29 June, 2010
This morning I woke up extremely well rested. Too well rested actually. Right before we left it started to pour. We walked to school in the muddy rain. Word of advice: rain water falling off the roof is NOT used for shower water. Just a little piece of wisdom for anyone who is planning on showering out of a bucket any time soon. The walk wasn't terrible. I did forget my rain jacket, though. Luckily I remembered my umbrella.
I got to the school and NONE of the teachers showed up for an hour or so. I started teaching P2-and by teaching, I mean I reviewed what I think we did last time-and then P1 started getting out of control (I think I already mentioned that they are in the same classroom and face different directions). I gave P1 an assignment labeling body parts and headed back to P2 to grade their science assignment. Once I finished grading, P1 finished their assignemnt, then I graded it, and then the teacher FINALLY came back. She didn't know where the science book was and went to look for it. Soon the other teacher walked in with the book. Needless to say, I was exhausted by breakfast/snack time.
I was with P1 all day from then on. They were crazy! They would not stop talking...and I don't understand most of what they said. I made them put their heads down for 60 seconds without talking, and that took 25 minutes. They almost missed their break. The thing is that with that punishment I feel guilty because for some of them, this is their first meal of the day. Luckily, they all got to go to break. I wouldn't take it away completely, but I would take away their free time for misbehaving and not listening. I got offered popcorn and bread by 3 different students.
I forgot to mention that at snack we tried paw-paw (a fruit, the taste of which I don't remember) and we had spaghetti for lunch. I also had more casava for snack. 300 shillings. Soooooo good!! :)
I played a few games with the kiddos at lunch and after school. I played catch with Nambooze. Hollie bought her her own ball because she wanted something to play with since she can't run around with the other kids. She had so much fun the last few days with that ball. It has her name on it and everything. Her English name is Angel, though, so I wasn't sure who Hollie had been talking about these last few weeks. She even got the other kids to play ball with her. The other kids are so good with her. They play with her and help her do everything that she cannot do herself. Yawef, one of the boys, is her friend. He is so sweet and very protective of her. It's really adoreable.
At the end of the school day, I gave all the P1 and P2 students new pencils and pencil sharpeners. They all sharpen their pencils with razor blades and it scares me every time. They were very excited and by the time I got outside ALL the kids at the school were saying, "Teacher, Teacher, give me sharpener!"
After school we all walked home and then headed straight to the supermarket. Appareitnly Mi jeung was famous today. She had so many kids run up and hold her hand and one little boy asked her for money.
We went to fetch water as soon as we got back from the supermarket. I wish I had my camera today at the well. There was a great view of the rays of sun coming out of the clouds over the hill. The village kids were all playing by the well as usual, and our "water, water, water" kid was there. Every day there is a boy who is probably about 11 or 12, who says, "water, water, water" really fast as we walk down the path to fetch water. His Luganda accent makes it even more adorable. I really like fetching water with the other girls. It's always the end of the day, the sun is going down, and all the kids are laughing and yelling, "how are you, muzungu?!"
When we got back, we ate dinner and got ready for tomorrow. After dinner we made "fruit salad," which consisted of cutting up mango and papaya (which was not as good as I thought it would be), putting it in a bowl, and cutting up pineapple into slices, eating it seperately. Pineapple here is AMAZING! I wish I could take it home with me.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Day 11: I missed a day of writing, so this one is short
28 June, 2010
I went to the school and the kids were great. They tried to teach me Luganda again. I think I'm catching on to a little bit of vocabulary. I wish I could become fluent in 3 weeks. Teacher Betty let me try Uandan pineappple and it was excellent!
Once we got home, Teresa, Mijeung, and Hollie were suppose to go to the craft market as part of their safari trip. I found out later that I could go with them because Doreen asked Jeremiah if I could. Brittany and Alissa came too. The craft market was pretty fun and I even did a little bit of bargaining! My first time. And I was successful! I got tired of it after a while, though and stopped trying. I got gifts for people and a few fun things for myself. [Jorge, if you are reading this, I bought your necklace. Hopefully it isn't girly. If so, I'll take it and consider your $10 a donation]. They had a lot of cool things. I want to go back to Kampala one of the coming weekends and buy more things-gifts though. I'll even try bargaining again.
I went to bed really early because I came home with a hunger headache. The first time since I've been here. There was spaghetti on the stove when we got home though. They have the best spaghetti here. Next year, I'll make it to Italy and discover which is better. See you there my Italian friends :)
I went to the school and the kids were great. They tried to teach me Luganda again. I think I'm catching on to a little bit of vocabulary. I wish I could become fluent in 3 weeks. Teacher Betty let me try Uandan pineappple and it was excellent!
Once we got home, Teresa, Mijeung, and Hollie were suppose to go to the craft market as part of their safari trip. I found out later that I could go with them because Doreen asked Jeremiah if I could. Brittany and Alissa came too. The craft market was pretty fun and I even did a little bit of bargaining! My first time. And I was successful! I got tired of it after a while, though and stopped trying. I got gifts for people and a few fun things for myself. [Jorge, if you are reading this, I bought your necklace. Hopefully it isn't girly. If so, I'll take it and consider your $10 a donation]. They had a lot of cool things. I want to go back to Kampala one of the coming weekends and buy more things-gifts though. I'll even try bargaining again.
I went to bed really early because I came home with a hunger headache. The first time since I've been here. There was spaghetti on the stove when we got home though. They have the best spaghetti here. Next year, I'll make it to Italy and discover which is better. See you there my Italian friends :)
Day 10: I know where I'm going!!!
27 June, 2010
Today started out seeming like it would be a boring day. The new volunteers arrived and I showed them to the supermarket and the well. I felt like I knew so much since I could get to these two places. Mind you, they are within walking distance and not hard to get to. After our wanderings, Teacher Susan came over and helped me wash clothes. She got the stain out of my white dress, dropped my soap in the sewer, and bought me new soap that is actually used for washing clothes. I tried to pay her back but she wouldn't let me. While my clothes were drying she took me, Brittany and Alissa (the new volunteers) to her house. I thought we were just going to see where she lives and then come back, but instead we ended up staying for a couple hours and meeting her extremely hyper son (Dalton), 2 brothers (Brian and Emmanuel), and some of her neighbors' children who dropped in to stare at us.
We ate so much matoke today. Teacher Susan gave us a lot of matoke and some eggs with salt and tomatoes. Those were really good. We couldn't finish all of it, but in the mean time we had great conversation with Dumba (a guy who knows Derrick) and Susan's brothers.
When we left, Teacher Susan's house we went to visit Dumba's mom's shop. He was so proud of his mom and told us about how he was working so hard and how much she has been through. It was so adorable! We took a lot of pictures. Most of them Dumba took himself. We got email addresses from him and Teacher Susan so that we can keep in touch after we leave.
Dumba taught me Luganda words today.
No=neda
sugar cane=chicanjo
knife=kambe
Teacher Susan, Emmanuel, Brian, and Dumba walked us back to the compound. We found out that Derrick had been worried about us because apparently they did not know who we were with. I figured since she worked for the school they knew Teacher Susan. When Derrick came back I had to apologize for worrying him. I am still not used to the communication difference here. When someone we don't know comes onto our property in the U.S. we immmediately ask who they are, why they are there, etc. Teacher Susan just came in and walked up to my door. How she knew which one is mine, I don't know. Maybe I was standing near the door. I can't remember. She was at the house for over an hour and no one said anything so I figured they knew her.
Dad, you will be happy to know that while we were walking to Susan's I was actually paying attention. I knew how to get home from where we were going.
After the adventure to and from Teacher Susan's, I took Brittany and Alissa to the well. The girls walking behind us were a little obnoxious as they were laughing very loudly and you can almost be positive they were laughing at us. I'm pretty sure I was grumpy at this point.
The other girls are coming back later tonight. Can't wait to hear about their Murchison Falls adventure! But my weekend was awesome too.
Today started out seeming like it would be a boring day. The new volunteers arrived and I showed them to the supermarket and the well. I felt like I knew so much since I could get to these two places. Mind you, they are within walking distance and not hard to get to. After our wanderings, Teacher Susan came over and helped me wash clothes. She got the stain out of my white dress, dropped my soap in the sewer, and bought me new soap that is actually used for washing clothes. I tried to pay her back but she wouldn't let me. While my clothes were drying she took me, Brittany and Alissa (the new volunteers) to her house. I thought we were just going to see where she lives and then come back, but instead we ended up staying for a couple hours and meeting her extremely hyper son (Dalton), 2 brothers (Brian and Emmanuel), and some of her neighbors' children who dropped in to stare at us.
We ate so much matoke today. Teacher Susan gave us a lot of matoke and some eggs with salt and tomatoes. Those were really good. We couldn't finish all of it, but in the mean time we had great conversation with Dumba (a guy who knows Derrick) and Susan's brothers.
When we left, Teacher Susan's house we went to visit Dumba's mom's shop. He was so proud of his mom and told us about how he was working so hard and how much she has been through. It was so adorable! We took a lot of pictures. Most of them Dumba took himself. We got email addresses from him and Teacher Susan so that we can keep in touch after we leave.
Dumba taught me Luganda words today.
No=neda
sugar cane=chicanjo
knife=kambe
Teacher Susan, Emmanuel, Brian, and Dumba walked us back to the compound. We found out that Derrick had been worried about us because apparently they did not know who we were with. I figured since she worked for the school they knew Teacher Susan. When Derrick came back I had to apologize for worrying him. I am still not used to the communication difference here. When someone we don't know comes onto our property in the U.S. we immmediately ask who they are, why they are there, etc. Teacher Susan just came in and walked up to my door. How she knew which one is mine, I don't know. Maybe I was standing near the door. I can't remember. She was at the house for over an hour and no one said anything so I figured they knew her.
Dad, you will be happy to know that while we were walking to Susan's I was actually paying attention. I knew how to get home from where we were going.
After the adventure to and from Teacher Susan's, I took Brittany and Alissa to the well. The girls walking behind us were a little obnoxious as they were laughing very loudly and you can almost be positive they were laughing at us. I'm pretty sure I was grumpy at this point.
The other girls are coming back later tonight. Can't wait to hear about their Murchison Falls adventure! But my weekend was awesome too.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Day 9: The original reason for coming to Uganda
26 June, 2010
I forgot to mention that yesterday I was sitting in the compound eating dinner on the steps and this girl who was probably 14 opened the door that separates our compound from another, walked over to me smiling ear to ear, and handed me a note that said "To My Best Friend." I saw her look through the slit in the door to see if I was reading it. Inside it said something along the lines of I want you to be my friend, "gril." It was really adorable. I haven't seen this girl again yet, but I learned that her name is Caroline and Debbie knows her so I am sure I will see her after school one day. Mijeung and Teresa have received similar letters and verbal questions. It is so cute!
Last night I was so bored that I fell asleep around 8pm. I was waiting for Sam to get off the computer and there was no light in my room. My iPod battery died 2 nights ago and I haven't charged it yet. I woke up around 10pm to go to the bathroom and slept until almost 7am this morning. I think I am well rested now.
I'm wearing my hair down for the first time since I arrived in Uganda. Sarah asked me what I put in it to make it curly. When I told here it was natural she looked very surprised. Also, because I am not African everyone here seems to think I will die from sunlight. I am not a vampire! The teachers keep telling me and ARM workers told me today, that I am getting too dark, too much sun, and I should sit in the shade. I told Sarah (one of the ARM workers) that I don't burn easily and she seemed surprised. I explained that I already have a darker complexion and am half Black so I tan easily, but do not burn easily.
The water is on again! Of course, I probably spoke too soon (I did. When I tried to turn it on after writing this, it was off again) and I'm sure it will go out again before I leave. Unfortunately, I am not taking a shower until tomorrow morning.
Africa Renewal Ministries (ARM) came to pick me up to visit two sponsored children (one of which is my Patrick!) around 10:30am. First, we went to Gaba to visit Kenneth, a 14 year old boy that my mom's friends Liz and Joe sponsor. The drive to Kenneth's home was very long. Luckily today was not one of my car sick days. Thanks to long drives through the Eastern U.S. through mountainous roads and in circles, I may be immune now! Probably not. I took a lot of pictures and videos to give them when I go home because I'm sure they wish they were there too. I don't want to write too much about Kenneth because I want to tell Liz and Joe in person but he likes school and thanked them for sponsoring him. He was very quiet but loosened up a little bit at the end of my visit. His brothers and sister were so cute and they all loved the gifts for Kenneth. His little sister was afraid of me at first. She didn't want to come in the house and sit with her brothers.
At the end of my visit Kenneth's mother cut matoke from the tree outside and gave it to me to take home. KAACD will have matoke for a long, long time. Kind of unfortunate, because I am getting quite tired of it. At least it comes with sauce. His mother was so sweet. She thanked me for coming to represent Kenneth's sponsors. I took pictures with Kenneth and of Kenneth's family. I can't wait to get home to show Liz and Joe.
There are many more muzungus up in the hills in Gaba. It is a much nicer area and I saw 2 White people today. It's like siting a rare species of human. I can see why people get excited. It is very uncommon, still getting old though.
Next was the visit to Patrick's house, the boy I sponsor! He is 10 years old and so cute! He speaks English very well too. Kenneth did not speak much English to me but I think it was because he was being shy. On the way to Patrick's we went by an event that Africa Renewal was putting on called African Child's Day. The kids were singing and dancing...and staring at this foreign person sitting in the car. After we picked up two more people and one of the lady's 6 year old son, Benjamin (a handful), we headed to Patrick's home. In retrospect I didn't like the fact that there were so many people there. It made me a little uncomfortable so I'm sure the 10 year old boy was very overwhelmed. Plus, Patrick's caseworker kept taking pictures and it was getting quite annoying. I understand it is a big deal for someone to visit their sponsored child on another continent but seriously, that's nerve-wrecking for everyone involved, especially the child. Patrick was such a quiet boy I can imagine he was not liking the situation too much. I too got a little quiet and shy with eveyrone staring and the slight language barrier.
Mom, I took a video. It is a bit cheesy because I didn't know that Patrick was standing right outside and was heading to his caseworker to explain that I needed a video when I first met him. I don't think Patrick understood that it was a video and not a picture because he kept looking at the camera.
I started out showing him pictures of my family. We talked a little bit. He was very manly. He shook my hand upon meeting me and told me that he likes meat. I met two of his sisters, Justine, who is two years older, and a younger one whose name I cannot remember. Three of his siblings were in the villege when I stopped by. His older brother had a slight case of malaria so the father took him to the doctor and the other kids went with him.
We talked about his school. He said he enjoys school and learning. His mother prepared a meal for us, which was wonderful, except that we had just eaten :/ I felt bad because I could not finish the food. She served us everything on platters and when we were done, Patrick got down on his knees and thanked his mother for the meal. That is something new, but cute nonetheless. I was going to do the same thing but she didn't come back for a while and I forgot. I asked Patrick to show me around and he showed me where he sleeps, his kitchen, and outside where he plays. He got out the football I gave him and we played for a while. It was at this point that I realized when he said he likes football he meant FOOTBALL, not American Football. Thanks America. Why do you have to be so different? Different measurements, names for sports, drive on the wrong side of the road...geez. I didn't get a picture of his family together because when I asked his mother she offered to show me around the house and then I forgot. I should be more assertive.
I gave his mother a picture frame and Patrick seemed to like his new hat and ball. Thanks Liz! They loved the hats! Oh, and I have pictures of both boys giving the Longhorns sign (they got UT hats)! I saw a couple of things that I have sent him over the yerars in his house. That was nice to see.
When I said goodbye Patrick's mom gave me a lot of bananas, a pineapple, what looks like a handweaved mat (I have to ask in my next letter if she made it), and a ball that Patrick made from some fibers. His mother says they use it to play football (not the American kind).
Patrick also taught me a few words in Luganda. I remember "chair" because it is "entebbe," the name of the airport.
It was sad to say goodbye to Patrick because I know this may be the only time I ever see him. I am glad I got to go and I hope I can go back. Next time I would like to see his school. We passed his school on the way back to Bulenga (and stopped by his church). Neither is very far from his home, but the school is closer. Maybe at his school so many people would not be there just for that purpose.
Overall, it was a great day. Very intense and I was exhausted by the end of it. I even stayed up until almost 1am because I took a nap when I got home.
Getting ready for the new volunteers tomorrow!
I forgot to mention that yesterday I was sitting in the compound eating dinner on the steps and this girl who was probably 14 opened the door that separates our compound from another, walked over to me smiling ear to ear, and handed me a note that said "To My Best Friend." I saw her look through the slit in the door to see if I was reading it. Inside it said something along the lines of I want you to be my friend, "gril." It was really adorable. I haven't seen this girl again yet, but I learned that her name is Caroline and Debbie knows her so I am sure I will see her after school one day. Mijeung and Teresa have received similar letters and verbal questions. It is so cute!
Last night I was so bored that I fell asleep around 8pm. I was waiting for Sam to get off the computer and there was no light in my room. My iPod battery died 2 nights ago and I haven't charged it yet. I woke up around 10pm to go to the bathroom and slept until almost 7am this morning. I think I am well rested now.
I'm wearing my hair down for the first time since I arrived in Uganda. Sarah asked me what I put in it to make it curly. When I told here it was natural she looked very surprised. Also, because I am not African everyone here seems to think I will die from sunlight. I am not a vampire! The teachers keep telling me and ARM workers told me today, that I am getting too dark, too much sun, and I should sit in the shade. I told Sarah (one of the ARM workers) that I don't burn easily and she seemed surprised. I explained that I already have a darker complexion and am half Black so I tan easily, but do not burn easily.
The water is on again! Of course, I probably spoke too soon (I did. When I tried to turn it on after writing this, it was off again) and I'm sure it will go out again before I leave. Unfortunately, I am not taking a shower until tomorrow morning.
Africa Renewal Ministries (ARM) came to pick me up to visit two sponsored children (one of which is my Patrick!) around 10:30am. First, we went to Gaba to visit Kenneth, a 14 year old boy that my mom's friends Liz and Joe sponsor. The drive to Kenneth's home was very long. Luckily today was not one of my car sick days. Thanks to long drives through the Eastern U.S. through mountainous roads and in circles, I may be immune now! Probably not. I took a lot of pictures and videos to give them when I go home because I'm sure they wish they were there too. I don't want to write too much about Kenneth because I want to tell Liz and Joe in person but he likes school and thanked them for sponsoring him. He was very quiet but loosened up a little bit at the end of my visit. His brothers and sister were so cute and they all loved the gifts for Kenneth. His little sister was afraid of me at first. She didn't want to come in the house and sit with her brothers.
At the end of my visit Kenneth's mother cut matoke from the tree outside and gave it to me to take home. KAACD will have matoke for a long, long time. Kind of unfortunate, because I am getting quite tired of it. At least it comes with sauce. His mother was so sweet. She thanked me for coming to represent Kenneth's sponsors. I took pictures with Kenneth and of Kenneth's family. I can't wait to get home to show Liz and Joe.
There are many more muzungus up in the hills in Gaba. It is a much nicer area and I saw 2 White people today. It's like siting a rare species of human. I can see why people get excited. It is very uncommon, still getting old though.
Next was the visit to Patrick's house, the boy I sponsor! He is 10 years old and so cute! He speaks English very well too. Kenneth did not speak much English to me but I think it was because he was being shy. On the way to Patrick's we went by an event that Africa Renewal was putting on called African Child's Day. The kids were singing and dancing...and staring at this foreign person sitting in the car. After we picked up two more people and one of the lady's 6 year old son, Benjamin (a handful), we headed to Patrick's home. In retrospect I didn't like the fact that there were so many people there. It made me a little uncomfortable so I'm sure the 10 year old boy was very overwhelmed. Plus, Patrick's caseworker kept taking pictures and it was getting quite annoying. I understand it is a big deal for someone to visit their sponsored child on another continent but seriously, that's nerve-wrecking for everyone involved, especially the child. Patrick was such a quiet boy I can imagine he was not liking the situation too much. I too got a little quiet and shy with eveyrone staring and the slight language barrier.
Mom, I took a video. It is a bit cheesy because I didn't know that Patrick was standing right outside and was heading to his caseworker to explain that I needed a video when I first met him. I don't think Patrick understood that it was a video and not a picture because he kept looking at the camera.
I started out showing him pictures of my family. We talked a little bit. He was very manly. He shook my hand upon meeting me and told me that he likes meat. I met two of his sisters, Justine, who is two years older, and a younger one whose name I cannot remember. Three of his siblings were in the villege when I stopped by. His older brother had a slight case of malaria so the father took him to the doctor and the other kids went with him.
We talked about his school. He said he enjoys school and learning. His mother prepared a meal for us, which was wonderful, except that we had just eaten :/ I felt bad because I could not finish the food. She served us everything on platters and when we were done, Patrick got down on his knees and thanked his mother for the meal. That is something new, but cute nonetheless. I was going to do the same thing but she didn't come back for a while and I forgot. I asked Patrick to show me around and he showed me where he sleeps, his kitchen, and outside where he plays. He got out the football I gave him and we played for a while. It was at this point that I realized when he said he likes football he meant FOOTBALL, not American Football. Thanks America. Why do you have to be so different? Different measurements, names for sports, drive on the wrong side of the road...geez. I didn't get a picture of his family together because when I asked his mother she offered to show me around the house and then I forgot. I should be more assertive.
I gave his mother a picture frame and Patrick seemed to like his new hat and ball. Thanks Liz! They loved the hats! Oh, and I have pictures of both boys giving the Longhorns sign (they got UT hats)! I saw a couple of things that I have sent him over the yerars in his house. That was nice to see.
When I said goodbye Patrick's mom gave me a lot of bananas, a pineapple, what looks like a handweaved mat (I have to ask in my next letter if she made it), and a ball that Patrick made from some fibers. His mother says they use it to play football (not the American kind).
Patrick also taught me a few words in Luganda. I remember "chair" because it is "entebbe," the name of the airport.
It was sad to say goodbye to Patrick because I know this may be the only time I ever see him. I am glad I got to go and I hope I can go back. Next time I would like to see his school. We passed his school on the way back to Bulenga (and stopped by his church). Neither is very far from his home, but the school is closer. Maybe at his school so many people would not be there just for that purpose.
Overall, it was a great day. Very intense and I was exhausted by the end of it. I even stayed up until almost 1am because I took a nap when I got home.
Getting ready for the new volunteers tomorrow!
Day 8: Learning Luganda
25 June, 2010
The morning began with a pretty violent thunderstorm, or so everyone says. I didn't hear much of it. I only woke up because I had to go the the bathroom. Of course this is the second day in a row without water so I had to wander to the pit latrine by the side of the house in the rain. Once I figured out where the key was and opened the lock, the rain had slowed down a bit.
We did the usual morning routine, without bread and jam because ants burrowed themselves in our bread yesterday :(
Hollie, Teresa, and Mijeung left work at 10 to go to Murchison Falls. I talked with the teachers during lunch and snack time and they need sponsors for their children. I told them that people are generally skeptical if they are not sponsoring through an organization so if their children are in an organization that lets the sponsor pick the child I could advertise, but not promise anything. Later, on the way home, a guy asked me to help his sick daughter with my medical connections. Muzungu does not equal doctor! When I said I can't help him out monetarily and I don't have any medical connections he very politely thanked me and walked away. Yesterday Hollie got offered a baby to take back to Canada because the mom said she would have a better life there. It is interesting because here there is no shame in asking for help when you need it. At home, it is an embarressment to have to ask for help. It is the result of a different society mentality. Americans don't have the communal teaching, for the most part. Here, even those with very little will offer you something. The little kids offer me their food. Even today, the teachers bought me casava and maize even though they have very little. Mind you, I didn't ask for this. I asked how much casava is because I wanted to buy some on Monday and they insisted on buying me some.
I ate lunch with Teacher Betty. Rice, beans, and passion fruit juice. We had a good talk. We always talk about the differences of food, weather, and life in general between Uganda and the U.S. (and Canada if Hollie and Teresa are there). Teacher Betty asked me if the U.S. had a cure for AIDS. Apparently that is a widely spread myth here.
I taught all day today, P2 in th morning, P1 after morning break. I reviewed with P2 because I didn't have a text book. In P1 I taught them about extended family. We drew pictures and this weekend I am going to buy scissors and use string to hang them on one of the beams from the ceiling. I hope the kids will enjoy having their art work displayed. It is very plain in the classroom.
I broke out my camera today and the kids went crazy! They also started trying to teach me the names of objects in Luganda. I don't remember any of them :/ I will ask them at the end of the day on Monday and write them down. They also sang a song for me at the end of the day. Something about fingers..I think. It was funny because the song is suppose to go up to the number of fingers they have on their hands and they got all the way to twenty. When they finished I asked how many fingers they have and they said, "10!" I just wanted to make sure. I think I will teach them the monkeys jumping on the bed song next week...or at least part of it ("no more monkeys jumping on the bed"). Of course, being me, I will have to teach them a Michael Jackson song before I leave. Or at least the moonwalk (my version anyway) :)
The morning began with a pretty violent thunderstorm, or so everyone says. I didn't hear much of it. I only woke up because I had to go the the bathroom. Of course this is the second day in a row without water so I had to wander to the pit latrine by the side of the house in the rain. Once I figured out where the key was and opened the lock, the rain had slowed down a bit.
We did the usual morning routine, without bread and jam because ants burrowed themselves in our bread yesterday :(
Hollie, Teresa, and Mijeung left work at 10 to go to Murchison Falls. I talked with the teachers during lunch and snack time and they need sponsors for their children. I told them that people are generally skeptical if they are not sponsoring through an organization so if their children are in an organization that lets the sponsor pick the child I could advertise, but not promise anything. Later, on the way home, a guy asked me to help his sick daughter with my medical connections. Muzungu does not equal doctor! When I said I can't help him out monetarily and I don't have any medical connections he very politely thanked me and walked away. Yesterday Hollie got offered a baby to take back to Canada because the mom said she would have a better life there. It is interesting because here there is no shame in asking for help when you need it. At home, it is an embarressment to have to ask for help. It is the result of a different society mentality. Americans don't have the communal teaching, for the most part. Here, even those with very little will offer you something. The little kids offer me their food. Even today, the teachers bought me casava and maize even though they have very little. Mind you, I didn't ask for this. I asked how much casava is because I wanted to buy some on Monday and they insisted on buying me some.
I ate lunch with Teacher Betty. Rice, beans, and passion fruit juice. We had a good talk. We always talk about the differences of food, weather, and life in general between Uganda and the U.S. (and Canada if Hollie and Teresa are there). Teacher Betty asked me if the U.S. had a cure for AIDS. Apparently that is a widely spread myth here.
I taught all day today, P2 in th morning, P1 after morning break. I reviewed with P2 because I didn't have a text book. In P1 I taught them about extended family. We drew pictures and this weekend I am going to buy scissors and use string to hang them on one of the beams from the ceiling. I hope the kids will enjoy having their art work displayed. It is very plain in the classroom.
I broke out my camera today and the kids went crazy! They also started trying to teach me the names of objects in Luganda. I don't remember any of them :/ I will ask them at the end of the day on Monday and write them down. They also sang a song for me at the end of the day. Something about fingers..I think. It was funny because the song is suppose to go up to the number of fingers they have on their hands and they got all the way to twenty. When they finished I asked how many fingers they have and they said, "10!" I just wanted to make sure. I think I will teach them the monkeys jumping on the bed song next week...or at least part of it ("no more monkeys jumping on the bed"). Of course, being me, I will have to teach them a Michael Jackson song before I leave. Or at least the moonwalk (my version anyway) :)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Day 7: Getting lost and finding my way
I just returned from the first day of HIV/AIDS home visits. Very surreal. I don't really know what else to say about it. It was much sadder than working at the school. It was sad to see people in such dire situations that were in such extremely poverty (one woman's home literally looked as if a bit of rain could bring it down in seconds, and another woman did not have transportation or money to get to a doctor and was too weak to walk that far, and she was getting worse) but they couldn't do anything about it and no one could help them because everyone else is poor too and organizations that can help are not receiving enough funds.
I got lost on the way back, but two men digging helped me find my way back. All I had to do was ask if they had seen a muzungu man pass by. I'm so glad Kelly was with us too. They pointed me in the direction and I found my way back from there. When I got back I crawled back into bed to write, thinking we were done until lunch time. Then Sam came in and asked if I wanted to come to Life Skills Training. I said I thought that was on Wednesday but I don't think he understood me because he said, "Okay, see you later." I jumped out of my mosquito net off of the top bunk and went to put my shoes on. By the time I got outside, Sam and Kelly were both gone. So I hung out for the afternoon and waited for Mijeung to come home so we could eat lunch and then her, Kelly, and I could head off to school for the afternoon.
I finally know my way to the school and back, which is good because tomorrow the other volunteers leave for Murchison Falls and I have to walk home alone.
School was fun today. The teacher I didn't think liked me said hello and we talked beore I started teaching. It is so hard because some of the kids can sound out letters and some do not understand at all. I only taught English today and apparently the teachers thought I was coming this morning. They did not seem too upset that according to them I was about 6 hours late. Everyone is sooooo laid back here.
After school I played ball with some of the kids and gave Peace, the headmaster's adorable daughter (what kid here isn't adorable? Apparently God gave all the REALLY cute kids to Africa), about 30 high fives. She's about 3 and she's going to break my hand!
There is one boy in my class who is older than the rest and he has no idea what is going on. He knows his numbers but even math is hard for him. Counting by tens is just not coming to him and I know that the kids have gone over it before because they were already receiting it when I got there the first day. The teachers say that he has only been there a month though. Maybe he needs more time, but I think what he really needs is extrahelp. I don't know how to try and get him extra help. I doubt tutoring is a popular thing here and it costs money. There is no point in me giving him extra help for 2 weeks and then leaving. Maybe it's motivating, but it seems like it would be more frustrating than anything because he would soon go back to being behind because he just needs extra help. The teacher described him as "weak." The lingo difference is interesting.
I put stars on the kids papers today and soon I had to do it for each box (I had them draw pictures of certain verbs, there were 12) on each kids paper.
Teacher Susan and the other teacher thought it was hilarious that I was going to do all of my laundry by hand. I told them I live in the same gate as Derrik and they said they would come on Sunday and help me. I told them I could manage but they insisted. We'll see what happens.
Names I learned in P1:
Kaazi
I got lost on the way back, but two men digging helped me find my way back. All I had to do was ask if they had seen a muzungu man pass by. I'm so glad Kelly was with us too. They pointed me in the direction and I found my way back from there. When I got back I crawled back into bed to write, thinking we were done until lunch time. Then Sam came in and asked if I wanted to come to Life Skills Training. I said I thought that was on Wednesday but I don't think he understood me because he said, "Okay, see you later." I jumped out of my mosquito net off of the top bunk and went to put my shoes on. By the time I got outside, Sam and Kelly were both gone. So I hung out for the afternoon and waited for Mijeung to come home so we could eat lunch and then her, Kelly, and I could head off to school for the afternoon.
I finally know my way to the school and back, which is good because tomorrow the other volunteers leave for Murchison Falls and I have to walk home alone.
School was fun today. The teacher I didn't think liked me said hello and we talked beore I started teaching. It is so hard because some of the kids can sound out letters and some do not understand at all. I only taught English today and apparently the teachers thought I was coming this morning. They did not seem too upset that according to them I was about 6 hours late. Everyone is sooooo laid back here.
After school I played ball with some of the kids and gave Peace, the headmaster's adorable daughter (what kid here isn't adorable? Apparently God gave all the REALLY cute kids to Africa), about 30 high fives. She's about 3 and she's going to break my hand!
There is one boy in my class who is older than the rest and he has no idea what is going on. He knows his numbers but even math is hard for him. Counting by tens is just not coming to him and I know that the kids have gone over it before because they were already receiting it when I got there the first day. The teachers say that he has only been there a month though. Maybe he needs more time, but I think what he really needs is extrahelp. I don't know how to try and get him extra help. I doubt tutoring is a popular thing here and it costs money. There is no point in me giving him extra help for 2 weeks and then leaving. Maybe it's motivating, but it seems like it would be more frustrating than anything because he would soon go back to being behind because he just needs extra help. The teacher described him as "weak." The lingo difference is interesting.
I put stars on the kids papers today and soon I had to do it for each box (I had them draw pictures of certain verbs, there were 12) on each kids paper.
Teacher Susan and the other teacher thought it was hilarious that I was going to do all of my laundry by hand. I told them I live in the same gate as Derrik and they said they would come on Sunday and help me. I told them I could manage but they insisted. We'll see what happens.
Names I learned in P1:
Kaazi
Day 6: Incredible hospitality and sacrifice. Where is this in the U.S.?
23 June, 2010
The muzungu thing is on the verge of getting old. It's cute when the kids do it, but with adults it's almost offensive. I know they don't mean it that way, but still... I am excited to go walking to the market by myself, just to see if they still call me muzungu. (Obviously this is a few days old so NOTE: they do).
It has been so nice to get to bed early, wake up early, and actually have time to get ready, eat, read, anything I need or want to do.
Derrick had a talk with us last night that made me and Hollie both a little paranoid about where our sponsorship money is going. He made a good point about paying during holiday. Where does the money go? I am still going Saturday but I will ask about his school and where money goes when he is on holiday.
Today was an even less organized day at school. There was one woman that we saw on our way to school and on our way back. She asked how our day was and told us, "welcome back" on our way home. So friendly!
I taught measurement to the P2 class this morning. We measured things with our hands and feet and talked about the difference between height and length.
One of the boys, Ddamba offered me maize today at snack time. It was the sweetest thing ever...until Namale (a 6 year old girl in my class with the biggest, brightest eyes I've ever seen on a child) got down on her knees, offered me a piece of her bread, and said "for you, teacher." I didn't take the maize. I told Ddamba to keep it because he needs to eat more than I do, after which I realied he probably thought I was being rude or didn't like him or something. So when Namale offered the bread I asked Teacher Susan if I should take it or give it back since I clearly have less financial troubles (I made it all the way here, what does that tell you?). She said I should take it so I did and thanked Namale for her offering. It amazes me that kids who are orphaned, living in poverty, and know they have very little are still kind enough to offer you the one thing they DO have. Why can't we teach spoiled rich American kids to be that generous? You'd think it'd be easier, not harder. I love how much this village values hospitality and kindness. Almost everyone you pass says, "hello, how are you" without knowing you and clearly realizing you are not from around here.
We also tried jack fruit (not sure of that spelling) at lunch time today. It is very sticky. The outside of it is kind of spikey and greenish-brownish colored. The inside has these sticky/stringy things that you have to peel off, then you take out the seed, and eat the covering. Very foreign fruit, but very good. Teacher Susan laughed at us because we had no idea which part we were suppose to eat. The kids thought this was funny too and kept staring at us and laughing. Teacher Betty says she will let us try every food we have not yet tried before we leave Uganda. Yay!
After lunch I taught about the nuclear family again. I figure that repetition is a good thing, it helps kids learn. We went over it many times and I drew pictures on the board. I also showed all the kids pictures from home of me and my parents. Namale pointed to the picture of my mom and said, "muzungu." Tomorrow I will ask her if she thinks I am a muzungu too. All the teachers say, [pointing to my mom] "oh yes, this one is very muzungu."
I am going to start doing warm-ups for every subject so that we can review what they learned the day beefore without having to repeat the whole lesson.
We walked to the market after school and bought some school supplies, food, and drinks. I know where it is now and I think I will do some wandering on Sunday since I will be the only one here with the new volunteers who are arriving Sunday morning around 12 or 1am. Maybe I will give them a quick tour since that is something I appreciated.
I created a lesson plan for tomorrow. I am excited to try it out! I just wish the teacher wouldn't stare at me so much :(
Oh, I almost forgot: first day with running water since I arrived!!! I have never been more happy to take a cold shower in my life. Oh, and I was able to charge my iPod! Okay, now I feel guilty. Americans are to damn spoiled.
Tomorrow is my first day doing HIV/AIDS home visits with Sam. Should be fun!
Names I have learned in my P1 class:
Namale
Nambooze
Yawe
Fred
Names I have learned in my P2 class:
Jo Van
Roboti
The muzungu thing is on the verge of getting old. It's cute when the kids do it, but with adults it's almost offensive. I know they don't mean it that way, but still... I am excited to go walking to the market by myself, just to see if they still call me muzungu. (Obviously this is a few days old so NOTE: they do).
It has been so nice to get to bed early, wake up early, and actually have time to get ready, eat, read, anything I need or want to do.
Derrick had a talk with us last night that made me and Hollie both a little paranoid about where our sponsorship money is going. He made a good point about paying during holiday. Where does the money go? I am still going Saturday but I will ask about his school and where money goes when he is on holiday.
Today was an even less organized day at school. There was one woman that we saw on our way to school and on our way back. She asked how our day was and told us, "welcome back" on our way home. So friendly!
I taught measurement to the P2 class this morning. We measured things with our hands and feet and talked about the difference between height and length.
One of the boys, Ddamba offered me maize today at snack time. It was the sweetest thing ever...until Namale (a 6 year old girl in my class with the biggest, brightest eyes I've ever seen on a child) got down on her knees, offered me a piece of her bread, and said "for you, teacher." I didn't take the maize. I told Ddamba to keep it because he needs to eat more than I do, after which I realied he probably thought I was being rude or didn't like him or something. So when Namale offered the bread I asked Teacher Susan if I should take it or give it back since I clearly have less financial troubles (I made it all the way here, what does that tell you?). She said I should take it so I did and thanked Namale for her offering. It amazes me that kids who are orphaned, living in poverty, and know they have very little are still kind enough to offer you the one thing they DO have. Why can't we teach spoiled rich American kids to be that generous? You'd think it'd be easier, not harder. I love how much this village values hospitality and kindness. Almost everyone you pass says, "hello, how are you" without knowing you and clearly realizing you are not from around here.
We also tried jack fruit (not sure of that spelling) at lunch time today. It is very sticky. The outside of it is kind of spikey and greenish-brownish colored. The inside has these sticky/stringy things that you have to peel off, then you take out the seed, and eat the covering. Very foreign fruit, but very good. Teacher Susan laughed at us because we had no idea which part we were suppose to eat. The kids thought this was funny too and kept staring at us and laughing. Teacher Betty says she will let us try every food we have not yet tried before we leave Uganda. Yay!
After lunch I taught about the nuclear family again. I figure that repetition is a good thing, it helps kids learn. We went over it many times and I drew pictures on the board. I also showed all the kids pictures from home of me and my parents. Namale pointed to the picture of my mom and said, "muzungu." Tomorrow I will ask her if she thinks I am a muzungu too. All the teachers say, [pointing to my mom] "oh yes, this one is very muzungu."
I am going to start doing warm-ups for every subject so that we can review what they learned the day beefore without having to repeat the whole lesson.
We walked to the market after school and bought some school supplies, food, and drinks. I know where it is now and I think I will do some wandering on Sunday since I will be the only one here with the new volunteers who are arriving Sunday morning around 12 or 1am. Maybe I will give them a quick tour since that is something I appreciated.
I created a lesson plan for tomorrow. I am excited to try it out! I just wish the teacher wouldn't stare at me so much :(
Oh, I almost forgot: first day with running water since I arrived!!! I have never been more happy to take a cold shower in my life. Oh, and I was able to charge my iPod! Okay, now I feel guilty. Americans are to damn spoiled.
Tomorrow is my first day doing HIV/AIDS home visits with Sam. Should be fun!
Names I have learned in my P1 class:
Namale
Nambooze
Yawe
Fred
Names I have learned in my P2 class:
Jo Van
Roboti
Day 5: First Day of School
22 June, 2010 (This is how we write it on the chalkboard at school)
6am is when we wake up every morning. I've been going to bed much earlier since I've been here. Part of it, I'm sure, is jet lag, but a lot of it is just exhaustion from walking all over.
I forgot to mention that last night I took a bucket shower...in the dark. Hadn't showered in 4 days, so I was desperate for a shower. I couldn't wait until the water came back on, whenever that would be. It wasn't bad actually, except for the fact that you could accidentally step in the toilet. Luckily I didn't though.
So I walked with Hollie and Teresa to the school. The walk there is so pleasant because everyone says "hello" and "how are you?" Of course, you get some strange looks as a muzungu, but once you break the ice with a friendly greeting all seems to go smoothly. All the kids wave and scream and yell "muzungu! muzungu!" and "see you." It still amazes me that almost all the kids are willing to say "hello" to a complete stranger, and the kids in my class back home have known me for 9 months and some of them don't say a word to me, even if I greet them first.
As soon as we got to the school the kids from Hollie and Teresa's class ran out and hugged all of us. A few of them grabbed me by the hand and insisted that I come into the classroom with them. After I was there for a few minutes, Teacher Susan came to fetch me and take me to P1 and P2 classroom. Both classes are in the same room and the children face opposite directions. It gets a bit distracting at times, especially when we are reading things off the board or one side is having more fun than the other. First, I taught the P2 class about plants, which I know nothing about. They did an exercise at the end, which seemed completely pointless to me because I don't think they understood the material. The class took a break and I taught math and "science" (a.k.a. who is in a family) to the P1 class. I don't think they understood the material that time either. Everything seems to be basically memorization, hopefully they are actually understanding what is being said.
Next, they had lunch and Holly, Teresa, and I got to eat lunch at the headmaster's home which is on the school/orphanage campus. They made us potatoes, which were absolutely AMAZING and avocodoes and juice. Best thing I've had so far, although rolexes (food, not the watch) were pretty good as well.
After lunch I continued the lesson and then we worked on some English. The kids went home after that and one of them walked about 1/8 of the way with us before breaking off to go to his home.
There are 2 sisters (twins, I think) in the P1 class who are absolutely adorable.
Names I learned today:
Ddamba (P1 class)
Teacher Susan (self explanatory)
Peter (a guy that works at the school. I can't remember what he does)
That's it for today!
6am is when we wake up every morning. I've been going to bed much earlier since I've been here. Part of it, I'm sure, is jet lag, but a lot of it is just exhaustion from walking all over.
I forgot to mention that last night I took a bucket shower...in the dark. Hadn't showered in 4 days, so I was desperate for a shower. I couldn't wait until the water came back on, whenever that would be. It wasn't bad actually, except for the fact that you could accidentally step in the toilet. Luckily I didn't though.
So I walked with Hollie and Teresa to the school. The walk there is so pleasant because everyone says "hello" and "how are you?" Of course, you get some strange looks as a muzungu, but once you break the ice with a friendly greeting all seems to go smoothly. All the kids wave and scream and yell "muzungu! muzungu!" and "see you." It still amazes me that almost all the kids are willing to say "hello" to a complete stranger, and the kids in my class back home have known me for 9 months and some of them don't say a word to me, even if I greet them first.
As soon as we got to the school the kids from Hollie and Teresa's class ran out and hugged all of us. A few of them grabbed me by the hand and insisted that I come into the classroom with them. After I was there for a few minutes, Teacher Susan came to fetch me and take me to P1 and P2 classroom. Both classes are in the same room and the children face opposite directions. It gets a bit distracting at times, especially when we are reading things off the board or one side is having more fun than the other. First, I taught the P2 class about plants, which I know nothing about. They did an exercise at the end, which seemed completely pointless to me because I don't think they understood the material. The class took a break and I taught math and "science" (a.k.a. who is in a family) to the P1 class. I don't think they understood the material that time either. Everything seems to be basically memorization, hopefully they are actually understanding what is being said.
Next, they had lunch and Holly, Teresa, and I got to eat lunch at the headmaster's home which is on the school/orphanage campus. They made us potatoes, which were absolutely AMAZING and avocodoes and juice. Best thing I've had so far, although rolexes (food, not the watch) were pretty good as well.
After lunch I continued the lesson and then we worked on some English. The kids went home after that and one of them walked about 1/8 of the way with us before breaking off to go to his home.
There are 2 sisters (twins, I think) in the P1 class who are absolutely adorable.
Names I learned today:
Ddamba (P1 class)
Teacher Susan (self explanatory)
Peter (a guy that works at the school. I can't remember what he does)
That's it for today!
Day 4-Rule #1: You are a muzungu no matter how far away you are from being purely white...and muzungus walk slow
Today was orientation day for me, which meant a lot of walking. First thing this morning (around 6am), I woke u and got ready with the other volunteers who had to start teaching between 8 and 9. Hollie made tea on the stove in our closet kitchen and I had passion fruit for the first time with a piece of somewhat stale bread. I learned though, that putting bread on top of your tea almost makes toast!
When Sam came back (Sam is one of the project directors...I think) he took Kelly and Mijeung to work and I tagged along. We hailed a van (taxi) with, what in the states would be an illegal number of people, and proceeded to the school (I later discovered this is a taxi). Once we dropped them off, Sam took me to the school I will be teaching at. It was a very long walk and as I walked, the local kids kept screaming "how are you muzungu?!" I waved at them and they got a big kick out of a muzungu walking around Uganda.
The school is called Good Hope and it is in Bulenga where I am staying. I am suppose to be teaching English and Math to Primary 1 and Primary 2 classes. As soon as we got to the school, a little girl came up to me and gave me a big stool to sit on. Later, when Kelly and I were waklking back to the house from the same school, a little boy ran up to him from out of nowhere and grabbed him by the hand. He walked with us for a few meters and then broke off to hang with his brother.
I did see something really sad. There was a kid walking through the bushes, couldn't have been more than 2 years old, who looked to be malnourished. His belly was swollen and he was just standing there and he started crying. There was no one else around and it got me wondering how, with all these kids walking around by themselves, how do you tell the ones who are cared for from the ones who are orphaned? Too used to Western culture, I guess. I'm a social worker, I can't help it.
Kids here bathe naked...outside. It's even in their textbooks under the word "bathe." At home that would border along the lines of neglect and suspicion of something wrong. There goes my social work thinking again.
After Sam showed me some of the other projects, the wells and the pig farm, we came home for lunch. Once we got back I sat on the deck and figured out a lesson plan. I have no idea where the kids are in their education so I just wrote down page numbers and concepts in hopes that I will magically figure this all out tomorrow. The school was a brick building that is missing a ceiling, half the bricks on the walls, and windows. It also doubles as an orphanage. It amazes me that kids can learn and sit and pay attention in such poverty here, and back home half the kids don't want to learn or be at school because there schools are shitty, but better than here. How is the mentality that different? Somehow I don't feel like I have traveled THAT far from home.
Upon finishing lunch, Derrick informed me that my luggage had been delivered to Entebbe. Here are the modes of transportation Kelly--who graciously forfeited his own plans to accompany me to the airport--and I took: taxi van, taxi-van, boda-boda (my mother will kill me, by the way, after she googles this). Then it took about 30 minutes to get my bag, which they never checked :/ Then we took a bus to the outskirts of Kampala, wandered around the market place looking for his friend, ate rolex (an egg wrapped in a tortilla-like thing) and bananas, wandered back to take a van that took us to the taxi park, caught a taxi van to Bulenga and finally got off and walked down the dirt path back to the house. All of this took roughly 5 or 6 hours. Now, I've vinished my lesson plan and am exhausted. Good night!
When Sam came back (Sam is one of the project directors...I think) he took Kelly and Mijeung to work and I tagged along. We hailed a van (taxi) with, what in the states would be an illegal number of people, and proceeded to the school (I later discovered this is a taxi). Once we dropped them off, Sam took me to the school I will be teaching at. It was a very long walk and as I walked, the local kids kept screaming "how are you muzungu?!" I waved at them and they got a big kick out of a muzungu walking around Uganda.
The school is called Good Hope and it is in Bulenga where I am staying. I am suppose to be teaching English and Math to Primary 1 and Primary 2 classes. As soon as we got to the school, a little girl came up to me and gave me a big stool to sit on. Later, when Kelly and I were waklking back to the house from the same school, a little boy ran up to him from out of nowhere and grabbed him by the hand. He walked with us for a few meters and then broke off to hang with his brother.
I did see something really sad. There was a kid walking through the bushes, couldn't have been more than 2 years old, who looked to be malnourished. His belly was swollen and he was just standing there and he started crying. There was no one else around and it got me wondering how, with all these kids walking around by themselves, how do you tell the ones who are cared for from the ones who are orphaned? Too used to Western culture, I guess. I'm a social worker, I can't help it.
Kids here bathe naked...outside. It's even in their textbooks under the word "bathe." At home that would border along the lines of neglect and suspicion of something wrong. There goes my social work thinking again.
After Sam showed me some of the other projects, the wells and the pig farm, we came home for lunch. Once we got back I sat on the deck and figured out a lesson plan. I have no idea where the kids are in their education so I just wrote down page numbers and concepts in hopes that I will magically figure this all out tomorrow. The school was a brick building that is missing a ceiling, half the bricks on the walls, and windows. It also doubles as an orphanage. It amazes me that kids can learn and sit and pay attention in such poverty here, and back home half the kids don't want to learn or be at school because there schools are shitty, but better than here. How is the mentality that different? Somehow I don't feel like I have traveled THAT far from home.
Upon finishing lunch, Derrick informed me that my luggage had been delivered to Entebbe. Here are the modes of transportation Kelly--who graciously forfeited his own plans to accompany me to the airport--and I took: taxi van, taxi-van, boda-boda (my mother will kill me, by the way, after she googles this). Then it took about 30 minutes to get my bag, which they never checked :/ Then we took a bus to the outskirts of Kampala, wandered around the market place looking for his friend, ate rolex (an egg wrapped in a tortilla-like thing) and bananas, wandered back to take a van that took us to the taxi park, caught a taxi van to Bulenga and finally got off and walked down the dirt path back to the house. All of this took roughly 5 or 6 hours. Now, I've vinished my lesson plan and am exhausted. Good night!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Day 3-Arrival
I got to Entebbe at around 8am. Lufthansa, somehow in a total of 16 hours of layover time did NOT transfer my bag, so it is arriving tomorrow morning. I'm using on of the other volunteers' bug spray and hand sanitizer until then.
I used a pit latrine for the first time, so that was an experience. Not the worst thing though.
My first meal in Uganda was cooked and delivered by a woman named Susan who works here. I had mashed bananas (matoke), rice, and I think fish. I wish the other volunteers were here, I would feel more comfortable wandering around since they know the area. They went to the Equator for the day.
I saw a butterfly land in the road and just walk around with its wings up. Beautiful.
The stories from the other volunteers about teaching here are kind of scary. They say that pretty much you get handed a piece of chalk and asked to teach.
I can see some of the local children from my window and I'm convinced that African kids are cuter than any others.
Apparently someone is suppose to come brief me about what I'll be doing, but I don't know when. I've been here for nearly 5 hours and haen't seen anyone new show up.
I spent most of this first day hanging around the compound where we are staying. I met the other four volunteers (Kelly, Mijeung, Teresa, and Hollie) and we talked and got to know each other a bit. After I collapsed for a couple hours I came outside to find Kelly (who is a guy by the way) washing clothes. I observed and asked questions about where we get the water. Toward sundown we walked down to the well to get water for tomorrow. One of the women (Dr. Sarah, they call her) said I wouldn't be able to carry the jerrycan back up the hill (almost the entire walk back is up hill). So I did it! Kelly was my witness, you can ask him. Plus, I have a picture! On the way there and back the local children kept waving at us and laughing because clearly we are foreigners and we are trying to lug these huge jerrycans from the well.
The rest of the day I spent playing with Debbie, the little girl who can't be more than 3 who lives in the compound too. I was her perseonal servant, carrying here bag of toys and books, and also her personal walking jungle gym. She got most of my clothes wet with Kelly's clothes washing water and Kelly and I soaked her shirt, which she then took off and laid out in the sun to dry. Debbie also fell head first into a bucket of dirty water. She just thought this was funny.
Tomorrow is orientation, hopefully getting my luggage back, and shopping for water and toilet paper. Taking a shower should be interesting...it's in the same space as the toilet. The middle of the shower floor is the toilet. Hope I don't fall in!
I used a pit latrine for the first time, so that was an experience. Not the worst thing though.
My first meal in Uganda was cooked and delivered by a woman named Susan who works here. I had mashed bananas (matoke), rice, and I think fish. I wish the other volunteers were here, I would feel more comfortable wandering around since they know the area. They went to the Equator for the day.
I saw a butterfly land in the road and just walk around with its wings up. Beautiful.
The stories from the other volunteers about teaching here are kind of scary. They say that pretty much you get handed a piece of chalk and asked to teach.
I can see some of the local children from my window and I'm convinced that African kids are cuter than any others.
Apparently someone is suppose to come brief me about what I'll be doing, but I don't know when. I've been here for nearly 5 hours and haen't seen anyone new show up.
I spent most of this first day hanging around the compound where we are staying. I met the other four volunteers (Kelly, Mijeung, Teresa, and Hollie) and we talked and got to know each other a bit. After I collapsed for a couple hours I came outside to find Kelly (who is a guy by the way) washing clothes. I observed and asked questions about where we get the water. Toward sundown we walked down to the well to get water for tomorrow. One of the women (Dr. Sarah, they call her) said I wouldn't be able to carry the jerrycan back up the hill (almost the entire walk back is up hill). So I did it! Kelly was my witness, you can ask him. Plus, I have a picture! On the way there and back the local children kept waving at us and laughing because clearly we are foreigners and we are trying to lug these huge jerrycans from the well.
The rest of the day I spent playing with Debbie, the little girl who can't be more than 3 who lives in the compound too. I was her perseonal servant, carrying here bag of toys and books, and also her personal walking jungle gym. She got most of my clothes wet with Kelly's clothes washing water and Kelly and I soaked her shirt, which she then took off and laid out in the sun to dry. Debbie also fell head first into a bucket of dirty water. She just thought this was funny.
Tomorrow is orientation, hopefully getting my luggage back, and shopping for water and toilet paper. Taking a shower should be interesting...it's in the same space as the toilet. The middle of the shower floor is the toilet. Hope I don't fall in!
Day 2-Why are we driving on the wrong side of the road???
After two flight cancellations in the last month and a half and a huge mishap this afternoon which resulted in taking United Airlines to London instead of Lufthansa to Frankfurt for my first stop, taking off 2 hours late, and making back $800 for my "troubles," I am in London...for the next 12 hours. I landed here at 9:42am and leave at 9:12pm. Woo hoo! First time in Europe and I'm not leaving the airport. I think I can with a U.S. passport but I wouldn't know where to go or how to get there...and I'm tired.
There are sugar cubes everywhere! Which is by far the most adorable thing I've ever seen.
Waking up in an airport, especially when you don't realize you've fallen asleep, has got to be one of the strangest feelings. It feels like when you are trying not to sound sleepy on the phone when you first wake up and for some reason lie about being half-asleep.
I had to buy a cheesy tourist sweatshirt that says "London, England" on it and has pictures of various attracions with the UK flag becaues I'm a genius and forgot to bring a sweat shirt and the airport is FREEZING.
Well, that's it for today, nothing too exciting. Can't wait until I get to Uganda tomorrow.
There are sugar cubes everywhere! Which is by far the most adorable thing I've ever seen.
Waking up in an airport, especially when you don't realize you've fallen asleep, has got to be one of the strangest feelings. It feels like when you are trying not to sound sleepy on the phone when you first wake up and for some reason lie about being half-asleep.
I had to buy a cheesy tourist sweatshirt that says "London, England" on it and has pictures of various attracions with the UK flag becaues I'm a genius and forgot to bring a sweat shirt and the airport is FREEZING.
Well, that's it for today, nothing too exciting. Can't wait until I get to Uganda tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June 19, 2010 (Day 1)-Anxiety attacks and interesting travel experiences
When I woke up this morning I had a full on anxiety attack, with shortness of breath, having to focus on breathing, everything. I don't know if I was nervous about the flight, the whole experience or what. The plane from Chicago to London was uneventful inus a little turbulance. And, I got to sit in the middle! Luckily between two fairly skinny people.
Changing my flight was a lot of fun once I told the airline my final destination is Kampala, Uganda. They kind of looked at me like, "where" and kept referring to Entebbe airport as EBB, whic is accurate but equivalent ot referring to Midway as MID (plus, I could tell the guy had no idea where he was talking about).
Changing my flight was a lot of fun once I told the airline my final destination is Kampala, Uganda. They kind of looked at me like, "where" and kept referring to Entebbe airport as EBB, whic is accurate but equivalent ot referring to Midway as MID (plus, I could tell the guy had no idea where he was talking about).
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