It's true! Today...this may sound like an overstatement...but, today was one of the best days of my life. I shadowed one of the Invisible Children scholarship program mentors. IC has a Visible Child Scholarship Program in which they select certain students in need and provide school fees for them after they apply, go through interviews, etc. They are then required to meet certain standards of excellence in order to maintain their school fees, otherwise they go on probation, etc. The mentors are Ugandan, not internationals, which is excellent because the kids are really able to open up to them honestly. So, today, I got to shadow Oyella Betty to see what a day in her life is like. I woke up and went to the Invisible Children office in Gulu. I had to wear pants because I was told that I would be riding on the back of a motorcycle all day...and I did. Betty walked in the office to pick me up and she had the biggest smile on her face. I was so excited and rejuvenated by her joy! When we walked out of the office to start our day, Betty handed me a helmet and said, "You'll need this." That's not intimidating, right? The motorcycle looked more like a dirt bike. I was very nervous. But, Betty's smile kept me at ease. I put on my helmet with the Invisible Children logo across the front, made the sign of the cross, and hopped on the back. :) Immediately, I could tell that Betty loves driving the motorbike. It belongs to Invisible Children. They have many that they send the mentors out on during the day. So, Betty had to learn the bike when she became a mentor. But, she did very well...she just drives very fast! On the open roads we got up to about 70 miles per hour! Don't worry, Mom...I'm safe :)
Betty used to be a secondary school teacher, but changed to being a mentor for monetary purposes. She is perfect at it.
So, we went by her house, winding through the displacement camp, dodging chickens and goats within an inch of their life. But I think chickens and goats are always within an inch of their lives in Gulu. Betty changed into pants and we hopped on the motorbike again...off to Koro Secondary, which is about 10 kilometers outside of town, off of Kampala Road.
But, before we turned off of Kampala Road, Betty pulled over at a small building and said that we needed to go visit. When we walked in, I realized that it was the MEND facility where the women make the bags! What?! Betty! You're amazing! I walked into the back and there were about 12 women sitting at sewing machines and each looked up and smiled at me. It was beautiful. I felt so privileged to get to see them in action. I even got to see the new designs for the bags...keep an eye out, girls! They're awesome! I tried to take one with me, but they just laughed nervously. :) Betty is a joy to everyone she meets. She's like a celebrity.
Back on the bike and down a dirt road through some bush and corn fields for many miles. I have never felt more free...I may be romanticizing the situation. But I just rode on the back of a motorcycle through the bush in Africa!! on a gorgeous day! Truly, the greatest feeling that I can recall thus far. We rode through many small displacement camps and finally arrived at the school. Betty and I met with the head teacher of Kora for a few moments and then we met with her sponsored child, Nancy. She was such a sweet-hearted girl. She is currently receiving a warning for her grades. I tried to encourage her as much as I could, even though I only had a few moments with her. Then, we got back on the bike and rode to Nancy's mother's hut. About another 5 or 6 miles...through the bush. If I thought I was in the bush before, I was wrong. This bush was brushing up against my legs...but that doesn't slow down Betty! So good. Every now and then I would hear the sound of more terrified goats running for their lives.
Finally, we reached a clearing that held about 5 small huts. There were goats and chickens running around, and many piles of different colored beans and vegetables spread all over the ground. A very old woman was laying on a mat under a tree and a younger woman was sifting the beans by pouring them into a bucket from very high in the air. The wind would blow away the shells as the beans fell.
We pulled up and sat next to the elderly woman. She did not speak English, but we spoke what little Acholi I know and then Betty translated. They were all very sweet. For a while, I just sat listening to these three women speaking their native language. I was trying to think of how I could describe this moment to everyone I know. But then I realized that I just needed to sit and breathe it in. As I looked around, it was a square clearing surrounded by walls of corn stalks. The dirt was brushed so intensely that it almost looked like a polished floor. As the women spoke their rhythmic language, the wind blew such a quiet peace across the field. The birds in the trees, the sound of the stalk leaves, the chickens clucking, the goats whining...I will never be in that spot again...but I hope I will never lose the feeling that I gained from it.
I am so sick that I did not have my camera with me. So very sick...
After a while, we got back on the bike and rode back through the bush to town. I was just trying to soak it all in. As we reached town, Betty said that I must take something to drink before I go. I said, no, you don't need to worry about it. This is the last time that I will ever not suggest what I might want to drink. She took me to a small shop and we sat at a table with two older men. One of whom would be great friends with Lynn Johnson! I'm trying to track him down in town right now so that I can get a picture, Lynn! His shirt was bright green...you know the one...and it said, "Ithaca is gorges"!!!! Amazing! I will find this man, Lynn, I promise! :) Anyway, the waitress brought out two trays of mendazi (beignets) and a large, too large, cup of white milk...with chunks in it. Why? "Why are there chunks", I thought to myself. Betty said that this is her favorite...more than soda. It is sour milk. Holy hell! Are you kidding me? Okay, what to do...I can't be rude and refuse. She said to just put a lot of sugar in it. So, I did...and didn't breathe...and I sipped. Oh dear Lord...I didn't know what to do. I knew that if I tried to drink that whole thing that I would be on the floor for the rest of the weekend. So I smiled and sat and Betty, good woman that she is, knew that I was not okay with it. So she ordered an orange fanta for me. I love Betty!!! Love, love, love! :)
Then, we went back to the office. All in all...one of the best days of my life. Hopefully I will get to go with Betty again before I leave so that I can bring my camera.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Aol Irene
Monday, June 22, 2009
Before prefect elections (below) – Today was an excellent teaching day. I got to teach the concept of plot mapping to all levels. They seemed to really grasp the concept. In fact, for the senior level four group (we had to combine both streams, so there were about 130 kids in the classroom at one time), after giving notes on the plot map I told them the short story “The Most Dangerous Game” …to the best of my ability from memory. It was amazing. If you haven’t read this story, you should. Anyway, they really appreciated hearing the story. And at the end, they were successfully able to map out the plot on their own. They even pinpointed the climax! So exciting…
After class, since we had to combine the two streams (classes) there was about an hour break in between class and lunch. So, I decided to sit outside because it was a gorgeous day and read Three Cups of Tea…hopefully all of you are doing your summer reading also. However, my reading was disturbed by a young girl that I have mentioned before. Irene is the “head girl” or head prefect for the girls at Keyo Secondary and she led the video tour in the schools for schools video for Invisible Children. We have developed a good friendship, so she came over to talk. I feel so blessed by the fact that she chose to share her story with me. And to be honest, if I had any doubt as to why I am here, she just refueled my reasons for coming.
Irene is the oldest child of a family of five children. Her father died in 2004 from HIV/AIDS and her mother is unable to work. So, when Irene was chosen to be one of the children sponsored by Invisible Children to have her school fees paid for, it made a huge difference in her family…and she has not taken a single day of this blessing for granted. I think that Irene will make an excellent role model for so many and I know she will go on to do great things.
I wish I could share her stories, but I don't feel comfortable publishing them in a blog. This is her life...
But she, like so many I have talked to, has the same stare. When they are talking to you about their experiences and all that they have seen, they get lost in a trance. It is uncanny. I can’t explain it, or imagine what it feels like. Maybe they just have to become numb to some extent in order to be able to recall those images. One thing that I have noticed about so many, especially Irene, is that they cling to God for hope. I am greatly encouraged by them. Their faith is so strong. It is humbling. We struggle with our faith back home on a daily basis, but they have been given every reason to turn their back on God by feeling like He has turned their back on them and they refuse. Instead, they run to him for every comfort. I can see both sides of it, but their strength still astounds me.
Before prefect elections (below) – Today was an excellent teaching day. I got to teach the concept of plot mapping to all levels. They seemed to really grasp the concept. In fact, for the senior level four group (we had to combine both streams, so there were about 130 kids in the classroom at one time), after giving notes on the plot map I told them the short story “The Most Dangerous Game” …to the best of my ability from memory. It was amazing. If you haven’t read this story, you should. Anyway, they really appreciated hearing the story. And at the end, they were successfully able to map out the plot on their own. They even pinpointed the climax! So exciting…
After class, since we had to combine the two streams (classes) there was about an hour break in between class and lunch. So, I decided to sit outside because it was a gorgeous day and read Three Cups of Tea…hopefully all of you are doing your summer reading also. However, my reading was disturbed by a young girl that I have mentioned before. Irene is the “head girl” or head prefect for the girls at Keyo Secondary and she led the video tour in the schools for schools video for Invisible Children. We have developed a good friendship, so she came over to talk. I feel so blessed by the fact that she chose to share her story with me. And to be honest, if I had any doubt as to why I am here, she just refueled my reasons for coming.
Irene is the oldest child of a family of five children. Her father died in 2004 from HIV/AIDS and her mother is unable to work. So, when Irene was chosen to be one of the children sponsored by Invisible Children to have her school fees paid for, it made a huge difference in her family…and she has not taken a single day of this blessing for granted. I think that Irene will make an excellent role model for so many and I know she will go on to do great things.
I wish I could share her stories, but I don't feel comfortable publishing them in a blog. This is her life...
But she, like so many I have talked to, has the same stare. When they are talking to you about their experiences and all that they have seen, they get lost in a trance. It is uncanny. I can’t explain it, or imagine what it feels like. Maybe they just have to become numb to some extent in order to be able to recall those images. One thing that I have noticed about so many, especially Irene, is that they cling to God for hope. I am greatly encouraged by them. Their faith is so strong. It is humbling. We struggle with our faith back home on a daily basis, but they have been given every reason to turn their back on God by feeling like He has turned their back on them and they refuse. Instead, they run to him for every comfort. I can see both sides of it, but their strength still astounds me.
Prefect Elections at Keyo
Monday, June 22, 2009 – Today, afternoon classes were cancelled so that Senior Level 3 could hold prefect elections. I had to leave early because it was taking so long and I was out there for two hours. Wild. But the elections were held behind the staff room under a big tree to avoid the sun. I sat with the other teachers on the bench and about 200-300 students gathered under the tree on the ground and in desks that they had taken out of the classroom and placed in the shade. The group of prefect candidates was seated off to the side on a series of benches.
The current head prefect got up to introduce the candidates. He said that each candidate for head prefect would go first (there were three) and they would have a maximum of five minutes to speak. All other candidates (there were 15 total positions) would have a maximum of three minutes to speak. Then, he called out the first candidate.
As he got up to speak, I thought that this was going to be a very long, boring event because he was not the greatest speaker. I wanted desperately to tell him to just stand still, keep his head up, and talk loud enough for everyone to hear. But that is something that I say every day. The Acholi people speak so softly. I feel deaf all the time. After his five minutes were up, the head prefect took questions for the candidate. There were none. No one seemed to care about his speech.
However, the next candidate was announced. This boy I recognized because Florence and I interviewed him last week. He is 21 years old and is in senior level three (the equivalent of ninth grade). The reason, though, that he is so old and still in such a low level is that he was abducted when he was 13 years old. Shortly after he returned from the bush, both of his parents died of HIV/AIDS. So now he is the oldest sibling left to care for his brothers and sisters.
He rose from his candidacy bench with great poise and resolve. His face was stone. He is about 6’5” and as skinny as a rail. He wore a suit and tie, but I am not sure whose suit it was. The sleeves of the blazer were about five inches too short for him. On anyone else, I may have laughed. However, his intent was so clear that I had no choice but to give him respect. As soon as he stood, two young girls in school uniform jumped up to accompany him on his walk to the center of the grass, carrying two colorful umbrellas over his head. A comical scene, but one that deserved much admiration. He gave a great speech…very clearly stated, reserved, and analytical. He gave numerous reasons in his “manifesto” for the need to “mandate him into power”. I thought, surely, this candidate could not be beaten. However, the final candidate was one that I recognized from his repeated participation in class. Odong Magellan walked to the center of the field, also accompanied by two ladies with umbrellas. I was very proud of him and I am anxious to see who will come out on top tomorrow in the voting process.
Their speeches were all delivered in English. I was surprised at how clearly they spoke. However, there were a few candidates throughout the speeches that got some words confused. With so many categories of prefects, the speeches all ran together after a while. But the entertainment prefect speeches were funny. When the first candidate was called up to speak, he immediately abandoned the formal introduction that all the other candidates had followed. Instead, he jumped up and started running into the opening of the field with a piece of rolled up loose leaf paper for a microphone, his pants pulled down low, and he started rapping. He also had three other boys join him as his entourage. All holding rolled up pieces of loose leaf paper, occasionally yelling “yeah”, “uh huh”, “right”. Amazing. Actually, one of them...one of my favorites of all the students I have spoken to at Keyo…Mandela Nelson, had his pants pulled down low and was sticking his belly out as far as he could. Now, Mandela is about 5’3” and tiny in the waist, so there is not much of a belly to stick out. But he was trying the whole time and kept scratching it as he jumped around yelling. Any idea who he is imitating? My first instinct was maybe Lil’ Jon? All in all, it was an entertaining performance. And the first of a few that were similar.
I thoroughly enjoyed the speeches and was sad when I had to leave early. But I did get to talk to a few of the students before I left to commend them on their performance. It is funny to me that people are the same everywhere you go. Of course there are drastic cultural differences. But as far as personalities go, so similar. There is always a range from the sweet, shy, quiet ones to the loud, comical, need for attention ones.
The current head prefect got up to introduce the candidates. He said that each candidate for head prefect would go first (there were three) and they would have a maximum of five minutes to speak. All other candidates (there were 15 total positions) would have a maximum of three minutes to speak. Then, he called out the first candidate.
As he got up to speak, I thought that this was going to be a very long, boring event because he was not the greatest speaker. I wanted desperately to tell him to just stand still, keep his head up, and talk loud enough for everyone to hear. But that is something that I say every day. The Acholi people speak so softly. I feel deaf all the time. After his five minutes were up, the head prefect took questions for the candidate. There were none. No one seemed to care about his speech.
However, the next candidate was announced. This boy I recognized because Florence and I interviewed him last week. He is 21 years old and is in senior level three (the equivalent of ninth grade). The reason, though, that he is so old and still in such a low level is that he was abducted when he was 13 years old. Shortly after he returned from the bush, both of his parents died of HIV/AIDS. So now he is the oldest sibling left to care for his brothers and sisters.
He rose from his candidacy bench with great poise and resolve. His face was stone. He is about 6’5” and as skinny as a rail. He wore a suit and tie, but I am not sure whose suit it was. The sleeves of the blazer were about five inches too short for him. On anyone else, I may have laughed. However, his intent was so clear that I had no choice but to give him respect. As soon as he stood, two young girls in school uniform jumped up to accompany him on his walk to the center of the grass, carrying two colorful umbrellas over his head. A comical scene, but one that deserved much admiration. He gave a great speech…very clearly stated, reserved, and analytical. He gave numerous reasons in his “manifesto” for the need to “mandate him into power”. I thought, surely, this candidate could not be beaten. However, the final candidate was one that I recognized from his repeated participation in class. Odong Magellan walked to the center of the field, also accompanied by two ladies with umbrellas. I was very proud of him and I am anxious to see who will come out on top tomorrow in the voting process.
Their speeches were all delivered in English. I was surprised at how clearly they spoke. However, there were a few candidates throughout the speeches that got some words confused. With so many categories of prefects, the speeches all ran together after a while. But the entertainment prefect speeches were funny. When the first candidate was called up to speak, he immediately abandoned the formal introduction that all the other candidates had followed. Instead, he jumped up and started running into the opening of the field with a piece of rolled up loose leaf paper for a microphone, his pants pulled down low, and he started rapping. He also had three other boys join him as his entourage. All holding rolled up pieces of loose leaf paper, occasionally yelling “yeah”, “uh huh”, “right”. Amazing. Actually, one of them...one of my favorites of all the students I have spoken to at Keyo…Mandela Nelson, had his pants pulled down low and was sticking his belly out as far as he could. Now, Mandela is about 5’3” and tiny in the waist, so there is not much of a belly to stick out. But he was trying the whole time and kept scratching it as he jumped around yelling. Any idea who he is imitating? My first instinct was maybe Lil’ Jon? All in all, it was an entertaining performance. And the first of a few that were similar.
I thoroughly enjoyed the speeches and was sad when I had to leave early. But I did get to talk to a few of the students before I left to commend them on their performance. It is funny to me that people are the same everywhere you go. Of course there are drastic cultural differences. But as far as personalities go, so similar. There is always a range from the sweet, shy, quiet ones to the loud, comical, need for attention ones.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
I miss wearing pants!
So...today is our first full day off since we have been here. I am so excited. For some reason, I did not pack any pants. I only packed skirts and capris. Unfortunate...I can't wait to get home and put on my jeans! I think I have even forgotten what my jeans look like!
Anyway, there are three new posts below. Hope you enjoy them. It's been an eventful weekend. The wedding that was going on next door while I was writing ended up lasting until four in the morning. So there was a constant bass beat all night long. Outrageous! They started up the festivities again today, so I had to get out of there.
But I miss y'all and love y'all! Hope all is well!
Anyway, there are three new posts below. Hope you enjoy them. It's been an eventful weekend. The wedding that was going on next door while I was writing ended up lasting until four in the morning. So there was a constant bass beat all night long. Outrageous! They started up the festivities again today, so I had to get out of there.
But I miss y'all and love y'all! Hope all is well!
Fort Potiko
Saturday 6.20.2009
Today we went to Fort Potiko with our teachers. It was a beautiful day, but no one told us that we would be rock climbing. It was about a 45 minute drive in two mutatus. I was so exhausted from singing last night and not in the mood to socialize. But, it all turned out lovely. The drive was fun as usual in the mutatu. The roads here are so terrible. It keeps things entertaining.
Sidenote: There is a wedding going on next door right now. It is so loud. The man on the microphone sounds like he’s on one of those Spanish game shows. I’m not quite sure what he is narrating. I got to watch the traditional dancing earlier. It was amazing.
So, when we arrived at Fort Potiko we immediately started the tour. The fort is dedicated to Samuel Baker who came and freed the slaves that were being held and killed there. It’s not a fort like you would think of back home…the kind that would be in some John Wayne movie. It was a giant rock formation (yes, similar to Pride Rock in The Lion King) that they turned into a fort. The crevices were used as holding cells for the slaves and the slabs of stone were used as execution areas. We saw marks in the stones where the beheadings took place. We climbed to the top of the rock formation, which was very tedious, and we could see all of Gulu. We could even see to Sudan. It was vastly beautiful.
Florence and I took some pictures together on top of the rock. Her husband Jimmy came too. They seemed so excited to be on an adventure like this. And I was so surprised at how willing they were to be rock climbing in dress clothes. We didn’t realize that it would be so intensive. After the tour, we went down to the clearing for the barbecue. Sasha (a teacher from Arizona) made guacamole. It was INCREDIBLE! We dipped chapatti (which is like Ninfa’s tortillas) in it. They eat chapatti here with just about everything. That makes me happy. I love tortillas. We also had barbecue chicken, roasted vegetables, fruit, and corn on the cob. But it was not corn on the cob like back home. Very dry…it reminded me of the corn that we used to play with on pilgrims and Indians/Thanksgiving dress up days in elementary school.
The sunset was astounding. I tried to take pictures of it from the mutatu but they don’t do it justice. It really took my breath away.
Sidenote #2: Abbie and Sasha just got back from town and Abbie brought me a can of ranch Pringle’s. I’m so happy right now.
I played Frisbee with some kids in the field after we ate. I actually was not so bad! Surprising…
Very ready for the ride home. It was so dusty, though. We need it to rain again soon to settle the dust.
Peace-ing out…so tired…good night.Nevermind…there will be no sleeping tonight with the dance party going on next door. The walls are shaking…shaking. And with all the electricity they are using ours will probably go out. There is actually someone blowing a whistle to the beat of the music.
Today we went to Fort Potiko with our teachers. It was a beautiful day, but no one told us that we would be rock climbing. It was about a 45 minute drive in two mutatus. I was so exhausted from singing last night and not in the mood to socialize. But, it all turned out lovely. The drive was fun as usual in the mutatu. The roads here are so terrible. It keeps things entertaining.
Sidenote: There is a wedding going on next door right now. It is so loud. The man on the microphone sounds like he’s on one of those Spanish game shows. I’m not quite sure what he is narrating. I got to watch the traditional dancing earlier. It was amazing.
So, when we arrived at Fort Potiko we immediately started the tour. The fort is dedicated to Samuel Baker who came and freed the slaves that were being held and killed there. It’s not a fort like you would think of back home…the kind that would be in some John Wayne movie. It was a giant rock formation (yes, similar to Pride Rock in The Lion King) that they turned into a fort. The crevices were used as holding cells for the slaves and the slabs of stone were used as execution areas. We saw marks in the stones where the beheadings took place. We climbed to the top of the rock formation, which was very tedious, and we could see all of Gulu. We could even see to Sudan. It was vastly beautiful.
Florence and I took some pictures together on top of the rock. Her husband Jimmy came too. They seemed so excited to be on an adventure like this. And I was so surprised at how willing they were to be rock climbing in dress clothes. We didn’t realize that it would be so intensive. After the tour, we went down to the clearing for the barbecue. Sasha (a teacher from Arizona) made guacamole. It was INCREDIBLE! We dipped chapatti (which is like Ninfa’s tortillas) in it. They eat chapatti here with just about everything. That makes me happy. I love tortillas. We also had barbecue chicken, roasted vegetables, fruit, and corn on the cob. But it was not corn on the cob like back home. Very dry…it reminded me of the corn that we used to play with on pilgrims and Indians/Thanksgiving dress up days in elementary school.
The sunset was astounding. I tried to take pictures of it from the mutatu but they don’t do it justice. It really took my breath away.
Sidenote #2: Abbie and Sasha just got back from town and Abbie brought me a can of ranch Pringle’s. I’m so happy right now.
I played Frisbee with some kids in the field after we ate. I actually was not so bad! Surprising…
Very ready for the ride home. It was so dusty, though. We need it to rain again soon to settle the dust.
Peace-ing out…so tired…good night.Nevermind…there will be no sleeping tonight with the dance party going on next door. The walls are shaking…shaking. And with all the electricity they are using ours will probably go out. There is actually someone blowing a whistle to the beat of the music.
First Gig in Gulu!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday night at quiz night, Abbie asked Derek, the owner of Bamboo from the UK, if he ever had live music at the pub. He said, yeah, and pointed to Mick at the end of the bar. Mick is a big, bald Irish man who likes to taunt the Americans on quiz night because he is smarter than us. We have become good friends through the quizzes. I may have mentioned him before, but I’m not sure. He is in Uganda working with an organization that de-mines the landmines. But apparently he is also a country singer. Amazing. So, Abbie mentioned to Mick and Derek that I sing (she’s my agent in Gulu) and Mick said well let’s play tomorrow night (Friday).
I was really excited. And everyone else was as well. All of my group came and group two came as well. They are a good family to me. Very encouraging. Also, Tom’s sons Obi and Apollo were there. Mick sang first. He blew me away. It is so funny to me that his accent completely disappeared as soon as he started singing. He sang a lot of American country covers. Then, he passed the guitar to me and I played about three songs and passed it back and then he passed it back, etc. It was awesome! We even sang together on a few…like “Me and Bobby McGee”. I love how surprised people get when I sing because they wouldn’t normally realize that something so loud could come out of me. There were apparently some neighbors next to Bamboo that liked it too, I heard the (ay-i-i-i-ii!!!) Good times. Mick sang a few Irish songs as well. The accent came back for those. He sang “Danny Boy” and “The Town I Once Loved”. Beautiful. People started phasing out after a few hours, but we just kept playing. I hope that we get to do that again because it was just what I needed. I just adore music and I was so grateful to get to share it with so many great people.
One of the guys from group two is from St. Louis and he said that he wants to book me at a local restaurant that features musicians. He said that they will pay my way there and that all the profits raised will be split between me and Invisible Children. I think it’s a great idea. I’m always up for a road trip!Anyway, it was a great night. Hope it happens again.
Thursday night at quiz night, Abbie asked Derek, the owner of Bamboo from the UK, if he ever had live music at the pub. He said, yeah, and pointed to Mick at the end of the bar. Mick is a big, bald Irish man who likes to taunt the Americans on quiz night because he is smarter than us. We have become good friends through the quizzes. I may have mentioned him before, but I’m not sure. He is in Uganda working with an organization that de-mines the landmines. But apparently he is also a country singer. Amazing. So, Abbie mentioned to Mick and Derek that I sing (she’s my agent in Gulu) and Mick said well let’s play tomorrow night (Friday).
I was really excited. And everyone else was as well. All of my group came and group two came as well. They are a good family to me. Very encouraging. Also, Tom’s sons Obi and Apollo were there. Mick sang first. He blew me away. It is so funny to me that his accent completely disappeared as soon as he started singing. He sang a lot of American country covers. Then, he passed the guitar to me and I played about three songs and passed it back and then he passed it back, etc. It was awesome! We even sang together on a few…like “Me and Bobby McGee”. I love how surprised people get when I sing because they wouldn’t normally realize that something so loud could come out of me. There were apparently some neighbors next to Bamboo that liked it too, I heard the (ay-i-i-i-ii!!!) Good times. Mick sang a few Irish songs as well. The accent came back for those. He sang “Danny Boy” and “The Town I Once Loved”. Beautiful. People started phasing out after a few hours, but we just kept playing. I hope that we get to do that again because it was just what I needed. I just adore music and I was so grateful to get to share it with so many great people.
One of the guys from group two is from St. Louis and he said that he wants to book me at a local restaurant that features musicians. He said that they will pay my way there and that all the profits raised will be split between me and Invisible Children. I think it’s a great idea. I’m always up for a road trip!Anyway, it was a great night. Hope it happens again.
Memorial Service
Friday 6.19.2009
So today when I arrived at school, Florence informed me that we would be attending a memorial service in the afternoon for Mr. Odara’s mother. Mr. Odara is the guidance counselor. He is such a sweet man, so I had no problem agreeing to attend. It was going to be held at his house which is only a couple of streets over from where we stay. So, we taught three streams (double-shift classes). I was excited because I looked up the reading study from Cambridge University…I know you have gotten this forward before. It is a whole paragraph but all the words are spelled incorrectly except for the first and last letter and the whole point of the paragraph is to show you that you can still read it without a problem because the brain reads the word as a whole, not every individual letter. Anyway, I wrote it out on a sheet of paper and brought it to class. I put it on the board and had a volunteer come up to read. Then the whole class read it aloud as a whole. They really enjoyed it, I think..or they just like to laugh at the crazy muno. I wrote “czary tneus” at the bottom of the page to teach them about “crazy tunes”…I’m hoping it will catch on.
The third class I taught by myself because Florence was tired. No problem.
So, after class, at about 3:00 we began walking to Mr. Odara’s house. Myself, Florence, and four other teachers went. We walked through corn fields and back roads. I saw four BABY goats! So precious! Mr. Odara’s house was a brick house (room) about 20x25. It is surrounded by displacement huts. We took off our shoes and walked into the room. It was like a sauna. I really thought I was going to be sick. After about two minutes, Mr. Odara took us outside to sit on the porch in plastic chairs. Thank God! It was breezy. Apparently, we had to be received into the house in order for our blessing to be fully given. I was the only muno in the bunch. Mr. Odara’s wife, his uncle, his landlord and his neighbor were also there. So, most of the ceremony was said in Lwo. Mr. Odara’s mother passed away three weeks ago. There was a great deal of formality involved in the ceremony. We were all sitting in a row along the side of the house in plastic lawn chairs. Mr. Odara got up and said a few words to open. Then, the landlord got up to speak. Then, Mr. Odara’s uncle, who leads the catechism at Holy Cross Church, got up to say a few words and pray. It’s interesting that, though I could not understand a single word being spoken, the sound of grief and compassion is universal. I feel as though I could understand exactly what he was saying. Then, one of our fellow teachers got up to speak and to thank Mr. Odara for having us. Then, we prayed the rosary…in Lwo. I’m glad I had a rough idea of what was going on. Then, Mr. Odara got up to say a few words about his mother’s life. One thing I have noticed about the Acholi people is that when they are telling a story, especially one that is close to their heart, their eyes go into a far-off stare. They do not make eye contact. It is very dream-like and there is a certain rhythm to the words that they speak. Mesmerizing. When he finished his story, he turned to me and said, “would you like to say a few words?” I think my internal response was “huh?” But I could not refuse. So, I got up, put my shoes on, and faced the line of eyes waiting for the “wise words of the muno”. It went well, though. I talked about family and prayers and how grateful I was to be a part of their family today, etc, etc, etc. I think that it made Mr. Odara happy. When he smiles, his whole face smiles and his eyes actually light up. It is beautiful. So, I sat back down and Florence got up to pray, then Odara’s uncle prayed and we were finished. We had to hurry a bit because the sky looked like the bottom was about to drop out. But it didn’t. So, after the service, the women went inside to receive soda, hard-boiled eggs and bananas. So hot. It had been a few hours and I felt the need to get back to the house, so I said my goodbyes and Mr. Odara’s landlord drove me home. He drives a landrover…thank God! The road was so terribly constructed. I think it was more like a series of peaks and valleys. Literally, there were trenches in the dirt. It actually felt more like the tires were stepping as opposed to turning. We were so slanted…it was kind of terrifying. Riding the roads here really feels like a rollercoaster ride. I am very glad that I went and was able to be a part of it.
So today when I arrived at school, Florence informed me that we would be attending a memorial service in the afternoon for Mr. Odara’s mother. Mr. Odara is the guidance counselor. He is such a sweet man, so I had no problem agreeing to attend. It was going to be held at his house which is only a couple of streets over from where we stay. So, we taught three streams (double-shift classes). I was excited because I looked up the reading study from Cambridge University…I know you have gotten this forward before. It is a whole paragraph but all the words are spelled incorrectly except for the first and last letter and the whole point of the paragraph is to show you that you can still read it without a problem because the brain reads the word as a whole, not every individual letter. Anyway, I wrote it out on a sheet of paper and brought it to class. I put it on the board and had a volunteer come up to read. Then the whole class read it aloud as a whole. They really enjoyed it, I think..or they just like to laugh at the crazy muno. I wrote “czary tneus” at the bottom of the page to teach them about “crazy tunes”…I’m hoping it will catch on.
The third class I taught by myself because Florence was tired. No problem.
So, after class, at about 3:00 we began walking to Mr. Odara’s house. Myself, Florence, and four other teachers went. We walked through corn fields and back roads. I saw four BABY goats! So precious! Mr. Odara’s house was a brick house (room) about 20x25. It is surrounded by displacement huts. We took off our shoes and walked into the room. It was like a sauna. I really thought I was going to be sick. After about two minutes, Mr. Odara took us outside to sit on the porch in plastic chairs. Thank God! It was breezy. Apparently, we had to be received into the house in order for our blessing to be fully given. I was the only muno in the bunch. Mr. Odara’s wife, his uncle, his landlord and his neighbor were also there. So, most of the ceremony was said in Lwo. Mr. Odara’s mother passed away three weeks ago. There was a great deal of formality involved in the ceremony. We were all sitting in a row along the side of the house in plastic lawn chairs. Mr. Odara got up and said a few words to open. Then, the landlord got up to speak. Then, Mr. Odara’s uncle, who leads the catechism at Holy Cross Church, got up to say a few words and pray. It’s interesting that, though I could not understand a single word being spoken, the sound of grief and compassion is universal. I feel as though I could understand exactly what he was saying. Then, one of our fellow teachers got up to speak and to thank Mr. Odara for having us. Then, we prayed the rosary…in Lwo. I’m glad I had a rough idea of what was going on. Then, Mr. Odara got up to say a few words about his mother’s life. One thing I have noticed about the Acholi people is that when they are telling a story, especially one that is close to their heart, their eyes go into a far-off stare. They do not make eye contact. It is very dream-like and there is a certain rhythm to the words that they speak. Mesmerizing. When he finished his story, he turned to me and said, “would you like to say a few words?” I think my internal response was “huh?” But I could not refuse. So, I got up, put my shoes on, and faced the line of eyes waiting for the “wise words of the muno”. It went well, though. I talked about family and prayers and how grateful I was to be a part of their family today, etc, etc, etc. I think that it made Mr. Odara happy. When he smiles, his whole face smiles and his eyes actually light up. It is beautiful. So, I sat back down and Florence got up to pray, then Odara’s uncle prayed and we were finished. We had to hurry a bit because the sky looked like the bottom was about to drop out. But it didn’t. So, after the service, the women went inside to receive soda, hard-boiled eggs and bananas. So hot. It had been a few hours and I felt the need to get back to the house, so I said my goodbyes and Mr. Odara’s landlord drove me home. He drives a landrover…thank God! The road was so terribly constructed. I think it was more like a series of peaks and valleys. Literally, there were trenches in the dirt. It actually felt more like the tires were stepping as opposed to turning. We were so slanted…it was kind of terrifying. Riding the roads here really feels like a rollercoaster ride. I am very glad that I went and was able to be a part of it.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Hmm...how to post pictures...
Hey again...there are two new posts below in case you don't see them. Things are great here. Lots of adventures. I do get very homesick now and again but then I remember why God sent me here and remember to live in the moment and make the most of my time here.
There is a parade going on outside of the coffee shop right now because today is the Day of the African Child. Crazy tunes...there's a marching band and everything! I wish I had my camera...blast!
The posts below pretty much sum up how things are going. But last night, it rained pretty heavily and these giant firefly-like moth creatures (like that description?) started swarming in our living room. Apparently they come in every time it rains and they can't be stopped. We were trying to watch a movie on Abbie's computer..."New in Town"...terrible movie. But the small airplane bugs kept congregating around my head! It was like they were obsessed with me...I mean, I can't blame them of course :) But I did not respond well...I don't work well with bugs if you didn't know that already, so you can imagine I made quite a spectacle of myself. Always a party...
I am going to school in a little while to plan for the week with Florence. We have a class this afternoon, but our other classes were cancelled for the day because another teacher was coming in to take them. That's cool with me...I enjoy the break. But, I think that we are going to try to start a creative writing club at Keyo SS. I am really excited about that! We are going to talk to some of the students about it today. As overwhelmed as I feel by the amount of work here, I feel so much purpose when I am at Keyo. Just being around the students and sharing in their stories...I don't know how much I will be able to accomplish in four weeks, but I will try as hard as I can. It's a start.
As happy as I will be to come home, I will miss this place and this family I am making here. They are such special people and I am very blessed to be "most welcome" among them.
Love y'all! Thank you for the encouraging comments! It means so much and really helps me keep going!
Tuesday 6.16.2009
Sunday night, after we got home from the rhino sanctuary, we went to dinner at a local family farm. The owners were Tom and Rose. It was amazing. Amy (my supervisor) said that she wanted us to see the other side of Gulu and how some people live in Uganda. The house had central air! And it was decorated beautifully. And the bathroom was about as big as my room back home. And the garden was amazing! It took my breath away. It was just the rejuvenating visit that I needed to prepare for this week of teaching. It is very American of me, I know, for me to need central cooling to feel rejuvenated. J
When we arrived, they gave us sodas (orange fanta is my favorite here) and Tom took us for a walk along his grounds. I spent the whole weekend in nature but this was even more amazing. They had some flowers, I will include the picture below so that you can tell me the name of it if you know it, but they reminded me of the little singing flowers in “Alice in Wonderland”. I would love to have a whole garden of those! They are my favorite, I think. I also got to play with a tiny goat. I tried to give him some orange fanta but he wasn’t a fan.
After the walk, Tom brought us out on his patio and we sat while he told us his stories. Holy geezum’ petes! Talk about a life…Tom’s father was involved in politics during Idi Amin’s reign. At one point, Tom and his brothers were in Tanzania fighting with the army that was planning to overthrow Amin. His father was arrested and brought to Amin’s prison where he tortured and killed people in “secret”. One day, Amin walked into Tom’s father’s cell and asked him if his sons were fighting against him in Tanzania. Tom’s father said, yes. And Amin said, well, why would you let that happen? Why don’t you tell them to come home and stop fighting? (in so many words, of course) And Tom’s father said, “Didn’t you overthrow the government to come into power?” And Amin said, yes. And Tom’s father said, “Well, did you consult your father in the process and receive his blessing?” And Amin let Tom’s father return home without harming him. Crazy tunes…
There are so many more stories that are equally amazing that I will have to share when I get home.
I did have an interesting talk with him about Kony and the bill that is going to be proposed at lobby days in a week requesting US military intervention. Tom said that it is too late. He said, with all of the satellite technology in the world, if someone actually wanted Kony dead…he would be dead by now. But too many governments are profiting from the war to actually try to end it. Mainly Musseveni, of course. I started to tear up when he said it because it just seems like there is such a fragile peace here for these people and I can’t imagine living somewhere, having the images in my head that they are scarred with, and knowing that it could possibly happen again. Tom says that if Kony were to ever come back that it would not be the same as it was because the people wouldn’t roll over and take it like before. He says that they would fight back. I agree with him…I just hope that it doesn’t ever come to that. Please remember the Acholi people in your prayers. They have such a special spirit about them and deserve to live in peace.
We had an amazing dinner! More tilapia!!! Yes!!! And cake! As Tom and Rose were walking us out we had a very funny moment. We were shaking their hands and hugging them saying, “Thank you so much, your stories have changed our lives, etc…etc…” And then, all of a sudden, we were all attacked by the giant army ants. It was dark so we couldn’t see them but they were crawling up everyone’s legs. We must’ve looked ridiculous. Stomping around. One girl, Dana, yelled…I have to go take off my pants! And she ran inside. They are not dangerous ants…they just sting like hell! So, we made jokes later, that we were having such a heartfelt goodbye with these amazing individuals and then all of a sudden we started cussing and yelling for the driver to step on it to get the hell out of there! It was awesome…I still laugh about it...
When we arrived, they gave us sodas (orange fanta is my favorite here) and Tom took us for a walk along his grounds. I spent the whole weekend in nature but this was even more amazing. They had some flowers, I will include the picture below so that you can tell me the name of it if you know it, but they reminded me of the little singing flowers in “Alice in Wonderland”. I would love to have a whole garden of those! They are my favorite, I think. I also got to play with a tiny goat. I tried to give him some orange fanta but he wasn’t a fan.
After the walk, Tom brought us out on his patio and we sat while he told us his stories. Holy geezum’ petes! Talk about a life…Tom’s father was involved in politics during Idi Amin’s reign. At one point, Tom and his brothers were in Tanzania fighting with the army that was planning to overthrow Amin. His father was arrested and brought to Amin’s prison where he tortured and killed people in “secret”. One day, Amin walked into Tom’s father’s cell and asked him if his sons were fighting against him in Tanzania. Tom’s father said, yes. And Amin said, well, why would you let that happen? Why don’t you tell them to come home and stop fighting? (in so many words, of course) And Tom’s father said, “Didn’t you overthrow the government to come into power?” And Amin said, yes. And Tom’s father said, “Well, did you consult your father in the process and receive his blessing?” And Amin let Tom’s father return home without harming him. Crazy tunes…
There are so many more stories that are equally amazing that I will have to share when I get home.
I did have an interesting talk with him about Kony and the bill that is going to be proposed at lobby days in a week requesting US military intervention. Tom said that it is too late. He said, with all of the satellite technology in the world, if someone actually wanted Kony dead…he would be dead by now. But too many governments are profiting from the war to actually try to end it. Mainly Musseveni, of course. I started to tear up when he said it because it just seems like there is such a fragile peace here for these people and I can’t imagine living somewhere, having the images in my head that they are scarred with, and knowing that it could possibly happen again. Tom says that if Kony were to ever come back that it would not be the same as it was because the people wouldn’t roll over and take it like before. He says that they would fight back. I agree with him…I just hope that it doesn’t ever come to that. Please remember the Acholi people in your prayers. They have such a special spirit about them and deserve to live in peace.
We had an amazing dinner! More tilapia!!! Yes!!! And cake! As Tom and Rose were walking us out we had a very funny moment. We were shaking their hands and hugging them saying, “Thank you so much, your stories have changed our lives, etc…etc…” And then, all of a sudden, we were all attacked by the giant army ants. It was dark so we couldn’t see them but they were crawling up everyone’s legs. We must’ve looked ridiculous. Stomping around. One girl, Dana, yelled…I have to go take off my pants! And she ran inside. They are not dangerous ants…they just sting like hell! So, we made jokes later, that we were having such a heartfelt goodbye with these amazing individuals and then all of a sudden we started cussing and yelling for the driver to step on it to get the hell out of there! It was awesome…I still laugh about it...
Monday 6.15.2009
Rhino Sanctuary – So, Saturday morning we woke up and had a roundtable discussion about the issue of aid in poverty stricken areas. I have had many debates with my teachers here and have come to the conclusion that I am not sure what the role of a Muno should be in this society. But, what I do know is that Invisible Children is going about the process correctly. I believe, 95% of the staff is comprised of locals. Therefore, the work is sustainable…if that makes sense. I could talk about that for a long time but maybe when I come home we can debate...
After the talk, we got on a mutatu (which is like a small, hippie van) to travel three hours south to the rhino sanctuary. I was so excited about the ride! One thing I have known about myself for a while, but have confirmed on this trip, is that I love road trips. I got to just relax and listen to my iPod…music is really helping me get through the tough times. By tough times, I mean, those times when I feel homesick or stressed. It was a great ride. But, we did get stopped at a police checkpoint and I know my heartrate was speeding the whole time. They were speaking in Lwo (the local language), so I didn’t know if he was telling the driver to get the Muno’s out of the car. But in reality, the officer was just going off on a power trip. Asking our drivers, Joe and Sunday, to show him every permit that they had until something was wrong. I come to find out that he was just looking for a bribe. Which I think that Joe must have given him because they walked to the back of the car and after they were out of our sight, all of a sudden we were free to go and there was no ticket. Curiouser and curiouser.
We got to see many baboons crossing the road when we were crossing the Nile. They are such amazing creatures! And they crack me up because they seem to have such an attitude about them.
Then, we arrived at the sanctuary. It was beautiful. The whole weekend was very peaceful. Just to be out in nature and not have to think about school…it was lovely. The sanctuary is funded by Disney’s Animal Kingdom actually…Crazy tunes…Disney in Uganda.
The rhinos became extinct in Uganda during the war because it is still legal to poach here. So, this sanctuary was created to re-introduce six rhinos into existence. Four came from Kenya and two came all the way from Florida! Three of the ladies are pregnant, so there will be more soon.
But the sanctuary is managed by a South African family. They were very nice. The son is a volunteer (not by choice) and he offered to take us on a walk Saturday afternoon when we arrived because we were not trekking out to see the rhinos until Sunday morning. So, we went on a long walk through the sanctuary. It was beautiful. There is such a quiet peace here. I got some good pictures too…
I got to see a fish eagle and a pyke kingfisher. So huge! Apparently, we also walked by a leopard and her cub…I did not see it. I think maybe Chris was trying to scare us. But then again, there are leopards in the sanctuary. I would have had an “Out of Africa” moment… “Shoot her! Shoot her!” “Let’s give her a minute”.
That night we had barbecue chicken…it was amazing! And there was a guitar at the sanctuary so I finally got to sing for my teachers. A little concert under the stars…good times. We woke up the next morning and had breakfast. Then, we piled into the mutatu with our guide Francis and rode about 30 to 45 minutes into the sanctuary. It must be a huge reserve! We made jokes that we felt like we were in Jurassic Park for a while because the land is surrounded by electrical fences. The ride in the mutatu was pretty wild…definitely an off-road experience. Then, when we could not drive any closer to the rhinos we had to get out and walk. The park guide who was on duty to follow them had written arrows into the dirt to show Francis where to take us. After about a 20 minute hike, we finally arrived to meet the three ladies. They were all pregnant. I wish that we had longer to spend time with them. But we only stood around them for about 20 minutes. There was a good bit of bush between us so the pictures were difficult to get. So I took a few videos. At one point, one of them turned around so that she was facing us head on…I saw my life flash before my eyes. I was about 50 feet away from the tip of that rhino horn! But she was just turning around to scratch her bum on the tree. I got a video of that! Awesome. It was a fairly majestic experience, but I think it could’ve been better. Slightly anti-climatic.
So, then we walked back to the mutatu, piled in, and realized that it was broken down…in the middle of the bush. Amazing! The men got out and pushed the mutatu up the hill and then let it roll backwards really quickly and it finally started. However, our three hour ride home turned into four or four and a half hours because it broke down many times along the side of the road. Excellent! Thank God I packed snack bars! All in all it was a good weekend.
I love y’all! And of course miss you terribly! Counting down the days, but enjoying my time here as well.
Talk to you soon,
Lisa a.k.a. Nyeka Maber J
After the talk, we got on a mutatu (which is like a small, hippie van) to travel three hours south to the rhino sanctuary. I was so excited about the ride! One thing I have known about myself for a while, but have confirmed on this trip, is that I love road trips. I got to just relax and listen to my iPod…music is really helping me get through the tough times. By tough times, I mean, those times when I feel homesick or stressed. It was a great ride. But, we did get stopped at a police checkpoint and I know my heartrate was speeding the whole time. They were speaking in Lwo (the local language), so I didn’t know if he was telling the driver to get the Muno’s out of the car. But in reality, the officer was just going off on a power trip. Asking our drivers, Joe and Sunday, to show him every permit that they had until something was wrong. I come to find out that he was just looking for a bribe. Which I think that Joe must have given him because they walked to the back of the car and after they were out of our sight, all of a sudden we were free to go and there was no ticket. Curiouser and curiouser.
We got to see many baboons crossing the road when we were crossing the Nile. They are such amazing creatures! And they crack me up because they seem to have such an attitude about them.
Then, we arrived at the sanctuary. It was beautiful. The whole weekend was very peaceful. Just to be out in nature and not have to think about school…it was lovely. The sanctuary is funded by Disney’s Animal Kingdom actually…Crazy tunes…Disney in Uganda.
The rhinos became extinct in Uganda during the war because it is still legal to poach here. So, this sanctuary was created to re-introduce six rhinos into existence. Four came from Kenya and two came all the way from Florida! Three of the ladies are pregnant, so there will be more soon.
But the sanctuary is managed by a South African family. They were very nice. The son is a volunteer (not by choice) and he offered to take us on a walk Saturday afternoon when we arrived because we were not trekking out to see the rhinos until Sunday morning. So, we went on a long walk through the sanctuary. It was beautiful. There is such a quiet peace here. I got some good pictures too…
I got to see a fish eagle and a pyke kingfisher. So huge! Apparently, we also walked by a leopard and her cub…I did not see it. I think maybe Chris was trying to scare us. But then again, there are leopards in the sanctuary. I would have had an “Out of Africa” moment… “Shoot her! Shoot her!” “Let’s give her a minute”.
That night we had barbecue chicken…it was amazing! And there was a guitar at the sanctuary so I finally got to sing for my teachers. A little concert under the stars…good times. We woke up the next morning and had breakfast. Then, we piled into the mutatu with our guide Francis and rode about 30 to 45 minutes into the sanctuary. It must be a huge reserve! We made jokes that we felt like we were in Jurassic Park for a while because the land is surrounded by electrical fences. The ride in the mutatu was pretty wild…definitely an off-road experience. Then, when we could not drive any closer to the rhinos we had to get out and walk. The park guide who was on duty to follow them had written arrows into the dirt to show Francis where to take us. After about a 20 minute hike, we finally arrived to meet the three ladies. They were all pregnant. I wish that we had longer to spend time with them. But we only stood around them for about 20 minutes. There was a good bit of bush between us so the pictures were difficult to get. So I took a few videos. At one point, one of them turned around so that she was facing us head on…I saw my life flash before my eyes. I was about 50 feet away from the tip of that rhino horn! But she was just turning around to scratch her bum on the tree. I got a video of that! Awesome. It was a fairly majestic experience, but I think it could’ve been better. Slightly anti-climatic.
So, then we walked back to the mutatu, piled in, and realized that it was broken down…in the middle of the bush. Amazing! The men got out and pushed the mutatu up the hill and then let it roll backwards really quickly and it finally started. However, our three hour ride home turned into four or four and a half hours because it broke down many times along the side of the road. Excellent! Thank God I packed snack bars! All in all it was a good weekend.
I love y’all! And of course miss you terribly! Counting down the days, but enjoying my time here as well.
Talk to you soon,
Lisa a.k.a. Nyeka Maber J
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Keyo Secondary School - "Arise and shine" (school motto)
So, Monday I started school. I am observing this week for the most part. I am at the displaced site for Keyo and am pretty much the only Muno there for most of the day. My school is very close to our house and I walk with the other American teachers who are placed at the original site. Monday I was completely overwhelmed. Not just by the work, but mostly by meeting the children and putting faces with those whose pain I have imagined for so long. Florence has duty this week so we stand and monitor the lunch line to make sure no one gets extra pocho (like really sticky grits) and beans. But as we stood observing, Florence quietly pointed out the students who were abducted during the war and many of them had visible bullet wounds and scars. It broke me. I thought I had prepared myself, but I held it together at school all day and then had a huge cry in front of my group Monday night.
Tuesday was a holiday…“Heroes Day” so we had no school. I went with my friend Daneen to her partner teacher’s house to meet his family. It was wonderful. Having conversations with Acholi’s is quite exhausting just because you have to be “on” all the time, even if nothing is being said. It may sound confusing, but it’s just a cultural barrier. But we made lunch and I learned how to make “boo”, which is a traditional African dish pronounced “boh”. It was kind of tough to make. They laughed at me. They asked if this was my first time to cook and I said, no I do now and again back home and Alex (Daneen’s teacher) looked at me completely shocked. He said, “No, Lisa, are you sure? All Americans have people that cook for them, I know this to be true.” It took us about 15 minutes to convince him that there was not a hired cook in every American household. I think he still doesn’t believe us.
They also think that when I say I live in the south that I mean I live in South America. I have to talk very slowly in class. It’s funny. I feel ridiculous, but it helps them.
Today was an excellent day at school. Still very long, but I am getting to know Florence and she is wonderful. I met her husband today because he teaches at the neighboring school, Gulu High. I even got to teach a class. Florence and I were walking to one of her classes and she said, “Lisa, what do you know about figurative language?” And I said, “You mean, like similes and metaphors…I know lots.” And she said, “Good, you teach this class”. So I had to come up with an 80 minute lesson plan in a span of 5 steps into the classroom. Good times. It went really well. Florence said I am already wonderful J. At one point, the students were not answering a question so I said, “What’s wrong? Are you afraid of the Muno???” They laughed and then started answering. They are starting to get comfortable with me. They wrote some short stories which make me appreciate the writings of my students back home, but it was a sweet start for them. They love to write about Obama.
Oh, STUDENTS! Do you remember when I showed you the video in class of my school, Keyo Secondary? Remember Irene the girl that hosted the video…well, she is in one of my classes. I told her that I would have to take a picture with her to show you when I get home. It made her day when I told her that you were all so happy to see the video back in the states. She felt like a celebrity J
Friday we will have sports day which is like field day but with track events. So that will be great to see. I am going to have to work some event and I really hope they don’t have me running because we all know how ridiculous that will be. I’ll keep you posted.
Saturday and Sunday we are going on the rhinoceros safari…exciting! I hear it is peaceful. Hope so.
Oh, and about 6 of us started a Bible study group last night. That helps for sustaining power.
Sunday night we went swimming at Acholi Inn and we ate there. It was amazing! I had fried fish fingers and chips (French fries)…it was the best thing I’ve eaten here yet! That is sad and just shows how Americanized I am…or Southernized…all the fried goodness.
Dong maber! (Stay well/Have a good day)
Tuesday was a holiday…“Heroes Day” so we had no school. I went with my friend Daneen to her partner teacher’s house to meet his family. It was wonderful. Having conversations with Acholi’s is quite exhausting just because you have to be “on” all the time, even if nothing is being said. It may sound confusing, but it’s just a cultural barrier. But we made lunch and I learned how to make “boo”, which is a traditional African dish pronounced “boh”. It was kind of tough to make. They laughed at me. They asked if this was my first time to cook and I said, no I do now and again back home and Alex (Daneen’s teacher) looked at me completely shocked. He said, “No, Lisa, are you sure? All Americans have people that cook for them, I know this to be true.” It took us about 15 minutes to convince him that there was not a hired cook in every American household. I think he still doesn’t believe us.
They also think that when I say I live in the south that I mean I live in South America. I have to talk very slowly in class. It’s funny. I feel ridiculous, but it helps them.
Today was an excellent day at school. Still very long, but I am getting to know Florence and she is wonderful. I met her husband today because he teaches at the neighboring school, Gulu High. I even got to teach a class. Florence and I were walking to one of her classes and she said, “Lisa, what do you know about figurative language?” And I said, “You mean, like similes and metaphors…I know lots.” And she said, “Good, you teach this class”. So I had to come up with an 80 minute lesson plan in a span of 5 steps into the classroom. Good times. It went really well. Florence said I am already wonderful J. At one point, the students were not answering a question so I said, “What’s wrong? Are you afraid of the Muno???” They laughed and then started answering. They are starting to get comfortable with me. They wrote some short stories which make me appreciate the writings of my students back home, but it was a sweet start for them. They love to write about Obama.
Oh, STUDENTS! Do you remember when I showed you the video in class of my school, Keyo Secondary? Remember Irene the girl that hosted the video…well, she is in one of my classes. I told her that I would have to take a picture with her to show you when I get home. It made her day when I told her that you were all so happy to see the video back in the states. She felt like a celebrity J
Friday we will have sports day which is like field day but with track events. So that will be great to see. I am going to have to work some event and I really hope they don’t have me running because we all know how ridiculous that will be. I’ll keep you posted.
Saturday and Sunday we are going on the rhinoceros safari…exciting! I hear it is peaceful. Hope so.
Oh, and about 6 of us started a Bible study group last night. That helps for sustaining power.
Sunday night we went swimming at Acholi Inn and we ate there. It was amazing! I had fried fish fingers and chips (French fries)…it was the best thing I’ve eaten here yet! That is sad and just shows how Americanized I am…or Southernized…all the fried goodness.
Dong maber! (Stay well/Have a good day)
Saturday 6.6.09 update...
I cannot say enough how grateful I am to be here. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I am sitting outside at night right now on the compound patio. There are bats flying around my head every now and again which is kind of creepy, but it’s okay.
I will warn you that I will probably talk a little strange for a while when I come home. The way that I phrase my sentences now is different and I’ve picked up a couple of their phrases as well. For instance, instead of saying “me too” or “I agree”, they say “even for me”. So, I find myself saying, “Even for me, I would love to go into town”. Funny.
I am very intimidated by the amount of work that I have ahead of me. It is going to be very intense. I will be working every day from 8-6 p.m. I will have about 8-12 classes a day and there are at least 70-80 students in each. Each class is 40 minutes. Florence, my partner teacher, tells me not to be afraid. That is will be no problem (parac). But, I just don’t know what to expect. On top of the teaching, I will also be doing research and interviewing other teachers, students and community members to find out more about the interaction between school and community to rebuild during this transition from conflict to reconstruction. At the end of four/five weeks I will have comprised a handbook with my partner teacher of our experience together and we will present it at a two-day Education conference in Gulu. Crazy tunes…this is different than I expected, but I am glad because now I will feel the purpose in my stay here and being so busy will help the time go faster.
They love Obama here. Florence even made up an acronym for him. Originally Born in Africa to Manage America. Awesome. Apparently, he descends from the Lwo tribe in Kenya. Back in the day, (which was a Wednesday…Dane Cook fans???), the Acholi (Gulu people) and the Lwo (Kenyan people) were one tribe in Sudan. Then, when they crossed the Nile River, one brother went to Kenya and one stayed in Gulu, so the tribes split. But they are still part of a brotherhood. So, they can claim Obama and are so proud of it. I try to reinforce that. The President here, Musseveni is a complete asshole. He has no respect for the Acholi people in the North. Some people believe that he paid the LRA to attack the North during the war. The other day he gave a speech saying that the Acholi people are “stupid” and cannot and should not be helped. This is their President. If he’s not looking out for them, who will?
That’s right, me. J Just kidding, but seriously…I have never felt more fulfilled than to see the smile in the eyes of the Acholi people when they ask, “Why did you come to Gulu?” And I say, because I heard your story and it broke my heart and I wanted to come and meet you. It is a beautiful moment. You truly can see the pain in their eyes. And when you think about the horror that they have been put through, you can understand. But they persevere. Everyday…it’s awe-inspiring. Florence was preparing me today for the children in the classroom. Many were kidnapped by the LRA and forced to do the unthinkable. Many girls were abducted and now have children from their time there. Again, I can’t imagine.
I will warn you that I will probably talk a little strange for a while when I come home. The way that I phrase my sentences now is different and I’ve picked up a couple of their phrases as well. For instance, instead of saying “me too” or “I agree”, they say “even for me”. So, I find myself saying, “Even for me, I would love to go into town”. Funny.
I am very intimidated by the amount of work that I have ahead of me. It is going to be very intense. I will be working every day from 8-6 p.m. I will have about 8-12 classes a day and there are at least 70-80 students in each. Each class is 40 minutes. Florence, my partner teacher, tells me not to be afraid. That is will be no problem (parac). But, I just don’t know what to expect. On top of the teaching, I will also be doing research and interviewing other teachers, students and community members to find out more about the interaction between school and community to rebuild during this transition from conflict to reconstruction. At the end of four/five weeks I will have comprised a handbook with my partner teacher of our experience together and we will present it at a two-day Education conference in Gulu. Crazy tunes…this is different than I expected, but I am glad because now I will feel the purpose in my stay here and being so busy will help the time go faster.
They love Obama here. Florence even made up an acronym for him. Originally Born in Africa to Manage America. Awesome. Apparently, he descends from the Lwo tribe in Kenya. Back in the day, (which was a Wednesday…Dane Cook fans???), the Acholi (Gulu people) and the Lwo (Kenyan people) were one tribe in Sudan. Then, when they crossed the Nile River, one brother went to Kenya and one stayed in Gulu, so the tribes split. But they are still part of a brotherhood. So, they can claim Obama and are so proud of it. I try to reinforce that. The President here, Musseveni is a complete asshole. He has no respect for the Acholi people in the North. Some people believe that he paid the LRA to attack the North during the war. The other day he gave a speech saying that the Acholi people are “stupid” and cannot and should not be helped. This is their President. If he’s not looking out for them, who will?
That’s right, me. J Just kidding, but seriously…I have never felt more fulfilled than to see the smile in the eyes of the Acholi people when they ask, “Why did you come to Gulu?” And I say, because I heard your story and it broke my heart and I wanted to come and meet you. It is a beautiful moment. You truly can see the pain in their eyes. And when you think about the horror that they have been put through, you can understand. But they persevere. Everyday…it’s awe-inspiring. Florence was preparing me today for the children in the classroom. Many were kidnapped by the LRA and forced to do the unthinkable. Many girls were abducted and now have children from their time there. Again, I can’t imagine.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
This blog took me an hour to post...ENJOY IT!!!
I wrote this blog on Thursday but couldn't post it until today (Saturday). Love y'all!
On Tuesday, we visited the craft market to buy all our gifts. A bit early in the trip but it was the only time we’ll be there. They must’ve been so sad to see me go though because I could not stop buying. I even bought a big woven hat. I may look ridiculous, but I won’t get skin cancer. After the market, we went to visit a youth program in the “ghettos” of Kampala. Don’t worry, we were safe. But the group was started by a local hip-hop artist and they were called the Bavubuka All-Stars. They were amazing. Their passion and their talent was so inspirational and overwhelming. Their purpose is to bring positivity to a generation that has only experienced pain and suffering. Some of the youth performed for us. It was a privilege to be their audience. We were sitting in such a remote area, in a tiny house that had children’s drawings covering up burn marks on the walls, listening to talent that you would hear on the radio or MTV. Very surreal. They also made jewelry and art and even had a screen printing system in the back so we got t-shirts. It was an excellent adventure.
After Bavubuka, we got on the short bus and rode 6 hours to Gulu. The ride was bumpy; although they repaved part of the roads a few years ago for Chogrum (a time when the Queen came to visit). But she didn’t go to Gulu so they didn’t pave that far up. There were also intense speed bumps every 10 feet for about a 5 mile stretch. I’m not lying. It was insane. Every 10 feet! That made for a bumpy, long and hot ride. But it was still enjoyable. This country is incredibly beautiful. Everything is so green and the sky is so blue! When we were almost to Gulu, we crossed the Nile River. The Nile River! It was rapidly rushing and the sight took my breath away. But we were not allowed to take pictures because there were military guards around (even though we couldn’t see them, they were there) and they would confiscate our cameras if we took pictures at that point. As we were arriving in the Gulu District, there were two ginormous trees! I have never seen anything like them. They seemed like two majestic guardians watching over the pathway. I almost felt like we should pay some toll to go through them. Amazing.
Gulu is much different than I had imagined. I thought we would be surrounded by huts and that everything would be very remote. But there are many businesses and the center of Gulu is like a regular town (an African town). When we arrived at the Invisible Children compound (house), we drove up in the driveway and the Gulu IC staff was waiting to greet us. It was overwhelming. I was a bit starstruck because I recognized some of them from the website and the Rescue efforts. Crazy tunes! Still hoping the founders will show up, but I don’t know about that. I’m living in a great house. I’m on the bottom of a three story bunk bed, but my mosquito net is blue so that makes me happy!
Yesterday (Wednesday) we had meetings all day and then went into town for a bit. We learned some of the language. I will be walking a lot! Good thing I brought my TOMS. They are surprisingly comfortable. But they will be red instead of black by the time I get home from all the red dust.
I’ve made good friends with all of my fellow teachers. I asked them if I had an accent and they all gasped…so I’m guessing I do. I’m the only Southern girl in the group, so I stand out with my “y’alls” and my “crazy tunes”. The IC staff called me out on “Geezum Pete’s” last night! It was funny. There is a man here from Texas so my accent pales in comparison to his.
Today we will have more meetings and training. We will hear about the history of the war…anxious about that. It is such a haunting feeling to know that Joseph Kony was in this area where I am at one time tormenting so many. But please don’t worry. I am very safe. The locals appreciate our presence and are very welcoming. We have a guarded house and I will never be alone.
I am safe. I am happy. I am eating very well! I am spraying bug spray every hour. I am taking my medications. I am nervous about meeting my partner teacher tomorrow (Friday), but excited as well. I have a long road of work ahead of me. It will be a very taxing, intense workload, but I will take it one day at a time.
I miss you all and love you even more! I will write again soon.
By the way, my partner teacher is amazing. She said she will take care of me like I am her daughter. I will be working A LOT! 8-5 everyday...at least 5-8 classes a day with 70-80 students in each class! I want to cry...but it will be amzing!
Swetman
On Tuesday, we visited the craft market to buy all our gifts. A bit early in the trip but it was the only time we’ll be there. They must’ve been so sad to see me go though because I could not stop buying. I even bought a big woven hat. I may look ridiculous, but I won’t get skin cancer. After the market, we went to visit a youth program in the “ghettos” of Kampala. Don’t worry, we were safe. But the group was started by a local hip-hop artist and they were called the Bavubuka All-Stars. They were amazing. Their passion and their talent was so inspirational and overwhelming. Their purpose is to bring positivity to a generation that has only experienced pain and suffering. Some of the youth performed for us. It was a privilege to be their audience. We were sitting in such a remote area, in a tiny house that had children’s drawings covering up burn marks on the walls, listening to talent that you would hear on the radio or MTV. Very surreal. They also made jewelry and art and even had a screen printing system in the back so we got t-shirts. It was an excellent adventure.
After Bavubuka, we got on the short bus and rode 6 hours to Gulu. The ride was bumpy; although they repaved part of the roads a few years ago for Chogrum (a time when the Queen came to visit). But she didn’t go to Gulu so they didn’t pave that far up. There were also intense speed bumps every 10 feet for about a 5 mile stretch. I’m not lying. It was insane. Every 10 feet! That made for a bumpy, long and hot ride. But it was still enjoyable. This country is incredibly beautiful. Everything is so green and the sky is so blue! When we were almost to Gulu, we crossed the Nile River. The Nile River! It was rapidly rushing and the sight took my breath away. But we were not allowed to take pictures because there were military guards around (even though we couldn’t see them, they were there) and they would confiscate our cameras if we took pictures at that point. As we were arriving in the Gulu District, there were two ginormous trees! I have never seen anything like them. They seemed like two majestic guardians watching over the pathway. I almost felt like we should pay some toll to go through them. Amazing.
Gulu is much different than I had imagined. I thought we would be surrounded by huts and that everything would be very remote. But there are many businesses and the center of Gulu is like a regular town (an African town). When we arrived at the Invisible Children compound (house), we drove up in the driveway and the Gulu IC staff was waiting to greet us. It was overwhelming. I was a bit starstruck because I recognized some of them from the website and the Rescue efforts. Crazy tunes! Still hoping the founders will show up, but I don’t know about that. I’m living in a great house. I’m on the bottom of a three story bunk bed, but my mosquito net is blue so that makes me happy!
Yesterday (Wednesday) we had meetings all day and then went into town for a bit. We learned some of the language. I will be walking a lot! Good thing I brought my TOMS. They are surprisingly comfortable. But they will be red instead of black by the time I get home from all the red dust.
I’ve made good friends with all of my fellow teachers. I asked them if I had an accent and they all gasped…so I’m guessing I do. I’m the only Southern girl in the group, so I stand out with my “y’alls” and my “crazy tunes”. The IC staff called me out on “Geezum Pete’s” last night! It was funny. There is a man here from Texas so my accent pales in comparison to his.
Today we will have more meetings and training. We will hear about the history of the war…anxious about that. It is such a haunting feeling to know that Joseph Kony was in this area where I am at one time tormenting so many. But please don’t worry. I am very safe. The locals appreciate our presence and are very welcoming. We have a guarded house and I will never be alone.
I am safe. I am happy. I am eating very well! I am spraying bug spray every hour. I am taking my medications. I am nervous about meeting my partner teacher tomorrow (Friday), but excited as well. I have a long road of work ahead of me. It will be a very taxing, intense workload, but I will take it one day at a time.
I miss you all and love you even more! I will write again soon.
By the way, my partner teacher is amazing. She said she will take care of me like I am her daughter. I will be working A LOT! 8-5 everyday...at least 5-8 classes a day with 70-80 students in each class! I want to cry...but it will be amzing!
Swetman
Monday, June 1, 2009
Holy Geez!
Alright, so I am beyond exhausted right now...if this does not make sense, I apologize. It is 9:30 at night on Monday in Uganda but it is 12:30 p.m. for y'all. I have not showered since Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. in Baton Rouge. I am having a wonderful time.
Yesterday we spent the day in London. We were all so exhausted from not being able to sleep on the plane the night before so we fell asleep in Hyde Park for a while. I saw Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. That was exciting. We arrived in Uganda this morning at about 7 o'clock their time and we did not stop for a minute. Again, the jet lag is painful :) But we went to the embassy and we also visited a school here in Kampala. AND!!! For all the Invisible Children fans out there...I met Jacob! From the video! I was starstruck! I still can't believe it. He is so sweet and so grown up. He is on level S6 at school which is the equivalent of a senior. He also plans to attend a university next year.
Uganda truly is the pearl of Africa like Winston Churchill said. It reminds me of Honduras and Brazil a great deal. Tomorrow we are going to the craft market and then we are taking a six hour bus ride to Gulu. Bumpy roads! I will be in Gulu for the remainder of the trip. I will observe next week and then start teaching.
Thursday nights, though, are quiz nights. So we all go to a local pub in Gulu and play trivia! I am so excited about that :)
I have met some incredible people, including the woman who started the branch of Invisible Children called Mend. We will get to tour their facility at some point as well.
I should go...but I love you all and I hope you are having a wonderful summer! I will be in touch soon!
Oh, and there are monkeys just roaming around the hostel right now...crazy tunes!
Take care...peace out!
Yesterday we spent the day in London. We were all so exhausted from not being able to sleep on the plane the night before so we fell asleep in Hyde Park for a while. I saw Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. That was exciting. We arrived in Uganda this morning at about 7 o'clock their time and we did not stop for a minute. Again, the jet lag is painful :) But we went to the embassy and we also visited a school here in Kampala. AND!!! For all the Invisible Children fans out there...I met Jacob! From the video! I was starstruck! I still can't believe it. He is so sweet and so grown up. He is on level S6 at school which is the equivalent of a senior. He also plans to attend a university next year.
Uganda truly is the pearl of Africa like Winston Churchill said. It reminds me of Honduras and Brazil a great deal. Tomorrow we are going to the craft market and then we are taking a six hour bus ride to Gulu. Bumpy roads! I will be in Gulu for the remainder of the trip. I will observe next week and then start teaching.
Thursday nights, though, are quiz nights. So we all go to a local pub in Gulu and play trivia! I am so excited about that :)
I have met some incredible people, including the woman who started the branch of Invisible Children called Mend. We will get to tour their facility at some point as well.
I should go...but I love you all and I hope you are having a wonderful summer! I will be in touch soon!
Oh, and there are monkeys just roaming around the hostel right now...crazy tunes!
Take care...peace out!
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