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.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
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!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Geez'um Pete's!!!
Uganda tomorrow! I can't believe it! I'm not entirely packed yet. Well, when I say that I mean that I have packed, but it is more of a mountain than a suitcase. So, today I have to unpack and then repack again. Good times.
Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers! Keep it coming!
I'm not sure when I will first get to a computer, but as soon as I do I'll be in touch!
"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart." - Rumi
Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers! Keep it coming!
I'm not sure when I will first get to a computer, but as soon as I do I'll be in touch!
"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart." - Rumi
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Teaching Assignment
So, I found out where I will be teaching in Gulu this summer! Very exciting. I will be teaching English at Keyo Secondary School. It is one of the newer schools in Invisible Children's Schools for Schools program. I can hardly wait. I am going to post a link below to Keyo's link on IC's S4S website. Watch the intro video if it doesn't already pop up. That will be my school and those will be my students!!! Amazing!
Thanks again for all your support and prayers!
http://s4s.invisiblechildren.com/school/keyo-secondary
Thanks again for all your support and prayers!
http://s4s.invisiblechildren.com/school/keyo-secondary
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