Had fun making a Gruffalo costume for the latest pantomime performed here. There were lots of positive comments on the outfit, no doubt more due to the wonderful roaring and running about by the first-time actor wearing the mask and suit.
Have discovered that I mostly love the challenge of making weird things for people as costumes, rather than designing the over-all looks for each actor and the play as a whole. After several times of doing the costumes, maybe I've found a new niche.
No success yet in getting the mother dog to the thrown away litter spayed. It takes more than just my willingness to feed her and pay to bring this about. No place to hold her before surgery or after so as to feed her up for the surgery and the healing after. No one is able to take responsibility for this stray, who is likely to be caught and euthanized by the local city council or stoned by people whose food she steals to survive. life is hard some times and in some places.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
What I've learned
12 days of caring for thrown away puppies collected from a drainage ditch near my home. Feeding and sugar water given every few hours, poop and pee clean up frequently. 2 vet visits......and all 7 died. I was so angry with the man who tossed them out until....
I learned this low paid guard for a neighboring compound loved the mama dog so much, he couldn't bear to see her sucked to death. So each litter he kept only the strongest pup and tossed the rest. You see, he has no money to spay her, is not allowed to keep her in the compound (and prevent her being bred) and doesn't even cook there for himself, so can't cook for her.
He has accepted my offer to have his dog spayed once the saved out pup is weaned, about 2 weeks from now. He knew who I was as he saw that I had rescued Siraf, a saved out pup from a litter last year.
God told me to do what I could do, and He would do the rest. Well, He has. He taught me about Healers, those gifted with knowing when to feed or give water, to wake and force feeding or allow to sleep, to have eyes to see small changes and move to bring life. I am not a Healer, but I do what I can...I continue to learn, seek understanding and forgiveness and use His resources to bring healing and comfort where possible. It is enough.
I learned this low paid guard for a neighboring compound loved the mama dog so much, he couldn't bear to see her sucked to death. So each litter he kept only the strongest pup and tossed the rest. You see, he has no money to spay her, is not allowed to keep her in the compound (and prevent her being bred) and doesn't even cook there for himself, so can't cook for her.
He has accepted my offer to have his dog spayed once the saved out pup is weaned, about 2 weeks from now. He knew who I was as he saw that I had rescued Siraf, a saved out pup from a litter last year.
God told me to do what I could do, and He would do the rest. Well, He has. He taught me about Healers, those gifted with knowing when to feed or give water, to wake and force feeding or allow to sleep, to have eyes to see small changes and move to bring life. I am not a Healer, but I do what I can...I continue to learn, seek understanding and forgiveness and use His resources to bring healing and comfort where possible. It is enough.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
What Next??
Well, I guess I've really put my foot in it...
Last night my dogs were all upset over the whining/crying of puppies in the neighborhood. This morning it continued. When I went with Stephen, who was visiting, to look, we found 6-7 puppies, about 2 weeks old in a deep drainage ditch where they had been tossed. I thought Stephen might take one to his father, but turned out his dad already has one.
We left to go check out Kajanzi, an area that I may move to in a year or two. When we came back home 3 hours later, it was threatening to rain and then big drops began to fall. I sat in the living room, wondering what about those puppies? They would surely drown if the rain was big. There is no County Pound Officer or SPCA to call. Well, there is a Uganda version of SPCA, but they just do fostering, no facilities, especially for babies like those ones.
I don't need or want puppies. I have 3 dogs....I argued with myself. But, unto the least of these...my other self argued. Back and forth for a few minutes. The rain came down harder.
Grabbing my umbrella and a gallon sized pail, I dashed off down the road to find them. Getting into the 2 1/2' ditch required sitting in mud and sliding into the ditch. Even the runt, that looked like it was dying this morning was still alive. I put them all in the pail and started to get out. Then I heard another cry. I looked into the culvert, nothing but a small stream of water coming down. I looked in an empty plastic bag. Still nothing. Finally found another pup tangled in some weeds along the side of the ditch. With all the pups in the pail, I had to climb back out of the ditch. I was more than a muddy mess by the time I started up the hill to home.
Once home, Miriam brought in the baby bath tub we use for washing clothes and a nest of shredded newspaper was the first thing. Then warm water mixed with milk was fed to the pups by small syringes. Florence heard them whining and came to help. She found a bag of cloth scraps and made a big nest in the tub. when all the pups had been fed 3-4 times we put them into the nest. For right now, they are all quiet and asleep.
In an hour or two, there will have to be a bath for each one as they have fleas, of course, a drying off and then feeding again.
Pray for good homes for all these little ones. I am hoping to talk with the bitch's owner on Monday and see if he/she won't spay that mom so we don't go through this again. It isn't right or fair. And please pray that all homeless ones find love and compassion, be it human or animal that gives and receives.
Last night my dogs were all upset over the whining/crying of puppies in the neighborhood. This morning it continued. When I went with Stephen, who was visiting, to look, we found 6-7 puppies, about 2 weeks old in a deep drainage ditch where they had been tossed. I thought Stephen might take one to his father, but turned out his dad already has one.
We left to go check out Kajanzi, an area that I may move to in a year or two. When we came back home 3 hours later, it was threatening to rain and then big drops began to fall. I sat in the living room, wondering what about those puppies? They would surely drown if the rain was big. There is no County Pound Officer or SPCA to call. Well, there is a Uganda version of SPCA, but they just do fostering, no facilities, especially for babies like those ones.
I don't need or want puppies. I have 3 dogs....I argued with myself. But, unto the least of these...my other self argued. Back and forth for a few minutes. The rain came down harder.
Grabbing my umbrella and a gallon sized pail, I dashed off down the road to find them. Getting into the 2 1/2' ditch required sitting in mud and sliding into the ditch. Even the runt, that looked like it was dying this morning was still alive. I put them all in the pail and started to get out. Then I heard another cry. I looked into the culvert, nothing but a small stream of water coming down. I looked in an empty plastic bag. Still nothing. Finally found another pup tangled in some weeds along the side of the ditch. With all the pups in the pail, I had to climb back out of the ditch. I was more than a muddy mess by the time I started up the hill to home.
Once home, Miriam brought in the baby bath tub we use for washing clothes and a nest of shredded newspaper was the first thing. Then warm water mixed with milk was fed to the pups by small syringes. Florence heard them whining and came to help. She found a bag of cloth scraps and made a big nest in the tub. when all the pups had been fed 3-4 times we put them into the nest. For right now, they are all quiet and asleep.
In an hour or two, there will have to be a bath for each one as they have fleas, of course, a drying off and then feeding again.
Pray for good homes for all these little ones. I am hoping to talk with the bitch's owner on Monday and see if he/she won't spay that mom so we don't go through this again. It isn't right or fair. And please pray that all homeless ones find love and compassion, be it human or animal that gives and receives.
Monday, October 3, 2011
A day in the life...
Last evening I joined two sheets to make a room dividing curtain and mended one pair of trousers for one guard, and hemmed 8 cleaning cloths for one of our long term volunteers.
Today was pretty varied. Here is a short list of the things done:
sent resources (Stephen and tools) to open a stuck door for a staff person trapped in their bathroom
Manned/womaned the eMi gate for 45 minutes, while hand pruning some plants and pulling weeds from between the pavers
hunted on line for replacement for the safety valve for the new pressure cooker
boiled ceramic candles and installed them in the water filter tank for one of the interns
counseled with a newly arrived Muzungu who had trusted a guard, only to find he was robbing her and others
reminded the bank to deposit my international transfer (this is a monthly reminder to a different person each time as the computers can't do it)
made withdrawal at the bank and shopped at the new Uchumi supermarket near us
answered questions about route to nearest good butchery and what to do with mal-functioning fridge guard
Quite a varied day for me. I can only wonder what tomorrow will bring! Just one of the reasons why I love being retired.
Today was pretty varied. Here is a short list of the things done:
sent resources (Stephen and tools) to open a stuck door for a staff person trapped in their bathroom
Manned/womaned the eMi gate for 45 minutes, while hand pruning some plants and pulling weeds from between the pavers
hunted on line for replacement for the safety valve for the new pressure cooker
boiled ceramic candles and installed them in the water filter tank for one of the interns
counseled with a newly arrived Muzungu who had trusted a guard, only to find he was robbing her and others
reminded the bank to deposit my international transfer (this is a monthly reminder to a different person each time as the computers can't do it)
made withdrawal at the bank and shopped at the new Uchumi supermarket near us
answered questions about route to nearest good butchery and what to do with mal-functioning fridge guard
Quite a varied day for me. I can only wonder what tomorrow will bring! Just one of the reasons why I love being retired.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Church
My wonderful church here, Kampala International Church, is a growing, exciting place to worship and learn. This Sunday we are having our first ever Ministry Fair. Each group that helps to organize the service is seeking to show others how simple, and how much fun it is to be an active part of the church, not just sit and listen.
There will be lots of ways for people to join in: coffee hosting, greeting, leading worship, running sound, operating the overhead/computer, women's groups, house groups for Bible Study, children's church, youth groups, communion, prayer partners, etc. For Charity committee, which I head, doesn't need more members, but will offer ways for people to give service in our local community by teaching, holding babies, building houses, visiting those in prison, rescuing teens from street and institutional life or simply donating food and/or clothes to those in need. The hope is that people will find a way to be a blessing to others....and become blessed in the process.
We will see what wonders God will do...
There will be lots of ways for people to join in: coffee hosting, greeting, leading worship, running sound, operating the overhead/computer, women's groups, house groups for Bible Study, children's church, youth groups, communion, prayer partners, etc. For Charity committee, which I head, doesn't need more members, but will offer ways for people to give service in our local community by teaching, holding babies, building houses, visiting those in prison, rescuing teens from street and institutional life or simply donating food and/or clothes to those in need. The hope is that people will find a way to be a blessing to others....and become blessed in the process.
We will see what wonders God will do...
Monday, September 26, 2011
Scare
This morning when I got up at 6:30 it looked at first as if Florence had already left for her school. Then I realized the lights were not on in the living room and I hadn't heard her shower this am, part of her usual routine.
I called her, no answer. Went and stood outside her bedroom door and called again, no answer. I opened the door, confirmed she was in bed, called again, no answer. My heart began to beat a little faster, so I called more loudly.... Florence!! Thank God she rolled over and asked what?! I told her that it was going on towards 7. Boy did she move fast to get showered, dressed, coiffed, packed and out the door, just before 6:55.
If we hadn't been talking so much about funerals I don't think I would have been quite so nervous.
I called her, no answer. Went and stood outside her bedroom door and called again, no answer. I opened the door, confirmed she was in bed, called again, no answer. My heart began to beat a little faster, so I called more loudly.... Florence!! Thank God she rolled over and asked what?! I told her that it was going on towards 7. Boy did she move fast to get showered, dressed, coiffed, packed and out the door, just before 6:55.
If we hadn't been talking so much about funerals I don't think I would have been quite so nervous.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Blessings
Florence was detailing the way blessings flow, using today as an example. I'd not seen God's love at work so clearly. Maybe you will see it too.
Some 3 months ago, God gave me some money to lend to Peter, who has a special hire car (taxi). He has been working off the loan by doing transport for me and my friends. Today he came and took Florence to go meet her daughter-in-law's mother, Kasifa, for the first time.
Florence had saved some money from what she earns from her school to cover the expected costs of public transport and boda rides to and from the visit. Because Peter took her for free, she was able to spend that money for sugar, rice, soap and other small gifts to give to the lady.
As they drove along towards the place where Florence's son and wife live, Peter recognized that he had traveled the road recently and named a village and other places ahead. Florence recognized the name as the place they were headed towards. Peter knew he didn't have enough gas (petrol) to reach there so turned back and traveled some time to find an ATM, where he took out money for more fuel. Florence had no extra funds to give him, having used almost all for the gifts. But Peter has been saving money steadily from his new business, so was able to cover this expense.
They picked up Tom and Robinah, Florence's son and his wife, and then proceeded to go some distance to the mother's home. After going to one place, and then to another, they were able to locate the mom's new home, a mud and stick room, divided by a curtain into 2 spaces. They sat on a mat on the mud floor and took tea together.
Robinah's mom had expected everyone to come on bodas, so had paid no attention when the car went by. Robinah did not know her mom had moved to this new place. The joy and laughter with the family reunion, including the small grand-daughter was wonderful to see. Florence was clear to them that they are all family, that Tom is now Kasifa's son and she is Tom's other mother. (This because culture does not permit son-in-law and mother-in-law to see or talk directly with each other. Florence knows this is foolishness and is setting new ways in place.)
Robinah's mom was so grateful for the visit, and for Florence's caring about making the connection before Tom and Robinah move to Florence's village next month. She told them that she would sleep well, knowing that Robinah was part of such a good family.
Florence learned that the mom and dad have been separated for many years and that the mom now lives in the small village where she was raised. Her uncle, grandfather and mother all live in the environs. Before returning Tom and Robinah to their home, Florence and Peter took the mom to her uncle's home to continue the introductions and exchange phone numbers for emergency contacts. (The mom does not have a phone of her own, nor electricity.)
Florence suspects that the mom will have shared some of the sugar and other things with her family, as that is the way to show honor and respect to elders. It is also possible, even likely, that those Kasifa shares with will also pass some of the benefit along to others.
God gives to us so freely. Look at all the joyful hearts, lightened spirits and laughter that can come from imitating Him.
Some 3 months ago, God gave me some money to lend to Peter, who has a special hire car (taxi). He has been working off the loan by doing transport for me and my friends. Today he came and took Florence to go meet her daughter-in-law's mother, Kasifa, for the first time.
Florence had saved some money from what she earns from her school to cover the expected costs of public transport and boda rides to and from the visit. Because Peter took her for free, she was able to spend that money for sugar, rice, soap and other small gifts to give to the lady.
As they drove along towards the place where Florence's son and wife live, Peter recognized that he had traveled the road recently and named a village and other places ahead. Florence recognized the name as the place they were headed towards. Peter knew he didn't have enough gas (petrol) to reach there so turned back and traveled some time to find an ATM, where he took out money for more fuel. Florence had no extra funds to give him, having used almost all for the gifts. But Peter has been saving money steadily from his new business, so was able to cover this expense.
They picked up Tom and Robinah, Florence's son and his wife, and then proceeded to go some distance to the mother's home. After going to one place, and then to another, they were able to locate the mom's new home, a mud and stick room, divided by a curtain into 2 spaces. They sat on a mat on the mud floor and took tea together.
Robinah's mom had expected everyone to come on bodas, so had paid no attention when the car went by. Robinah did not know her mom had moved to this new place. The joy and laughter with the family reunion, including the small grand-daughter was wonderful to see. Florence was clear to them that they are all family, that Tom is now Kasifa's son and she is Tom's other mother. (This because culture does not permit son-in-law and mother-in-law to see or talk directly with each other. Florence knows this is foolishness and is setting new ways in place.)
Robinah's mom was so grateful for the visit, and for Florence's caring about making the connection before Tom and Robinah move to Florence's village next month. She told them that she would sleep well, knowing that Robinah was part of such a good family.
Florence learned that the mom and dad have been separated for many years and that the mom now lives in the small village where she was raised. Her uncle, grandfather and mother all live in the environs. Before returning Tom and Robinah to their home, Florence and Peter took the mom to her uncle's home to continue the introductions and exchange phone numbers for emergency contacts. (The mom does not have a phone of her own, nor electricity.)
Florence suspects that the mom will have shared some of the sugar and other things with her family, as that is the way to show honor and respect to elders. It is also possible, even likely, that those Kasifa shares with will also pass some of the benefit along to others.
God gives to us so freely. Look at all the joyful hearts, lightened spirits and laughter that can come from imitating Him.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Death in Uganda
This last week was a bit more laid back than in the last few months. All the eMi staff have arrived and are with interns out on project trips, both here in Kampala and in Kenya. One new long term volunteer will soon go to Kenya on a different project for 6 weeks. We will really miss her. Rose is a great lot of fun.
My week, the exciting part, involved meeting with administrators at International Hospital Kampala, to attempt to find a food source connection for In Need Home, an NGO, which is in their neighborhood. The administrator was around, but busy, so I get to go back next week. The other visit that same day was to a shipping container company to see if they had 2 old 40' containers to donate to the same NGO. After waiting for an hour (I arrived at the beginning of lunch time), Richard met with me to explain their community service program. They do indeed give containers to be used as classrooms, but have already done it for 2011. When they donate, they transport and situate it on the plot, paint, install wiring, put in furniture and class supplies.
I will go again to see the lady who is in charge of selecting the projects and see if I can persuade her to make the 2012 project In Need Home. The bad news was that any damaged containers that can't be used (which is what I was thinking they might have to give away) are actually repaired and/or recycled at the main shop in Mombasa. So that was good news for the environment.
Yesterday Florence and I had a great conversation - it weirded her daughters out a bit - about what will happen to our bodies when we die. I told Florence that if she died, I'd wrap her in a sheet, get a special hire and take her to her family/village to be buried. She broke out into laughter and wiping the tears from her eyes, said she didn't want me to go to prison for trying to be helpful.
She then explained the procedures here. If someone dies in the home, without having been ill and treated by a doctor, there is always the suspicion of murder! The ones to be suspected would be me and even her daughters, if they were living here, or even had been to visit the day before.
So, the proper sequence of events is this:
Find dead body
Go to nearest police and tell them.
They give a paper that is taken to the nearest big gov't hospital.
Hospital sends an ambulance, does autopsy. When cause of death is determined, and if not murder, then they will call next of kin to pick the body, issuing a death certificate.
The certificate is taken to police to get a letter authorizing the transport of the body.
THEN, the body can be taken to the village for burial. The friends/family will visit the body, in a living room, maybe even sleep in the room that night with the body if the burial is the next day.
Burials are a huge deal. All the available family come. In Florence's case, this could be up to 100 blood kin. In addition, all the friends, neighbors, others in the village, will all come to say good-bye, maybe tell stories, etc. There will be at least one huge meal for all of them (think about slaughtering a bull, plus all the vegetables, matooke, etc) as well as tea available all day and night.
With all that information, my plan still looked best. So I told her what I wanted if she found my body. Wrap me in a sheet, take me to her village, dig a vertical hole, drop me in and plant a tree over my head. Florence again went into peals of laughter. So I revised it a bit, saying if I was dying, we would have time to go to the village, get the hole dug and I could go be near it. When I died, she could just nudge me into it.
Florence asked if I really wanted her to spend the rest of her life in prison. Of course not I replied. Well then, she said we have to do it the right way. I can call your American Embassy and they can fly your body home to your family.
Now I hadn't even considered that the US embassy would even need to know, but it does make sense. So I will ask them what the procedures are. But, I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that the embassy does not pay for the transport.
So, I will still be buried here. However, I still want it to be simple. I couldn't convince Florence to agree to do the burial my way, even with giving written instructions. She said if she was in charge, I'd just have to put up with it, and besides, it would just be the body anyway. Their last chance to do something nice for me.
Anyway, still a conversation in process, but I'm learning a lot more about Ugandan culture. It is telling that murder is the first thought when someone dies unexpectedly. Guess it is to be expected given all the wars these people have lived through in the past 50 years, with the average age of a Ugandan in the mid 20's and 48 years is considered to be old.
Hope you are well and laughed at all the information in this note as much as Florence and I have. BTW I expect to live to be 102, so don't be making any travel plans on my account.
Blessings,
Maggie
My week, the exciting part, involved meeting with administrators at International Hospital Kampala, to attempt to find a food source connection for In Need Home, an NGO, which is in their neighborhood. The administrator was around, but busy, so I get to go back next week. The other visit that same day was to a shipping container company to see if they had 2 old 40' containers to donate to the same NGO. After waiting for an hour (I arrived at the beginning of lunch time), Richard met with me to explain their community service program. They do indeed give containers to be used as classrooms, but have already done it for 2011. When they donate, they transport and situate it on the plot, paint, install wiring, put in furniture and class supplies.
I will go again to see the lady who is in charge of selecting the projects and see if I can persuade her to make the 2012 project In Need Home. The bad news was that any damaged containers that can't be used (which is what I was thinking they might have to give away) are actually repaired and/or recycled at the main shop in Mombasa. So that was good news for the environment.
Yesterday Florence and I had a great conversation - it weirded her daughters out a bit - about what will happen to our bodies when we die. I told Florence that if she died, I'd wrap her in a sheet, get a special hire and take her to her family/village to be buried. She broke out into laughter and wiping the tears from her eyes, said she didn't want me to go to prison for trying to be helpful.
She then explained the procedures here. If someone dies in the home, without having been ill and treated by a doctor, there is always the suspicion of murder! The ones to be suspected would be me and even her daughters, if they were living here, or even had been to visit the day before.
So, the proper sequence of events is this:
Find dead body
Go to nearest police and tell them.
They give a paper that is taken to the nearest big gov't hospital.
Hospital sends an ambulance, does autopsy. When cause of death is determined, and if not murder, then they will call next of kin to pick the body, issuing a death certificate.
The certificate is taken to police to get a letter authorizing the transport of the body.
THEN, the body can be taken to the village for burial. The friends/family will visit the body, in a living room, maybe even sleep in the room that night with the body if the burial is the next day.
Burials are a huge deal. All the available family come. In Florence's case, this could be up to 100 blood kin. In addition, all the friends, neighbors, others in the village, will all come to say good-bye, maybe tell stories, etc. There will be at least one huge meal for all of them (think about slaughtering a bull, plus all the vegetables, matooke, etc) as well as tea available all day and night.
With all that information, my plan still looked best. So I told her what I wanted if she found my body. Wrap me in a sheet, take me to her village, dig a vertical hole, drop me in and plant a tree over my head. Florence again went into peals of laughter. So I revised it a bit, saying if I was dying, we would have time to go to the village, get the hole dug and I could go be near it. When I died, she could just nudge me into it.
Florence asked if I really wanted her to spend the rest of her life in prison. Of course not I replied. Well then, she said we have to do it the right way. I can call your American Embassy and they can fly your body home to your family.
Now I hadn't even considered that the US embassy would even need to know, but it does make sense. So I will ask them what the procedures are. But, I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that the embassy does not pay for the transport.
So, I will still be buried here. However, I still want it to be simple. I couldn't convince Florence to agree to do the burial my way, even with giving written instructions. She said if she was in charge, I'd just have to put up with it, and besides, it would just be the body anyway. Their last chance to do something nice for me.
Anyway, still a conversation in process, but I'm learning a lot more about Ugandan culture. It is telling that murder is the first thought when someone dies unexpectedly. Guess it is to be expected given all the wars these people have lived through in the past 50 years, with the average age of a Ugandan in the mid 20's and 48 years is considered to be old.
Hope you are well and laughed at all the information in this note as much as Florence and I have. BTW I expect to live to be 102, so don't be making any travel plans on my account.
Blessings,
Maggie
Monday, September 12, 2011
Blessings
What do you count among your blessings today?
Health?
Friends?
Family?
Job or service?
How about simple things like shelter, blankets, food?
This past week, for fun, I mended a sheet for one of my guards. It was torn so badly that I used another torn sheet to strengthen it and cover the rips that both had. The repair job wasn't great, but functional.
He was so amazed and thankful when it was returned to him. He said that it would be better than new for it would be warmer now. He doesn't have any blanket, and often puts on a second shirt at night and doubles the sheet, just to stay warm.
we are now in our rainy season, projected to last through December. Which means things will be damp and cold.
Anyone wanting to paypal money for blankets for my staff may send $10 to maggie.mcneill@gmail.com. Just earmark it for blankets and I will pass your blessings along.
Health?
Friends?
Family?
Job or service?
How about simple things like shelter, blankets, food?
This past week, for fun, I mended a sheet for one of my guards. It was torn so badly that I used another torn sheet to strengthen it and cover the rips that both had. The repair job wasn't great, but functional.
He was so amazed and thankful when it was returned to him. He said that it would be better than new for it would be warmer now. He doesn't have any blanket, and often puts on a second shirt at night and doubles the sheet, just to stay warm.
we are now in our rainy season, projected to last through December. Which means things will be damp and cold.
Anyone wanting to paypal money for blankets for my staff may send $10 to maggie.mcneill@gmail.com. Just earmark it for blankets and I will pass your blessings along.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
wedding trips
Today, there was a wedding downtown for the sister of a young friend of ours. I elected not to attend, but Florence went to the wedding, Miriam and Rachel will attend the reception held out our way.
At Watoto Church, weddings are booked on the hour, every two hours. If you are late, too bad....
The wedding was set for 1 pm. Florence left here at 11:30. By 12:45 she was there and noticed the mother of the bride was no where to be see. When she inquired, she was told that it was all taken care of. Florence called her friend, who was still at home, waiting for the transport car to come!!! Sophie finally arrived about 1:45, in time to see the signing of the documents and the preaching. She had missed the wedding proper, and the parental blessing of the new couple. Fortunately, there were some other family there to stand in for her.
The reception, scheduled to begin at 4:30 about a 25 minute taxi ride from here, will be in a fancy place, with music and food and dancing with the husband's family from Kenya and all the bride's family and friends from here.
It is now 4:20 and Rachel just finished showering, Miriam is next. They will arrive fashionably late and have a great time, taking even more photos than Florence did at the wedding.
This all reminds me of the first wedding held at KIC a few years back. The wedding was set for 1 pm Muzungu time. We started an hour late, 2 pm. We were finished at 3 pm and as we left, there were some family and friends just arriving. Different ways of keeping time.....
At Watoto Church, weddings are booked on the hour, every two hours. If you are late, too bad....
The wedding was set for 1 pm. Florence left here at 11:30. By 12:45 she was there and noticed the mother of the bride was no where to be see. When she inquired, she was told that it was all taken care of. Florence called her friend, who was still at home, waiting for the transport car to come!!! Sophie finally arrived about 1:45, in time to see the signing of the documents and the preaching. She had missed the wedding proper, and the parental blessing of the new couple. Fortunately, there were some other family there to stand in for her.
The reception, scheduled to begin at 4:30 about a 25 minute taxi ride from here, will be in a fancy place, with music and food and dancing with the husband's family from Kenya and all the bride's family and friends from here.
It is now 4:20 and Rachel just finished showering, Miriam is next. They will arrive fashionably late and have a great time, taking even more photos than Florence did at the wedding.
This all reminds me of the first wedding held at KIC a few years back. The wedding was set for 1 pm Muzungu time. We started an hour late, 2 pm. We were finished at 3 pm and as we left, there were some family and friends just arriving. Different ways of keeping time.....
update
Company has returned to their home in eastern Uganda, Simba is back here in our compound and I am resting today, with a stuffy head and runny nose. Lots of naps today.
Met an American family yesterday, Charley and Tyra and their 3 kids, who live just down the road from eMi. charley has been on 2 eMi project trips. The family is here now for 4 years with Africa Inland Mission, kids going to Heritage International School. Lovely people. AIM had them attend a 3 week training in Kenya before they landed here. Look forward to seeing more of them. One of our female interns and one Long Term Volunteer have a space in the same compound, so we are sure to get acquainted.
Met an American family yesterday, Charley and Tyra and their 3 kids, who live just down the road from eMi. charley has been on 2 eMi project trips. The family is here now for 4 years with Africa Inland Mission, kids going to Heritage International School. Lovely people. AIM had them attend a 3 week training in Kenya before they landed here. Look forward to seeing more of them. One of our female interns and one Long Term Volunteer have a space in the same compound, so we are sure to get acquainted.
Friday, August 12, 2011
What is it worth?
If someone gave you a used T shirt, clean and in good condition, what would be your response?
Florence recently gave 2 such shirts to a man who has been hauling dirt to spread around her school. He came to her the following day, to say thank you again and to tell her that he would level the entire area for free, about the size of a basketball court. She was amazed and asked why.
The man explained that the only shirt he owned was the one he had been wearing, everyday. What little money he earned went to feed his family and provide for them. No one that he had worked for had ever considered him as a human being, he was just a worker. He felt the love and compassion that came from Florence and wanted to be a blessing to her as well.
So...giving things away to the right person at the right time can help others see how much God loves them. What a joy to be a blessing to others.
Just one of the reasons why I love living here in Uganda.
Florence recently gave 2 such shirts to a man who has been hauling dirt to spread around her school. He came to her the following day, to say thank you again and to tell her that he would level the entire area for free, about the size of a basketball court. She was amazed and asked why.
The man explained that the only shirt he owned was the one he had been wearing, everyday. What little money he earned went to feed his family and provide for them. No one that he had worked for had ever considered him as a human being, he was just a worker. He felt the love and compassion that came from Florence and wanted to be a blessing to her as well.
So...giving things away to the right person at the right time can help others see how much God loves them. What a joy to be a blessing to others.
Just one of the reasons why I love living here in Uganda.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Florence's school teachers
King of Kings Nursery and Primary School is the result of much prayer, effort and gifts of many people. Florence is the Head Teacher, Head Mistress, creator, visionary and energy behind this educational wonder.
Miriam, her elder daughter, teaches the middle class at the school, which operates from 8 am to 1pm, Mon to Friday.
Rachel, her younger daughter, teaches the baby class, which now has 20 students! Rachel shares the teaching with Ruth, who has a counselling certificate and attended the LiteNet training along with Rachel and all the others.
Here are Miriam, Jolly, Ruth and Rachel on the beach after the zoo trip.
This is the baby class that keeps these young teachers on their toes.
Here are the ladies of King of Kings: Miriam, Florence, Ruth, Jolly, with Rachel behind the camera.
Andrew, the only male influence, comes once a week with a guitar to play music. Kids are quick to leave their work when they see him coming down the path. Brittany and other volunteers from eMiEA have also come regularly to assist in the classes, share songs, games and teach the lessons, if needed.
Frances comes every Friday with her computer on which she plays DVDs and music for the kids to enjoy. It is a good thing the computer has a strong battery, as there is no power in the classrooms. Frances and her husband, Dennis, blessed the school with its first ever field trip to the zoo in Entebbe and the Garuga Beach Resort playground. The entire school traveled by bus, many for the first time in their life.
There are funds provided by a few anonymous donors. Additional funds are always welcome as the students come from very poor families who can't even afford the low fees of 50,000/= for each term. (This is less than $25.) There are work exchange options offered to some of the parents where funding any part of the fees is a burden. Another source of funds comes from the sale of quilts, lap robes and potholders that Florence makes on school term breaks.
Miriam, her elder daughter, teaches the middle class at the school, which operates from 8 am to 1pm, Mon to Friday.
Rachel, her younger daughter, teaches the baby class, which now has 20 students! Rachel shares the teaching with Ruth, who has a counselling certificate and attended the LiteNet training along with Rachel and all the others.
Here are Miriam, Jolly, Ruth and Rachel on the beach after the zoo trip.
This is the baby class that keeps these young teachers on their toes.
Here are the ladies of King of Kings: Miriam, Florence, Ruth, Jolly, with Rachel behind the camera.
Andrew, the only male influence, comes once a week with a guitar to play music. Kids are quick to leave their work when they see him coming down the path. Brittany and other volunteers from eMiEA have also come regularly to assist in the classes, share songs, games and teach the lessons, if needed.
Frances comes every Friday with her computer on which she plays DVDs and music for the kids to enjoy. It is a good thing the computer has a strong battery, as there is no power in the classrooms. Frances and her husband, Dennis, blessed the school with its first ever field trip to the zoo in Entebbe and the Garuga Beach Resort playground. The entire school traveled by bus, many for the first time in their life.
There are funds provided by a few anonymous donors. Additional funds are always welcome as the students come from very poor families who can't even afford the low fees of 50,000/= for each term. (This is less than $25.) There are work exchange options offered to some of the parents where funding any part of the fees is a burden. Another source of funds comes from the sale of quilts, lap robes and potholders that Florence makes on school term breaks.
Visitors
Last month Florence's sister came to Uganda for a month, from NC, and stayed with us for about a week out of her travels. It was great fun to have her here and to see the joy that filled Florence for having a family member actually stay the night.
This week one of her brothers and his family are coming to stay for 2 weeks or so. These are the people who took us to Kenya 2 years back and we are more than excited that they will be with us. African hospitality is bigger than anything I had ever imagined and is really a blessing for everyone, the visitors and the hosts. So much to learn and so much joy in such a simple act. Who would have guessed that my life could be so full of positive lessons at this stage?? I thought I knew a lot when I came here, but it seems there is so much more to learn.
This is the brother, James, who is a carpenter and made all the chairs and tables at Florence's school. What a boon to her students to sit properly and at the right height. Most schools here have long benches with narrow long tables, with little room to have papers and they are usually too high for the little ones. Maybe the chairs and tables will get painted in these next two weeks and look smart when school begins in mid September.
This week one of her brothers and his family are coming to stay for 2 weeks or so. These are the people who took us to Kenya 2 years back and we are more than excited that they will be with us. African hospitality is bigger than anything I had ever imagined and is really a blessing for everyone, the visitors and the hosts. So much to learn and so much joy in such a simple act. Who would have guessed that my life could be so full of positive lessons at this stage?? I thought I knew a lot when I came here, but it seems there is so much more to learn.
This is the brother, James, who is a carpenter and made all the chairs and tables at Florence's school. What a boon to her students to sit properly and at the right height. Most schools here have long benches with narrow long tables, with little room to have papers and they are usually too high for the little ones. Maybe the chairs and tables will get painted in these next two weeks and look smart when school begins in mid September.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
source of chocolate
This interesting looking fruit is a cocoa pod, common in west Africa, but available from my local fruit stand.
Cut open the outside rind and find a mass of white coated pips. The locals eat only the white covering off and spit out the seeds.
However, the inside seed, while a bit bitter, is the source of chocolate.
I tried some of the seeds boiled in milk with sugar, just to see if hot chocolate can be made this way too.
It was OK, nothing to write home about (LOL). Learned later that the brown seeds are roasted and processed to make cocoa powder. Oh well, it was fun.
Cut open the outside rind and find a mass of white coated pips. The locals eat only the white covering off and spit out the seeds.
However, the inside seed, while a bit bitter, is the source of chocolate.
I tried some of the seeds boiled in milk with sugar, just to see if hot chocolate can be made this way too.
It was OK, nothing to write home about (LOL). Learned later that the brown seeds are roasted and processed to make cocoa powder. Oh well, it was fun.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
kids to the zoo
Dennis and Frances Anderson are great friends of ours. Frances has been volunteering at Florence's school for this past year and a half. She goes on Friday mornings to play with the kids, sing songs, show dvd movies, whatever is needed.
Recently she and Dennis sponsored a trip to the "zoo" in Entebbe for the entire school and all the teachers. Frances of course went along for the fun. The bus picked up about 40 of the kids and the 7 teachers about 9:30 in the morning. An hour or so later they were entering the Wildlife training center with many animals and birds to see.
This center rehabilitates animals taken from poachers. When possible the animals are released back into their habitat. When that isn't possible, the animal becomes part of the educational program offered to encourage conservation and appreciation for the wild creatures.
Kids were fascinated to see kobs, crocodiles, monkeys, chimpanzees, snakes, giraffe, and birds. Now some of the stories they read in class will make more sense. (No, we don't have such creatures wandering around our neighborhoods....well birds of course, the occasional snake and monkeys are usually heard not seen.)
After the tour there, the bus carried them to a resort on Lake Victoria with a wonderful kids playground where they all had lunch, and wore themselves out with playing. By 6 pm all were safely back at their homes with great stories to tell their families of the big adventure.
For some of these kids, they may be the only one in their family who has been to Entebbe, never mind the zoo and a fancy place to play.
Many thanks to Dennis and Frances for making it all possible.
Recently she and Dennis sponsored a trip to the "zoo" in Entebbe for the entire school and all the teachers. Frances of course went along for the fun. The bus picked up about 40 of the kids and the 7 teachers about 9:30 in the morning. An hour or so later they were entering the Wildlife training center with many animals and birds to see.
This center rehabilitates animals taken from poachers. When possible the animals are released back into their habitat. When that isn't possible, the animal becomes part of the educational program offered to encourage conservation and appreciation for the wild creatures.
Kids were fascinated to see kobs, crocodiles, monkeys, chimpanzees, snakes, giraffe, and birds. Now some of the stories they read in class will make more sense. (No, we don't have such creatures wandering around our neighborhoods....well birds of course, the occasional snake and monkeys are usually heard not seen.)
After the tour there, the bus carried them to a resort on Lake Victoria with a wonderful kids playground where they all had lunch, and wore themselves out with playing. By 6 pm all were safely back at their homes with great stories to tell their families of the big adventure.
For some of these kids, they may be the only one in their family who has been to Entebbe, never mind the zoo and a fancy place to play.
Many thanks to Dennis and Frances for making it all possible.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
family reunion
Estrangements between siblings can occur for many reasons, last various lengths of time. The question is: how do they reunite and come together?
I have been privileged to listen to the summaries of one such reunion. The healing between and among the 7 siblings and even their father was amazing evidence of God's love and care. The divisions occurred first over small things, misunderstandings, and then bigger issues, which then grew larger in the minds of the perceivers. When they finally were willing to submit to each other, and more importantly, allow the Holy Spirit to bring new ideas and healing to the group, these people were each blessed and healed from regrets, from bitterness and suspicion.
This process even led to their father asking for forgiveness for his actions when they were young and he refused to cover school fees or electric bills for the home. How many 80+ year old men are there who can admit errors and seek forgiveness from their kids?
This is an amazing family, full of life, energy, open-hearted and compassionate, Christ-centered and a blessing to their communities, families and churches. I wish that all families could experience the renewal that comes from reconciliation and letting go of the past.
I have been privileged to listen to the summaries of one such reunion. The healing between and among the 7 siblings and even their father was amazing evidence of God's love and care. The divisions occurred first over small things, misunderstandings, and then bigger issues, which then grew larger in the minds of the perceivers. When they finally were willing to submit to each other, and more importantly, allow the Holy Spirit to bring new ideas and healing to the group, these people were each blessed and healed from regrets, from bitterness and suspicion.
This process even led to their father asking for forgiveness for his actions when they were young and he refused to cover school fees or electric bills for the home. How many 80+ year old men are there who can admit errors and seek forgiveness from their kids?
This is an amazing family, full of life, energy, open-hearted and compassionate, Christ-centered and a blessing to their communities, families and churches. I wish that all families could experience the renewal that comes from reconciliation and letting go of the past.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Don't you just love surprises??! Andrew, a 20 year old Ugandan who blesses our house group and the church with his music, was blessed by God on Tues last, and I got to be present for the adventure.
He has been borrowing guitars from friends to play for us and for others. What stress.
But Anonymous, God's busiest angel, enlisted me to take Andrew by special hire (only the 3rd time in his life he'd been in a car) to go to pick out a new guitar. He tried out all the guitars that play both electric and acoustic, and selected the one for him.
His smile says it all.
He has been borrowing guitars from friends to play for us and for others. What stress.
But Anonymous, God's busiest angel, enlisted me to take Andrew by special hire (only the 3rd time in his life he'd been in a car) to go to pick out a new guitar. He tried out all the guitars that play both electric and acoustic, and selected the one for him.
His smile says it all.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Church
For all of you who think "church" means sedate, boring, ritualistic, dull, you really should come with me some time.
Our church, Kampala International Church, is about 300+ people on a Sunday morning. It is hard to meet new people and really get connected. So once every 6 weeks or so, we hold "zone" church in our geographical areas.
Our zone leaders creatively found a space for us to use, rent free, for these meetings, which can be up to 35 people. The only requirement the owners have for us is the purchase of one soda or water per
person. We do manage to cover that minimal cost.
The church meets at Tickles and Giggles, a bar/pub on Ggaba Rd in Kansanga. You all are most welcome to come. I love telling people that I went to church in a bar last Sunday. It is a great conversation opener.
Our church, Kampala International Church, is about 300+ people on a Sunday morning. It is hard to meet new people and really get connected. So once every 6 weeks or so, we hold "zone" church in our geographical areas.
Our zone leaders creatively found a space for us to use, rent free, for these meetings, which can be up to 35 people. The only requirement the owners have for us is the purchase of one soda or water per
person. We do manage to cover that minimal cost.
The church meets at Tickles and Giggles, a bar/pub on Ggaba Rd in Kansanga. You all are most welcome to come. I love telling people that I went to church in a bar last Sunday. It is a great conversation opener.
King of Kings Nursery and Primary School
Photos of Florence's school which has 2 rooms, lined with plastic and cardboard to keep out the wet and the wind.
There are 40+ children and several teachers, most part-time.
Teacher Ruth, Head Mistress Florence with Jessica.
God blesses the children with a solid grounding in reading and writing through teachers with enough energy and education to organize and keep them moving.
Jessica is an eMi intern who recently volunteered at the school before returning to Canada.
There are 40+ children and several teachers, most part-time.
Teacher Ruth, Head Mistress Florence with Jessica.
God blesses the children with a solid grounding in reading and writing through teachers with enough energy and education to organize and keep them moving.
Jessica is an eMi intern who recently volunteered at the school before returning to Canada.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Flowers from there to here
Dahlia sent from CA to grow in this marvelous climate, in a new pot on my front porch.
Background flower is a shrub whose little starts came from Kingfisher Resort in Jinja, one of the places I used to go with my family.
Background flower is a shrub whose little starts came from Kingfisher Resort in Jinja, one of the places I used to go with my family.
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