dear family of chrissy,
chrissy was so nice and she has agood caring haert every body liked her in this couples of month.and she is preaty.and ilove you all. iam begging you to return chrissy again back to uganda.but me to iwill see you soon in USA when iam playing soccer in international clubs. and iam proffetional in it.ilove you.
-ivan
Monday, August 25, 2008
Last of the Mzungus
The final day has now arrived, and it is really hard to believe. Although I knew it was inevitable, I just hoped the time would drag so slow it would never come. But, my time in Africa has ended, and I am down to the last 20 hours. The rest of the group left yesterday, so luckily we took care of most of the emotional goodbyes then. We packed and cleaned the entire house and moved everything, including about 15 beds, out. Somehow the five of us girls left (Ashley R, Seren, Emily, Amber, and I) thought it woudl be a great idea to stay up all night on Saturday. As fun as it was, it definitely didnt help the next morning go any easier. By the time we drove away (I rode with the girls to the airport) we had a whole enterouge of our closest friends outside, and we got to say goodbye to each of them. Throughout the goodbyes we all just cried uncontrollably and many of our friends were too... it was quite an emotional experience. It is just weird to think about how close i really feel to so many of these people. They have become my close friends and I have learned to love each of them. And now I have t go, and really dont know if or when i will ever see them again.
Today I have just been busy with last minute errands, so I am glad i got to say goodbyes yesterday. Ivan has been SOOOO nice and helped me all day. We took care of some things this mroning, adn then went back to the mayor's house (where i am staying for these last few days). He listened to the zune and i layed out and got some last minute sun. after a bit it started POURING like a true african monsoon, so we had to hide out for a bit. Luta came and took us for a tour of the Mehta golf course (john and mom-- you guys would LOVE it. it is legitimately nice), and now im in for my last internet session to wrap up the Secondary School manual.
Tomorrow morning I leave pretty early for the airport, and then it is off to ethiopia, dubai, new york city ( seven hours of play time, yay!), and then HOMMMMME by 7pm. I think that after I get home I will do a few final posts to wrap all the africa adventures up, as well as add a million pictures. So dont stop checking my blog just because you know ill be home to america! The adventures are not quite over.
Hope everything at home is great- i will see you soon!!!!
Today I have just been busy with last minute errands, so I am glad i got to say goodbyes yesterday. Ivan has been SOOOO nice and helped me all day. We took care of some things this mroning, adn then went back to the mayor's house (where i am staying for these last few days). He listened to the zune and i layed out and got some last minute sun. after a bit it started POURING like a true african monsoon, so we had to hide out for a bit. Luta came and took us for a tour of the Mehta golf course (john and mom-- you guys would LOVE it. it is legitimately nice), and now im in for my last internet session to wrap up the Secondary School manual.
Tomorrow morning I leave pretty early for the airport, and then it is off to ethiopia, dubai, new york city ( seven hours of play time, yay!), and then HOMMMMME by 7pm. I think that after I get home I will do a few final posts to wrap all the africa adventures up, as well as add a million pictures. So dont stop checking my blog just because you know ill be home to america! The adventures are not quite over.
Hope everything at home is great- i will see you soon!!!!
Friday, August 22, 2008
for your eager eyes
craft time in the living room with Ashley and Jackie...
PRISCILLA IS MY FAVORITE!
Ashley, Priscilla, Me
Jackie, James, me, and our usual entourage of children as we walk home every day
The kids at Crane's School learned SOULJA BOY. It was seriously THE most amazing thing of my summer. wrap it up
Things around here are starting to slow down and wrap up, and it is such a bizarre feeling! It feels as if I just got here yesterday... yet it is already time to pack up and go home. I don't think I am ready for this!
It has been a week of continual goodbyes and parties as we close things with each program and say goodbye. Throughout the week we have had Irene, Faith, Barbara, Auntie Peggy, and Maria over for dinner on various nights. It has been fun to just visit with them and get a final chance to be with them.
On Wednesday James, Seren, and I went to the Wednesday market and went on a crazy shopping spree. James' Grandpa sent him 100,000 shillings ($60) for us to spend and take to Capstone Orphanage (I LOVE that place) to get them some new clothes. We seriously went crazy and were able to buy SO much stuff with so little. James and I took it all to Capstone, and as soon as we took it out of the bags, all the little kids got so excited! Just watching the joy in their eyes made me tear up. They are all the cutest kids, and they are so fun to play with. Most of them have been deserted or orphaned, and come from the depths of poverty. After everything was distributed, they sang and danced for us, and then we had to say goodbye.
That afternoon a group of us went to the closing social of the AIDS support group at the hospital. I made a TON of salsa because they wanted us to show them what we like to eat in America. Vegetables are SO cheap here, so I recently discovered I can make buckets of salsa for just a few dollars. It is fantastic. They used chiapatti to dip in the salsa, and all claimed to enjoy it. Ashley also made a bunch of pancakes, and we smothered them all with chocolate and bananas. Aside from the delicious food, it was also just really great to meet with all of them and have a final chance to talk to them.
The support group consists of 7 "role models" who all have HIV/AIDS and serve as examples of fighting the stigma in their specific communities. They are so amazing in all that they do and I am impressed with them continually. Ashley Ward has done amazing things with this group, and we have been able to teach them how to build adobe stoves and new shower areas and provide all the materials. Throughout this project, we have also been able to team up with the Youth Outreach Mission. I cannot say enough good things about this group! It is a group of 6-10 young university aged guys who formed a group to help fight HIV throughout Lugazi. They have become our really good friends and we do a lot of projects with them. Wilson stops by to say hi or work on projects with Ashley all the time, so we have gotten to be really good friends. Six of the boys walked Ashley and I home after the little party, and I loved just talking to them and joking with them and listening to all of their big plans. What an amazing group of guys!
Yesterday James and I had to say goodbye to all of our PWD kids, and it was so hard!!! The night before, I rummaged through our supply closet and made them each these little canvas bags filled with fun crafts and schools supplies. Clay, markers, crayons, paper, scissors, felt, glue, books, coloring books, flashcards... whatever I could get my hands on. I decorated each bag with buttons to make their names, and had just enough buttons to write Diana, Fiona, Sheila, and Priscilla. I love each of them SO much, I honestly didn't know it was really possible to do that in such a short amount of time. So yesterday James and I wrapped a bunch of mattresses up on a few bodas and delivered the mattresses and goody bags to Fiona, Diana, and Priscilla. It was so fun to play with each of them for the last time, hug their wonderful mothers, and watch them play with their new things. Peeling Fiona off from around my neck (she is SO strong and just climbs up on you like a jungle gym, and then refuses to let go) when we had to leave was so hard!!! I just want to hold them all and keep them forever.
Today Ashley W and I will have to go do the same with Priscilla, and I think it may almost kill me!!! I feel like I have gotten the closest with her, and have become good friends with her Mom and Grandma as well. They are such a fantastic family, I am lucky to have met them and got to work with them so much while Ive been here.
Anyways, writing this blog is just depressing me more so I better go. I keep trying to look forward to all the good things about going home (like real showers and caesar salads), but it doesn't seem to outweigh my desire to be here for longer! I am sure I will be back someday... I HAVE to come back someday.. So I guess only time will tell when. For now I'm off to clean out the house and run a few errands with Ivan.
ALSO- Brent and Thatcher left Monday, and then James, Kira, and Mallory last night. Our house is very empty :(
It has been a week of continual goodbyes and parties as we close things with each program and say goodbye. Throughout the week we have had Irene, Faith, Barbara, Auntie Peggy, and Maria over for dinner on various nights. It has been fun to just visit with them and get a final chance to be with them.
On Wednesday James, Seren, and I went to the Wednesday market and went on a crazy shopping spree. James' Grandpa sent him 100,000 shillings ($60) for us to spend and take to Capstone Orphanage (I LOVE that place) to get them some new clothes. We seriously went crazy and were able to buy SO much stuff with so little. James and I took it all to Capstone, and as soon as we took it out of the bags, all the little kids got so excited! Just watching the joy in their eyes made me tear up. They are all the cutest kids, and they are so fun to play with. Most of them have been deserted or orphaned, and come from the depths of poverty. After everything was distributed, they sang and danced for us, and then we had to say goodbye.
That afternoon a group of us went to the closing social of the AIDS support group at the hospital. I made a TON of salsa because they wanted us to show them what we like to eat in America. Vegetables are SO cheap here, so I recently discovered I can make buckets of salsa for just a few dollars. It is fantastic. They used chiapatti to dip in the salsa, and all claimed to enjoy it. Ashley also made a bunch of pancakes, and we smothered them all with chocolate and bananas. Aside from the delicious food, it was also just really great to meet with all of them and have a final chance to talk to them.
The support group consists of 7 "role models" who all have HIV/AIDS and serve as examples of fighting the stigma in their specific communities. They are so amazing in all that they do and I am impressed with them continually. Ashley Ward has done amazing things with this group, and we have been able to teach them how to build adobe stoves and new shower areas and provide all the materials. Throughout this project, we have also been able to team up with the Youth Outreach Mission. I cannot say enough good things about this group! It is a group of 6-10 young university aged guys who formed a group to help fight HIV throughout Lugazi. They have become our really good friends and we do a lot of projects with them. Wilson stops by to say hi or work on projects with Ashley all the time, so we have gotten to be really good friends. Six of the boys walked Ashley and I home after the little party, and I loved just talking to them and joking with them and listening to all of their big plans. What an amazing group of guys!
Yesterday James and I had to say goodbye to all of our PWD kids, and it was so hard!!! The night before, I rummaged through our supply closet and made them each these little canvas bags filled with fun crafts and schools supplies. Clay, markers, crayons, paper, scissors, felt, glue, books, coloring books, flashcards... whatever I could get my hands on. I decorated each bag with buttons to make their names, and had just enough buttons to write Diana, Fiona, Sheila, and Priscilla. I love each of them SO much, I honestly didn't know it was really possible to do that in such a short amount of time. So yesterday James and I wrapped a bunch of mattresses up on a few bodas and delivered the mattresses and goody bags to Fiona, Diana, and Priscilla. It was so fun to play with each of them for the last time, hug their wonderful mothers, and watch them play with their new things. Peeling Fiona off from around my neck (she is SO strong and just climbs up on you like a jungle gym, and then refuses to let go) when we had to leave was so hard!!! I just want to hold them all and keep them forever.
Today Ashley W and I will have to go do the same with Priscilla, and I think it may almost kill me!!! I feel like I have gotten the closest with her, and have become good friends with her Mom and Grandma as well. They are such a fantastic family, I am lucky to have met them and got to work with them so much while Ive been here.
Anyways, writing this blog is just depressing me more so I better go. I keep trying to look forward to all the good things about going home (like real showers and caesar salads), but it doesn't seem to outweigh my desire to be here for longer! I am sure I will be back someday... I HAVE to come back someday.. So I guess only time will tell when. For now I'm off to clean out the house and run a few errands with Ivan.
ALSO- Brent and Thatcher left Monday, and then James, Kira, and Mallory last night. Our house is very empty :(
Thursday, August 21, 2008
remember that one time in Uganda?!?
Well, I'm not really sure where to start on this one, but I feel like it definitely deserves a blog entry.
This past weekend we went to Rwanda, and it was truly an amazzzing experience. So amazing, in fact, that I feel it deserves a long and wonderful entry that I can devote time and devotion to. Unfortunately right now I have neither, so it will have to suffice to say that it was a really great trip, that everyone should go refresh their memory on the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, and that I PROMISE I will put up a better entry about it later. BUT, the subject of this post actually comes in the form of what happened on the way home...
A group of seven of us went to Rwanda, and Saturday night we were all out to dinner at the Hotel de Mille Collines (or something along those lines. the french are crazy), which is actually the Hotel Rwanda that the movie is based on. So we were excited to be there, it's a really nice restaurant and we were all having a really good time. Thennnn we go to pay the bill, and Ashley's purse was gone! So that led to a whole series of adventures, which will be addressed later. But the end result was that Ashley and I stayed behind in Rwanda an extra day to get her passport and money situation figured out. So the group left Sunday, and then we left Monday.
First of all, the bus was in MAD CHAOS all day long. It had been overbooked, so there was some major fighting (literally slaps and punches) to get on the bus in the first place. Ashley and I didn't understand what all the fuss was about so stepped out of the mayhem, only to board the bus to find out we would be sitting on wicker stools in the aisle for the bus trek. SWEET. The weekend had been long, emotional, and often frustrating, so as you can imagine, the doom of a ten hour bus ride on a wicker stool was not very appealing. So we just sucked it up and tried to focus on the fact we were going to get home to Lugazi, and we would just deal with it.
At the Ugandan border, another slew of chaos ensued, as everyone realized seats were not save-able, and we all had to get off to get our passports stamped. Mayhem. So miraculously Ashley and I, along with 2 other Mzungus we met, and our Ugandan friend Emily all were the first on the bus. So Emily, Ashley, and I reserved a row, put all our stuff down, and then Ash and Em went out to the bathroom.
In the meantime, the original resident of the seat comes back, (visualize a 45 year old fat man who speaks no English. funny, i know) climbs ON to the seat, and despite my protests, proceeds to SIT ON MY HEAD. I kid you not, the fat man sat on my head. So of course at this point I have to scoot over to the edge. I WAS SO FURIOUS. (Haha that sentence looks so stale compared to my emotion of the day, but it will have to do.)
So anyways, the resulting situation is Ashley in the back of the bus, switching off on the wicker chair with our American friend Greg that we met, and me in the front of the bus switching off the wicker chair with our Ugandan friend Emily. Both of us furious, Ashley crying in the back, and me yelling at the fat man, who couldn't understand a word I said and instead just laughing at me, in the front. Needless to say, the bus journey was off to a GREAT start.
Now, bus drivers in Uganda, and all of Africa I'm sure, are known for being ridiculously crazy. They are always in a rush here, always passing, always swerving around. So our bus driver just happened to be completely on edge and was driving LIKE A MAD MAN. I was too frustrated still to notice a whole lot, but I do remember thinking we were going super fast, and later everyone I talked to said he was driving SUPER CRAZY. So as I'm zoned out staring straight ahead, sitting in the seat at this point and not the stool, (keep in mind I can't see anything around me... both windows are blocked by a bunch of people, and the front and back were blocked by 15 people in the aisle. Basically I cant move or see.) All of a sudden the bus starts jolting around, we majorly swerve (still going full speed at this point), everyone starts screaming, and suddenly BAMMMM we are rolling.
Holy scariest thing of my life. I didnt realize until just now how ridiculously hard it is to describe the whole situation in writing, especially when I'm not focused on being eloquent and descriptive. We all know I need my crazy hand movements and illustrative voice for true story telling. But seriously, it was crazy.
As soon as I realized we really were going to flip, I gripped the arm rest with my elbow and braced for impact. It all went by super fast, but suddenly we just started to roll over and people flew EVERYWHERE. We figured out there had to have been over 90 people crammed on this one little bus, so as you can imagine, it was quite a mess of people. We landed in a big pit of water and mud- which was great for a softer impact, but also created more craziness in the tipped bus because there was mud everywhere, and it exploded up through the broken windows when we hit. The first few seconds after impact I just focused on figuring out my positioning and making sure I could move all my limbs (and had them all... haha). I was jammed between a bunch of people, so I just focused on breathing in my little airpocket, and slowly maneuvering my way into having more space.
Everyone quickly readjusted and luckily I was able to pull myself out of the mess pretty rapidly. By this time, the side windows (now serving as our roof) had been opened, and I climbed up the staircase made of sideways chairs, and was pulled out of the top. I turned to see Ashley emerging at about the same time, and I have never been happier to see anyone in my whole life! We had a dramatic top-of-a-crushed-bus reunion moment of joy and hugs, and then I proceeded to stick my head back in the window to help with the pull-out effort. By this point the front window was crushed out, so people could move out, but I looked down to see our Irish friend Elaine still laying sideways on the bottom. Nobody spoke any English, so I had to sign language translate everything she was telling me to the guys still down below so they could help her out. After she was carried out, they just started tossing out backpacks and bags to throw over to those waiting on the side of the bus. It's a really hard visual to describe, but luckily our friend Greg got some pictures of the after-events, so I will have those up as soon as he emails them to me.
Elaine had to be transported to the hospital, so Ashley, Greg, and I jumped into the ambulance that was taking her to Mbarara. Even though we had met her merely hours ago, we didn't feel good about sending her off alone to an African hospital. If you have ever seen an African hospital, then you definitely know why.
Anyways, the night calmed down a bit from that point. Once we got to the hospital, it was severely understaffed so Ashley and I dubbed ourselves nurses for a couple hours. All the doctors had their attention on Elaine, so we did our best to help the rest of the injured people that had come in... mostly just jarred backs and minor cuts. We kept just stopping being like HOLY CRAP DID THAT SERIOUSLY JUST HAPPEN??? usually followed shortly by HOLY CRAP ARE WE SERIOUSLY HAVING TO BE NURSES IN AN AFRICAN HOSPITAL RIGHT NOW?!?!
It was a crazy experience, but all things considered we were very lucky. Ashley Rogers, our country director, came to rescue us with a private taxi (there was no way in heck i was getting on another crowded bus in the middle of the night) and she got there around 2:30am. We hopped in and headed for Lugazi (after we were sure a private ambulance was coming to get Elaine to take her to a better hospital in Kampala, the capital) and started the long drive home. We got back to Lugazi at about 9:30am, and I have NEVER been so excited to see our lovely home as I was that morning. Throughout the course of the middle of the night, I got calls from Mommy, Grandma and Grandpa B (thanks for sendin lovins, Dad), and also Annalicia. Hearing their voices was so comforting, and I am super glad it worked out that they could call me.
It seems to be as hard to end this post as it was to start it, as I'm not really sure you end such a thing. Yeah, so I almost died but I didn't. Sweet. Haha somehow it doesn't seem appropriate. But anyways, I just wanted to get the whole story out before rumors back home start flying, and let everyone know that I am OK! I have bruises all over and my body is pretty sore, but it is really nothing that a few days won't fix. It is weird to think how truly fragile life can be. The fact nobody died in that crash was truly a miracle, and it's comforting to know that somebody was looking out for us on the occasion.
PS: Thanks for reading everyone. I don't think I realized that people ACTUALLY read this until like a week ago. So sorry I haven't been better about posting all the time, sorry it's boring and there aren't many pictures, and I can't wait to see/talk to you all soon!
This past weekend we went to Rwanda, and it was truly an amazzzing experience. So amazing, in fact, that I feel it deserves a long and wonderful entry that I can devote time and devotion to. Unfortunately right now I have neither, so it will have to suffice to say that it was a really great trip, that everyone should go refresh their memory on the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, and that I PROMISE I will put up a better entry about it later. BUT, the subject of this post actually comes in the form of what happened on the way home...
A group of seven of us went to Rwanda, and Saturday night we were all out to dinner at the Hotel de Mille Collines (or something along those lines. the french are crazy), which is actually the Hotel Rwanda that the movie is based on. So we were excited to be there, it's a really nice restaurant and we were all having a really good time. Thennnn we go to pay the bill, and Ashley's purse was gone! So that led to a whole series of adventures, which will be addressed later. But the end result was that Ashley and I stayed behind in Rwanda an extra day to get her passport and money situation figured out. So the group left Sunday, and then we left Monday.
First of all, the bus was in MAD CHAOS all day long. It had been overbooked, so there was some major fighting (literally slaps and punches) to get on the bus in the first place. Ashley and I didn't understand what all the fuss was about so stepped out of the mayhem, only to board the bus to find out we would be sitting on wicker stools in the aisle for the bus trek. SWEET. The weekend had been long, emotional, and often frustrating, so as you can imagine, the doom of a ten hour bus ride on a wicker stool was not very appealing. So we just sucked it up and tried to focus on the fact we were going to get home to Lugazi, and we would just deal with it.
At the Ugandan border, another slew of chaos ensued, as everyone realized seats were not save-able, and we all had to get off to get our passports stamped. Mayhem. So miraculously Ashley and I, along with 2 other Mzungus we met, and our Ugandan friend Emily all were the first on the bus. So Emily, Ashley, and I reserved a row, put all our stuff down, and then Ash and Em went out to the bathroom.
In the meantime, the original resident of the seat comes back, (visualize a 45 year old fat man who speaks no English. funny, i know) climbs ON to the seat, and despite my protests, proceeds to SIT ON MY HEAD. I kid you not, the fat man sat on my head. So of course at this point I have to scoot over to the edge. I WAS SO FURIOUS. (Haha that sentence looks so stale compared to my emotion of the day, but it will have to do.)
So anyways, the resulting situation is Ashley in the back of the bus, switching off on the wicker chair with our American friend Greg that we met, and me in the front of the bus switching off the wicker chair with our Ugandan friend Emily. Both of us furious, Ashley crying in the back, and me yelling at the fat man, who couldn't understand a word I said and instead just laughing at me, in the front. Needless to say, the bus journey was off to a GREAT start.
Now, bus drivers in Uganda, and all of Africa I'm sure, are known for being ridiculously crazy. They are always in a rush here, always passing, always swerving around. So our bus driver just happened to be completely on edge and was driving LIKE A MAD MAN. I was too frustrated still to notice a whole lot, but I do remember thinking we were going super fast, and later everyone I talked to said he was driving SUPER CRAZY. So as I'm zoned out staring straight ahead, sitting in the seat at this point and not the stool, (keep in mind I can't see anything around me... both windows are blocked by a bunch of people, and the front and back were blocked by 15 people in the aisle. Basically I cant move or see.) All of a sudden the bus starts jolting around, we majorly swerve (still going full speed at this point), everyone starts screaming, and suddenly BAMMMM we are rolling.
Holy scariest thing of my life. I didnt realize until just now how ridiculously hard it is to describe the whole situation in writing, especially when I'm not focused on being eloquent and descriptive. We all know I need my crazy hand movements and illustrative voice for true story telling. But seriously, it was crazy.
As soon as I realized we really were going to flip, I gripped the arm rest with my elbow and braced for impact. It all went by super fast, but suddenly we just started to roll over and people flew EVERYWHERE. We figured out there had to have been over 90 people crammed on this one little bus, so as you can imagine, it was quite a mess of people. We landed in a big pit of water and mud- which was great for a softer impact, but also created more craziness in the tipped bus because there was mud everywhere, and it exploded up through the broken windows when we hit. The first few seconds after impact I just focused on figuring out my positioning and making sure I could move all my limbs (and had them all... haha). I was jammed between a bunch of people, so I just focused on breathing in my little airpocket, and slowly maneuvering my way into having more space.
Everyone quickly readjusted and luckily I was able to pull myself out of the mess pretty rapidly. By this time, the side windows (now serving as our roof) had been opened, and I climbed up the staircase made of sideways chairs, and was pulled out of the top. I turned to see Ashley emerging at about the same time, and I have never been happier to see anyone in my whole life! We had a dramatic top-of-a-crushed-bus reunion moment of joy and hugs, and then I proceeded to stick my head back in the window to help with the pull-out effort. By this point the front window was crushed out, so people could move out, but I looked down to see our Irish friend Elaine still laying sideways on the bottom. Nobody spoke any English, so I had to sign language translate everything she was telling me to the guys still down below so they could help her out. After she was carried out, they just started tossing out backpacks and bags to throw over to those waiting on the side of the bus. It's a really hard visual to describe, but luckily our friend Greg got some pictures of the after-events, so I will have those up as soon as he emails them to me.
Elaine had to be transported to the hospital, so Ashley, Greg, and I jumped into the ambulance that was taking her to Mbarara. Even though we had met her merely hours ago, we didn't feel good about sending her off alone to an African hospital. If you have ever seen an African hospital, then you definitely know why.
Anyways, the night calmed down a bit from that point. Once we got to the hospital, it was severely understaffed so Ashley and I dubbed ourselves nurses for a couple hours. All the doctors had their attention on Elaine, so we did our best to help the rest of the injured people that had come in... mostly just jarred backs and minor cuts. We kept just stopping being like HOLY CRAP DID THAT SERIOUSLY JUST HAPPEN??? usually followed shortly by HOLY CRAP ARE WE SERIOUSLY HAVING TO BE NURSES IN AN AFRICAN HOSPITAL RIGHT NOW?!?!
It was a crazy experience, but all things considered we were very lucky. Ashley Rogers, our country director, came to rescue us with a private taxi (there was no way in heck i was getting on another crowded bus in the middle of the night) and she got there around 2:30am. We hopped in and headed for Lugazi (after we were sure a private ambulance was coming to get Elaine to take her to a better hospital in Kampala, the capital) and started the long drive home. We got back to Lugazi at about 9:30am, and I have NEVER been so excited to see our lovely home as I was that morning. Throughout the course of the middle of the night, I got calls from Mommy, Grandma and Grandpa B (thanks for sendin lovins, Dad), and also Annalicia. Hearing their voices was so comforting, and I am super glad it worked out that they could call me.
It seems to be as hard to end this post as it was to start it, as I'm not really sure you end such a thing. Yeah, so I almost died but I didn't. Sweet. Haha somehow it doesn't seem appropriate. But anyways, I just wanted to get the whole story out before rumors back home start flying, and let everyone know that I am OK! I have bruises all over and my body is pretty sore, but it is really nothing that a few days won't fix. It is weird to think how truly fragile life can be. The fact nobody died in that crash was truly a miracle, and it's comforting to know that somebody was looking out for us on the occasion.
PS: Thanks for reading everyone. I don't think I realized that people ACTUALLY read this until like a week ago. So sorry I haven't been better about posting all the time, sorry it's boring and there aren't many pictures, and I can't wait to see/talk to you all soon!
Bungee Jumping
.......... was AMAZING. I have some fantastic pictures from the day, but they are on other people's cameras, and due to the viruses everybody is waiting to download pictures until we are back in America. SOOO stay tuned, because it was seriously fantastic.
I am always said I would nevvver go bungee jumping. But somehow when you're in Africa and you're above the Nile, everything changes. I have more details to add later and tons of pictures, so as you come back and read my blog keep checking because after I get home I'm adding tons of pictures within each existing blog entry. I know that's SUPER annoying, but I would rather have the pictures all split out with their respective posts so it all makes sense. So within the next week my blog will get a super makeover and actually look entertaining.... keep your eyes peeled.
I am always said I would nevvver go bungee jumping. But somehow when you're in Africa and you're above the Nile, everything changes. I have more details to add later and tons of pictures, so as you come back and read my blog keep checking because after I get home I'm adding tons of pictures within each existing blog entry. I know that's SUPER annoying, but I would rather have the pictures all split out with their respective posts so it all makes sense. So within the next week my blog will get a super makeover and actually look entertaining.... keep your eyes peeled.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
a day in the life
a glimpse of my present life, from thursday, july 31st
I wake up to roosters crowing incessantly outside of my window. There are about five along our road, and they are completely oblivious to actual time. For some reason this morning they seem particularly overbearing. As soon as the sun comes up, they randomly crow whenever they feel like. This wake-up call is shortly followed by a few babies crying and the sound of kids playing games in the street. I slowly emerge from my mosquito net, tuck it back in (to ward off cockroaches from slipping into my sheets) and try not to disturb the five remaining sleeping girls in surrounding beds. I walk a few meters to the bathroom, flip on the light switch, and realize the power is off. Lovely.
I wake up to roosters crowing incessantly outside of my window. There are about five along our road, and they are completely oblivious to actual time. For some reason this morning they seem particularly overbearing. As soon as the sun comes up, they randomly crow whenever they feel like. This wake-up call is shortly followed by a few babies crying and the sound of kids playing games in the street. I slowly emerge from my mosquito net, tuck it back in (to ward off cockroaches from slipping into my sheets) and try not to disturb the five remaining sleeping girls in surrounding beds. I walk a few meters to the bathroom, flip on the light switch, and realize the power is off. Lovely.
After I make a quick breakfast of toast and bananas, I finalize the plans for my Persons with Disabilities lesson, which I will be teaching to about twenty women this morning. We all make our way up to
I make my way down to the Milan hotel with Seren, Ashley R, James, and an Australian visitor named Rebeka, where we order the cheapest and greatest Spanish Omelet ever (700 shillings cheap, which translates to approximately 30 cents…) Along the way I carry a 10-foot sugar cane, which was gifted to us by one of the mothers at PWDs. We will give it to David, our security guard, tonight after dinner.
After lunch, James and I make our way back into town to meet Salama- our caretaker partner, and go to Diana’s house for a PWD visit. She has so much energy and is always smiling, although she can’t speak or communicate at all. Her family’s living room is about the size of a walk-in closet.
In the afternoon I take a boda boda ride (motorcycle taxi) up to Lusozi to help work on the stove we are building there. We pass through all the sugar cane fields during the 15 minute ride, and pass the plantation worker housing on the way. All the kids line the path and scream MZUNGU and wave as each boda passes by. I feel like a celebrity, and wonder what it will be like once I get home and no children greet my coming with shouts and praises.
After stomping clay and sand together for a few hours—we call it the African stair stepper- I try to clean my feet off, and grab a boda back home into town. I ask the boda driver to swing by our house so I can change out of my dirty stove clothes, and I reemerge in a matter of seconds with my dress from this morning back on again. I meet Ashley W and Faith at Hope Internet, and we begin the walk up the big hill towards Hillview. Priscilla’s family lives close to the top of the hill, and I love PWD visits to her house more than anything. Today we play with Priscilla for over an hour, even though we should have left much earlier, because she is just too cute to leave. We also take pictures of her in preparation for a book we are working on for her, which turns out to be a feat because she laughs and runs from the camera every time we pull it out. Eventually our mission is accomplished, and we feel we may at least have a few good ones. Before we leave, she mumbles a new song for us, and we clap and adore her with hugs.
On the way home, we say goodbye to Faith and drop by Hope Internet again. The network is still down so we head around the corner to the string of fabric shops. We ask the tailors for their spare fabric scraps for a project we are working on, and get caught up talking to Christine for a while. She is the one who made my African dress and can sew better than anyone else I know.
We get home right before dark, and are greeted by delicious smells of dinner passing through the courtyard. The family we live with has started cooking for us since our previous cook can’t anymore, and we are delighted for a bit of a change. I try matooke, a Ugandan favorite, for the first time and am impressed. The rest tell me it’s usually not as flavorful.
Eventually Thatcher retires from rapping, and I go inside to meet with the business group to finalize our plans for the weekend’s Gulu seminars. After we emerge from the business meeting, a Boggle game erupts in the living room and I am sure Amber is going to pee her pants before it is over. Somehow a yoga lesson is transferred outside, and I walk out to the courtyard to see a group of seven doing yoga, even though its almost midnight.
I make my way to the bathroom, happy to steal an empty moment to shower, as I’m sure it has been a few days by now. I flip on the faucet, yet no water comes. The water is out, and it looks like I will just have to deal with being dirty for tomorrow’s long bus ride. Luckily we are all dirty and smell a bit, so hopefully nobody will notice.
Finally the ruckus throughout the house dies down a bit and everyone starts preparing for bed. I read this week’s book, Buddha, for a while after Seren tucks me away in my mosquito net and then chat with the girls about today’s festivities for a few minutes. With six girls in one small room, it is a wonder we ever sleep at all. Finally someone turns the lights off (the power has returned by this point, but there is no sign of the water coming back anytime soon) and we all lay in silence. As I drift off to sleep, I think about Lugazi, I think about all the people I have met here, and I think about how much I love
Things here are crazy, and this day was merely a mild one, but I still can’t get enough. My life is amazing.
north to Gulu
I will admit this entry is long, and relatively boring, but I request you read all the way through anyways because its historical implications mean a lot to me. Thanks!
This week we returned from a long weekend in Gulu. For anyone not familiar with their Ugandan history (ok, everyone who reads this), Gulu is in northern Uganda and has been stricken with major violence for the past 20 years. If you have seen Invisible Children, then you should be familiar with Gulu and the Acholi Tribe. If you haven’t seen the documentary, I recommend seeing it as soon as possible! It’s a great quick history lesson about the war between the LRA rebels and the Ugandan government, and also gives you a glimpse into the lives of the types of people I get to work with every day. They are fascinating.
So as a rundown, the LRA tried to overthrow the Ugandan government for over 20 years (violence has just barely slowed down in the past 2 years) and most of the fighting took place in the north. The LRA killed thousands, displaced almost a million people, and abducted over a quarter of a million children from their homes. The LRA came into villages in the middle of the night, ransacked the homes, stole the children, and burned and killed whatever was left. The stolen children were then used as child soldiers to perpetuate their rebel groups, or as 2nd and 3rd wives for the existing army. Kids were taken into the bush, brainwashed through incredible violence, and then used on the front lines against the government troops.
Everyone feared the rebels, so most people outside of the actual city of Gulu moved to refugee camps surrounding the city. As I said earlier, almost a million people were displaced in a matter of just a few years. Even there, many were not safe because the rebels would come light the refugee huts on fire and abduct children from there. This is where the concept of night commuting emerged. Every night, children from all over the area would walk into Gulu to seek refuge at a nearby hospital where they could actually by protected by fences and the army. Many of them would walk 10-20 km every night and again every morning so they could feel safe. In other words, thousands of children walked as far as 15 miles every night to go sleep in the dirty corridors of a hospital, bundled together like sardines, because they knew that if they stayed home with their families, they may not survive. WHAT A TRAGEDY. For further clarification, watch Invisible Children!!!
So moving on, the point of this little history lesson is so you understand WHAT Gulu is, and WHY we went there. I am so glad that we had the opportunity to go. Friday morning we caught a bus and rode all day and got to Gulu super late. Betty, a member of the Ugandan Parliament, arranged everything and let us sleep at her guest house and stay with her family. Her family is so fantastic! It was definitely one of my favorite parts of being up there. Our purpose was to go teach business seminars in the refugee camps (most people still live in the refugee camps, even though the LRA has backed down a bit). Part of our group also went to build an adobe stove with a women’s group in the area so they can learn how to make them in the future.
We spent all day Saturday and Monday teaching the business classes (Ashley R, Brent, Seren, and I were in this group) and I think they went really well. We taught groups of about 15 at a time, and they were so interesting and intelligent. Most of them don’t speak English (don’t worry, we had a translator), and a lot of them are not literate, but they still listened intently and had a lot of great input. I think it would be fascinating to teach the same business concepts I taught to a high school, or even intro level college class, and listen to the type of reactions they provide. When you ask about business ideas that Ugandans might have, you get answers like selling produce, buying cows to sell milk, fishing and selling the catches, and raising goats. It’s like a whole different world here, but I love it. Many of the people there with women who brought their little babies and kids with them, and I love just watching how much they love their kids. You see the stress in many of their faces... concern over how they will feed them tomorrow, will they survive the year, will they catch malaria or HIV, will they have a real future or will they be stuck in the refugee camps forever? All these questions run through my mind continually, and you can see it wear on the mothers’ faces. Yet despite it all, they were still gracious and kind to us, remained humorous in their discussions, and laughed at us as we tried to learn the Acholi dances. Driving through the camps again on our way out left my mind wandering, wondering what it would be like to live in such a life. Hundreds of hundreds of teeny grass huts, filled with as many as 10 people each, spaced merely a meter or so apart. Many have been living there for over a decade, some even two.
On the way to the camps and back on both Saturday and Monday, our friends (Betty’s kids) Annette, Maria, and David told us stories about the IDP camps, about Gulu just a few years ago, and about what it was like to fear the LRA. I feel like most of what they shared is too personal to just broadcast in a blog, but I would love to discuss it with anyone after I get home if they would like
Sunday we went to the Gulu LDS Branch in the morning, toured the city, ate at an amazzzing little café, went and toured Lacor Hospital (where the night commuters walked to every night), and then just read and visited.
I am beyond grateful that the turmoil with the LRA has lightened, but the war is still not over. Most of the LRA has fled to southern Sudan, but the destruction and havoc left behind is still very apparent. Luckily the city is rampant with NGOs and government aid groups that are investing time and money into the region. There is still a lot of progress to be made and I think it will continually improve over time. Fortunately, the Acholi people have a lot of spirit and a lot of hope for the future. I am glad I decided to go (despite the intense bus rides in both directions) and glad I got to make such amazing friends in such a short period of time. Betty’s family is fantastic, the food all weekend was great, and the experiences I had within the refugee camps will remain with me forever.
This week we returned from a long weekend in Gulu. For anyone not familiar with their Ugandan history (ok, everyone who reads this), Gulu is in northern Uganda and has been stricken with major violence for the past 20 years. If you have seen Invisible Children, then you should be familiar with Gulu and the Acholi Tribe. If you haven’t seen the documentary, I recommend seeing it as soon as possible! It’s a great quick history lesson about the war between the LRA rebels and the Ugandan government, and also gives you a glimpse into the lives of the types of people I get to work with every day. They are fascinating.
So as a rundown, the LRA tried to overthrow the Ugandan government for over 20 years (violence has just barely slowed down in the past 2 years) and most of the fighting took place in the north. The LRA killed thousands, displaced almost a million people, and abducted over a quarter of a million children from their homes. The LRA came into villages in the middle of the night, ransacked the homes, stole the children, and burned and killed whatever was left. The stolen children were then used as child soldiers to perpetuate their rebel groups, or as 2nd and 3rd wives for the existing army. Kids were taken into the bush, brainwashed through incredible violence, and then used on the front lines against the government troops.
Everyone feared the rebels, so most people outside of the actual city of Gulu moved to refugee camps surrounding the city. As I said earlier, almost a million people were displaced in a matter of just a few years. Even there, many were not safe because the rebels would come light the refugee huts on fire and abduct children from there. This is where the concept of night commuting emerged. Every night, children from all over the area would walk into Gulu to seek refuge at a nearby hospital where they could actually by protected by fences and the army. Many of them would walk 10-20 km every night and again every morning so they could feel safe. In other words, thousands of children walked as far as 15 miles every night to go sleep in the dirty corridors of a hospital, bundled together like sardines, because they knew that if they stayed home with their families, they may not survive. WHAT A TRAGEDY. For further clarification, watch Invisible Children!!!
So moving on, the point of this little history lesson is so you understand WHAT Gulu is, and WHY we went there. I am so glad that we had the opportunity to go. Friday morning we caught a bus and rode all day and got to Gulu super late. Betty, a member of the Ugandan Parliament, arranged everything and let us sleep at her guest house and stay with her family. Her family is so fantastic! It was definitely one of my favorite parts of being up there. Our purpose was to go teach business seminars in the refugee camps (most people still live in the refugee camps, even though the LRA has backed down a bit). Part of our group also went to build an adobe stove with a women’s group in the area so they can learn how to make them in the future.
We spent all day Saturday and Monday teaching the business classes (Ashley R, Brent, Seren, and I were in this group) and I think they went really well. We taught groups of about 15 at a time, and they were so interesting and intelligent. Most of them don’t speak English (don’t worry, we had a translator), and a lot of them are not literate, but they still listened intently and had a lot of great input. I think it would be fascinating to teach the same business concepts I taught to a high school, or even intro level college class, and listen to the type of reactions they provide. When you ask about business ideas that Ugandans might have, you get answers like selling produce, buying cows to sell milk, fishing and selling the catches, and raising goats. It’s like a whole different world here, but I love it. Many of the people there with women who brought their little babies and kids with them, and I love just watching how much they love their kids. You see the stress in many of their faces... concern over how they will feed them tomorrow, will they survive the year, will they catch malaria or HIV, will they have a real future or will they be stuck in the refugee camps forever? All these questions run through my mind continually, and you can see it wear on the mothers’ faces. Yet despite it all, they were still gracious and kind to us, remained humorous in their discussions, and laughed at us as we tried to learn the Acholi dances. Driving through the camps again on our way out left my mind wandering, wondering what it would be like to live in such a life. Hundreds of hundreds of teeny grass huts, filled with as many as 10 people each, spaced merely a meter or so apart. Many have been living there for over a decade, some even two.
On the way to the camps and back on both Saturday and Monday, our friends (Betty’s kids) Annette, Maria, and David told us stories about the IDP camps, about Gulu just a few years ago, and about what it was like to fear the LRA. I feel like most of what they shared is too personal to just broadcast in a blog, but I would love to discuss it with anyone after I get home if they would like
Sunday we went to the Gulu LDS Branch in the morning, toured the city, ate at an amazzzing little café, went and toured Lacor Hospital (where the night commuters walked to every night), and then just read and visited.
I am beyond grateful that the turmoil with the LRA has lightened, but the war is still not over. Most of the LRA has fled to southern Sudan, but the destruction and havoc left behind is still very apparent. Luckily the city is rampant with NGOs and government aid groups that are investing time and money into the region. There is still a lot of progress to be made and I think it will continually improve over time. Fortunately, the Acholi people have a lot of spirit and a lot of hope for the future. I am glad I decided to go (despite the intense bus rides in both directions) and glad I got to make such amazing friends in such a short period of time. Betty’s family is fantastic, the food all weekend was great, and the experiences I had within the refugee camps will remain with me forever.
WEEKLY RUNDOWN
(last week’s… since the internet has been ghetto lately)
Monday- 28th of July
9am- Adobe Stove form at Progressive
2pm- Adobe Stove form at Lusozi
4pm- Teach English lesson at Nazakadde woman’s group
8pm- Gulu trip group meeting
Tuesday- 29th of July
10am- PWD visits with James!!! (Sam, Sheila, Fiona)
2pm- STOVE all afternoon
Wednesday- 30th of July
10am-noon- Volunteer at the Hospital in the Maternity Ward
3pm- Secondary Club FUTBOL… play soccer with all the kids
5pm- Go back to the hospital to check on Harriet, who Seren and I helped through contractions, and see her new baby!!!
7pm- PWD group meeting at home
Thursday- 31th of July
9am- Teach about “Positive Discipline and Reinforcement” at PWD Women’s Meeting
12pm- PWD visit with James to see Diana
2pm- Go fill the Lusozi stove
5pm- PWD visit with Ashley to see Priscilla
8pm- Go over business plans with the Gulu group
Friday- 1st of August
11am- LEAVE FOR GULU
All day- longest bus ride ever
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Jaunts in the Jungle
Sipi Falls- 25-27 July 2008
Let me just start by saying that Sipi Falls is THE most beautiful place on the face of the planet. There are few places in the world that I have seen that I could say even have a running chance in competition against it.
Day 1
We caught a taxi on Friday evening, and began the longgg journey across Uganda. We were prepared for a short 2 hour journey with a private hire car… but somehow miscommunications had occurred and instead we spent 5 hours on a crowded taxi. Taxis are meant to hold 12 people (4 rows of 3), but this NEVER happens. Most of the time you will not find a taxi filled with less than 20. Regardless of the cramped conditions, I spent most of the time curled up against the window with the wind blowing in my face, with a huge smile on my face thinking about how lucky I am not be here. Somehow staring at the landscape zooming by made the time go by incredibly fast.
We got to the resort and were escorted up some stairs to a few fantastic bandas. We all freaked out when we walked into the bamboo huts- think Swiss Family Robinson meets the Marriot. They were AMAZING. The beds were super comfortable, and there were layers and layers of blankets. Numerous times throughout the weekend I just curled up under the weight of blankets and sunk into the most amazing sleep I’ve had in a very long time. Geckos and big beetles don't really bother me anymore, so it was easy to forget that we were surrounded by them... We had an amazing dinner of steak and mashed potatoes (2 things we NEVER get in Lugazi) and then a delicious Banana Fritas dessert. We retired to the bandas after a spooky story campfire, and fell into a few separate late-night conversations spread throughout the resort. I could hear Jackie and James laughing across the way, Seren and Mallory chatting away in their room, and Brent and Ashley ranting on a banda couch. Thatcher and I fell deep into conversation about religion and philosophies out on the front porch, and before we knew it we had all been chatting away until nearly 3 am.
Day 2
We woke up to an amazing view that stretched as far as the eye can see. The resort is nestled in the town of Sipi, about halfway up a large mountain range overlooking a lush green valley underneath. We had a wonderful breakfast and headed up on a hike up to the top of the mountain. The main attraction of the hike was 2 fantastic waterfalls. We hiked to the base of each of them, and even got to go behind one. The upper waterfall was HUGE and powerful. We hiked up to a viewing spot about 20 yards from where the water cascaded to its landing and I was absolutely drenched in a matter of just a few minutes. The wind gusts blasted the water up to the rocks we were watching from, making it freezing to stand so close. Luckily it was sunny outside, so we were all dry again in a matter of a few hours.
After lunch we attended a Dance and Music fest at the local secondary school. The festival is held once every July, and brings together all the local schools to compete in a cultural dance and music competition. The people were all extremely kind, and despite the intensely crowded hall it was held in, rushed a few of us Mzungus in to the front and even brought chairs to make sure we were comfortable. It was fun to watch the traditional dances, complete grass skirts and marimbas.
By then a nap was definitely in order, and I nestled underneath my mound of blankets with Ashley and Seren. A few hours later James woke us up for a sunset hike, and I meandered my way up to the top of a mountain lookout point. I was still groggy by the time we reached the top of the steep inclines, but once I viewed the other side overlooking the grand valley and plunging orange sun, I was quickly jolted awake. Our group of eight just sat on the high plateau for several hours- watching a mountain of lush green dotted with grand waterfalls on one side, and a phenomenal sunset on the other. I truly felt like I was in heaven.
Day 3
The last morning we were again greeted by a wonderful breakfast, and then set off for another morning hike. Four members of our group decided to repel down the large lower waterfall, so Ashley and I took the long hike down the mountain to watch them come down. Neither of us was scared of repelling, but had heard that it was basically equivalent to being lowered down by a rope over the cliff edge... aka fairly anticlimactic. It was fun to watch them lower down though, and the hike up afterwards was treacherous to count as several days workout.
The whole weekend just reminded me of how much I love nature, and also made me really grateful I had prepared a bit with all those hikes in Provo last month. The hikes were rough, but we were surrounded by the most beautiful imagery I have ever witnessed, so it was easier to forget about the steepness. Over the course of the weekend I discovered I am severely allergic to some odd plant found only in Sipi, because I violently sneezed the entire time we were there. One night I sneezed NINE times in a row, and I truly thought my brain was going to explode. However, we never discovered the actual culprit. I seem to be fine now that we’re back in Lugazi.
The hospitality at Sipi Falls Resort was FANTASTIC, and I would be completely selfish if I didn’t make mention of the wonderful people there. Kenneth was our coordinator who made sure we were always content and happy with our stay. Michael was the awesome cook who made us never want to leave, and Nelly was our guide who walked us around the mountainside (in a skirt and flip flops, as we were fully decked out in hiking gear and out of breath the entire time.) Mike and Kenneth even gave me a Buganda name while we were there, which made me supppper happy because I’ve been waiting for one since I got here! Most of the Mzungus are given a Ugandan name sometime while they are here, but it has to be from a friend who actually knows you so they can determine what to call you. After spending the weekend together, Mike and Kenneth decided to name me Sanyu, which means happiness and joy. I felt lucky to have met such amazing people over such a short weekend. The end.
Let me just start by saying that Sipi Falls is THE most beautiful place on the face of the planet. There are few places in the world that I have seen that I could say even have a running chance in competition against it.
Day 1
We caught a taxi on Friday evening, and began the longgg journey across Uganda. We were prepared for a short 2 hour journey with a private hire car… but somehow miscommunications had occurred and instead we spent 5 hours on a crowded taxi. Taxis are meant to hold 12 people (4 rows of 3), but this NEVER happens. Most of the time you will not find a taxi filled with less than 20. Regardless of the cramped conditions, I spent most of the time curled up against the window with the wind blowing in my face, with a huge smile on my face thinking about how lucky I am not be here. Somehow staring at the landscape zooming by made the time go by incredibly fast.
We got to the resort and were escorted up some stairs to a few fantastic bandas. We all freaked out when we walked into the bamboo huts- think Swiss Family Robinson meets the Marriot. They were AMAZING. The beds were super comfortable, and there were layers and layers of blankets. Numerous times throughout the weekend I just curled up under the weight of blankets and sunk into the most amazing sleep I’ve had in a very long time. Geckos and big beetles don't really bother me anymore, so it was easy to forget that we were surrounded by them... We had an amazing dinner of steak and mashed potatoes (2 things we NEVER get in Lugazi) and then a delicious Banana Fritas dessert. We retired to the bandas after a spooky story campfire, and fell into a few separate late-night conversations spread throughout the resort. I could hear Jackie and James laughing across the way, Seren and Mallory chatting away in their room, and Brent and Ashley ranting on a banda couch. Thatcher and I fell deep into conversation about religion and philosophies out on the front porch, and before we knew it we had all been chatting away until nearly 3 am.
Day 2
We woke up to an amazing view that stretched as far as the eye can see. The resort is nestled in the town of Sipi, about halfway up a large mountain range overlooking a lush green valley underneath. We had a wonderful breakfast and headed up on a hike up to the top of the mountain. The main attraction of the hike was 2 fantastic waterfalls. We hiked to the base of each of them, and even got to go behind one. The upper waterfall was HUGE and powerful. We hiked up to a viewing spot about 20 yards from where the water cascaded to its landing and I was absolutely drenched in a matter of just a few minutes. The wind gusts blasted the water up to the rocks we were watching from, making it freezing to stand so close. Luckily it was sunny outside, so we were all dry again in a matter of a few hours.
After lunch we attended a Dance and Music fest at the local secondary school. The festival is held once every July, and brings together all the local schools to compete in a cultural dance and music competition. The people were all extremely kind, and despite the intensely crowded hall it was held in, rushed a few of us Mzungus in to the front and even brought chairs to make sure we were comfortable. It was fun to watch the traditional dances, complete grass skirts and marimbas.
By then a nap was definitely in order, and I nestled underneath my mound of blankets with Ashley and Seren. A few hours later James woke us up for a sunset hike, and I meandered my way up to the top of a mountain lookout point. I was still groggy by the time we reached the top of the steep inclines, but once I viewed the other side overlooking the grand valley and plunging orange sun, I was quickly jolted awake. Our group of eight just sat on the high plateau for several hours- watching a mountain of lush green dotted with grand waterfalls on one side, and a phenomenal sunset on the other. I truly felt like I was in heaven.
Day 3
The last morning we were again greeted by a wonderful breakfast, and then set off for another morning hike. Four members of our group decided to repel down the large lower waterfall, so Ashley and I took the long hike down the mountain to watch them come down. Neither of us was scared of repelling, but had heard that it was basically equivalent to being lowered down by a rope over the cliff edge... aka fairly anticlimactic. It was fun to watch them lower down though, and the hike up afterwards was treacherous to count as several days workout.
The whole weekend just reminded me of how much I love nature, and also made me really grateful I had prepared a bit with all those hikes in Provo last month. The hikes were rough, but we were surrounded by the most beautiful imagery I have ever witnessed, so it was easier to forget about the steepness. Over the course of the weekend I discovered I am severely allergic to some odd plant found only in Sipi, because I violently sneezed the entire time we were there. One night I sneezed NINE times in a row, and I truly thought my brain was going to explode. However, we never discovered the actual culprit. I seem to be fine now that we’re back in Lugazi.
The hospitality at Sipi Falls Resort was FANTASTIC, and I would be completely selfish if I didn’t make mention of the wonderful people there. Kenneth was our coordinator who made sure we were always content and happy with our stay. Michael was the awesome cook who made us never want to leave, and Nelly was our guide who walked us around the mountainside (in a skirt and flip flops, as we were fully decked out in hiking gear and out of breath the entire time.) Mike and Kenneth even gave me a Buganda name while we were there, which made me supppper happy because I’ve been waiting for one since I got here! Most of the Mzungus are given a Ugandan name sometime while they are here, but it has to be from a friend who actually knows you so they can determine what to call you. After spending the weekend together, Mike and Kenneth decided to name me Sanyu, which means happiness and joy. I felt lucky to have met such amazing people over such a short weekend. The end.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
stoves and jungle gyms...
Hello!!! I wrote a fantastic, and very thorough, blog about our weekend trip to Sipi Falls. However, my USB has apparently now resorted to not even displaying Word documents.. they just disappear. So for now I will just say hi, and will hopefully be able to come back tonight and upload my actual updates (and maybe a few pictures??)
The weekend in Sipi Falls was fantastic, and it is truly the prettiest place I have ever seen. I think I will have to return someday for a honeymoon or other such romantic getaway. Nowhere else will be able to compete.
Yesterday Amber, Kira, and I went out of town a ways to build the foundation for a new stove. It turned out to be kind of a pain-- super large and not enough cement, but luckily it all worked out in the end. It ended up being an almost all-day project and we were pretty worn out by the end. The cooks moved the fires they cook food for the students to the outside of the little wooden kitchen, which meant we were blasted from the smoke the entire time we were working. All three of us were tearing up and sneezing the entire time-- the smoke in my face was truly miserable. Whenever that happens while we are building a stove (which is quite often) it only strengthens my love for Adobe stoves and helps me remember whyyy we are building them. These cooks spend all day in such conditions, and the smoke spreads to the classrooms, causing bad health conditions for everyone. These new stoves will have a chimney which tunnels all the smoke up and away from the cooking area and classrooms. Hurrah!
Last night Amber and I taught our Nakazadde English group. I always have a blast with them because they are just SO funny. There are about 15 women, mostly older, and none of them speak any English. It basically turns into a little freak show with me and Amber standing and signing crazy things to them for an hour. We did manage to teach them several words for fruits and vegetables, as well as the days of the wee. They are amazing women who I look up to immensely, despite vast communication barriers.
So far today has already been very busy. I showered after I woke up (shower days are a BIG deal here, because I get to feel clean for a whole 3 hours or so) and then James and I went on 3 PWD visits. When I first got here, PWD (Persons with Disabilities) was the project I was most nervous about. I do not have very much experience with kids with disabilities, and that combined with language barriers made me very nervous about it. However, these visits have quickly turned into one of my favorite things to do here. First we visited Sam, who is blind and paralyzed. He is about 7 or so I believe. He is really fun to talk to, although he was in a bad mood and just wanted to lay and listen to his radio so we didn't stay long. When we asked how he was, the translator told us that he responded by saying "I just want to go home with them (James and I), I am sick of this place". I almost started crying right there. Every time I meet kids on the street, I truly want nothing more than to take them home with me. Luckily Sam has a good mother who loves him and takes care of him. It still broke my heart to leave.
Next we visited Sheila, who is about 12, with brain damage and a limp hand. Whenever we pass her house she runs out to greet us and is so excited to talk with us. She sang us several songs in Luganda, and then we taught her 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes'. She liked the song a lot, although I don't think much of the English will stick. She then walked us down to Fiona's house, which was our 3rd visit for the day. Fiona is absolutely adorable. She is about 7, deaf and mute, and the STRONGEST little girl I have ever seen. Right when we walked in she jumped up on me- she basically uses anything and everything as a human jungle gym- and didn't let go until I pried her off when we left. She just sat on my lap and clung to my lap while James and I talked to her mom about some of the goals we have set for her. Sam, Sheila, and Fiona are definitely some of my favorite little kids I have met here and make every day worth it.
I am off to a meeting in Jinja, but hopefully Ill be able to come back later tonight and upload the Sipi Falls stories!!!
xoxo
The weekend in Sipi Falls was fantastic, and it is truly the prettiest place I have ever seen. I think I will have to return someday for a honeymoon or other such romantic getaway. Nowhere else will be able to compete.
Yesterday Amber, Kira, and I went out of town a ways to build the foundation for a new stove. It turned out to be kind of a pain-- super large and not enough cement, but luckily it all worked out in the end. It ended up being an almost all-day project and we were pretty worn out by the end. The cooks moved the fires they cook food for the students to the outside of the little wooden kitchen, which meant we were blasted from the smoke the entire time we were working. All three of us were tearing up and sneezing the entire time-- the smoke in my face was truly miserable. Whenever that happens while we are building a stove (which is quite often) it only strengthens my love for Adobe stoves and helps me remember whyyy we are building them. These cooks spend all day in such conditions, and the smoke spreads to the classrooms, causing bad health conditions for everyone. These new stoves will have a chimney which tunnels all the smoke up and away from the cooking area and classrooms. Hurrah!
Last night Amber and I taught our Nakazadde English group. I always have a blast with them because they are just SO funny. There are about 15 women, mostly older, and none of them speak any English. It basically turns into a little freak show with me and Amber standing and signing crazy things to them for an hour. We did manage to teach them several words for fruits and vegetables, as well as the days of the wee. They are amazing women who I look up to immensely, despite vast communication barriers.
So far today has already been very busy. I showered after I woke up (shower days are a BIG deal here, because I get to feel clean for a whole 3 hours or so) and then James and I went on 3 PWD visits. When I first got here, PWD (Persons with Disabilities) was the project I was most nervous about. I do not have very much experience with kids with disabilities, and that combined with language barriers made me very nervous about it. However, these visits have quickly turned into one of my favorite things to do here. First we visited Sam, who is blind and paralyzed. He is about 7 or so I believe. He is really fun to talk to, although he was in a bad mood and just wanted to lay and listen to his radio so we didn't stay long. When we asked how he was, the translator told us that he responded by saying "I just want to go home with them (James and I), I am sick of this place". I almost started crying right there. Every time I meet kids on the street, I truly want nothing more than to take them home with me. Luckily Sam has a good mother who loves him and takes care of him. It still broke my heart to leave.
Next we visited Sheila, who is about 12, with brain damage and a limp hand. Whenever we pass her house she runs out to greet us and is so excited to talk with us. She sang us several songs in Luganda, and then we taught her 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes'. She liked the song a lot, although I don't think much of the English will stick. She then walked us down to Fiona's house, which was our 3rd visit for the day. Fiona is absolutely adorable. She is about 7, deaf and mute, and the STRONGEST little girl I have ever seen. Right when we walked in she jumped up on me- she basically uses anything and everything as a human jungle gym- and didn't let go until I pried her off when we left. She just sat on my lap and clung to my lap while James and I talked to her mom about some of the goals we have set for her. Sam, Sheila, and Fiona are definitely some of my favorite little kids I have met here and make every day worth it.
I am off to a meeting in Jinja, but hopefully Ill be able to come back later tonight and upload the Sipi Falls stories!!!
xoxo
Thursday, July 24, 2008
a few snatched snaps
Our rafting crew! Trent, Brent, Ashley, Mallory, James, James, ME
Me, Lindsi (i miss her already!!!), Mallory, and James on our front patioPS: A few nights ago, 3 teenage boys tried to hop that fence and break in at like 3 in the morning. Our trusty guard David caught them, and fired a shot over the fence at them. I was the only one who woke up to the gunshot (I have no idea how, that thing was LOUD and right outside our window) and laid awake the rest of the night because I couldnt figure out whyyyy the heck there were gunshots outside my window. Ummmm scariest night of my life. But, luckily we have David, and now I know he is actually up all night protecting the house, and not just sleeping in the back yard. He's the best, so dont worry, I'm perfectly safe!!!
ups and downs, and mostly ups
Oh, what an amazing life I lead. It is hard to describe the way I feel on a daily basis, perhaps that is why it has been so hard for me to blog. Well, technically the biggest hangup has been continual internet downages, and crazy computer viruses eating away at my USB drive. It is much harder to think when I am at the stuffy Internet cafe, so usually I try to write on a laptop at home, and bring it up to town to download. However, some crazy virus literally eats away at whatever I have stored, so I get here and it is all GONE. Kind of a pain...
Speaking of things being GONE, my camera was stolen yesterday :( I am truly the saddest person evvvvvver over it. I am trying to think positively about it-- like maybe the guy who rummaged through my purse when we were on that crowded taxi reallllly needed the money he'll make from pawning it. However, I am not that much of a saint and am mostly just bitter. Everyone has been super nice and offered me all the pictures they take while we're here, and even occasionally letting me borrow it. It is SUPER nice of them, but I am still a bit sad. I'm basically obsessed with taking pictures, and wanted my own little record of everything I do here (since I haven't been the best about my journal...). But alas, I am back to wishing and borrowing. Such is life.
The first and second wave people all left a few days ago, and our house population has been cut in half. As much as I'll miss having them around, I will admit the extra space and more quiet atmosphere is quite nice. Now there are only 13 of us living in the house, and it is so clean and so quiet! It should make the next month go by quite smoothly. We have also been assigned our new project lead positions, and groups, which means we will actually get to start contributing a little bit more... YAY!!! I will be the Project Lead for Secondary Schools, and co-lead on primary schools with Emily, and women's groups with Amber. I love all 3 of those groups and know we will have a lot of fun and get a lot done. I will also be working on the teams for Adobe stoves, AIDS support, Orphanages, and PWD- Peoples with Disabilities.
Yesterday James B and I took a taxi down to Jinja (the site of the camera theft...) to visit an orphanage and primary school that one of the sisters in the LDS Branch there runs. She took a couple of the students out of class and walked us around the entire village to visit a few of their families and homes. It was such a fascinating experience. I have already met a lottt of people here in Lugazi and seen where they all live. However, it was so different to go into each of their homes, meet with them individually, and talk about their circumstances and about their beautiful children. Each family was so cheerful and so welcoming. Most of the mothers are single, and live in unimaginable conditions. I am often ashamed that I used to feel so sorry for myself when my mother was single, when I felt like we were "so poor", and when I used to think I had it sooo rough. Silly me! These people have literally nothing. They have the smallest shacks- made of wood, or sometimes bricks, that are smaller than a typical bedroom in America. The weather here makes everything dirty all the time, and their meals are small and meager. Yet, they greet us with a smile, thank God for our coming, and invite us to come in to sit and talk with them. I am continually amazed by their perseverance and optimism.
It is interesting the type of adjustment that my brain has made from being here, even though only a short 2 weeks. Events that used to shock and amaze me, or sights that use to push me to tears, have already become part of my daily life. Walking through rows and rows of shacks is simply a part of life here; I still hate the poverty and hate that I am so helpless. However, I feel at home here in Lugazi, and I feel like my daily events and adventures are just a regular routine. Rather than just being sad about all the poverty, I have accepted it, and gone on to the stage of HOW do we fix it. Obviously, it needs to be fixed, but the real question becomes "What can we do about it?" Hopefully, our meager projects are making some sort of a difference.
I had several pictures I wanted to put up today that came from my last download before my camera was stolen. However, the USB is not cooperating at all and so I will be unable to upload them today. Perhaps I will steal some from my friend Mallory's facebook, so you can at least get some sort of visual update. Things here are good and my life is great. I am catching a bit of a cold, but trying to fight it off with plenty of sleep and a good dose of vitamins. My stomach does somersaults pretty much continually throughout each day, but I have gotten used to it so I don't notice it a whole lot anymore. Well, I better head off to the Namengo Women's group, where we will be teaching some business classes today. This weekened we will be going to spend the weekend hiking at Sipi Falls. If I don't have the chance to update again before that, I'll be back next week!
Speaking of things being GONE, my camera was stolen yesterday :( I am truly the saddest person evvvvvver over it. I am trying to think positively about it-- like maybe the guy who rummaged through my purse when we were on that crowded taxi reallllly needed the money he'll make from pawning it. However, I am not that much of a saint and am mostly just bitter. Everyone has been super nice and offered me all the pictures they take while we're here, and even occasionally letting me borrow it. It is SUPER nice of them, but I am still a bit sad. I'm basically obsessed with taking pictures, and wanted my own little record of everything I do here (since I haven't been the best about my journal...). But alas, I am back to wishing and borrowing. Such is life.
The first and second wave people all left a few days ago, and our house population has been cut in half. As much as I'll miss having them around, I will admit the extra space and more quiet atmosphere is quite nice. Now there are only 13 of us living in the house, and it is so clean and so quiet! It should make the next month go by quite smoothly. We have also been assigned our new project lead positions, and groups, which means we will actually get to start contributing a little bit more... YAY!!! I will be the Project Lead for Secondary Schools, and co-lead on primary schools with Emily, and women's groups with Amber. I love all 3 of those groups and know we will have a lot of fun and get a lot done. I will also be working on the teams for Adobe stoves, AIDS support, Orphanages, and PWD- Peoples with Disabilities.
Yesterday James B and I took a taxi down to Jinja (the site of the camera theft...) to visit an orphanage and primary school that one of the sisters in the LDS Branch there runs. She took a couple of the students out of class and walked us around the entire village to visit a few of their families and homes. It was such a fascinating experience. I have already met a lottt of people here in Lugazi and seen where they all live. However, it was so different to go into each of their homes, meet with them individually, and talk about their circumstances and about their beautiful children. Each family was so cheerful and so welcoming. Most of the mothers are single, and live in unimaginable conditions. I am often ashamed that I used to feel so sorry for myself when my mother was single, when I felt like we were "so poor", and when I used to think I had it sooo rough. Silly me! These people have literally nothing. They have the smallest shacks- made of wood, or sometimes bricks, that are smaller than a typical bedroom in America. The weather here makes everything dirty all the time, and their meals are small and meager. Yet, they greet us with a smile, thank God for our coming, and invite us to come in to sit and talk with them. I am continually amazed by their perseverance and optimism.
It is interesting the type of adjustment that my brain has made from being here, even though only a short 2 weeks. Events that used to shock and amaze me, or sights that use to push me to tears, have already become part of my daily life. Walking through rows and rows of shacks is simply a part of life here; I still hate the poverty and hate that I am so helpless. However, I feel at home here in Lugazi, and I feel like my daily events and adventures are just a regular routine. Rather than just being sad about all the poverty, I have accepted it, and gone on to the stage of HOW do we fix it. Obviously, it needs to be fixed, but the real question becomes "What can we do about it?" Hopefully, our meager projects are making some sort of a difference.
I had several pictures I wanted to put up today that came from my last download before my camera was stolen. However, the USB is not cooperating at all and so I will be unable to upload them today. Perhaps I will steal some from my friend Mallory's facebook, so you can at least get some sort of visual update. Things here are good and my life is great. I am catching a bit of a cold, but trying to fight it off with plenty of sleep and a good dose of vitamins. My stomach does somersaults pretty much continually throughout each day, but I have gotten used to it so I don't notice it a whole lot anymore. Well, I better head off to the Namengo Women's group, where we will be teaching some business classes today. This weekened we will be going to spend the weekend hiking at Sipi Falls. If I don't have the chance to update again before that, I'll be back next week!
NILE RIVER RAFTING
We woke up early to make it to the taxi yard of Lugazi by 8, which is when we were scheduled for pickup. The shuttle transported our group of nine to the nearby town of
The
Within seconds of hitting the first rapid, I was hooked!!! Hitting the rapids was such a rush, and the feeling of victory when we didn’t capsize by the end of the chaos was amazzzzzing! We all cheered and felt the exhilaration of roaring water running through our veins, and we were immediately pumped for the next one. The rest of the day continued along the same format, with us ramming into the huge waves and falling off the giant waterfalls, only to be even more elated when we realized we made it across all the rapids and were still alive! The raft the rest of our friends were in had the tendency to flip a LOT (as in all but one), but somehow we made it through all of them unscathed.
After a bit of an accident involving Ashely’s oar ramming our guide Charlie in the mouth and a concussion, we got a new guide who was a little less forgiving. He decided it was time for us to get flipped, and promised we wouldn’t make it past the next rapid. We were all prepared to hold our breath, and he even warned us which side we would be tipping to. We hit the rapids, teetered back and forth, and all braced for a few scary seconds underwater. I watched everyone fly off one by one, felt myself fly into the air, and braced for the worst. Miraculously, I landed right back on the boat, and had somehow saved myself with my clinging grip. Only the guide, the French-man, and myself were left on the boat, and judging by the terrified faces of the rest of my raft, I was VERY glad I had not experienced the near-drowning adventure.
Merely the sight of the last rapid is enough to make you cringe. It is several hundred meters long, with a crazy whirlpool at the end. The group who went last month got caught under the whirlpool and all admitted they thought they were going to die for sure. We cascaded down the rapids and dropped into the whirlpool zone in a matter of seconds. With everyone still on board, the boat got caught in the whirlpool and started spinning like crazy! One by one, people were sucked out by the momentum, followed by a waterfall crashing down on them. I watched as all of my friends were spat from the boat, yet I continued to hold on for dear life! The boat turned in every direction, including COMPLETELY vertical, and I was practically standing up. After what seemed like an eternity, the whirlpool pushed our entire boat back down the river, and to my astonishment, I was still on the boat, and still alive! The only ones left on the boat were Moses- our guide, Mallory, and me. We jumped up and down for victory, and were mostly just happy that we didn't share the near-drowning experience with the rest of the boat.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
typical days in the town
The internet has been ridiculous all over town for the past 4 hours so i'm just going to say a quick hello. The first couple days of projects have been great, and its nice to be Lugazi actually getting stuff done. I ilke when the days are busy ebcause I have lots of projets and get a lot done and feel productive all day long. It seems to go by fster, and tehn by the time it is all over, it is getting dark and I am exhausted and ready or dinner and bed. Even though I have been waking up about the same time as home-- around 7ish or so, I am sooo ready for bed by 10 or 11. Which is better because then I actually get enough sleep. It is always loud throughout the house til late, and the roosters and up first thing in the morning but inbetween, i sleep like a rock.
Yesterday in the morning I went to crane's school whih has a choir we teach. They sang several songs for us and it was so cute!!! They're all about Jesus and how much they love him, and songs asking God to watch over Africa. I cried during one of the songs because it was just sooo cute (yeah i cry like daily here...) and they were just so happy as they were singing and asking God to watch out for them and take care of Africa. They are so humble, and just so GOOD. I got lots of good videos that i may try to upload when the internet isnt so grumpy.
In th afternoon we went to a high shool and taught a health class. They are very recceptive and have lots of questions. Afterwards we went toSt Edwards where we played with kids from a local orphanace for a few hours. They are so cute and have so much energy!!! I took a milion pitures of them cuz they are just soooo adorable. I was very worn out by the time we were done. Afterwards we went home and ate some of Irene's delicious food. A typical dinner consists of potatoes, rice, cabbage, and beans. It is plain on american standards, but here i am always excited for it. You can buy chiapattis on the street, and sometimes we have them at dinner too. They are basically a thicker greasier version of a pita/tortilla, and they are always warm. I LOVE THEM.
After dinner, we all just chilled out and read books and uploaded pcitures onto USBs and such. I like relaxing evenings to just hang out for a bit. I got to sleep in the back froner room, which only has 2 beds in it so it was SO quiet. The normal girls room has 7 beds in it, and is attached to the bathroom, so people come in and out every night.
Well, a storm is brewin outside so i better jet before i get rained out. Life is amazing here, though I will admit I would love a few comments if you stop by and read (thanks Leesh for all of your lovins!) I am not homesick by any means, but it is still nice to know there are people at home checkin up on me :) Love you lots!
PS- My USB has already caught a virus, so pictures may be a little harder to transfer around..... Hopefully yesterday's plethora is enough to get you through a while!
Yesterday in the morning I went to crane's school whih has a choir we teach. They sang several songs for us and it was so cute!!! They're all about Jesus and how much they love him, and songs asking God to watch over Africa. I cried during one of the songs because it was just sooo cute (yeah i cry like daily here...) and they were just so happy as they were singing and asking God to watch out for them and take care of Africa. They are so humble, and just so GOOD. I got lots of good videos that i may try to upload when the internet isnt so grumpy.
In th afternoon we went to a high shool and taught a health class. They are very recceptive and have lots of questions. Afterwards we went toSt Edwards where we played with kids from a local orphanace for a few hours. They are so cute and have so much energy!!! I took a milion pitures of them cuz they are just soooo adorable. I was very worn out by the time we were done. Afterwards we went home and ate some of Irene's delicious food. A typical dinner consists of potatoes, rice, cabbage, and beans. It is plain on american standards, but here i am always excited for it. You can buy chiapattis on the street, and sometimes we have them at dinner too. They are basically a thicker greasier version of a pita/tortilla, and they are always warm. I LOVE THEM.
After dinner, we all just chilled out and read books and uploaded pcitures onto USBs and such. I like relaxing evenings to just hang out for a bit. I got to sleep in the back froner room, which only has 2 beds in it so it was SO quiet. The normal girls room has 7 beds in it, and is attached to the bathroom, so people come in and out every night.
Well, a storm is brewin outside so i better jet before i get rained out. Life is amazing here, though I will admit I would love a few comments if you stop by and read (thanks Leesh for all of your lovins!) I am not homesick by any means, but it is still nice to know there are people at home checkin up on me :) Love you lots!
PS- My USB has already caught a virus, so pictures may be a little harder to transfer around..... Hopefully yesterday's plethora is enough to get you through a while!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
PICTURES!
So by some miracle, pictures uploaded suppper fast today and I was able to do a bunch. The group said it usually takes 5 minutes per picture, but I was able to do like 10 in that time, so consider yourselves lucky!!! I'll just caption all of them up here, and then you can go through and look at them all...
1. Downtown Dubai... such a sweet city!
2. Our safari group with Beki, our guide
3. A LION!!! We were SO close.
4. Me in our safari jeep, with a whole pack of lions behind me :)
5. Some sweet wildlife in the jungle
6. Safari Sunset
7. Natalie and I showing off our awesome hiking gear. They told us fire ants would eat us if we wore chacos, so they provided us with some high class gear in replacement.
8. Finally back to Lugazi!!! Yesterday (Tuesday) we worked on an Adove Stove for St Katherine's Primary School. The kids were SOOO cute! I basically cried shortly after this picture was taken. Sometimes I just can't handle the cuteness!!!
9. DJ and I stomping through the mud to make the clay adobe for the stove. It was an intense morning, but now the stove is almost done!
10. Yesterday afternoon a few of us went and toured the local hospital. SADDEST THING OF MY LIFE. Regardless of the terrible conditions, the people were so nice to us and were so excited to have us take pictures of their families (we promised to bring them copies, since most probably don't have any pictures). The brand new babies in the maternity ward were so adorable! Going to the hospital was realllly hard.. I had to push back tears a lot of the time because I felt so helpless being surrounded by SO much suffering. However, it really just gave me renewed enthusiasm for why I am here and gave me some ideas for some new projects our group can do.
Being back in Lugazi is great and I've tried to just jump into a few projects to get the hang of things before 2nd wave group leaves next week (our group of 25 is going to cut down to about 13). I truly love it here so much and have already met so many great people. They continually express their gratitude for having us here to help them and are anxious to find ways to improve the lives of the people in their community. It is nearly impossible to find selfishness among these people-- it is all about how to help us, how to help their families, and how they can help their community, and Uganda as a whole. It's really neat to see that sort of communalism.
Also, the food here is amazing so far. I haven't gotten sick at all yet (knock on wood!) and jetlag didnt really phase me. So far I feel very lucky everything has gone along so smoothly, and am just happy to be here. Here are the pictures... enjoy!
xoxoxo
1. Downtown Dubai... such a sweet city!
2. Our safari group with Beki, our guide
3. A LION!!! We were SO close.
4. Me in our safari jeep, with a whole pack of lions behind me :)
5. Some sweet wildlife in the jungle
6. Safari Sunset
7. Natalie and I showing off our awesome hiking gear. They told us fire ants would eat us if we wore chacos, so they provided us with some high class gear in replacement.
8. Finally back to Lugazi!!! Yesterday (Tuesday) we worked on an Adove Stove for St Katherine's Primary School. The kids were SOOO cute! I basically cried shortly after this picture was taken. Sometimes I just can't handle the cuteness!!!
9. DJ and I stomping through the mud to make the clay adobe for the stove. It was an intense morning, but now the stove is almost done!
10. Yesterday afternoon a few of us went and toured the local hospital. SADDEST THING OF MY LIFE. Regardless of the terrible conditions, the people were so nice to us and were so excited to have us take pictures of their families (we promised to bring them copies, since most probably don't have any pictures). The brand new babies in the maternity ward were so adorable! Going to the hospital was realllly hard.. I had to push back tears a lot of the time because I felt so helpless being surrounded by SO much suffering. However, it really just gave me renewed enthusiasm for why I am here and gave me some ideas for some new projects our group can do.
Being back in Lugazi is great and I've tried to just jump into a few projects to get the hang of things before 2nd wave group leaves next week (our group of 25 is going to cut down to about 13). I truly love it here so much and have already met so many great people. They continually express their gratitude for having us here to help them and are anxious to find ways to improve the lives of the people in their community. It is nearly impossible to find selfishness among these people-- it is all about how to help us, how to help their families, and how they can help their community, and Uganda as a whole. It's really neat to see that sort of communalism.
Also, the food here is amazing so far. I haven't gotten sick at all yet (knock on wood!) and jetlag didnt really phase me. So far I feel very lucky everything has gone along so smoothly, and am just happy to be here. Here are the pictures... enjoy!
xoxoxo
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
SAFARI STYLE
11-14 July--- MURCHISON FALLS SAFARI!!!
I wish it were possible to record my thoughts, second by second as I experience them. Throughout the day I think of millllions of things I want to tell everybody about, but then when I finally get the chance to sit at a computer (its been a week since I had any access) my memory fails me. However, I feel like this is going to be a long one, so I apologize if the details seem to drone on and on. Unfortunately, pictures may be a bit of an issue this week because all the computers at the house have gotten crazy viruses from the networks here. Hopefully Ill be able to throw at least a few in, as I’m sure that’s all people are really interested in anyways...
We just returned to Lugazi after a 4 day safari to
Thursday night we got to
We got up Friday morning and left quickly to go meet the safari vans. There were 12 in our group, so we split between the GIANT SAFARI van (think double decker
We all got little A-frame tents and broke into smaller groups of 2 or 3. I jumped in with Natalie and Ashley and we set it up in a couple of minutes. The night was pretty cold (yeah, I had NO idea that it could get so cold in
Lunch at Red Chili was fantastic, and then we were across the
I spent the rest of the night in complete AWE of my life. I was in the middle of the African savannah, camping less than half a mile from a pack of lions, and less than 200 yards from a lake full of hippos and crocodiles. Maybe it was just the fact I was sleeping in a tent with Dan (I switched because the other tent was WAY too crowded, and Dan was all alone), but somehow I wasn’t scared. There was one point I heard strange noises getting closer and closer, but Dan assured me I was safe, and I forced myself to believe him. The next morning we found water buffalo poop all over camp (like five feet from my head), so I’m sure that must have been the culprit of the strange noises all night.
We got up before sunrise and headed out on another game drive. Within minutes we came across a tall and majestic giraffe, which limped its way across the road in front of us. Sarah and Holly (the two British nurses from
The hike was great after so much sitting, and the falls were fantastic. They were huge and powerful, surrounded by jungle beauty. We continued past the falls a few hundred yards and set up camp just up an embankment from the river. Kirunda, our cook, prepared an amazing South African curry dinner, and I enjoyed every bite (they tell me the regular food is not as amazing as what we were treated to on the safari… I wish we could have brought Kirunda home with us!!!)
After our chats settled down, a few of us decided to go on a hippo hunt. This was by far the SCARIEST PART OF THE TRIP. The “hunters” consisted of James- my favorite of the group so far, we are more similar than anyone else I’ve met and get along well, Katie- who is awwwesome, as well as two others we met on the safari- Ben from Atlanta, and Seleta from Spain. Some Austrian hippies (think 4 Euro-hotties with the most amazing dreads you have ever seen...) had told us they saw some hippos out of the water down by the bank, so we went down there to check it out. As soon as we came within 10 yards, we heard and saw the grass rustle and truly FREAKED OUT. We all took off running, and James and I were to the top of the hill before we gained enough composure to turn around and see what was going on. Turns out I am one of those fend for yourself selfish people in times of crisis… Oops.
Regardless, we all headed back down the hill to the same place. This time the hippo let out a huuuge grunt, and that was IT for me. James and I were again GONE up the hill and a flash. Ben and Seleta were brave enough to stay, caught a brief glimpse of the hippo, and then turned around to see James and I already back up the mountain. I wish I had seen the hippo, but I was not willing to risk my life over it!!! Hippos kill more people than any other animal in
We slept great again, despite ultra hard ground (and an accidental punch to the head from Dan) and again woke up to the sunrise. We ate another great breakfast, packed up camp, hopped in the vans, and headed south for an 8 hour journey home. Despite continued bumpiness on the road and rainy skies, I’m hopelessly hooked. Another six weeks will surely not be enough to last a lifetime.
Today we are off to make stoves, take a tour with all the new group, visit a school and hospital, and do a bit of grocery shopping. Sorry again for this HUGE catchup session, hopefully I will have more regular access to computers and internet so I wont have to jam it all together. And hopefully next time Ill have more pictures too!!! Hope everything at home is great. I love you all!!!
Quick-stop in Dubai
9-10 July 2008-
Holy crap I am in freakin
Tuesday I flew from SLC to
I met up with James and Brent in
Even just ten years ago, the area was all a giant desert wasteland known for smuggling. Now it is a booming metropolis with the biggest buildings in the world! We saw a 7-star partially underwater hotel (ranging $2-20,000 per night!), the world’s tallest building, downtown, the marina, the BEACH, palm island, and the indoor ski resort.
It would definitely be a city worth checking out again in the future when I have more time to explore. The weather is insanely HOT and also humid. Standing outside at the airport, even at 7 in the morning, took a lot of concentration to not pass out right there. I have decided that I truly love airports. I’ve spent the majority of the past 2 days at them, and I never seem to get enough. Each one boasts its own cultural hub, bringing people from all over the world with all their various cultures, together as one. It is interesting to wonder where each person is going, where they are from. Who are they anxious to see, and who did they just sadly depart? How did they choose what to wear today, and what do they have packed away in their piles of luggage? Who are they traveling with, or why are they alone?
I can’t help but be overwhelmed by such questions every time I walk terminal halls. Travel, and everything about it, is truly a culture of its own. For me- a fascination. Ok, kind of an obsession. Despite the stresses, jetlag, and time it consumes, I love every single bit of it. And on we go...
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
the anticipation is killin...
I LEAVE IN EXACTLY 12 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe this day is actually here.
My plane lands in Uganda on Thursday, and then I leave Friday morning for a 4 day safari (I know, my life is just SOOO hard). Due to the immediate departure for adventure after my arrival, I won't be making any updates here for over a week, so don't freak out if you don't hear from me for a bit. I'm SUUUURE my plane will land safely and layovers will go smoothly, and I will make a smooth transition to African living. Full report to follow.
Until then, wish me luck!!!
I can't believe this day is actually here.
My plane lands in Uganda on Thursday, and then I leave Friday morning for a 4 day safari (I know, my life is just SOOO hard). Due to the immediate departure for adventure after my arrival, I won't be making any updates here for over a week, so don't freak out if you don't hear from me for a bit. I'm SUUUURE my plane will land safely and layovers will go smoothly, and I will make a smooth transition to African living. Full report to follow.
Until then, wish me luck!!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
"the bacteria-bot"
One of the most exciting parts in the preparations, thus far, has been to get all my shots. I've heard this was quite the process, but wasn't sure exactly how many shots I would need or what medications I would be on.
Turns out I needed 3 shots and 2 prescriptions. I feel like a walking immunization, but at least I'll be protected, right!?! It's been like 10 years since I had to get any shots, so I was a bit nervous and made Annalicia and Aaron come with me ('you're scared of shots, yet you're going to live in Africa?' weird, i know). Turns out they were completely painless, and I was in and out in less than half an hour.
Now I'm all ready to ward off all forms of Tetanus, DPT, Hepatitis A, and Yellow Fever, with Typhoid and Malaria meds in hand. Now it would just be realllly handy if the next 2 weeks would speed on by so I can actually get to Africa and have use for them all. Thursday, June 5, 2008
VISUAL ITINERARY
Depart from SLC at 12:50pm on July 8th (only 27 days away... EEK)
with stops in HOUSTON,
DUBAI (where I will meet up with Brent and then enjoy a 12 hour layover. In freakin DUBAI. Yeahhhhh I've only been dying to go there since before it even got cool),
and a final quick-stop in ETHIOPIA (when did I turn into such a freakin bad-A? I love my life.)
At which point I'll grab a final jumper plane to the lovely land of UGANDA- arriving July 10th at 2:45pm. 
...where I will LIVE for the next 7 weeks, until I turn around and do the whole thing in reverse. I truly feel SO blessed in my life right now. I don't really know how it could get any better at this point. I'm so lucky!!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
the calm after the storm
If all goes according to plan, I should be buying my plane ticket TODAY to leave on July 8. It is the weirdest, yet most exciting feeling, ever!!! There was a brief moment last week where I suddenly started to panic over the feasability of everything. A quick "WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING?!?!" moment. Like why am I not getting a real job? How am I going to pay for all of this? What if I'm making the wrong choice? What if I'm supposed to stick around here? Despite all the questions milling in my head, the main concerns were 99% financially related. Since I decided to go so late in the game, I missed out on a lot of fundraising opportunities and even just personal saving time. It puts me kind of in a cramp and I'm gonna have to start buckling down hard core to save quicker... BUT I've realized that it IS all possible, this IS what I am supposed to be doing with my life right now, and it IS all going to work out. I just have to keep clinging to those thoughts and work my hardest every day until I get there.
Oh goodness, I cannot WAIT til I get there. For the next month or so this blog will continue to be a little dull (don't worry, you can still find me at my original real blog) but then as things start picking up in the way of packing, preparing, and eventual departure... I promise you'll get more than enough reading pleasure.
Oh goodness, I cannot WAIT til I get there. For the next month or so this blog will continue to be a little dull (don't worry, you can still find me at my original real blog) but then as things start picking up in the way of packing, preparing, and eventual departure... I promise you'll get more than enough reading pleasure.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
go, see, DO
I've been getting a lot of questions lately about what it is exactly that I'll be doing in Uganda. Valid question! The HELP International website breaks down a couple of the areas that we focus on, so I've decided to just include them in my blog. You can always access the HELP website for more info as well.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN AFRICA?!
HEALTH:Every year there are several volunteers that are excited to work in the field of health or medicine. Every year there is great need at local health clinics and hospitals for the skills of volunteers. From licensed surgical technicians to basic first aid, HELP volunteers with a myriad of skills and abilities have given time in several clinics around the region.In many areas, volunteers realize that development is hindered by the poor health of families. Many mothers do not realize the need to boil and disinfect unclean water. Children may go for extended periods without bathing, and the sanitary facilities at home may be anything but sanitary. Health is key to education, work, financial stability, and the general standard of living.
Teaching English as a Second Language: is one of our most popular projects in each country. From the very beginning, many of our partners asked us to come prepared to teach them English. A necessary skill in today's globalized market, English can often open doors to employment, financing, education, grants, and international attention through marketing.English classes serve different purposes in each country, which you can read by clicking on the country of your choice in the menu above. These projects are an excellent way for volunteers who may not be fluent in Spanish or Portuguese to get involved directly with the people of Latin America and develop lasting relationships. It also serves as an excellent window into another aspect of development: education. As you read about our English programs in each country we think you'll agree that it is one of our most successful projects.
Orphanages: From our first years in Latin America, HELP volunteers have been anxiously engaged in working with orphans across the region. In all of the countries we work in, orphans are in desperate need of attention, love, and social contact with outsiders. Furthermore, the facilities in which these children live often lack basic hygiene, sufficient staff, and basic supplies to feed and clothe everyone.Projects and time spent at the orphanages are often some of the most emotionally charged during the summer. Volunteers develop loving relationships for children that are left in dire circumstances and have little contact with caring individuals. While the staff at these centers are generally very concerned for the welfare of the children, lack of funding will often result in rooms full of children with only one or two caretakers to attend to all of their needs. In the end, the greatest gift we may be able to give to these children is a loving embrace and caring heart.
Basic Business: The HELP International Basic Business classes are designed to help micro entrepreneurs learn the very basics of how to run and improve their businesses. Through microcredit programs, many of HELP International's partners, give women (mainly) very small loans - anywhere from $100 to $500. These women may sell tortillas from their home, sell fruit or vegetables in the local market, or weave traditional textiles with her daughters and sell them in another village.HELP volunteers work with these women to teach them simple principles like how to save money, how to budget, how to negotiate for better prices, simple marketing strategies like creating a name and sign for your business, offering your best customers a deal for your goods. Through a simulated business game developed by Making Cents, a for-profit organization out of Washington, D.C., volunteers learn to facilitate and teach groups using participatory methods. The women learn principles in the game and are allowed to make risks and decisions without jeopardizing their financial situation or their families.
Community Development: In an effort to expose our volunteers to the wide range of projects within the broad field of development, HELP International encourages volunteers to explore the needs within the communities they are working and develop responses in conjunction with local leaders. As a result, HELP volunteers spend much of their time in the communities working on a myriad of manual labor projects designed to help families and communities meet some of their immediate needs.These projects may range from building houses for several families, painting a school, building desks for young students, starting a literacy class for the women in a village, or helping to build a community center. These community development projects offer volunteers a chance to work hand in hand with local leaders, explore local responses to poverty and need, and see both the good and challenging side of development.Community development projects are often an opportunity for non-fluent volunteers to get heavily involved with local families. These projects rarely require proficient use of language skills (after initial planning has been taken care of), and non-fluent volunteers generally find these projects to be some of the most rewarding. In the past, volunteers have also commented that several of the community development projects and manual labor projects are especially rewarding because the results and initial impact are seen almost immediately, whereas several of our other educational projects are part of a long-term strategy.
So that's a bit of a summary... If you'd like to see what the current volunteers are up to, check out some of my Blog links. They have some amazing pictures and descriptions of what we'll be doing all summer. Here's a picture I stole from Jackie's page... they are so cute! I just can't wait to get there!
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