated not finding one, then saw a man w. a brochure like mine and followed him. The tour was from the canals by boat!!! Not having done any "research" on Amsterdam was hard for this tourist......there are many, many canals in the city that used to be used for commercial transport, but now are for leisure - tours, private boats and lots of houseboats on the sides. The canals are lined by 4-5 story condominiums with restaurants and shops on the ground floor....very picturesque! I wanted to tour the Anne Frank house and the Van Gogh Museum but the lines were v. long - lots of Europeans on holiday! I was impressed w. the thousands of bicycles - parked all over - even 2-3 story parking ramps for bicycles!!! There were very few private vehicles on the roads.
We had a great buffet dinner at the hotel (all courtesy of NWA)....lots of cold meats, cheeses, fish, pasta dishes - and fabulous desserts - it was GOOD! Weds. a.m. we all took the shuttle back to the airport - a pretty nervous bunch. I was saying what I might do if we didn't take off Weds. and someone said to be careful...."don't say that in an airport"...good warning! But, we did take off and landed in MSP at 10:30 a.m. (7 hour time difference). Greg, Jessica, Gail and Corky were waiting w. Dylan, Olivia, Riley, Emma, Tucker and Henry!!! Quite the sight I'm sure - the grandkids were a bit hesitant at first, but quickly got into the hugging! Very nice lunch at Olive Garden - my request!
It's funny, but in many ways it seems like I never left - I have a real advantage in that Corky is in the house and everything is where it was when I left (other PCVs have to sell their houses, rent or have children living in them). So, the adjustment was pretty easy which in itself is strange. I thought it would be harder. People ask about Uganda, but it's hard to explain - and most just want a simple story. I can't believe how much the little people talk! In Uganda children never talk to adults - adults yell at children but there are almost no conversations. Most of the time the children amuse themselves in what seems to us some pretty dangerous ways.....but there's a lot of disinterest by parents in what the kids think or do unless they do something really bad. Same applies to their progress at school - learning is the schools' job and they only get involved (to punish) if the grades are really bad.
Sad to say, but I was not appalled by the excess - went to Bert and Naomi's Thursday and stopped at Target and Fleet Farm (looking for cheap sandbox stuff to take to the lake) and loved every minute!!! I guess I can appreciate both ways of life. I realize that if we took a tiny portion of the money we spend on "toys" and gave it to the Africans, it would be a huge donation, but I'm not sure giving money is the answer. Corky got the book "Dead Aid" for me from the library and I'm anxious to read it (after "The Half Blood Prince" - wanted to see what the movie missed). I do think we have some right to enjoy the fruits of our labors! And most money is so poorly spent in Uganda from what I see - unless you give directly to someone who uses it to help the local people, too much gets siphoned off to politicians, NGO staff, big vehicles, workshops, per diem, travel, computers, corruption, etc.
I am really looking forward to the week at the lake. Bert and Naomi won't arrive till late Saturday nite - Mallard baseball game Saturday afternoon (I'd love to see that too, but not sticking around), and they have to come back early for a wedding next Saturday; not sure when Jean and Kody will arrive but they'll be there a few days. But, no family picture - Curt called yesterday and he's off to fight fires in Alaska! He called from the Duluth airport - waiting for a charter flight to Alaska w. the crew. I'm sad, but it's a great opportunity for him - he said it's just for two weeks so I'll see him before I go back. We'll miss his quiet, calming presence at the lake, but nothing to do about it! At least we'll use up a week of Jamie's "alone time".
I'm looking forward to seeing some of you while I'm home.....the time is going so fast!!! Hope the weather is good next week at the lake - but whatever, it will be fun!
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