Well, I've been back in the states about 2 months and I'm still adjusting to things. People have laughed at me when I spell with the British spelling, say things that are not said here, or answer in Luganda. Things still amaze me here. I am also getting used to it getting dark early since I was used to sunrise about 6:30 AM and sunset about 7:00 PM (give or take about 15 minutes). In addition, it is COLD here! I'm still getting used to it getting colder as I was used to it being in the 80s & 90s most of the year with it getting down to the 60s & 70s during rainy season. And to think that I just applied to teach skiing up at Bluewood.
I find myself very tired at the end of the day and the only thing that I can think of is that here I am overstimulated since in Uganda I didn't have as much materials.
I am substituting in Walla Walla and Prescott and that has been also an adjustment. I have to get used to small classes again with all the extra things in the classes. The classrooms here are so lucky that each teacher has their own computer and a projector and document camera.
I have been able to share at both of my churches here in the states about my time in Uganda. I have also been able to share in many of the classrooms that I teach about my time and the differences between Ugandan and American schools.
I can't believe how materialist our culture is! Having Christmas things out before Halloween! Come on people! Why do we need to turn Christmas into a HUGE expense when it should be about Jesus Christ coming to the earth, and being with family instead of pressure for whoever is hosting and the stress of coming up with a gift that someone will appreciate. I had an amazing Christmas last year with a friend's family in Uganda. It was so simple and the focus was on Jesus and family. We went to church in the morning, and had people over for lunch/dinner in the afternoon. I didn't see things for Christmas in Uganda or presents being given (since most people don't have the money for it unless it is shoes or other things for school). I miss that type of attitude towards Christmas.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Back in the States :(
I have been back in the states since late Monday night. It was not my plan to come back, but there was some issues with immigration so I had to come home for now. I am here until the issues get worked out. I know that I'm going back to Uganda, but for now I'm working in Walla Walla and waiting for God's timing to go back.
Thank you so much to all of you for your prayers for me while I was in Uganda. Please continue to pray for me as the adjustment to the states is very difficult. Dad asked me to stop at the store yesterday to buy some taco shells for dinner and I had a really difficult time being in the store with so much food.
I am amazed at all the little things that I experience here. I was sitting in the Seattle airport on Monday on my computer and the battery got over. I was then thinking that I hoped that the electricity was on at home to recharge my computer. Also having running hot and cold water. Not having to boil my water before I drink it. Having so many options for food and having it in the house anytime I want it. I was continue to notice things and try to adjust back to life in America, but it will be hard as my heart is still in Uganda.
Thanks again to everyone for your prayers and support of the school. Please pray for the Senior 4 class as they begin their exams in only a couple of weeks.
Thank you so much to all of you for your prayers for me while I was in Uganda. Please continue to pray for me as the adjustment to the states is very difficult. Dad asked me to stop at the store yesterday to buy some taco shells for dinner and I had a really difficult time being in the store with so much food.
I am amazed at all the little things that I experience here. I was sitting in the Seattle airport on Monday on my computer and the battery got over. I was then thinking that I hoped that the electricity was on at home to recharge my computer. Also having running hot and cold water. Not having to boil my water before I drink it. Having so many options for food and having it in the house anytime I want it. I was continue to notice things and try to adjust back to life in America, but it will be hard as my heart is still in Uganda.
Thanks again to everyone for your prayers and support of the school. Please pray for the Senior 4 class as they begin their exams in only a couple of weeks.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Mom & Andrew here
Mom and Andrew came on the 3rd August! I have enjoyed having them here and it’s somehow sad that they are leaving today. They got to spend a week at the school and had a good time with the teachers, pupils & students.
Our programme got changed so on Wednesday, 5th August, I took them to Jinja since Mom had never been. We went to the Source of the Nile River and had a very good guide. It was the first time they had ridden boda bodas but we got good drivers that understood. It was a relaxing day and I took them by myself without having someone assist us so I felt very accomplished.
We ended up going to Kiwangala on Friday, 7th August. That afternoon the secondary school had their semi-finals for football and netball. Andrew got to be the referee for both the semi-finals and the finals the following day. It was interesting competitions as there were a few misunderstandings. The students were very excited and enjoyed the competitions a lot and are looking forward to them next year.
On Sunday, 9th August, Andrew preached at church. Then on Monday, we helped the teachers to work on sorting the exams and filing the exams. Them on Tuesday, we spent the day at Nambirizii. We gave out sweets, met with the teachers, had lunch with Pastor Josham, and went to all of the classes. It was a good day and we know that they were blessed by having us there. On Wednesday, Andrew and Mom had a meeting with the students. We then helped to file and make corrections to the circulars, and then Andrew coached the school team against the village team in football.
On Thursday, was the secondary MDD (Music, Dance, & Drama). It was an exciting day and great to see the talent of the students. Again they enjoyed the day and were glad to have Mom and Andrew as the Guest of Honours for the day. On Friday, we helped to finish the filing before visiting the classes and giving sweets to the pupils as it was the last day of the term. We then went to the well to do our wash and it started raining some. On Saturday, we got a taxi to Masaka and it started raining heavily. We had to wait in the taxi for some time for the rain to stop so we could move to the coaster to come back to Kampala.
Yesterday, we went to church and they greeted the people. We then traveled to Mama Grace’s home to see her and the children who stay with her. We also picked up a cake for my birthday. I only have a few short hours with them left and I’m trying to enjoy every moment instead of thinking about how sad I will be to see them leave.
The children began their holiday on Friday, 14th August, and will begin third term on the 7th September. It is short holiday and we will continue to have many programs next term as the Primary 7 and Senior 4 candidates are preparing to sit for their exams soon. Please continue to pray that the rain continues so it will make having water easier at the school. In addition, the prices of food have gone up because of the drought so pray that the crops will be able to grow well and that the prices will go down soon.
Thank to everyone who sent greetings with Mom and Andrew. I was encouraged to hear from so many of you. I continue to pray that things are well with all of you and hopefully will write again soon. God’s blessing until then!
Our programme got changed so on Wednesday, 5th August, I took them to Jinja since Mom had never been. We went to the Source of the Nile River and had a very good guide. It was the first time they had ridden boda bodas but we got good drivers that understood. It was a relaxing day and I took them by myself without having someone assist us so I felt very accomplished.
We ended up going to Kiwangala on Friday, 7th August. That afternoon the secondary school had their semi-finals for football and netball. Andrew got to be the referee for both the semi-finals and the finals the following day. It was interesting competitions as there were a few misunderstandings. The students were very excited and enjoyed the competitions a lot and are looking forward to them next year.
On Sunday, 9th August, Andrew preached at church. Then on Monday, we helped the teachers to work on sorting the exams and filing the exams. Them on Tuesday, we spent the day at Nambirizii. We gave out sweets, met with the teachers, had lunch with Pastor Josham, and went to all of the classes. It was a good day and we know that they were blessed by having us there. On Wednesday, Andrew and Mom had a meeting with the students. We then helped to file and make corrections to the circulars, and then Andrew coached the school team against the village team in football.
On Thursday, was the secondary MDD (Music, Dance, & Drama). It was an exciting day and great to see the talent of the students. Again they enjoyed the day and were glad to have Mom and Andrew as the Guest of Honours for the day. On Friday, we helped to finish the filing before visiting the classes and giving sweets to the pupils as it was the last day of the term. We then went to the well to do our wash and it started raining some. On Saturday, we got a taxi to Masaka and it started raining heavily. We had to wait in the taxi for some time for the rain to stop so we could move to the coaster to come back to Kampala.
Yesterday, we went to church and they greeted the people. We then traveled to Mama Grace’s home to see her and the children who stay with her. We also picked up a cake for my birthday. I only have a few short hours with them left and I’m trying to enjoy every moment instead of thinking about how sad I will be to see them leave.
The children began their holiday on Friday, 14th August, and will begin third term on the 7th September. It is short holiday and we will continue to have many programs next term as the Primary 7 and Senior 4 candidates are preparing to sit for their exams soon. Please continue to pray that the rain continues so it will make having water easier at the school. In addition, the prices of food have gone up because of the drought so pray that the crops will be able to grow well and that the prices will go down soon.
Thank to everyone who sent greetings with Mom and Andrew. I was encouraged to hear from so many of you. I continue to pray that things are well with all of you and hopefully will write again soon. God’s blessing until then!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Secondary Tour
On Friday, 24th July, we took the secondary students to Jinja for their tour. The bus was here at 2 AM and we loaded and left by 3:30 AM. The students were sitting three or four to a seat and some were standing in the aisles because we had so many. I was sharing a seat with two other people and kept sliding off the seat whenever we hit a bump, which was quite often with our roads here.
We reached the tea factory around 9:45 AM after stopping a few places to buy food and dealing with traffic through Kampala. The students had a lecture with the manager of the factory and plantation. It was very educational and it will help them on their exams. The manager took us around to view different parts of the plantation and see the workers in the fields but we were not allowed in the factory.
I learned about the 1995 constitution as I was taking photos and a field boss came up and started informing me about their constitution and how it is illegal to take photos without someone’s permission. HM David talked with the man and thanked him for their education. He then asked the workers if it was okay to take their photos and use their shears and they said it was. They pick the fields either using their hands or using shears. The students, and even myself, got to try with the shears.
I walked back to the bus with a student, the agriculture teacher, and the head field boss. We had a good conversation and I continued to learn about the plantation. The workers are paid by weight and those that use their hands are paid more then those who use the shears. They are provided housing and lunch. Some get paid weekly, some bi-monthly and others monthly. They have a school and a clinic and are looking at ways of improving their plantation and life for their workers.
Around midday we left and headed the rest of the way to Jinja. We ate lunch, after having to wait some good time to get something to put the food into for each of the students. We then entered the Agriculture and Trade Show. The agriculture students got a lecture on the different types of machines that they had at the show and the other students were free to explore. It reminded me of a fair as it had different animals, rides, shops, food, crops that they were showing off, games, camel rides, and a mini-zoo. The students enjoyed and they did not want to leave after only spending two hours there. There was so much to see and do and they did not get adequate time, but at least it was better than nothing.
Most of the students have toured more than the primary so they were not as excited about some of the things that the primary pupils were, but they also enjoyed and learned a lot as well. It was interesting to see the difference in the organization of the two tours and how the children reacted to the different things that they saw. I’m glad that I was able to experience both and I’m looking forward to next year and wondering about the places that we are going to tour.
I am counting the days and hours until Mom and Andrew arrive in Uganda. It is only a few short hours and then I will get to enjoy them for two weeks. I’m excited to show them my home and my children, along with my co-workers, both at primary and secondary.
Please pray as we end the term and the children go home to spend some time with their families before coming back. We are still without power as the transformer has not been fixed so also pray for continued patience in dealing with the government in fixing out power problem. Lastly, pray that we begin to receive rain soon. We got some last weekend and it helped, as are cistern is fixed, but the people are in need of rain to grow their crops. Thanks for your prayers and support. God’s blessing until I write again!
We reached the tea factory around 9:45 AM after stopping a few places to buy food and dealing with traffic through Kampala. The students had a lecture with the manager of the factory and plantation. It was very educational and it will help them on their exams. The manager took us around to view different parts of the plantation and see the workers in the fields but we were not allowed in the factory.
I learned about the 1995 constitution as I was taking photos and a field boss came up and started informing me about their constitution and how it is illegal to take photos without someone’s permission. HM David talked with the man and thanked him for their education. He then asked the workers if it was okay to take their photos and use their shears and they said it was. They pick the fields either using their hands or using shears. The students, and even myself, got to try with the shears.
I walked back to the bus with a student, the agriculture teacher, and the head field boss. We had a good conversation and I continued to learn about the plantation. The workers are paid by weight and those that use their hands are paid more then those who use the shears. They are provided housing and lunch. Some get paid weekly, some bi-monthly and others monthly. They have a school and a clinic and are looking at ways of improving their plantation and life for their workers.
Around midday we left and headed the rest of the way to Jinja. We ate lunch, after having to wait some good time to get something to put the food into for each of the students. We then entered the Agriculture and Trade Show. The agriculture students got a lecture on the different types of machines that they had at the show and the other students were free to explore. It reminded me of a fair as it had different animals, rides, shops, food, crops that they were showing off, games, camel rides, and a mini-zoo. The students enjoyed and they did not want to leave after only spending two hours there. There was so much to see and do and they did not get adequate time, but at least it was better than nothing.
Most of the students have toured more than the primary so they were not as excited about some of the things that the primary pupils were, but they also enjoyed and learned a lot as well. It was interesting to see the difference in the organization of the two tours and how the children reacted to the different things that they saw. I’m glad that I was able to experience both and I’m looking forward to next year and wondering about the places that we are going to tour.
I am counting the days and hours until Mom and Andrew arrive in Uganda. It is only a few short hours and then I will get to enjoy them for two weeks. I’m excited to show them my home and my children, along with my co-workers, both at primary and secondary.
Please pray as we end the term and the children go home to spend some time with their families before coming back. We are still without power as the transformer has not been fixed so also pray for continued patience in dealing with the government in fixing out power problem. Lastly, pray that we begin to receive rain soon. We got some last weekend and it helped, as are cistern is fixed, but the people are in need of rain to grow their crops. Thanks for your prayers and support. God’s blessing until I write again!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Primary tour
Yesterday we brought our children to Kampala for a tour (field trip). It was really interesting and educational. We took two coasters and each row had about 12 children sitting in it where there are only 5 seats so many children were carrying other children. In my row we had 12-14 people and I had one child sitting on my lap the whole time we were moving. The children were surprised by many things and it made me realize even more how little these children are exposed to places and things. As we were moving to Kampala they saw an aeroplane and were so excited that they were standing up in the coaster to see it better. I was thinking, “haven’t these children seen an aeroplane before?” and half way through the thought realized that most of them probably haven’t seen one so close before.
We left the school at 4:30 AM and travelled to Kampala. We reached around 8 AM and first visited the Kasubi tombs, the place where the Buganda kings are buried. We spent some good time there learning about the place and the kings that are buried there. We then gave them their breakfast around 10:30 AM of juice and a bun/roll as we prepared to move to the next place. We then visited the Uganda martyrs’ memorial. It is a now a Catholic church and we learned the history to the martyrs and why they are remembered every year on the 3rd June. We then visited the national stadium and the football players were able to play for about 15 minutes on the field. The last place we visited was Didi’s World which is an amusement park. We feed them lunch/dinner of rice and juice around 6 PM. They went back to the school after that and got home around 11 PM.
I’m so glad that I was able to move with them and also see these places. I learned a lot myself about the places we visited and also got to know our pupils better. I will be moving with the secondary next week when they also go for their educational tour to Jinja. I’m looking forward to getting to know some of our secondary students better and learn even more about Uganda.
We had our final football and netball competitions on the 10th July. All of the houses did very well and we have seen a lot of talent within our pupils. A local football coach, who was our referee for the day, has offered to come and help train our pupils to further develop their talents in the field. Secondary began their competitions on Monday and I am also on their committee. They are doing it inter-class instead of inter-house because of difficulties with the students changing houses. They are very competitive and I’m looking forward to enjoying their competitions also.
I’m counting down the days until my mother and brother, Andrew, come to visit me. I’m down to two weeks. The pupils and students are also waiting to welcome them. Thanks to all of you who are praying for me and the school and those who are supporting us financially. I pray that all of you are doing well. God’s blessing and prayers until I write again.
We left the school at 4:30 AM and travelled to Kampala. We reached around 8 AM and first visited the Kasubi tombs, the place where the Buganda kings are buried. We spent some good time there learning about the place and the kings that are buried there. We then gave them their breakfast around 10:30 AM of juice and a bun/roll as we prepared to move to the next place. We then visited the Uganda martyrs’ memorial. It is a now a Catholic church and we learned the history to the martyrs and why they are remembered every year on the 3rd June. We then visited the national stadium and the football players were able to play for about 15 minutes on the field. The last place we visited was Didi’s World which is an amusement park. We feed them lunch/dinner of rice and juice around 6 PM. They went back to the school after that and got home around 11 PM.
I’m so glad that I was able to move with them and also see these places. I learned a lot myself about the places we visited and also got to know our pupils better. I will be moving with the secondary next week when they also go for their educational tour to Jinja. I’m looking forward to getting to know some of our secondary students better and learn even more about Uganda.
We had our final football and netball competitions on the 10th July. All of the houses did very well and we have seen a lot of talent within our pupils. A local football coach, who was our referee for the day, has offered to come and help train our pupils to further develop their talents in the field. Secondary began their competitions on Monday and I am also on their committee. They are doing it inter-class instead of inter-house because of difficulties with the students changing houses. They are very competitive and I’m looking forward to enjoying their competitions also.
I’m counting down the days until my mother and brother, Andrew, come to visit me. I’m down to two weeks. The pupils and students are also waiting to welcome them. Thanks to all of you who are praying for me and the school and those who are supporting us financially. I pray that all of you are doing well. God’s blessing and prayers until I write again.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
visitors
We welcomed the first team of visitors on the 22nd June and they stayed until the 28th June. They were people from Lake Bible Church and Christ Church. They cemented the floor and dedicated the new dorm. They also did some teaching, serving of porridge, and cleaning of the compound. We were very grateful to them for the work that they did.
The second team came on the 2nd July and stayed until the 6th July. They work for GSM international education so they sat in some of the classes to see the teaching and met with the teachers. They spent a lot of time interacting with different people at the school and encouraged them to continue the work.
Both of these teams brought many supplies for the school. We appreciate them for what they are doing and the things that they brought to make our school better.
On the 6th and 7th July we had 35 people from Solar Africa. They put two solar panels on our school. One on the primary side for P5-P7 and one on the main hall of secondary. We used them for the first time on Tuesday night. The ones for primary gave enough light that the pupils could easily study preps (7-9 PM) and winter (5-6 AM) and still have a security light on all night. The one on the main hall lights the hall but none of the classrooms. Still it is extremely helpful to use the solar lights instead of hydro lights as the transformer for the area blew on the 27th June and still has not been fixed. We have been using the generator since that time for preps and have not been having winter due to the cost of the fuel. The teachers are saying that the lights for solar are so much brighter than the hydro lights. We cannot thank the people enough for their love for our school. They have told everyone that they are coming back next year to provide us more panels and lights. We are waiting for them and praying for them as they have greatly given to our school. Words cannot express our love and thanks to these wonderful people.
On the 3rd July we had the visitation day for day school and then on the 5th July for the boarders. It is always good to see the parents and show to them how their children are doing in class.
We will have our final competitions for football and netball on the 10th July. The teams have been learning and growing in their skills during the league play. The Solar Africa people also helped us as they gave a set of uniforms to the primary and a set to the secondary for their football (soccer) teams. In addition, they gave us a good football and volley ball.
Then on the 17th July we will have a tour (field trip) to Jinja. We are still setting the program of the places we will visit, and I’ve been informed that the day may be changed due to availability of the places. We encourage every child to go but the tour costs sh. 22,000 (about $11.00) which is difficult for many families as the cost of tuition for a term (3 months) is sh. 30,000 (about $15.00) for day school. A few of the pupils will be given scholarships to go, but still there are many that will be unable to attend.
We still have two teams of visitors coming in August. Abby and I will each be receiving family. We are eagerly awaiting their visits. This term has been extremely busy so please pray for our pupils to remember what they have learned and for the teachers to get all of the material to the pupils before the exams. God’s blessing to each of you until I write again.
The second team came on the 2nd July and stayed until the 6th July. They work for GSM international education so they sat in some of the classes to see the teaching and met with the teachers. They spent a lot of time interacting with different people at the school and encouraged them to continue the work.
Both of these teams brought many supplies for the school. We appreciate them for what they are doing and the things that they brought to make our school better.
On the 6th and 7th July we had 35 people from Solar Africa. They put two solar panels on our school. One on the primary side for P5-P7 and one on the main hall of secondary. We used them for the first time on Tuesday night. The ones for primary gave enough light that the pupils could easily study preps (7-9 PM) and winter (5-6 AM) and still have a security light on all night. The one on the main hall lights the hall but none of the classrooms. Still it is extremely helpful to use the solar lights instead of hydro lights as the transformer for the area blew on the 27th June and still has not been fixed. We have been using the generator since that time for preps and have not been having winter due to the cost of the fuel. The teachers are saying that the lights for solar are so much brighter than the hydro lights. We cannot thank the people enough for their love for our school. They have told everyone that they are coming back next year to provide us more panels and lights. We are waiting for them and praying for them as they have greatly given to our school. Words cannot express our love and thanks to these wonderful people.
On the 3rd July we had the visitation day for day school and then on the 5th July for the boarders. It is always good to see the parents and show to them how their children are doing in class.
We will have our final competitions for football and netball on the 10th July. The teams have been learning and growing in their skills during the league play. The Solar Africa people also helped us as they gave a set of uniforms to the primary and a set to the secondary for their football (soccer) teams. In addition, they gave us a good football and volley ball.
Then on the 17th July we will have a tour (field trip) to Jinja. We are still setting the program of the places we will visit, and I’ve been informed that the day may be changed due to availability of the places. We encourage every child to go but the tour costs sh. 22,000 (about $11.00) which is difficult for many families as the cost of tuition for a term (3 months) is sh. 30,000 (about $15.00) for day school. A few of the pupils will be given scholarships to go, but still there are many that will be unable to attend.
We still have two teams of visitors coming in August. Abby and I will each be receiving family. We are eagerly awaiting their visits. This term has been extremely busy so please pray for our pupils to remember what they have learned and for the teachers to get all of the material to the pupils before the exams. God’s blessing to each of you until I write again.
Friday, June 19, 2009
The term is moving along
Thank you to all of you who have been praying for my health. I am much better now and feel like myself. I got the treatment that I needed and I’ve been back at the school for almost two weeks now.
We began the football and netball competitions this past Tuesday. It was very stressful the first day as teachers had many questions and complaints. The second day went much better as we had worked out some of the problems that we had the first day. I’m trying to post the standings weekly after the matches so the pupils and teachers know how they are doing.
We are waiting for the first team of visitors to come on Monday. We are expecting four different teams between now and August so we will be somehow busy. We always look forward to having visitors as they help the school a lot.
Thank you so much for those of you who contributed to our well and water issue. They fixed the well yesterday! It was exciting to see the pupils pumping water outside of my window. The extra money will go to finish the cistern, fix a faucet and pay off the people who have bringing water to the school. Thank you again so much! It is such a blessing to all of us as we don’t have the pupils to the well for water or pay someone sh. 200 a jerry can (about $0.10 for 20 litres).
We are preparing for midterm exams which begin this week. It is hard to believe that June is already here. Time is really moving along.
We began the football and netball competitions this past Tuesday. It was very stressful the first day as teachers had many questions and complaints. The second day went much better as we had worked out some of the problems that we had the first day. I’m trying to post the standings weekly after the matches so the pupils and teachers know how they are doing.
We are waiting for the first team of visitors to come on Monday. We are expecting four different teams between now and August so we will be somehow busy. We always look forward to having visitors as they help the school a lot.
Thank you so much for those of you who contributed to our well and water issue. They fixed the well yesterday! It was exciting to see the pupils pumping water outside of my window. The extra money will go to finish the cistern, fix a faucet and pay off the people who have bringing water to the school. Thank you again so much! It is such a blessing to all of us as we don’t have the pupils to the well for water or pay someone sh. 200 a jerry can (about $0.10 for 20 litres).
We are preparing for midterm exams which begin this week. It is hard to believe that June is already here. Time is really moving along.
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