Am in Mukono to use the internet - and blog. My keyboard is SO sticky I've already got sore shoulders, but such are the trials of living in Uganda!!! It's also (almost) 6 months to our COS (Close of Service) Date - wow!!! 20 months down. Today is Ugandan Independence Day - British handed over in 1962. Schools and Banks and Govt. offices are closed but the Internet cafe is busy.
Went to see Maria in Kbale last weekend (far western Uganda) - it's so beautiful - lots of hills - heavily cropped using terraces - even less trees than here - but nice to be in another setting. Saturday a bunch of people went to a picnic at Lake Bunyonyi - had roast lamb, potato salad, rice w. curry (Indian), spinach quiche, lettuce salad, chocolate chip cookies and a Dutch apple crumble - those guys really know how to cook!!! Saturday nite we went to a performance put on my some street kids (8-18) that hang out at a center near Maria's apt. - they did some native dances and very good. Maria got a small grant for them to buy instruments and costumes and they were so appreciative..very high energy performance.
It was a very relaxing weekend - except for travel. Took the Post Office bus back to Kampala Monday a.m. (9 hours). Your seat is yours, but they pack them in the aisles - conductor wrote receipts for seated passengers and I suspect the aisle people are "bonus"....he bought a lot of matoke in the west (cheaper) for re-sale in Kampala - at least they are enterprising!!! At some stops the vendors reach in the windows to sell fruit, chipati, grilled meat (?) and beverages - at times they come on the bus and really get aggressive!
Good to have Holly back in town. Her mom sent me some leaves and Brach's candy (the corn and pumpkin stuff - delicious). I do miss the colors of fall!!! (but probably not the cold). I was freezing in August!!!!
Alex (a student) taught English for me on Monday - gave him a whole $2.50 to sub - he's good too. Tuesday we read a Ugandan folk tale and tried to write our own - it was fun and they are getting better at using their imaginations!
Chickens and cow were out of maize bran when I got back - had serious conversations w. the keepers about limiting the amount of food they give - esp. the cow...she needs to be self-sustaining. Ugandans as a whole are not good at long range planning - or looking at cost/price/profit numbers....they seem to get it when I explain (and have it translated), but not sure if it will stay as a practice! They also don't report food is out till the day after it's gone!!!
We need some lead time! Their lives (esp. in the village) are really lived day to day.....not a bad thing, except when you are trying to run a business. Many big businesses in Uganda are run by Indians.
Weds. nite there was a bad fire in the electrical box at the bakery - discovered soon and didn't spread but melted the big fuse boxes - poor Sr. Benna - another big expense!!
Yesterday we used the truck (back in service thanks to Sr Veronica - YEA)....We were hoping to take two kids from the Ngogwe clinic to CoRSU (orthopedic Hospital), but only one showed (and an hour late and w/o her contribution for transport). Other one - the baby w. the unformed lower legs - had arranged for a boda to pick her up in the a.m. and get her to PH she said, but it rained and the boda didn't come!! So many variables here! The 5 year old boy who went was the one w. sores all over his body - Dr. Antonio said it was TB of the bone - really bad! When he took his clothes off I felt SO sorry for him - covered w. pussy sores and also has a deformed spine and right hip bone is fused. He looks like he's in pain all the time and I'm sure he is!!! Doctor prescribed medication he said would provide drastic improvement in the next 3 weeks but I'm so afraid the mom won't (can't?) buy it....I was tempted to just get it while we were in Kampala, but that lets them off the hook again - parents need to assume some responsibility....problem is, it's the kids that suffer! I'll have Moses call Tuesday and see what she's done - might intervene if nothing - it's really hard!
We stopped at Katelemwa and finally picked up our parallel bars (bought w. a donation from the German volunteers). Long day -supposed to leave at 7 - left at 8:30 and returned about 8, but got things done. Lots of rain in the afternoon - several hours of hard rain!!!
Maria called while I was at CoRSU - actually, I was in the handicapped restroom trying to help another girl on the pot - and a lady was banging on the door - she wouldn't stop - must have been urgent! Anyway, Maria accused me of having the Sisters pray for the Twins - I didn't but only because I didn't think of it!!! Not much hope w. the Yankees, but it was a great finish - GO TWINS!!!!
Planning to go to Kampala tomorrow to see Maria - she's in town for a Trade Show w. her basket ladies - should be interesting!!! Wanted to get internet stuff done today since it's been a long time and leaves me more time to visit and eat. Sunday is visiting day at St. Balikudembes so I"ll go see Josephine - her last term there!!!! Taking tests now and it's really stressful!!! Weeks of tests that basically determine your future.
Hope you all are well - things are going fine here - our garden is up (well some is up) - hoed today. Had some really nice visitors today from Holland - 3 women - one is a long term volunteer in Jinja.
Thanks for all your support - it was hard after coming from home, but I'm finding my rhythm again - and the Sisters are SO appreciative! Not like I do all that much!! Maybe I should ask them to pray for the Twins - nah - too many other things! Have a wonderful October!!!!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
It's October!!!! 10-2-2009
Months continue to pass - not as fast as I'd like, but it will have to do. I'm going to Kbale this weekend to see my good friend Maria and go on a real picnic (potato salad even) and see the dance troupe made up of street children that she's working with.....the kids stories are really sad - many are AIDS orphans. They are being given some help and medical care by an organization in Kbale and Maria got a small grant to get them costumes and instruments and is now interviewing the kids. I'm excited to see Kbale again....hilly and cool!
Last Sunday I was doing my usual wash and clean after Mass - listening to Allen Asbury's "Somebody's Praying Me Through"....I listened to that all the time when Bert was in Iraq - now feel like it applies to me. Thanks all!!! Also, listened to some Peter, Paul and Mommy - in honor of Mary who died - I still love their music!!!
Monday at English I started reading a short story - was going to do a chapter book, but decided to start small. First, we talked about how to focus on the main parts of the story - who, what, etc. It seemed to go well. After class on Tuesday when we finished saw several kids who can read some English checking out the Library in the back - YEA! I finished Harry Potter 7 in three days - is that scary, or what? Now am reading The Shackled Continent - about why Africa is so far behind the rest of the world despite massive aid. If I find the answer I'll let you know!
Tuesday CBR was slow and Moses went home early to get some ground ready to plant cassava - now that the rains have started everyone is trying to plant. Certainly a lot better than Kenya and the awful drought. Sister Juliet has decided on a ag project for that part of the SPA grant - we're going to put in a small banana "plantation" behind the wall in the back - 130 trees. The grow for one year and then produce - after you cut the bananas off you cut down the tree, but it re-grows as a "sucker" which produces again in a year - guess you can do that for 5-10 years so it's a nice long range project. And you can plant beans under the trees! It will be close so the Ag class can work on it and should be doable for even the disabled.
Nusula is a 13 year old at Providence Home who had a tumor removed from behind her eye 3 years ago; the surgery and treatment was really badly done and she lost her eye and has a BIG hole - but fortunately no brain damage. She went w. Sr. Juliet to CoRSU Hospital Monday because it was still pussing after recent surgery (August). They taken skin from her leg and back and tried plastic surgery. (again - several previous unsuccessful tries - just a big hole). Sister said the pus is due to a bone infection and that to remove the bone might cost her the sight in the eye that is remaining - what a terrible thing for a 13 year old!! She's a really good student and just a great kid. She said "no more surgery"...she'll take what comes!
Fred and Sula got a ton of brewers mash for the cow from the Nile Brewery on Tuesday a.m. Maria won't produce as well w/o it - it smells disgusting, but guess not if you're a cow! Sr. Goretti has been holding the milk money and said they needed to get the mash because production was dropping but the white truck is still waiting to be serviced and the red truck doesn't have plates and can only be used for local trips(they were taken by the police on a trip several months ago because they were expired) so she had Sula "borrow" some plates from a friend and they made the trip to Jinja. Sr. Juliet was horrified when she heard - not to be done again!!!
On Wednesday I went to Kampala early to try to get my passport renewed (why didn't I do it when I was home - poor planning)....took the first taxi at 6:15 - sky was just turning pink and the chipati man was out already - saw kids going to school to do study or housekeeping chores. The schools here don't have janitors - the kids are assigned the cleaning projects to be done in the early am (try that one in America). I got to the Embassy O.K. after a long wait at an outlying taxi park for the connecting matatu....watched an interesting group of ladies w. huge, heavy bags of corn and cassava trying to get to various markets - it looked like a very hard was to make a living! At the Embassy I discovered the passport pictures I had were too small (think I should have known that)...and had to go back down into town and get new pictures and go back (also got some bagels, so the trip wasn't pointless). I always say "up" and "down" when in Kampala but it's built on 7 hills (like Rome - bad drivers, too, but not nearly as nice as I imagine Rome to be), so everyplace is either up or down. I got the passport ordered and stopped in Mukono on the way back to use the internet - left Nkokonjeru at 6:15 and returned at 4:30 just for a simple errand!!
Thursday was the Epilepsy Clinic - the Butabika Hospital people coming out got a flat tire just outside Nkokonjeru but no spare - Florence called and asked me send out some bodas (motorcycle taxis); I had her talk to the driver but she gave bad directions and he couldn't find them. They eventually got some villagers to lift the car (a Land Rover) and got the tire changed and came on to Nkokonjeru. Clinic went well despite a heavy rain, but they were WAY short of medicine and Moses had to go to the Hospital today (Friday) to get more. The funniest story of the day - if you like black humor - involved 2 boys (aged 8 or 10 - both epileptics). One boy had a seizure while waiting and the other went into his pocket and stole a 500 shilling coin!!! When the boy regained consciousness he said something to Moses who suspected the other boy - he asked him and of course the kid said no, so Moses fished in his pockets and sure enough, there was the coin!!! Stealing is such a way of life here - they don't see it as wrong - just sharing the wealth!!! Unless they get stolen from - then it's a BIG deal.
Well, that's it for the week - lots of rain. Our garden is starting to show signs of vegetables (and lots of weeds)....the little pigs continue to do well, Maria (the cow) is happy again an the chickens are still healthy (but it's a long time till they produce eggs and can pay their own way).
Happy Birthday to Ellie (October 6) - and good luck on the Marathon Gail....wish I was there to cheer you on. Corky is going up north to grouse hunt..... Curt and Jamie are down for Jamie's cousin's wedding - and Ben is a ring bearer!!! Lots of press here about the Olympic selection - esp. since Obamas went to Copenhagen. Corky tries to keep me updated on the Twins - at least they made it interesting in the end.
Things are getting better, tho' I'm glad to have a weekend away from Providence - there is always a lot going on and I'll enjoy the break! Thanks again to all who have supported me with your prayers (somebody is praying me through - it's not my doing).....
Last Sunday I was doing my usual wash and clean after Mass - listening to Allen Asbury's "Somebody's Praying Me Through"....I listened to that all the time when Bert was in Iraq - now feel like it applies to me. Thanks all!!! Also, listened to some Peter, Paul and Mommy - in honor of Mary who died - I still love their music!!!
Monday at English I started reading a short story - was going to do a chapter book, but decided to start small. First, we talked about how to focus on the main parts of the story - who, what, etc. It seemed to go well. After class on Tuesday when we finished saw several kids who can read some English checking out the Library in the back - YEA! I finished Harry Potter 7 in three days - is that scary, or what? Now am reading The Shackled Continent - about why Africa is so far behind the rest of the world despite massive aid. If I find the answer I'll let you know!
Tuesday CBR was slow and Moses went home early to get some ground ready to plant cassava - now that the rains have started everyone is trying to plant. Certainly a lot better than Kenya and the awful drought. Sister Juliet has decided on a ag project for that part of the SPA grant - we're going to put in a small banana "plantation" behind the wall in the back - 130 trees. The grow for one year and then produce - after you cut the bananas off you cut down the tree, but it re-grows as a "sucker" which produces again in a year - guess you can do that for 5-10 years so it's a nice long range project. And you can plant beans under the trees! It will be close so the Ag class can work on it and should be doable for even the disabled.
Nusula is a 13 year old at Providence Home who had a tumor removed from behind her eye 3 years ago; the surgery and treatment was really badly done and she lost her eye and has a BIG hole - but fortunately no brain damage. She went w. Sr. Juliet to CoRSU Hospital Monday because it was still pussing after recent surgery (August). They taken skin from her leg and back and tried plastic surgery. (again - several previous unsuccessful tries - just a big hole). Sister said the pus is due to a bone infection and that to remove the bone might cost her the sight in the eye that is remaining - what a terrible thing for a 13 year old!! She's a really good student and just a great kid. She said "no more surgery"...she'll take what comes!
Fred and Sula got a ton of brewers mash for the cow from the Nile Brewery on Tuesday a.m. Maria won't produce as well w/o it - it smells disgusting, but guess not if you're a cow! Sr. Goretti has been holding the milk money and said they needed to get the mash because production was dropping but the white truck is still waiting to be serviced and the red truck doesn't have plates and can only be used for local trips(they were taken by the police on a trip several months ago because they were expired) so she had Sula "borrow" some plates from a friend and they made the trip to Jinja. Sr. Juliet was horrified when she heard - not to be done again!!!
On Wednesday I went to Kampala early to try to get my passport renewed (why didn't I do it when I was home - poor planning)....took the first taxi at 6:15 - sky was just turning pink and the chipati man was out already - saw kids going to school to do study or housekeeping chores. The schools here don't have janitors - the kids are assigned the cleaning projects to be done in the early am (try that one in America). I got to the Embassy O.K. after a long wait at an outlying taxi park for the connecting matatu....watched an interesting group of ladies w. huge, heavy bags of corn and cassava trying to get to various markets - it looked like a very hard was to make a living! At the Embassy I discovered the passport pictures I had were too small (think I should have known that)...and had to go back down into town and get new pictures and go back (also got some bagels, so the trip wasn't pointless). I always say "up" and "down" when in Kampala but it's built on 7 hills (like Rome - bad drivers, too, but not nearly as nice as I imagine Rome to be), so everyplace is either up or down. I got the passport ordered and stopped in Mukono on the way back to use the internet - left Nkokonjeru at 6:15 and returned at 4:30 just for a simple errand!!
Thursday was the Epilepsy Clinic - the Butabika Hospital people coming out got a flat tire just outside Nkokonjeru but no spare - Florence called and asked me send out some bodas (motorcycle taxis); I had her talk to the driver but she gave bad directions and he couldn't find them. They eventually got some villagers to lift the car (a Land Rover) and got the tire changed and came on to Nkokonjeru. Clinic went well despite a heavy rain, but they were WAY short of medicine and Moses had to go to the Hospital today (Friday) to get more. The funniest story of the day - if you like black humor - involved 2 boys (aged 8 or 10 - both epileptics). One boy had a seizure while waiting and the other went into his pocket and stole a 500 shilling coin!!! When the boy regained consciousness he said something to Moses who suspected the other boy - he asked him and of course the kid said no, so Moses fished in his pockets and sure enough, there was the coin!!! Stealing is such a way of life here - they don't see it as wrong - just sharing the wealth!!! Unless they get stolen from - then it's a BIG deal.
Well, that's it for the week - lots of rain. Our garden is starting to show signs of vegetables (and lots of weeds)....the little pigs continue to do well, Maria (the cow) is happy again an the chickens are still healthy (but it's a long time till they produce eggs and can pay their own way).
Happy Birthday to Ellie (October 6) - and good luck on the Marathon Gail....wish I was there to cheer you on. Corky is going up north to grouse hunt..... Curt and Jamie are down for Jamie's cousin's wedding - and Ben is a ring bearer!!! Lots of press here about the Olympic selection - esp. since Obamas went to Copenhagen. Corky tries to keep me updated on the Twins - at least they made it interesting in the end.
Things are getting better, tho' I'm glad to have a weekend away from Providence - there is always a lot going on and I'll enjoy the break! Thanks again to all who have supported me with your prayers (somebody is praying me through - it's not my doing).....
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Happy Birthday Jamie and Naomi - Sept. 26, 2009
Beware - it's sort of long. I'm in Mukono early in the a.m. to blog (Saturday).....got on the taxi at 6:30 and it filled up fast and we were here by 7:00 - internet cafe opens at 7:30! There is no limit to the lengths I'll go to to keep the blog going!!!! Only 6 1/2 months left.
Lots of Anniversary/Birthday activity in our family the next few weeks. And next Sunday Gail does the Twin Cities Marathon - it's always so beautiful w. the fall colors (of course, that's my perspective - I'm not running 26.2 miles!!!).
Back to the week in retrospect - they are going fast again. I hit a low point after my visit home, but am getting back into the swing. Classes are going better tho' I still wonder how much they are getting and retaining (I'm sure all teachers do). We had some visitors from Holland Monday and Sr. Juliet was gone so I did "the tour"....I still can't do it walking backwards yet (like college tours), but it's close!
The BIG momma pig had 11 babies - 2 died, but the remaining 9 are looking good! We were really low on feed so Sister sold 3 of the bigger pigs (6-7 months old - four left) and 2 of the month old piglets (6 left) - Vincent (the animal manager) was genuinely sad! I'm just happy to have them start to be self-supporting. Poor Vincent got into an argument w. one of the older male residents, Mafalanga, who's a little "off", about where to tether the goats (Vincent didn't want them near the cow because of ticks) and Mafalanga BIT him in the thumb really badly and he can't milk or cut elephant grass for awhile (he then hit Mafalanga and knocked out two teeth) so we have a gardener working w. him - never a dull moment!!!
I realized Monday nite that I had only one unread book at my apt. and had a panic attack! Went over to Holly's and got 3 and Shari contributed 4 so I'm O.K. again. Am now finishing The White Man's Burden by William Easterly - another criticism of big foreign aid programs and the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
On Tuesday at English I asked the kids to complete simple information forms for our records - name, age, parents names (if alive), village and any contact information - it was awful!!! Almost none could give their parents names or village.....I was floored. Nelson said later that maybe they don't know how to write them in English - obviously something they never had to do in school before!!! I felt bad for them! Total disaster but they are so patient!
In the pictures I sent last time I think there was a picture of an old woman in a red velvet pillbox hat - she comes to PH (and other homes) for meal every now and then. Actually, she could live here but prefers to stay at her home in town. Maria and I had given Sr. Goretti some money to get her a few things and Tuesday evening we went down to her home - a one room mud hut (half of a "duplex") to give her a blanket and some food items. She was SO excited - she kept hugging us and prayed that God would bless us (he has), that we would get more money and that we would get gray hair (actually, I don't want gray hair, but think she meant to get old enough to have gray hair). Fun to be generous w. so little input!
I saw Bob on the way to her home - he's the older man from Portland who came to Nkokonjeru last year as a short time volunteer and is now building a house here and intends to spend part of his time here and part back in the U.S. He's trying to buy some land (and it's a struggle) to "loan" to poor people to grow things to sell.....it's an uphill battle even to do good deeds - lots of paperwork, bribes, misinformation etc. He has a local committee but I'm not so sure of all of them either!
After stopping a visiting w. Bob I got home pretty late - made a quick supper of eggs and as I was reaching into my curtained "cupboard" I felt something on my arm - a cockroach!! UGH!!! I shook him off and "Doomed" him to death - serves him right! I hate cockroaches....think all the rain is forcing them inside.
Wednesday was the Katelemwa orthopedic clinic at Ngogwe (about 10 miles down the road)....it started late (no surpirse), but was really successful. There were 3 people from Katelemwa Rehab Center , Nelson and Jasimine and a PT from Holland who volunteered at PH in August. We started out under a tree on a bench - then Sister noticed an ant hill under our bench - we moved quickly but not fast enough - got bites between my toes and later, as they crawled up, in my underwear (that may be too much information). Had to move inside later because of rain, but the clinic itself went very well - had 23 people - some were reviews, but some were new (Moses and Kinene did a good job getting the word out). Two we want to send to Dr. Antonio (orthopedic surgeon in Entebbe). They were a little 2 1/2 month old boy w. Agonesia(?) - poor formation of lower leg bones....his feet are curled upwards but he's so young he may be a good case for reconstructive surgery. He'd had his legs casted poorly at a local hospital and had a huge sore on one ankle. The other was a 5 year old who was treated somewhere (they are really bad a remembering details) at age one for osteomyletis (bone infection) and now was covered w. sores - he was just miserable and hadn't been to a doctor. OT examining him thought it might be osteomyletis returned. All in all, a very interesting, productive day. My job is to make sure everyone has completed intake forms and that we've written down a follow up plan - good work for an obsessive person but it takes some pushing!!
Lots of rain and spells of no power - but grateful for the rain when we hear about Kenya and other places. No more political unrest here tho' the Kabeka (King) and President continue to verbally spar - mainly through Ministers!
Thursday I spent the morning making sure teachers and students were in their classes (a daily task), and that all the animals' feeds were ordered or delivered and everyone was eating, (it's a difficult job since nothing is available in one place and transport is such an issue - I must drive Fred crazy!). Then, I went to nearby Kisoga to take an Application for a PCV to the Italian Sisters there - they'd had a volunteer but he went home in April (done) and they'd neglected to re-apply. They are such a great group - had me meet a young man (19) w. TB of the spine (?) they want to come to PH - Sr. Judith (60s) drives an old Jeep "ambulance" - very exciting ride!!!! The Sisters are in their 60s and 70s and have been in Africa most of their lives - amazing women!
Friday went well - Math is getting better - I now do 2 different papers for the slower group - seems to work. Poor Sr. Juliet - the new computer got damaged in a power in and out on Wednesday - they have a surge protector, but the guy who came to fix it said computers just can't survive in Africa (why doesn't someone design one that could?)...it's fixable but am sure it will be expensive, the truck is locked up till she can afford to get it serviced and she found out that whoever did the electrical work years ago connecting the bakery power to the boys' dorm used shoddy wire (a frequent trick here - weak cement, low quality products, etc.) and it needs to be re-strung! Also, Nusula's plastic surgery (to cover the hole where her eye used to be) is not going well - lots of puss still and she needs to go back Monday. Nusulu is devastated - the spots where they took skin grafts are still very painful!!! Lots on Sister's plate besides keeping us fed! She gets down for a bit, but bounces right back - there really must be something to the power of prayer!
Spent the evening updating my grant accounting - it actually (eventually) balanced out and I have receipts for everything - YEA!!! Now to finish - it's all in the works except for the garden portion....need to make a plan for that, but it's not planting time so it's hard. Our garden is up and so are the weeds! Germination is still slow and spotty, but w. the rain it's doing better than I'd expected.
So, that's life this week in Uganda - I stick pretty close to Nkokonjeru - seems to be enough here to keep me busy! Hope you all are well and enjoying the fall colors! Thanks again and again for the support and for thinking of me and praying for me - it really helps!!!!
Happy Anniversary Greg and Jessica, Gail and Jesse, Happy Birthday Jamie, Naomi and Ellie! Will catch the rest next time!
Lots of Anniversary/Birthday activity in our family the next few weeks. And next Sunday Gail does the Twin Cities Marathon - it's always so beautiful w. the fall colors (of course, that's my perspective - I'm not running 26.2 miles!!!).
Back to the week in retrospect - they are going fast again. I hit a low point after my visit home, but am getting back into the swing. Classes are going better tho' I still wonder how much they are getting and retaining (I'm sure all teachers do). We had some visitors from Holland Monday and Sr. Juliet was gone so I did "the tour"....I still can't do it walking backwards yet (like college tours), but it's close!
The BIG momma pig had 11 babies - 2 died, but the remaining 9 are looking good! We were really low on feed so Sister sold 3 of the bigger pigs (6-7 months old - four left) and 2 of the month old piglets (6 left) - Vincent (the animal manager) was genuinely sad! I'm just happy to have them start to be self-supporting. Poor Vincent got into an argument w. one of the older male residents, Mafalanga, who's a little "off", about where to tether the goats (Vincent didn't want them near the cow because of ticks) and Mafalanga BIT him in the thumb really badly and he can't milk or cut elephant grass for awhile (he then hit Mafalanga and knocked out two teeth) so we have a gardener working w. him - never a dull moment!!!
I realized Monday nite that I had only one unread book at my apt. and had a panic attack! Went over to Holly's and got 3 and Shari contributed 4 so I'm O.K. again. Am now finishing The White Man's Burden by William Easterly - another criticism of big foreign aid programs and the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
On Tuesday at English I asked the kids to complete simple information forms for our records - name, age, parents names (if alive), village and any contact information - it was awful!!! Almost none could give their parents names or village.....I was floored. Nelson said later that maybe they don't know how to write them in English - obviously something they never had to do in school before!!! I felt bad for them! Total disaster but they are so patient!
In the pictures I sent last time I think there was a picture of an old woman in a red velvet pillbox hat - she comes to PH (and other homes) for meal every now and then. Actually, she could live here but prefers to stay at her home in town. Maria and I had given Sr. Goretti some money to get her a few things and Tuesday evening we went down to her home - a one room mud hut (half of a "duplex") to give her a blanket and some food items. She was SO excited - she kept hugging us and prayed that God would bless us (he has), that we would get more money and that we would get gray hair (actually, I don't want gray hair, but think she meant to get old enough to have gray hair). Fun to be generous w. so little input!
I saw Bob on the way to her home - he's the older man from Portland who came to Nkokonjeru last year as a short time volunteer and is now building a house here and intends to spend part of his time here and part back in the U.S. He's trying to buy some land (and it's a struggle) to "loan" to poor people to grow things to sell.....it's an uphill battle even to do good deeds - lots of paperwork, bribes, misinformation etc. He has a local committee but I'm not so sure of all of them either!
After stopping a visiting w. Bob I got home pretty late - made a quick supper of eggs and as I was reaching into my curtained "cupboard" I felt something on my arm - a cockroach!! UGH!!! I shook him off and "Doomed" him to death - serves him right! I hate cockroaches....think all the rain is forcing them inside.
Wednesday was the Katelemwa orthopedic clinic at Ngogwe (about 10 miles down the road)....it started late (no surpirse), but was really successful. There were 3 people from Katelemwa Rehab Center , Nelson and Jasimine and a PT from Holland who volunteered at PH in August. We started out under a tree on a bench - then Sister noticed an ant hill under our bench - we moved quickly but not fast enough - got bites between my toes and later, as they crawled up, in my underwear (that may be too much information). Had to move inside later because of rain, but the clinic itself went very well - had 23 people - some were reviews, but some were new (Moses and Kinene did a good job getting the word out). Two we want to send to Dr. Antonio (orthopedic surgeon in Entebbe). They were a little 2 1/2 month old boy w. Agonesia(?) - poor formation of lower leg bones....his feet are curled upwards but he's so young he may be a good case for reconstructive surgery. He'd had his legs casted poorly at a local hospital and had a huge sore on one ankle. The other was a 5 year old who was treated somewhere (they are really bad a remembering details) at age one for osteomyletis (bone infection) and now was covered w. sores - he was just miserable and hadn't been to a doctor. OT examining him thought it might be osteomyletis returned. All in all, a very interesting, productive day. My job is to make sure everyone has completed intake forms and that we've written down a follow up plan - good work for an obsessive person but it takes some pushing!!
Lots of rain and spells of no power - but grateful for the rain when we hear about Kenya and other places. No more political unrest here tho' the Kabeka (King) and President continue to verbally spar - mainly through Ministers!
Thursday I spent the morning making sure teachers and students were in their classes (a daily task), and that all the animals' feeds were ordered or delivered and everyone was eating, (it's a difficult job since nothing is available in one place and transport is such an issue - I must drive Fred crazy!). Then, I went to nearby Kisoga to take an Application for a PCV to the Italian Sisters there - they'd had a volunteer but he went home in April (done) and they'd neglected to re-apply. They are such a great group - had me meet a young man (19) w. TB of the spine (?) they want to come to PH - Sr. Judith (60s) drives an old Jeep "ambulance" - very exciting ride!!!! The Sisters are in their 60s and 70s and have been in Africa most of their lives - amazing women!
Friday went well - Math is getting better - I now do 2 different papers for the slower group - seems to work. Poor Sr. Juliet - the new computer got damaged in a power in and out on Wednesday - they have a surge protector, but the guy who came to fix it said computers just can't survive in Africa (why doesn't someone design one that could?)...it's fixable but am sure it will be expensive, the truck is locked up till she can afford to get it serviced and she found out that whoever did the electrical work years ago connecting the bakery power to the boys' dorm used shoddy wire (a frequent trick here - weak cement, low quality products, etc.) and it needs to be re-strung! Also, Nusula's plastic surgery (to cover the hole where her eye used to be) is not going well - lots of puss still and she needs to go back Monday. Nusulu is devastated - the spots where they took skin grafts are still very painful!!! Lots on Sister's plate besides keeping us fed! She gets down for a bit, but bounces right back - there really must be something to the power of prayer!
Spent the evening updating my grant accounting - it actually (eventually) balanced out and I have receipts for everything - YEA!!! Now to finish - it's all in the works except for the garden portion....need to make a plan for that, but it's not planting time so it's hard. Our garden is up and so are the weeds! Germination is still slow and spotty, but w. the rain it's doing better than I'd expected.
So, that's life this week in Uganda - I stick pretty close to Nkokonjeru - seems to be enough here to keep me busy! Hope you all are well and enjoying the fall colors! Thanks again and again for the support and for thinking of me and praying for me - it really helps!!!!
Happy Anniversary Greg and Jessica, Gail and Jesse, Happy Birthday Jamie, Naomi and Ellie! Will catch the rest next time!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
HAPPY EED - Sept. 20, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
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!
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