Final Thoughts from Uganda

Sara and I have been home for about two days now and I’m  still working through the fog of jetlag and lack of sleep. My return feels different after my third trip to Engeye. My first two trips were in the heart of winter so I returned home to freezing temperatures and snow and I think it made the return home more brutal both emotionally and physically as the warm sun and beauty of Africa seemed very far away. This weekend I returned home to New York on a hot and sunny day so the transition was not as difficult……at least not yet.

It’s always hard to explain your trip to Engeye, although most friends and family are polite and ask sincerely about our experience. While it’s hard for me to put our two weeks into a few simple sentences for the casual friend, I wonder how the Minerva Fellows are able to process it all after 9 months of living in rural Uganda. David, Joe & Kathy? Forgettaboutit.  Our trip was wonderful, inspiring, hard, fun, and heartbreaking at times. Yes, there are many things I won’t miss about Uganda. The two days of exhausting travel to get there and back, trying to sleep in a bunkhouse, bats and hornets in the shower area, headlamps, early morning wake-up calls from the rooster, chickens running wild on the grounds, showers from a cup with very cold water and oh – the latrines by day (flies) and night (everything else). But all of these minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the things I’ve grown to love about my trips to Engeye.

It begins upon arrival at the airport and the sights and smells remind you why you worked so hard to return. I love the feeling as we leave the main road that stretches across Uganda and approach the small dusty roadway which leads to Engeye Health Clinic. Seeing the familiar road, green shrubs and the sight of the clinic roof as our van makes the turn always puts a lump in my throat upon arrival. The sense of true community as the Ugandan staff at Engeye rush to the road to welcome us with bright smiles and big, sincere hugs will never grow old. John’s huge smile never disappoints and his Ugandan bear hug lets you know you are very welcome. As I dragged my duffel bag into the bunkhouse, memories all come crashing back from previous trips. This trip was no different than my past two in that I had the comfort of good friends from the US and Uganda to welcome me and guide me.  

Elaine, Greg, Sara and I were able to accomplish so much during this trip thanks to the wonderful support of David Robinson who did a lot of pre-trip planning on our behalf. We were able to visit with the Scholars and more importantly, meet with school administrators and teachers. I am always moved by the dedication and passion these teachers have despite working in what Americans would label as unacceptable or horrible conditions. Watching Sara and Greg teach their classes and develop real relationships with the students and children in the village was worth every hour on the plane, every dollar spent, every pre-trip shot and almost every trip to the latrine after dark. Greg introducing jazz music to the students and teachers at Sydney Paul was one of my favorite memories of our trip and reminded me that sometimes the simplest gifts are the most precious. I was blessed with new friendships, side splitting laughter, good food, good beer, beautiful sunsets, breathtaking sunrises and a two day African safari with my daughter. Not a bad to spend your two weeks of vacation.

We did a lot of good work while we were there and even more importantly, saw important/good work being done by so many on the ground day in and day out, whether visitors are there to snap pictures or not. It was moving to see the smiles of our Engeye Scholars, feel their hugs, meet their parents and review their school work on our school tours. We were invited to be a part of a student debate and two PTA meetings and as a past PTA president, I was struck by the similarities to PTA meetings in the US. Parents worrying about their kid’s safety, nutrition and test scores is clearly universal.

Another highlight was participating in family day at St. Gertrude’s and seeing the sincere gratitude of the school’s teachers and parents for the work done by ETC. Sara and Greg were able to tour the school, see the new solar power their fundraising brought to the school. I love the picture of the two of them standing in the student dormitory next to the newly built bunk beds. No longer will female students sleep on the floor at this school. Baby steps maybe but also important steps forward. When I look at our pictures from our trip on facebook I am reminded that I have never seen my daughter happier. Ever. It reassures me that she has chosen a career path that will allow her to continue to travel and experience, learn from and work with other cultures. Oh to be 18 again and have those options!

As I reflect on my personal experience I feel the difference of this last trip. Unlike my other visits to Uganda, I was not part of a medical mission trip so I did not spend time working or helping in the medical clinic. I was not eating my meals with a group of physicians, hearing their stories of heartbreak and success from their long day in the clinic. I was not reaassuring, comforting or problem solving for a team of medical students. As part of a medical team, their work can sometimes be the difference between life and death for a patient in crisis. As a small team with a focus on education, our impact was not life or death but those of us involved feel access to healthcare and education go hand in hand. While Scholars may not be saving lives, I do feel we are improving lives with access to education for those in need. Elaine had the idea to bring wrist-bands for all of the students as a small way to encourage them to continue to work hard in school. The bands had “Empowerment Through Education” imprinted on them. We had a chance to talk to each class in both schools about what Empowerment means and how they can be empowered through their own education. The students and teachers seemed to take it very seriously and it was rewarding to visit the schools a week later and still see each child (and teacher) proudly wearing their wrist-band.

In the end, the results are the same for this trip as for my past trips. I received much more than I gave.  We go to “teach” and always end up being the ones who learn the most. I’m so grateful for the wonderful people on-site who are doing the real work day in and day out. I’m grateful for the cool, fun, hardworking Ugandans and bzungus who are living, learning, and working at Engeye for days, weeks, and months at a time. They don’t do this work for high pay (or sometimes any pay) or recognition but because they are called to make a difference. Their commitment and passion is much more valuable than any two week visit I could make. I'm thankful for the Board of Directors who continue to work stateside trying to keep this small clinic open and improving. I’m grateful for my husband, coworkers, friends, family members, Journey church members and especially Elaine my co-director, for their continued interest and efforts on behalf of Engeye Scholars. None of this would be possible without their time, energy, wisdom, guidance and oh yeah, donations. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity a third time and hope to remain worthy of being part of such a unique and amazing program. I’m excited to watch Sara embrace and tackle many of the more difficult issues as she begins her first year studying International and Global Development. I still have so much to learn and who knows, maybe she will be the one to teach me.

For now I am grateful to return to the comforts of home and family. Silly that I have only been away two weeks but feel such an appreciation for the luxuries of American life. Maybe I’m just getting too old for this type of “adventure” but I am reminded that I love my bed, my fast internet, my refrigerator, my shower, my DVR, the ability to drive myself anywhere I need to go, brushing my teeth with tap water, and for the love of God – I. love. my. flushing. toilet. Yes, I’m not ashamed to say, I love my flushing toilets. I have unpacked our many duffel bags and will finish my deworming pills tonight and my malaria meds at the end of the week and the physical reminders of my trip will be behind me.  But...I already know the real value of this trip will continue to unfold over the next few weeks, months, maybe even years. I hope I'm wise enough to embrace it all as it unfolds before me and dedicated enough to tackle the hard work that lies ahead.

Journey at the Movies - 2012 - "Bully-Taking a Stand"

Journey at the Movies 2012

“Bully” – Taking a Stand
based on a sermon preached at Journey United Church of Christ on Sunday, July 22, 2012

Every summer Journey “goes to the movies” with a worship series that invites us to look at current films from a faith perspective.  While folks are not required to see the movie in advance, they are encouraged to see it if at all possible.  The worship services includes an intro to the movie, related scripture, video clips from the movie to help us make the connection and a message that brings it all together.  Our thanks to www.christinculture.com and www.holllywoodJesus.com for their insights. 

This year we launched our series with the documentary “Bully” as we reflected on what it means for each of us to “take a stand” for those who have no voice and no power.  Two additional websites – www.thebullyproject.com and www.loveislouder.com - were used for statistics, definitions and other movie information.  Both sides have additional resources that help us understand how we can address bullying in our world.  The video clips used in worship can be found at www.wingclips.com and www.youtube.com

Introduction to the Movie

(from “A Guide to the Film Bully: Fostering Empathy and Action in Schools, www.thebullyproject.com)

Over 13 million American kids will be bullied this year, making it the most common form of violence experienced by young people in the nation.

The documentary film BULLY puts viewers in the midst of this startling statistic. It offers an intimate, some-times unflinching look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families. At its heart are those with huge stakes in this issue whose stories each represent a different facet of America’s bullying crisis. It opens a window onto the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids, revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders. 

It documents the responses of teachers and administrators inviting us to see beyond the “kids will be kids” clichés, and it captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, in communities and in society as a whole.

Today, as we launch our series “Journey at the Movies” we’re going to look at the world of bullying today and compare it with Jesus’ reaction to a moment of bullying he encountered in hopes that we can gather some tolls that will enable us to move from “bystanders” to “upstanders”

First, a look at the movie through the official trailer …

Bully Official Trailer #1 - Weinstein Company Movie (2012) HD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1g9RV9OKhg

READING FOR THE DAY:  John 8:1-11 (TEV)

Unlike the movie, The Bible doesn’t contain any stories that us draw us directly into the life of bullying.  There are very few stories about Jesus’ own childhood or teen years so we can’t go directly to the gospel account and see Jesus responding to bullies in his own life.  But that doesn’t mean the answers aren’t there.  I invite you to listen to our reading for today as we discover how Jesus defends another against the attacks of her bullies. 

Everyone went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

Early the next morning he went back to the Temple. All the people gathered around him, and he sat down and began to teach them.

The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught committing adultery, and they made her stand before them all.

"Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?" They said this to trap Jesus, so that they could accuse him. But he bent over and wrote on the ground with his finger.

As they stood there asking him questions, he straightened up and said to them, "Whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her."

Then he bent over again and wrote on the ground.

When they heard this, they all left, one by one, the older ones first. Jesus was left alone, with the woman still standing there.

He straightened up and said to her, "Where are they? Is there no one left to condemn you?"

"No one, sir," she answered. "Well, then," Jesus said, "I do not condemn you either. Go, but do not sin again."

The Message of the Day:  “From Bystanders to Upstanders”

Most likely when I throw out the word “bully”, a certain image comes to your mind.  It may be the image of that boy in the 4^th grade who made your life a living hell; it may be that group of teenage girls who won’t leave your own daughter alone; it may be the image of someone you know or maybe the image conjured up in your imagination.  The images of bullies may be as broad as the number of bullies themselves; each one is a little unique in their own special way.

So, as we dive more deeply into the issue of bullies and bullying, I think it’s important that I we first understand more fully what we’re talking about when we use the so let’s start with a definition provided for us by “The Bully Project”

Bullying involves an individual or a group repeatedly harming another person—physically (e.g. punching or pushing), verbally (e.g. teasing or name-calling), or socially (e.g. ostracizing or spreading hurtful rumors).

We also know that sometimes these harmful actions are plainly visible, but other times, such as when gossip and rumors are used to ostracize the target, the actions are covert.  Bullying often does not happen in an isolated context with a single tormentor and victim. There may be multiple bullies or multiple victims.

But regardless of the type of bullying, there are almost always peers, adults, and other community members who know about the bullying taking place. With all the levels of involvement by peers, parents, teachers and administrators, you’d think it might be an problem that we can easily solve.  However, as the movie shows us, it’s not always that easy … watch this clip from the movie that invites us to witness how one teacher attempts to solve the issue … see if you can see where she goes wrong and what you might do differently …

Video Clip “Bully – Shake Hands”(from Wing Clips)

http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/bully/shake-hands

Addressing the issue of bullying is not something that can be solved easily.  It takes a wide-reaching effort that requires us to understand what is at the hert of the acts of bullying.  You see, often, the victims of bullying are socially vulnerable because they have some characteristic that makes them different from the majority. A person might be singled out because of his or race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. Young people who have physical or learning disabilities are also targeted more frequently, as well as students who are on the autism spectrum. Regardless of the reason, the person being bullied does not know how or does not have the power to make it stop.  We simply cannot snap our fingers and make it go away.  There is no magic wand we can wave to make it all disappear.  In many ways, the act of bullying is tied directly to social issues that we’ve struggled with for a good long time. 

Look at the stories found in the lives of those documented in the movie (from “The Bully Project”).

Alex, 12

For 12-year-old Alex of Sioux City, Iowa, the slurs, curses and threats begin before he even boards the school bus. A sweet-natured kid just starting middle school and wanting more than anything to fit in, Alex assures his worried parents that the kids who taunt and hit him are only “messing with him.” But bullying has trailed Alex thorough life like a shadow, and as his seventh grade year unfolds, the bullying only escalates.

Kelby, 16

Since 16-year-old Kelby came out as a lesbian, she and her family have been treated as pariahs in their small town of Tuttle, Oklahoma. The onetime all-star athlete, Kelby has faced an outpouring of hatred from classmates as well as teachers, and has been forced to leave her sports teams by attacks. Refusing her parents’ offers to leave Tuttle, the gutsy teenager is bolstered by her adoring girlfriend and a few staunch friends, resolving to stay in her town and change a few minds.

Ja’Meya, 14

In Yazoo County, Mississippi, 14-year-old Ja’Meya was picked on every morning and afternoon of the hour-long bus ride between home and school. On the morning of September 1st, the quiet, unassuming girl had had enough and brandished a loaded handgun she’d taken from her mother’s closet to scare off her tormentors. Incarcerated in a juvenile detention facility and charged with multiple felony counts, Ja’Meya fearfully awaits the outcome of her case, supported by her loving mother.

David and Tina Long

In October 2009, 17-year-old Tyler Long of Murray County, Georgia, hanged himself after years of abuse at the hands of his classmates and indifference from school officials. As his parents, David and Tina Long, mourn the loss of the son they tried to protect, and demand accountability from the school that failed him so miserably, his death has sparked a war in a community forced to face its bullying demons.

Kirk and Laura Smalley

Following the bullying-related suicide of their 11 year-old son, Kirk and Laura Smalley are determined to prevent other children from suffering Ty’s fate. As schools around the country prepare for the start of a new academic year, Kirk launches an anti-bullying organization, Stand for the Silent, coordinating a series of vigils that underscore the high stakes of America’s bullying crisis.

These stories help us understand that it’s not easy.  The stories of these students and parents are interwoven with complex issues that are difficult to understand.  And the movie, unlike other documentaries, provides very little narration, very little critique and very little commentary on the scenes that unfold.  Instead, the viewer is presented with the carefully woven together real life stories and then asked to come to their own conclusions.

In some ways it’s not that complicated.  I don’t think any of us, whether we’ve seen the film or not, are going to defend bullying.  It’s wrong! But I believe the producers of the film ask us to go further – to not stop at simply labeling it as destructive behavior; the producers are quite clear that they made the film as a call to action.  To not only help us recognize the staggering numbers of victims being bullied ... to not only help us see the devastating effects … but to be moved to do something about it.

So what are we to do?  What action can we take?

Enter the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery. No, it’s not teenagers ostracizing or attacking one another; there’s no school bus or gym class… but there are bullies.  Bullies who find a woman whom they are ready to condemn and stone in his presence … and indeed they seem to be asking him to “join in”.  We are told that it’s a trick – they are indeed setting him up to be bullied later on. 

So, what does Jesus do? Jesus not only refuses to join in; he takes a stand to protect the woman from her attackers; he is the one who prevents the abuse and in essence saves her very life.  Jesus shows us that love is louder than hate; Jesus shows us how, in the words of “The Bully Project” -  to move from being a bystander to an upstander…. And in doing so, he’s model for us today as we respond to the bullying in our time and in our place.

You see, bullying typically involves others besides the tormentor and his or her target. As I said before, other people are often aware of the bullying, and they must choose how to respond. The choice comes down to playing one of three roles: perpetrator, bystander, or upstander

Perpetrators join in the bullying, escalate the harassment, or initiate new attacks on the target later.

Bystanders attempt to remain uninvolved in the situation, often by looking on silently or finding an excuse to walk away.

Upstanders take action to oppose the bullying in some way. They might intervene directly and tell the tormentors to stop, but they need not put themselves at risk in order to be helpful. Upstanders might also respond in other ways such as making friends with the targeted student or seeking help from adults.

I would assume that most of gathered here today do not fall in the first category of being a perpetrator, but I don’t think that means we’re off the hook.  Unfortunately, I’m guessing most of us fit quite comfortably in the second category of bystanders.  There have been some interesting studies done about “bystander intervention”.  Last year, all of us who work in the office of Student Success at UAlbany participated in “bystander intervention training”.  It’s interesting to note that if one individual witnesses another individual having problems, it is highly likely that they will intervene.  If you see someone slip and fall and no one else is around, you’ll go over and attempt to help them up.  If someone is alone and looks lost and confused and no one else is around, you are more likely to ask them if they need help.  However, if a person is having trouble and a group of bystanders witness the problem, it is less likely that anyone will get involved.  The larger the group of witnesses, the less likely it is that someone will help.  Astonishing right?  It seems that in a group situation, we all assume someone else will do something; we convince ourselves that we’re off the hook.  Folks, whether we witness bullying as a individual or as a group, we need to get involved. 

It seems to me that we need to focus more on being upstanders.  We need to train our children how to be upstanders.  We need to follow Jesus’ example of getting involved – not necessarily in a fashion that meets violence with more violence.  After all, Jesus didn’t come out with his fists swinging.  He simple diverted there attention and got them to focus in a new way; he spoke out on behalf of the one being bullied and in doing so, he changed things.  Go back to the definition … “They might intervene directly and tell the tormentors to stop, but they need not put themselves at risk in order to be helpful. Upstanders might also respond in other ways such as making friends with the targeted student or seeking help from adults.”  There are many ways we can be a voice for those who have no voice; there are many ways we can empower those who feel like they have no power; there are many ways we move from bystanders to upstanders.  The point is that we move towards taking a stand. 

No one says it more elequantly and passionately than one of the parents in the documentary.  Listen as David Long invites us experience the power “one by one”…

Video Response:  ONE by ONE … from Wing Clips

http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/bully/one-by-one

May we, as Christians, follow Jesus examples as we join one by one in response the many ways we experience bullying in the world around us.  

Another Update from Uganda

The Latest News from Uganda ... 

The other night a bat flew into our housing unit, right past Elaine’s head. It landed right on Sara’s net and decided to hang out there. We got all dramatic and called for John who calmly walked in, put a small shopping bag on his hand, grabbed the bat and then try to scare us all with it in his hand. Evening entertainment at Engeye.

Yesterday was a great day. We headed over to Sydney Paul to say good-bye to our Scholars. Greg brought his trumpet and played for every class. To see their eyes light up when he made the first sound was incredible since they have never seen anything like it before. When he played a jazz song their eyes just grew wide and it was an incredible sight. It was pretty cool and I think the teachers were more excited about it than the kids. When Elaine told them it was “jazz” music, they clearly had never heard of it either.  After hours of negotiation with several drivers, we scored a matatu to lunch in Masaka with David, Darryl, Joe, Biz, Matthew so we were one big group of Mzungus. Lunch was awesome and then we were off to Tekerra. It was hard to find a driver who would drive on the terrible roads to Tekerra but once we did, we had to pay the premium mzungu price. The roads were as bad as I remembered but the landscape to Tekerra is breathtaking. We got to shop a little in their micro-finance shop, visit with Bridget and meet  Chris, the new headmaster at the school. He took us on a walk to their “magic tree” which looked like something out of Avatar. Then we all piled back into our matatu and headed to Kioni (sp?) to shop. Sara went off with Biz, Darryl, David and Matt to pick up avacados for my guacamole and some beer and soda. Unfortunately, we forgot our driver Moses was a Muslim and he would not let David in the car with the beer so poor David had to head back alone with our beverages. When we got back to Engeye it was almost 7:30 PM and time for dinner. Prossy and Jackie made a FEAST with Rolexes, chips (French fries), rice, beans, and bowls and bowls of food. I made a big bowl of guacamole with the most amazing tomatoes and avacados – and we all rolled it in our Rolexes – delicious! It was so fun to be with the group of “young” people as they tackle their first few days at Engeye. Today we head off for the good-bye celebration at St. Gertrude’s and I know it will be amazing. Jackie has been singing to us all morning so I had a great preview of what is to come today. The clinic line is long today and they are very busy while we work our cup showers. Today I learned a trick and borrowed a thermos of boiling water and mixed that with my cold borehole water and it was soooo much better!

Today was a great day at St. Gertrude’s. We were invited to a celebration to thank Scholars and ETC for the improvements and solar power to the school. We were asked to be a part of the parent/teacher meeting and then the children sang and danced for us. It was incredible. They put us in the front of the room in huge chairs and we felt like royalty. Then we were invited to a FEAST by the school. It was a little hard for us to handle as we know the children eat porridge each day and they offered us bowls and bowls of rice, beans, greens, chicken, mango and soda. I am learning to accept gifts without guilt but it’s still a bit of a struggle. Then they performed for us again and then we were invited out to the field where we watched them play football (soccer) and a netball game between parents and teachers. It was awesome to see Sara, Greg and Biz just surrounded by children at all times. I think leaving tomorrow is going to be painful for our teens. I am so so proud of them. I have seen them embrace this experience in a way I never expected and they are truly LOVED by this community. As we prepare to leave for Kampala tomorrow, MIT Engineers without Borders arrived so the commotion at engeye continues. What a wonderful trip, what an incredible team (Elaine, Sara and Greg) and what a beautiful community to be a part of.

Friday & Saturday Update from Uganda ...

Update for Friday and Saturday ...

As I sit on my personal veranda overlooking the African watering hole at Mihingo Lodge, I am struck by the reality that this may be the all-time coolest experience of my life, at least up to today. This weekend was finally the weekend Sara and I have been waiting for – we get to cash in her HS graduation present of a weekend at Mihingo Lodge. After a day of teaching at St. Gertrude’s, Elaine, Greg, Sara and I rushed back to Engeye to pick up our ride to Mihingo. 

It’s incredible to see the changes from 2009, 2011 and today with the main road that runs through Uganda. We rode the majority of the way on a paved road with guardrails. It’s incredible. No more holding the scarf over your mouth so that you can breathe through the thick dust and dirt from the construction. You see true progress but then you are reminded of the challenges as the price of each ride increases by the day due to the total lack of fuel in the area. Every gas station is out and drivers are buying it by the liter by guys with jerry cans standing on the side of the road. The most surprising thing is how unaffected our Ugandan friends are about it. It’s just a matter of fact “there is no fuel” and they go about their day. When I think of how Americans would react if they were without fuel for one day it’s a stark reminder of the patience of the Ugandan people. 

After having my wonderful travel partner and lawyer companion negotiate our new travel cost to Mihingo, we were on our way. Elaine has told me this place was incredible and I’ve gone to the website and watched the video but nothing could prepare me for the true beauty in person. This secluded lodge (and I mean secluded) takes an hour or more in a Safari vehicle before you reach the small eco-lodge tucked into the mountainside. They met our dirty, dusty group at the gate with wash cloths and drinks and a view that I will never forget. We were seated immediately for lunch even though I felt like we should have showered beforehand because our setting was so beautiful but after they brought out one delicious serving after another, I forgot that what I looked like and just began to relax. So, this is the “other” Africa I had heard about.

Our “tent” lodge was so much more than I expected. While it is a tent, it is also under a bamboo structure and set up on large wooden frame. Our private balcony looks over the watering hole and all through the day you see groups of animals making their way to and from the hole. We have a real bathroom with shower and our bathroom looks something like the Flintstones house attached to our tent. We got to enjoy an incredible dinner at the top of the mountain and they had lanterns placed throughout the site at dusk. I think there are only 10 rooms at the whole lodge so it’s very private. At 8:00 PM we went on a night Safari with our driver Joseph and a guide (with gun thank you). We saw dozens and dozens of zebras and many other animals that I can’t recall. We did see a leopard right off the side of the road which was pretty amazing. Our Safari was 2 hours long and it was just amazing to be bouncing along in a Safari vehicle with Sara, wrapped in our blankets under the incredible Africa stars. I really didn’t care that we didn’t see an animal every minute – just the whole experience was incredible. Our night was also cool but gotta tell you – were in the middle of the jungle and the jungle is LOUD. It was a little bit scary being two girls in a remote tent and hearing all the NATURE around us. 

At about 4:30 am Sara woke up and it seemed like the entire jungle was yelling at us. We could hear one sound (we later learned was hyenas) and she was DONE with nature. She was close to the balcony with only a Velcro screen keeping her from the NATURE so my solution was to switch beds. That way if any animals came through the screen, they would get me first. That seemed to satisfy her and she went back to sleep. At 7:15 am we were woken by a nice woman with a beautiful basket with coffee and biscuits for our breakfast on our balcony. It took us a little while to get up the nerve to venture out there because we had a group of grey monkeys jumping all over our room and from tree to tree all around us. As the sun came up, we decided we were ready and sat outside on our balcony and drank our coffee. As a mom, I’m so grateful to have had such a cool experience with my daughter. But then….the day only got better.

After an incredible breakfast – I know – it’s all about the food for me (dinna dinna dinna), we met back up with Joseph and headed out for our boat Safari. David, Darryl and David’s friend Julie (who is working near Jinja with another non-profit) met up with us at the boat launch which was so fun. Our 1 hour ride to the boat launch was like another while safari. We were THISCLOSE (thanks to Joseph’s offroad driving) to zebras, monkeys and tons of other animals.  We headed out on our boat safari (the same one I did before with Carlos and our first AMC team) and spent the day with hippos, monkeys, baboons, alligators, eagles and every kind of bird you can imagine. I’m not a huge nature fan but it was fun and the 1 ½ hours flew by. 

What’s next – more food! We got back just in time for lunch – whew! I would hate to miss a meal. Gonna return home with even MORE weight to lose after this trip. It was so great that our friends could join us and we had an awesome afternoon eating the most incredible foods and then got to spend the afternoon in the pool overlooking the beautiful African landscape. Darryl kept saying “I keep thinking this day can’t get any better and then it just does.” We didn’t think our afternoon could get much better as we sat in the sunshine drinking our cold beers but then they brought out chocolate cake. In a word – perfect. We said good-bye at 4:00 pm and they got on boda bodas to take them to the safari gate so they could make the long trek back to Engeye and Sara and I got to head off for our one last graduation gift surprise. We had side by side massages in the middle of the jungle. It didn’t suck. Not even a little bit. We just returned to our room and the sun is shining and I am so grateful for the warm shower, the cold drinks, the time with good friends and especially this shared experience with Sara. We have so many new Luganda sayings, inside jokes and special memories – I feel incredibly grateful. 

And yet….despite the beauty of this part of Africa (and it is beautiful) both Greg and Sara said multiple times today how much they missed the village, the children and Ddegeya. They have both fallen in love with the people of Uganda but especially the people in and around Engeye. To see two teenagers embrace the cup shower, the latrine, the long days, the endless car rides without complaint is such a surprise and testament that Elaine, Mike, Bob and I did something right at some point.  Maybe once anyway. We were having such a good time and then Greg said “yeah, two nights here is plenty – I’m ready to head back to Engeye.”  We don’t have internet here so like all blogs in Uganda, you write them in Word and cut and paste into an email since you never know when you will get a few minutes of internet service. The monkeys are jumping past me in the trees just a few feet away from my chair and the sounds around me make me feel like I need to pinch myself that I am really here. Everyone should get to experience this just once in their life if they can. Darryl was right – this is the PERFECT day. Well, time to go enjoy my warm shower, get dressed for dinner and enjoy our last night at Mihingo. We have an early morning drive back to Ddegeya and we get to be a part of family visiting day at Bishop Ddungu where we will spend time with more Scholars and their families. Despite how cool last night and today were, it’s days like tomorrow that make this whole experience worthwhile. Webale Nnyo Nnyo Uganda!

Day 3 Update from Theresa and Sara in Uganda

Day 3 Update from Theresa and Sara in Uganda ... 

Today was a good day so far even though it’s only 2:00. We did not need to be at Sydney Paul until 11:00 so we had a chance to “sleep in” if that is possible in Uganda. The rooster was not aware of our lax schedule and still began crowing (inches from our window) at around 5:15 am. I understand that Joe and Kathy’s rooster crows every morning at 3:00 am for no reason so I’m thankful they are down the road. After a great Ugandan breakfast of banana and bread with Nutella, Sara went off to hang out with a bunch of the kids in the village and Greg worked on testing the water from the bore hole. Elaine and I got to have a great meeting with David where we could talk in person which is so much nicer than trying to do everything by email. 

Then we piled into Joe’s car and he drove us to Sydney Paul where both Sara and Greg taught their lessons for almost 2 hours. We all have a new appreciation for teachers – it’s exhausting. Sara taught about Skyscrapers and life as a teenager in the US. The kids all had great questions and it was great because Susan and Wilbur were in the class. We have made arrangements to take Susan out to dinner on Monday so I am so excited. We bumped into Rose who injured her leg so on the way back we added  one more person into Joe’s packed car so she could be seen at the clinic. We just had lunch of rice, potatoes and pasta (oh the carbs) and will be heading back to Sydney Paul to watch the students debate. 

Then we are off to another school, St. Bernard’s, where our scholar Mary attends. Last night we had some big action in Ddegeya – right before dinner there was word that a camel was up on the road. Everyone went running and yup, there was a camel. For 2,000 shillings you could ride the camel. There is a UAlbany MPH student here named Darryl and he rode the camel to everyone’s delight. They came right down to the clinic and walked around the grounds – and left a lot of camel shit too. You never know what is going to happen around here. This morning there was a monkey down the back so Sara and Greg got to hang out with the monkey this AM. Sara is pretty excited today because the kids in the village taught her how to do tire with a stick trick. She is bragging now so I will try to get a video of her.

Part 2 – This afternoon we headed back to Sydney Paul school for the debates which was really cool. All the students were in the auditorium and they choose to debate “Science did more harm than good.”  Sara and Greg were put on opposing teams without any preparation and had to stand up and also make a point for their side. Talk about being thrown right in but they did great. It was so funny/scary to hear some of the kid’s comments about why science is bad. Some included condoms are bad because they all have holes in them and getting your ears pierced will prevent you from being kidnapped. But they said everything with conviction and were very passionate. We got to see both Susan and Wilbur get up and state their cases which was incredible to see how far they have come. 

We left Sydney Paul around 5 PM and had to hire a “taxi” driver to take us to another school, St. Bernard’s which is very rural. One of our Scholars, Mary, goes there. Always an experience to put 4 of us in the backseat of a small car and travel over the crazy Ugandan roads but after a long, dusty ride – we made it. Sadly, we learned that Mary was visiting family back in Ddegeya. Just our luck. But we got a great tour of this incredible school which has the most AMAZING volunteer housing (oh man – flushing toilet, shower in the bathroom, kitchen, and the best view in Africa).I was ready to move in.  I am hoping to connect AMC or Siena students with this incredible program so it was not a wasted trip. 

We arrived back at Ddegeya to lots of cheers and celebration as the local Parliament seat election was decided. The whole time we have been here there has been a strong police presence due to the elections today. Nothing like what we saw with the Presidential Elections but still a lot of road blocks of police with guns. We have been stopped a few times but they always smile and pass us by without a bribe. No need to intimidate Muzungus since we can’t vote. 

We are now back at Engeye, filthy and tired but it was a great day. Sara and Greg are exhausted too but are both out back covered in kids.Greg is teaching the kids letters and numbers with the ipad and they are enthralled. Unfortunately, he taught them how to say “where are the suitcases” in Luganda which sounds very funny and now, no matter where you are at Engeye, you can hear little Jackie yelling “where are the suitcases” in Luganda. It’s one of the phrases that will follow us home this year.  It’s so different being here without a large medical team. The lines of patients don’t snake around the clinic building and there is a calmness and easy pace to the clinic.  

Tomorrow we head back to st. Gertrude’s where Sara and Greg will teach one more class and then we are off to SARARI BABY. Is it sad that we are most looking forward to toilets and showers? To wash my hair will be such a luxury and to not have to squat over a hole in the pitch dark will be incredible. I guess the safari will be cool too.  I’ve discovered that jumping crickets look like HUGE spiders and they like to hang out in the latrine after dark and they JUMP. O.M.F.G.     Mihingo Lodge – here I come!!!!

As I’m typing this in the dark (in the old clinic) I just realized there is a chicken in here with me and it scared the shit out of me. Holy Mother! I really hate chickens.

Journey to Uganda - Update Day 1 & 2

On Sunday, July 8, Theresa and Sara Weinman departed for Uganda ... follow their journey here as they visit Ddgeye, check in with our scholars, and much, much more ... 

Day 1

Our trip so far has been the adventure we always expect! On our way to Logan we stopped at a rest stop where a woman was having a seizure in the parking lot. Everyone was trying to call 911 but nobody knew the name of the rest area. I ran(literally) into the rest stop and let the person at McDonald’s know that we needed to call 911 but he didn’t speak English. He pulled over another girl who also couldn’t understand my question of “What is the name of this rest stop, we have an emergency.” They looked at me in horror and responded “I. No.” They finally brought over a manager who decided not to tell me the name and run out to the parking lot himself and then didn’t seem to know the name of the rest stop either. A few minutes later we heard the sirens so I am guessing everything turned out OK. Yes, Mary Smith, drama follows me – even to rest stops!

Sara and I got to have a great dinner with my sister Patty in Boston before we left despite much GPS drama and 3 wrong meals. Our long travel was pretty good to London but our 8 hour flight to Entebbe had a poor woman from India sitting in front of me with her 18 month old on her lap and her 6 year old next to her. The 18 month old cried/screamed/cried/thrashed the entire 8 hours. The entire time. My heart broke for her but it was an overnight flight and Sara and I had already not slept for 1 night….now it was two. It was a long, sleepless flight for everyone between rows 17 and 32.

When we arrived at Entebbe we were thrilled to see our friend Charles from Churchill to greet us. As we pulled off the twelve 50 pound (OK, in 4 cases 54 and 55 pound bags = clearly over the legal limit) off the conveyer (where is Bob when you need him) a guy tried to grab my black bag CLEARLY marked Engeye #3 all over it in my personal bright orange duck tape. We both had our hands on the bag and then looked at each other and both wanted that bag. Then he said “Are you going to Engeye? “ It took a moment but I recognized him from the Engeye website - it was Joe Freeman returning from his trip home from the States! With the throngs of people what are the chances we would be standing right next to each other – we were on the same flight from London. We had never met and I thought he was coming home a few days later. Too funny. Apparently on the last AMC trip, one of our black bags (with my beautiful orange E in duck tape) got left behind and Joe was using it. So….we both had orange bags there with Engeye #3. We gave Joe a lift to Kampala where he was going to get some meds for the clinic. It was a great time to get to know him better and the ride to Kampala scored me access to the only flushing toilet in Ddegeya – Joe & Kathy’s. I. Am. A Brilliant. Woman.

We had a good ride to Engeye with Charles, doing all the usual stops, the Equator (which now has flushing toilets people!). When we arrived at Ddegeya, everyone was still seeing patients so it was not the big welcome party we had demanded. J Soon everyone heard all the Mzungus and out came Resty, Ritah, Hellen , Susan, John, David – and the two long days of travel were so worth it. The fact that we had not slept in two days (or showered) was forgotten! We used the big clinic space to lay out all our bags and got to sorting. It took a long time. Between supplies for the clinic, supplies for the schools, personal gifts and our own stuff – it was a lot of STUFF.

We soon found out that not only had it not rained for 2 weeks and both of the water tanks were bone dry but that the bore hole had been broken for two weeks and there was no clean water. They were using the muddy pond for cooking and cleaning (boiled of course) so there were no showers to be had. We also learned that the internet had been down for two weeks but they were hoping Joe would be able to fix it tomorrow with the new cable he was bringing from Uganda. John then broke it to me that Pat the rat had returned to our housing unit. Gulp. We would not be discouraged, we had worked long and hard to get here and I was not going to let a rat ruin my wonderful mood. Just hearing John’s laugh throughout the compound makes it all worth it. We walked to one of the broken bore holes and gave Greg a tour of Ddegeya.

After dinner of rice, beans, potatoes we ended up using the pump from Brenny and Mark’s project (so cool) and got some wonderful, clean, FREEZING water from the faucet. A very quick shower followed and we ran to bed. It was only 9 PM here but we had all been up for 2 days. I took some sleeping assistance (1/3 of a sleeping pill), popped in my ear plugs and slept soundly for 10 hours. Unfortunately, Sara and Elaine were not so lucky and had a battle of wills with Pat the rat for the majority of the night. I feel kinda guilty for sleeping so well but…….hey, they could have put in ear plugs too. We did make one middle of the night latrine run. I forgot the challenge of the headlamp, babywipes, putting your shoes on and heading out to the latrine in the pitch black but as soon as I started moving, Sara and Elaine had their headlamps on and were right behind me. It’s good to room with other girls.

Day 2

This morning we were woken out of the pitch black by the ROOSTER. Oh the rooster. But it was a good way to get moving and we got to enjoy Ugandan coffee, eggs and fruit with the staff as the patients began lining up at sunrise. Then we got Good news = John was able to have the bore hole fixed so our coffee was with clean water which was a good way to start the day. We headed to Sydney Paul for a morning of introductions and welcome. We brought bracelets that said “Empowerment Through Education (ETC) and got to visit each classroom and see our Scholars. We were not allowed to really visit with the scholars today (can’t disrupt their classes) but we got to hug Susan, Wilbur, Harriet, Waswa, Bena and so many of the Scholars. It was so hard to be in Susan’s class and only have a few minutes with her but her smile was ear to ear. We told her we were coming back next Monday to take her to dinner. We were originally only invited for two days but we must have been so super cool today that they invited us back for the debates tomorrow.

I also learned that Elaine and I are only known as “Mama Sara” and “Mama Elaine.” Our role is only as their mother’s so I am now called “Mama Sara” wherever I go. It’s kinda sweet. Both Susan and Wilbur’s classes will be participating in the debates so it’s another excuse to spend time with them. One sad thing happened in their class, when asking us questions one young boy stood and asked how children were chosen for scholarship. He was soon crying as he asked the question. John explained to us that his mother had just died, he was a strong student but knew he would need to leave school. It’s so hard – you want to help everyone – they are all so worthy and work so hard.

We head to St. Gertrude’s later today and Sara and Greg will teach their first classes – “Life of American Teenager,” “How to tell time” and “Life in a big city/skyscrapers.” They will be teaching several days this week and next week. Both Elaine and I are amazed at Sara and Greg. Lots of hiccups, rats, the latrines, days without sleep, etc and yet, they are thriving already. They are walking around smiling, working, without complaint. There is hope for this world. J We are getting lots of entertainment from Jackie. She lives up to every story I heard about her. Funny to watch her today (at 3 or 4 years old?) climb on the back of a motorcycle, no helmet, grab the hips of the driver and off to school she goes. I know this is long but not sure how many times I will be able to get the internet connection.

We returned from Sydney Paul and had some lunch with the staff and then walked on the HOT road to St. Gertrude’s. It was so good to be back. At first it looked like there was not much change from our B4B but as you entered each classroom you saw the differences. The roof was not leaking, each class had shutters and doors, each teacher now had a chair, there were posters and teaching tools in each classroom. Books were available and there was chalk and pencils – the small things that were not there before. To see the solar lights hanging down was also a thrill. We plan to return at night one night to see them in action. I think my favorite part was going to the dormitories and seeing the bunk beds for the girls! Success! Sara and Greg each taught a class today. It started slow as the kids are often afraid of Mzungus aka white people but they warmed up. Sara did “Life of an American teenager.” They asked great questions and then became teenagers themselves and asked her a lot of questions about her boyfriend, going to clubs, etc. They all seemed to warm up when we said we knew Brenny, Mark, Sarah and Elliott. It was also so cool to see how many kids remembered Sara from last year.

It took hours and it was hot and we returned to Engeye around 5:30 PM. I got to take my “shower” with a cup but tonight was a luxury. I borrowed a thermos of hot water from Susan in the kitchen and added that to the cold water I had pumped from the new container (thank you Mark and Brenny). I got to rinse off with warm water and it felt amazing. Elaine got to use the second half of the thermos. It’s amazing how careful you are with water when you are here. One thermos of water for two American women to wash their hair? Yup. It can be done. We are tired, dirty, dusty, happy and grateful to be here among such hardworking, kind people. I am at the picnic table, listening to Ugandan radio, the cooks laughing and talking and Sara running around with Peter, Jackie and all the kids dirty, tired and I have never seen her so happy. Greg Hickey has adjusted like he has lived here for years. I have never seen a kid or adult take so easily to Uganda. I've also learned I HATE chickens. Chickens who scurry around your feet while you eat and poop everywhere. I will never feel bad about eating chicken again. I have a hunch both these kids will be back many times. We are blessed! Happy 20th birthday Robert – John says hello too! PS - one Ugandan reality check today. My dear friend Resty said "Oh Theresa, you have gained weight! What HAVE you been doing?" Ouch. I said "Eating too much." Maybe I'll take less potatoes tonight!