Happy Halloween! I'm a little off on my blogging - I'm planning to visit another PCV over the weekend - she was my roommate at the start of training - and I've never been to her site. Good excuse to see some new country - just staying Saturday nite, but thought I'd blog today as long as I'm in Mukono to use the internet! Sure miss it in Nkokonjeru! Got here really early and as I was doing e-mails, the cleaning lady pulled out the cable w. her mop!!!
Got back last Saturday in time to wash clothes and clean (hoping to do that again today, but it's pretty overcast - has been raining a LOT but thankfully few power outages!). One of the older girls stopped by for tea! It's always fun - they enjoy "all the sugar you can load in" in their tea!!!
Read the book The Road - about a father/son traveling after a nuclear holocaust (well years after)...it's haunting - wonder how it is as a movie. I actually read it twice - it's short - the first time I went SO fast because it was creepy and then I re-read to catch the writing!!
Sunday Mass the Sisters sang a snappy tune I hadn't heard before - Refrain "If you trust and never doubt, God will surely bring you out...Take your burdens to the Lord in prayer"....good advice!
Sunday afternoon Holly and I went to a meeting w. Moses (our outreach worker) and his Community Health Workers (they were the ones in the first aid training class)....nice group of people! They said they are running out of supplies (gauze, bandaids...) but haven't charged for them like Holly advised - small amounts like a dime - so they could replenish! The recurrent problem of making projects self-sustaining! Still planning the Infant Nutrition Class later - the problem is re-education - many people grow crops but feed little children cassava (root crop) or matoke and no fruits or vegetables (like papaya or greens)....just not something they do! Little protein too, tho' beans are easy to grow as are ground nuts! Holly has an idea for a demonstration garden called "Three Sisters" - pole beans climbing up corn stalks and squash between the rows! Might ask this group to try some as a demonstration - also one growing greens and showing how to cook and serve to children.
Really into a reading jag - escapism?? Next read A Sunday by the Pool in Kigali. I'd wanted to read it since I went in 2006 and Shari had it. Holly is on her way to Rwanda w. some other PCVs right now!!! It's a fictional (based on actual) account of the '94 genocide - very graphic and awful!!!
Sunday nite, Moses called the mom of the little boy w. the sores AGAIN, told here we had the meds and she still said she had no money for transport! Well, she showed up Monday a.m.!!! She is really frustrating....not sure why I'm so hooked on this one-maybe because he's only 5 and is so miserable. Now to see if she gives them faithfully, since she didn't pay for them (it happens).
Had dinner Monday at Shari's - beef stir fry over chinese noodles - those girls are good cooks!!! Shari got beef from the butcher - the butchers have a stall on the road, open, with no refrigeration. They hang the meat on a hook in the open stall and will whack off a piece the size you want w. a machete!!! No special cuts!!!
Tuesday I had a very frustrating day - I'm really letting stuff get to me way too much! Kids didn't want to work for the Ag teacher on the gardens in the compound - even the wheelchair ones can pull weeds - and he wasn't making them - well, I did, after much nagging!!! New wheelbarrow was missing screws and no one bothered to try and fix it (I gave Vincent money to buy new screws and do it); the cow is out of feed earlier than expected (he's feeding it more than we'd allotted again - he said it was dropping production but he went gave a LOT more and now everything is out and milk buyers don't pay till the end of the month....it's so hard to get people to think long term - say two weeks!!!). Our zuccini etc. has leaf mold again - darn - it looked so good!! And there was more than the usual amount of "begging" on Tuesday, too....there's always some - wanting money for something small, use of my phone, etc., maybe I was just annoyed at everything. We had a meeting about the cow Tuesday nite - set for 6 p.m. but actually happened at 9! Will try (once again) to get on track! I'll have to bail them out w. chicken feed money but his is (really) the last time!!! In November, it's self-supporting or the cow is hungry! I want the people here to develop their own solutions to problems, but it's just not in their nature to think "solution"! I've worked up an income/cost schedule and tried to explain it, but not sure I"m getting through.
Yesterday Holly and I went to a "Turn to Tea" event. The old man who was in Holly's 5K (he's 70?) and lost 9 children to HIV is starting an NGO to try to get people to drink tea rather than alcohol to prevent unsafe sex. He invited Holly as head of Project Hope and I just went along...nice gathering - lots of local dignitaries (and speeches). Someone from the New VIsion Newspaper was supposed to come since it's an entry in a contest for World Aids Day (Dec 1)...but they never did (he called them repeatedly and they kept saying "we're coming")....At 1 Holly left and then it started to RAIN - just sheets. At 2 I got a ride home w. the ex-mayor - after he got stuck in the road - he just kept spinning his wheels till he was mired. Some guys finally put banana leaves under the tires and pushed - like being on ice!!! I felt bad for the organizer, but he fell asleep in a chair on the porch after the rain started - no one gets angry or impatient!!! Amazing!!!
Jamie sent me the book Still Alice by Lisa Genova (I am reading a lot)....it is WAY scarier than The Road or By the Pool!!! It's about a 50 yr. old woman, Harvard College professor who gets early onset Alzheimers. Every time I forgot something I panicked!!! It's chilling! There were some lines that reminded me of how I feels sometimes (on bad days) about being in Uganda - not to be dramatic, but they fit (sometimes)....."I miss being sure of things. There's no peace being unsure of everything all the time. I miss doing everything easily. I miss being part of what's happening. I miss my life and my family".
Well, that was sad - lots of things are doing well. The chickens are great - we had to padlock their house after seeing one of the elderly men looking at them hungrily! We've sold 9 of 17 baby pigs (last group is just weaning). First mom was "serviced" again - finally, the male had something to do!! The cow went into heat, but the one guy in town who does insemination had his phone off (uncharged?) the entire 24 hours she was ready!!! Oh, well, try again! Still waiting to finish the banana tree holes and get those in before the rain stops - hate the thought of carrying water to 130 baby banana trees! Kids are progressing in school and Didas got 2 more shoe orders from Stella Maris - so, lots of good things, too!!! Sr. Juliet just called and she got a nice donation from the people from Florida to help out w. buying food for the kids - WOW!!! I have to try and get it at Western Union - don't have my passport with but do have my PC ID - hope that works!!!
Hope you have a Happy Halloween - Jasemine wants to get some pumpkins (they are green) and do some jack-o-lanterns - think we'll try!!! I like Halloween!!
Take care all - thanks again for the good wishes, prayers and thoughts. I'm looking forward to being away for a day - get a better perspective when I see others projects.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Saturday - October 24, 2009
I'm in Mukono to blog - really miss having the internet in Nkokonjeru!!! I was going to take the 6:30 matatu, but didn't sleep well, and it was still raining (rained a LOT last nite) and didn't get down to town till 7:00 - had to wait till 8:20 till the next one filled and we left.....next time I'll stick w. the first one!!
Last Saturday I was here blogging before our little "pool party" at the Coline Hotel here in Mukono - lots of good company (other PCVs). We didn't swim - started out cool and cloudy and then a school group came in - lots of conversation tho' - most is about what we're all planning to do when we're done!!! Focus has shifted! We are now officially the oldest group in Uganda!!!
Sunday, Didas (shoemaking teacher), Alex (student) and I went up to Stella Maris (an expensive boarding school in town) for visiting day to try to sell shoes. We only sold one pair, but many people admired them and we'll go back - this term is over the end of November and the new one doesn't start till February, so think many were thinking they'd wait! I asked Didas how long he'd been at PH and how they used to market - he said 5 years, and they never had materials to actually make or sell shoes before - just practiced w. paper and maybe a little leather. So - one huge improvement thanks to generous donors - now to keep it self sustaining!!!
Got great phone calls from the family for my BD but sad to hear the Gophers lost @ Penn State. I'm enjoying reading newspaper articles Corky sends - I'm about a 3 weeks behind in the news but the Twins (in my world) are now set to play Detroit in the tie breaker - it's still fun to read!!
Monday, we had some disturbances at lunch re: food portions - it's rationed some to make it last. Many don't pay any contribution so not sure they should complain! There is no "free lunch" - no government help. And kids expect a LOT of food - you'd be amazed at how much Ugandans eat at a sitting - 'course it's mainly carbs and goes fast, plus there is not snacking! I've been standing outside the hall making sure people aren't taking an extra plate, saying it's for someone else and stashing it in the dormitories (a favorite trick).
Holly and I had a great walk and then dinner at Shari's - tuna hotdish and cherry pie - WOW!!
Tuesday Moses said he was sick and his wife and Fiona also - and his cow!!! Moses and Nelson (the OT) are teaming up to raise some pigs...they bought 3 of our little pigs - Nelson provides the capitol and Moses will keep them at his farm -hope it works! The little pigs are really healthy but I'd like to sell them all! Nelson, Moses and I went to the piggery to choose and catch their three and it was funny watching Moses in the stall trying to grab them - Vincent (the animal manager) heard the piglets squealing and came running - good for him. Moses wanted a female that was still w. her mom and Vincent got that done - very stealthily!
Wednesday I decided to go to the PC office to do my quarterly report - it has to be done electronically and I hate doing it (used to be able to do it in writing and send it in - easier for me). After I got it done (in some fashion) I went to the Indian Pharmacy by Mulago Hospital and got the TB drugs needed for the little boy w. the sores - I really should not be buying meds for people but Moses convinced me they were really poor - and the little boy (5) is SO miserable. Went to New York Kitchen (restaurant) and got some bagels and a cinnamon roll to take home - such a treat!!! Got to Mukono and had lots of mail - YEA - it's been very spotty the past two months! All in all a very productive day - and at the Mukono taxi park I was #14 on the matatu so we took right off - no waiting! Bonus!!!!
I'd gotten a newspaper (they are really supermarket tabloids) and my horiscope was (for the first time I can remember) accurate!!! Libra - "Brisk. You're very down in the mouth today. Although many things in your life are going swimmingly at this time the occasional doubts are creeping in. It will be difficult to know whether your fears are justified or whether you're conjuring up problems out of nowhere. Make sure you get some rest because that could be half your trouble." I have been struggling w. being here and I DO conjure up problems all the time!! Good one.
Few glitches in my perfect day after I got back. Moses stopped by and had gotten a call from a mom of one of the epilepsy patients - mom said the girl (24) had a "fit" and climbed a tree and fell out and broke her leg. Sister Juliet told Moses the mom had to at least find transport for her to the Nkokonjeru Hospital - mom said she couldn't! And he called the mom of the little boy w. TB and she said she couldn't afford to come to Nkokonjeru to get the meds!! First time I've seen Moses cut someone off - switched off the phone he was so mad!!! We also decided w should know the boy's HIV status - often TB is a sign of AIDS - weakened immune system - sad but true! So, we need him here for a test at the hospital.
Thursday Sr. Juliet asked if I'd take Liliane (our primary donor) money around to some schools to pay debts. It was a harder job than I'd anticipated (and I anticipated hard)....had to wait for the matatu, ride along in the dust, walk to the schools, pay, walk back to the main road, wait for the matatu, eat dust...you get the picture. Afternoons have been really HOT - felt like I was cooking!!! But I got it done!!! Always a sense of accomplishment!
Friday math went very well - after doing linear measures (metre, cm, km) we tried liquid measures - litre, etc. Had a variety of bottles, gerry cans, etc. and we poured water to see what the sizes were. The kids actually seem to be getting it - papers were very good!!! Also, the prisioners came (20) to start digging the holes for the banana trees - YEA. However, they can't come back till Nov. 3 (booked) and I'm not sure how much longer the rainy season will last. We get the prisoners for 2500/prisoner ($1.25), and extra for the wardens. They work really hard and it was HOT! Some seemed very young!
Had a visitor in the afternoon - a young man in a UN truck. He's met a girl who worked in PH in 1996 and he was in Uganda (he works in Sudan fixing trucks that defuse land mines!!) and told her he'd check out how it was doing. He's from the UK and has been in Africa for 10 years and loves it - said you have to look for the beauty all around (good lesson for me).....but he's a bit of a "soldier of fortune" I think - enjoys the life of the ex-pat. We talked about aid and aid agencies and he said he firmly believes the agency people keep asking for money so they can keep employed (included himself in that group) and that little of large aid is used well - in fact, much goes back to the home country people in terms of consulting fees, materials, etc.! He'd read Dead Aid and agreed - large grants have been wasted and may have even done harm by propping up bad governments, encouraging corruption and taking away the initiative of people to do something for themselves!!!
Interesting week - time goes fast but I really miss home. Today I'm missing Henry and Ellie's Birthday party - darn! I think often of the fall leaves (love fall) - maybe it will be easier to miss Minnesota when the snow flies!!! Am interested to see how the Referendum at Montgomery/Lonsdale goes - opportunity to use some federal stimulus dollars - seems like a good deal!!! Think Cook has a bond issue too!
Take care - Thanks again for your unfailing support and prayers - couldn't do it w/o you all!!!
Last Saturday I was here blogging before our little "pool party" at the Coline Hotel here in Mukono - lots of good company (other PCVs). We didn't swim - started out cool and cloudy and then a school group came in - lots of conversation tho' - most is about what we're all planning to do when we're done!!! Focus has shifted! We are now officially the oldest group in Uganda!!!
Sunday, Didas (shoemaking teacher), Alex (student) and I went up to Stella Maris (an expensive boarding school in town) for visiting day to try to sell shoes. We only sold one pair, but many people admired them and we'll go back - this term is over the end of November and the new one doesn't start till February, so think many were thinking they'd wait! I asked Didas how long he'd been at PH and how they used to market - he said 5 years, and they never had materials to actually make or sell shoes before - just practiced w. paper and maybe a little leather. So - one huge improvement thanks to generous donors - now to keep it self sustaining!!!
Got great phone calls from the family for my BD but sad to hear the Gophers lost @ Penn State. I'm enjoying reading newspaper articles Corky sends - I'm about a 3 weeks behind in the news but the Twins (in my world) are now set to play Detroit in the tie breaker - it's still fun to read!!
Monday, we had some disturbances at lunch re: food portions - it's rationed some to make it last. Many don't pay any contribution so not sure they should complain! There is no "free lunch" - no government help. And kids expect a LOT of food - you'd be amazed at how much Ugandans eat at a sitting - 'course it's mainly carbs and goes fast, plus there is not snacking! I've been standing outside the hall making sure people aren't taking an extra plate, saying it's for someone else and stashing it in the dormitories (a favorite trick).
Holly and I had a great walk and then dinner at Shari's - tuna hotdish and cherry pie - WOW!!
Tuesday Moses said he was sick and his wife and Fiona also - and his cow!!! Moses and Nelson (the OT) are teaming up to raise some pigs...they bought 3 of our little pigs - Nelson provides the capitol and Moses will keep them at his farm -hope it works! The little pigs are really healthy but I'd like to sell them all! Nelson, Moses and I went to the piggery to choose and catch their three and it was funny watching Moses in the stall trying to grab them - Vincent (the animal manager) heard the piglets squealing and came running - good for him. Moses wanted a female that was still w. her mom and Vincent got that done - very stealthily!
Wednesday I decided to go to the PC office to do my quarterly report - it has to be done electronically and I hate doing it (used to be able to do it in writing and send it in - easier for me). After I got it done (in some fashion) I went to the Indian Pharmacy by Mulago Hospital and got the TB drugs needed for the little boy w. the sores - I really should not be buying meds for people but Moses convinced me they were really poor - and the little boy (5) is SO miserable. Went to New York Kitchen (restaurant) and got some bagels and a cinnamon roll to take home - such a treat!!! Got to Mukono and had lots of mail - YEA - it's been very spotty the past two months! All in all a very productive day - and at the Mukono taxi park I was #14 on the matatu so we took right off - no waiting! Bonus!!!!
I'd gotten a newspaper (they are really supermarket tabloids) and my horiscope was (for the first time I can remember) accurate!!! Libra - "Brisk. You're very down in the mouth today. Although many things in your life are going swimmingly at this time the occasional doubts are creeping in. It will be difficult to know whether your fears are justified or whether you're conjuring up problems out of nowhere. Make sure you get some rest because that could be half your trouble." I have been struggling w. being here and I DO conjure up problems all the time!! Good one.
Few glitches in my perfect day after I got back. Moses stopped by and had gotten a call from a mom of one of the epilepsy patients - mom said the girl (24) had a "fit" and climbed a tree and fell out and broke her leg. Sister Juliet told Moses the mom had to at least find transport for her to the Nkokonjeru Hospital - mom said she couldn't! And he called the mom of the little boy w. TB and she said she couldn't afford to come to Nkokonjeru to get the meds!! First time I've seen Moses cut someone off - switched off the phone he was so mad!!! We also decided w should know the boy's HIV status - often TB is a sign of AIDS - weakened immune system - sad but true! So, we need him here for a test at the hospital.
Thursday Sr. Juliet asked if I'd take Liliane (our primary donor) money around to some schools to pay debts. It was a harder job than I'd anticipated (and I anticipated hard)....had to wait for the matatu, ride along in the dust, walk to the schools, pay, walk back to the main road, wait for the matatu, eat dust...you get the picture. Afternoons have been really HOT - felt like I was cooking!!! But I got it done!!! Always a sense of accomplishment!
Friday math went very well - after doing linear measures (metre, cm, km) we tried liquid measures - litre, etc. Had a variety of bottles, gerry cans, etc. and we poured water to see what the sizes were. The kids actually seem to be getting it - papers were very good!!! Also, the prisioners came (20) to start digging the holes for the banana trees - YEA. However, they can't come back till Nov. 3 (booked) and I'm not sure how much longer the rainy season will last. We get the prisoners for 2500/prisoner ($1.25), and extra for the wardens. They work really hard and it was HOT! Some seemed very young!
Had a visitor in the afternoon - a young man in a UN truck. He's met a girl who worked in PH in 1996 and he was in Uganda (he works in Sudan fixing trucks that defuse land mines!!) and told her he'd check out how it was doing. He's from the UK and has been in Africa for 10 years and loves it - said you have to look for the beauty all around (good lesson for me).....but he's a bit of a "soldier of fortune" I think - enjoys the life of the ex-pat. We talked about aid and aid agencies and he said he firmly believes the agency people keep asking for money so they can keep employed (included himself in that group) and that little of large aid is used well - in fact, much goes back to the home country people in terms of consulting fees, materials, etc.! He'd read Dead Aid and agreed - large grants have been wasted and may have even done harm by propping up bad governments, encouraging corruption and taking away the initiative of people to do something for themselves!!!
Interesting week - time goes fast but I really miss home. Today I'm missing Henry and Ellie's Birthday party - darn! I think often of the fall leaves (love fall) - maybe it will be easier to miss Minnesota when the snow flies!!! Am interested to see how the Referendum at Montgomery/Lonsdale goes - opportunity to use some federal stimulus dollars - seems like a good deal!!! Think Cook has a bond issue too!
Take care - Thanks again for your unfailing support and prayers - couldn't do it w/o you all!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
October 17, 2009 - I'm officially 63!!!
I'm actually starting this blog Thursday at the Peace Corps office and will finish it Saturday - I'm in to have lunch and say goodbye to my good friend in PC, Maria, who is going home tonight. She just didn't have enough to keep her at her site in Kbale and decided to end early. I'll really miss her!!! I will finish the blog Saturday in Mukono - a few of us are meeting there to swim at the Colline hotel and have lunch - a little indulgence including two birthdays!
Spent last Saturday in Kampala w. Maria. We went to a huge Trade Show - a lot of commercial exhibits but also a building full of crafts and Maria's "basket ladies" had a booth. They actually sold some things to a wandering buyer from the posh craft store at the malls, Banana Boat, and they are on display there - quite an accomplishment!!! A lot of the show reminded me of under the grandstand at the Minnesota State Fair - there was even a vegematic display!!! Had a great lunch and just walked around.
Sunday the Mass was especially long - two girls from St. Anthony's Secondary were becoming Catholics (former Protestants - probably Anglican). We sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"- I really like that one!! I went to Kisoga to St. Balikudembe's to see Josephine for Visiting Day, but visitors couldn't go in and kids couldn't come out - "quarantined" because of H1N1 - or swine flu here. I dropped off the goodies I'd gotten them - pens, soap, sugar, buiscuits, buns, juice, TP....an odd assortment. Came back and did English prep, watched the kids practice for the Christmas Show (November 29) and took a nice walk.
Finished Tipping Point - lots of good ideas - not sure if I agree w. all, but really enjoyed the sections on Sesame Street and Blue's Clues (don't know if I've ever seen that show) - and preschoolers who focus on not what's flashy, but what they know and that doesn't confuse them - (me too - so why I am in Uganda where everything confuses me?). Now am reading Beloved by Toni Morrison - think I started before and quit and I now know why - SO depressing!!!
Nice evening walk w. Holly on Monday - we went down to a little brook I'd never seen before - kids were getting water in gerry cans - at least it was moving water and looked fairly clean!!!
I was so concerned about the Twins I had to call Gail - sad that they lost but they had a great finish!!! She said it snowed when they went to the Gopher game and was cold!! Also, said that they really enjoyed the pork, dumpling dinner at the Church!!!
Tuesday was stressful. Learned that one of the chickens died - the boys who take care of them were so upset. Not sure what happened. Fred gave them their scheduled vaccine late and not sure if it was too old, or they just caught something. He gave them an antibiotic and vitamins and we all prayed!!!
CBR mainly focused on following up the people who went to the hospital last week (or didn't go)...Moses called the mom of the boy w. Bone TB and she hadn't gotten the medicine yet - said she'd do it Thursday - he's calling again on Friday. Sometimes they don't have the money and sometimes they don't want to spend what little they have on a child who is disabled.
Then, Sister, Fred and I went over the bills she has and tried to allocate the Lilian Fund money - it comes in October and April and is our primary source of revenue. The allocation was down by about 20% - they said all over and that donations are just down! After we listed all the school fees owed, salaries owed and debts we were short by 7million shillings ($3500) and that doesn't get us beyond November!!! Very depressing. Really made Sister think about how we need to be more self-sufficient - have some projects written up that are out at potential donors. Also, we need to try harder to collect fees (or send kids home like most of the schools do) and somehow cut expenses! The hospital is experiencing the same problem. We reduced some payments to just end even - had Alex (student) take over English class for me so we could keep on it! Some how it will work out. I just got word that the Women of the Church at St. John's made a $500 donation!!! WOW! Sister owed me some money so I paid tha debt off and will save the rest to get the chickens through the next 2 1/2 months till they start to lay eggs!!! Really a great gift!!! We have started measuring all the feeds for the animals and hopefully can reduce costs so all are (or will be) self-sustaining.
Wednesday we took the 9 shoemaking students to Kampala to watch Didas (the teacher) use grant money to buy supplies and tools....unfortunately, Kampala is NOT handicapped accessible at all and it was really crowded so many had to stay in the truck - the walkers got out at one shop. The shops are really small and packed - you can't call or fax in an order - you just go there and tell them each thing you need and they pull it off the shelves one by one - ugh!!! And if anyone comes in w. a small order (and many did) they interupt you and serve them - ugh again!!! Boys got hot in the back of the pick-up but all in all they had fun seeing Kamapla and riding in the truck. We got back to Mukono about 2:00 and I knew they were going to miss lunch - so we stopped at a little cafe Sula recommended and bought lunch. They got to order off the menu (in one section) - could choose, beef, beans, fish or groundnut sauce over a combo of matoke, rice, sweet potatoes etc. and a soda. They had a terrible time choosing - they never choose food - just take whatever is in the pot. Good expereince and fun for me, too. Total cost to feed 11 (Sr. Goretti and one of the boys who said he gets carsick didn't eat) was $21!!!
When I left Thursday a.m. I found out that two more chickens died overnite - bummer!!
Friday there was lots of rain overnite and the power was off....it's such a thrill to wake up and flip the switch and the lights actually go on - appreciate it!!! Math went O.K., but I'm giving up on Mixed Fractions (e.g. 5/4 = 1 1/4) I've tried diagams, cut outs - and they just don't get it. Probably not important anyway!! One more chicken died Thursday, but Fred really worked w. the vet and think it's under control now - the ones in the house look perky and are eating!
Friday nite Shari and Holly made supper for me - bean burritoes, home made tortillas, guacamole, salsa and a chocolate cake - really great!!! Holly brought back a package of Reese's PB cups for my BD. Those girls really help me make it through! Today we're meeting at a hotel in Mukono to sit by the pool for the afternoon (it's $3.50 and they give you a towel!!). Tomorrow Didas, two boys and I will go up to Stella Maris (the posh school in town) and display shoes for sale - hope it works! It might take more than one try but it's a try! Didas is SO excited about his new tools - fixed up his cupboard w. compartments and signs!!!
Moses (CBR worker) stopped by this a.m. as I was doing laundry and cleaning and said that the boy w. the sores didn't get any meds and he went to the house and they were very poor - five children and 8 yr. old was watching the new baby while mom was in digging - not sure where dad was! Said the house was in bad shape and they looked really poor. I'm tempted to break my rule and just get the drugs for his TB - they should be free at government hospitals, but usually they don't have any (sold elsewhere?)...the boy is so miserable. It's really hard sometimes - but you can't fix everything! (or even close)
Heard it's cool in Minnesota - and New York and Pennslyvania!! I don't know how I'll handle that anymore - I was cold in August!!!
Thanks for all the mail, greetings and for your prayers for me! Special thanks to the St. John Women of the Church - gift was MUCH appreciated!!! Not too long to go now - it seems to be going slower, but when I look back it's gone SO fast!
Spent last Saturday in Kampala w. Maria. We went to a huge Trade Show - a lot of commercial exhibits but also a building full of crafts and Maria's "basket ladies" had a booth. They actually sold some things to a wandering buyer from the posh craft store at the malls, Banana Boat, and they are on display there - quite an accomplishment!!! A lot of the show reminded me of under the grandstand at the Minnesota State Fair - there was even a vegematic display!!! Had a great lunch and just walked around.
Sunday the Mass was especially long - two girls from St. Anthony's Secondary were becoming Catholics (former Protestants - probably Anglican). We sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"- I really like that one!! I went to Kisoga to St. Balikudembe's to see Josephine for Visiting Day, but visitors couldn't go in and kids couldn't come out - "quarantined" because of H1N1 - or swine flu here. I dropped off the goodies I'd gotten them - pens, soap, sugar, buiscuits, buns, juice, TP....an odd assortment. Came back and did English prep, watched the kids practice for the Christmas Show (November 29) and took a nice walk.
Finished Tipping Point - lots of good ideas - not sure if I agree w. all, but really enjoyed the sections on Sesame Street and Blue's Clues (don't know if I've ever seen that show) - and preschoolers who focus on not what's flashy, but what they know and that doesn't confuse them - (me too - so why I am in Uganda where everything confuses me?). Now am reading Beloved by Toni Morrison - think I started before and quit and I now know why - SO depressing!!!
Nice evening walk w. Holly on Monday - we went down to a little brook I'd never seen before - kids were getting water in gerry cans - at least it was moving water and looked fairly clean!!!
I was so concerned about the Twins I had to call Gail - sad that they lost but they had a great finish!!! She said it snowed when they went to the Gopher game and was cold!! Also, said that they really enjoyed the pork, dumpling dinner at the Church!!!
Tuesday was stressful. Learned that one of the chickens died - the boys who take care of them were so upset. Not sure what happened. Fred gave them their scheduled vaccine late and not sure if it was too old, or they just caught something. He gave them an antibiotic and vitamins and we all prayed!!!
CBR mainly focused on following up the people who went to the hospital last week (or didn't go)...Moses called the mom of the boy w. Bone TB and she hadn't gotten the medicine yet - said she'd do it Thursday - he's calling again on Friday. Sometimes they don't have the money and sometimes they don't want to spend what little they have on a child who is disabled.
Then, Sister, Fred and I went over the bills she has and tried to allocate the Lilian Fund money - it comes in October and April and is our primary source of revenue. The allocation was down by about 20% - they said all over and that donations are just down! After we listed all the school fees owed, salaries owed and debts we were short by 7million shillings ($3500) and that doesn't get us beyond November!!! Very depressing. Really made Sister think about how we need to be more self-sufficient - have some projects written up that are out at potential donors. Also, we need to try harder to collect fees (or send kids home like most of the schools do) and somehow cut expenses! The hospital is experiencing the same problem. We reduced some payments to just end even - had Alex (student) take over English class for me so we could keep on it! Some how it will work out. I just got word that the Women of the Church at St. John's made a $500 donation!!! WOW! Sister owed me some money so I paid tha debt off and will save the rest to get the chickens through the next 2 1/2 months till they start to lay eggs!!! Really a great gift!!! We have started measuring all the feeds for the animals and hopefully can reduce costs so all are (or will be) self-sustaining.
Wednesday we took the 9 shoemaking students to Kampala to watch Didas (the teacher) use grant money to buy supplies and tools....unfortunately, Kampala is NOT handicapped accessible at all and it was really crowded so many had to stay in the truck - the walkers got out at one shop. The shops are really small and packed - you can't call or fax in an order - you just go there and tell them each thing you need and they pull it off the shelves one by one - ugh!!! And if anyone comes in w. a small order (and many did) they interupt you and serve them - ugh again!!! Boys got hot in the back of the pick-up but all in all they had fun seeing Kamapla and riding in the truck. We got back to Mukono about 2:00 and I knew they were going to miss lunch - so we stopped at a little cafe Sula recommended and bought lunch. They got to order off the menu (in one section) - could choose, beef, beans, fish or groundnut sauce over a combo of matoke, rice, sweet potatoes etc. and a soda. They had a terrible time choosing - they never choose food - just take whatever is in the pot. Good expereince and fun for me, too. Total cost to feed 11 (Sr. Goretti and one of the boys who said he gets carsick didn't eat) was $21!!!
When I left Thursday a.m. I found out that two more chickens died overnite - bummer!!
Friday there was lots of rain overnite and the power was off....it's such a thrill to wake up and flip the switch and the lights actually go on - appreciate it!!! Math went O.K., but I'm giving up on Mixed Fractions (e.g. 5/4 = 1 1/4) I've tried diagams, cut outs - and they just don't get it. Probably not important anyway!! One more chicken died Thursday, but Fred really worked w. the vet and think it's under control now - the ones in the house look perky and are eating!
Friday nite Shari and Holly made supper for me - bean burritoes, home made tortillas, guacamole, salsa and a chocolate cake - really great!!! Holly brought back a package of Reese's PB cups for my BD. Those girls really help me make it through! Today we're meeting at a hotel in Mukono to sit by the pool for the afternoon (it's $3.50 and they give you a towel!!). Tomorrow Didas, two boys and I will go up to Stella Maris (the posh school in town) and display shoes for sale - hope it works! It might take more than one try but it's a try! Didas is SO excited about his new tools - fixed up his cupboard w. compartments and signs!!!
Moses (CBR worker) stopped by this a.m. as I was doing laundry and cleaning and said that the boy w. the sores didn't get any meds and he went to the house and they were very poor - five children and 8 yr. old was watching the new baby while mom was in digging - not sure where dad was! Said the house was in bad shape and they looked really poor. I'm tempted to break my rule and just get the drugs for his TB - they should be free at government hospitals, but usually they don't have any (sold elsewhere?)...the boy is so miserable. It's really hard sometimes - but you can't fix everything! (or even close)
Heard it's cool in Minnesota - and New York and Pennslyvania!! I don't know how I'll handle that anymore - I was cold in August!!!
Thanks for all the mail, greetings and for your prayers for me! Special thanks to the St. John Women of the Church - gift was MUCH appreciated!!! Not too long to go now - it seems to be going slower, but when I look back it's gone SO fast!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Happy Ugandan Independence Day - 10/09/09
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!!!!
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 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!!!
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