The library arrived this morning at the house in luweero! Got a text msg from Grace. How I wish I was there to unload it and set up the library and teach the girls how to use one of the sewing machines in the shipping container. Text msg also from Maama Asa today and one from Samuel yesterday. I really miss everyone. Still feel rather out of body with my brain somewhere else in another time zone. Dennis home tonight from business in Waterloo. Missed him. We had one night together under the same roof Sunday night before I took him to the airport Monday afternoon for another business trip.
I'm working on a care package to send to Luweero for the girls that includes notepaper, envelopes, ugandan stamps, fabric for the quilting applique project I left for them, replacement rotary cutter blades, applique patterns and anything else I can think of. Hoping to talk to Maama Asa and Asa on the weekend. Didn't get to say goodbye to Asa before I left because he was in school in Kampala. Miss singing to Esau to sleep in my arms. Miss Samuel's laugh. Miss Maama Asa's smile when we quilt together. Miss the kids in Luweero saying, "muzungo, how are you" with such big beautiful smiles. And the girls greeting me with a hug and welcome home each morning when I come in from the guesthouse. Hands and feet still red with sunburn. Yes, I used my sunscreen. It was really difficult to keep sunscreen on the back of my hands when I was washing them with hand sanitizer so frequently and feet always dirty with red dust.
Went to kindred quilters today, minus my lunch and reading glasses so I couldn't sew. I was greeted with warm hugs and "welcome home". Good to be with friends I hadn't seen since mid-December. Told them about the girl's efforts on their applique project. And my hope to be able to go back and teach them how to piece half-square triangles on electric sewing machine, piece everything together, sandwich everything with quilt top, batting and backing, put together a quilt frame and teach them how to hand-quilt their project for a finished quilt. I'd like to teach them how to make the little zippered quilted bags that I gave each of them that they can make themselves and sell them for income. I so look forward to those next quilting lessons and reconnecting with these my new Luweero friends. Next time I will be so much better prepared. I'll stay 2 or 3 weeks and not try to stay beyond what my body will handle.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Home Safe!
Funny story I forgot to tell. I was walking to post office to internet last week, when I saw a group of 8 big cows with really big horns led by a boy about 8yrs or so. I didn't know which way they were going to go as they seemed all over the dirt road in town. I stopped and waited to see which way I needed to go. They were heading right for me when I leapt up onto the grass towards the nearest house while the locals had a great laugh at the muzungo lady jumping out of the way just in time. All I could think of was what a picture that would have made for Jim to add to his collection had he been with me. When I told him about it later, he remarked about the heavy weight of responsibility these young boys have to get these animals home safely without losing one. He imagined what the consequences would have been at home had he lost one, given how valuable these animals are to the well-being of the family. Sobering thought.
On the day of my departure, Grace and I took a taxi bus with Maama Asa into Kampala mid-afternoon to meet up with Samuel who had taken my luggage with him early that morning. He would take Grace and I to meet Ruth's's sister, Marian to take me on to Entebbe airport for my flight. About 20 minutes into the taxi bus ride on the road to Kampala, we heard a loud bang, while the driver fought for and maintained control of the vehicle. I knew as soon as I heard the bang, that the rear driver-side tire had blown. All 17 of us on the taxibus were quiet and calm. The driver handled it extremely well. He pulled over safely and we piled out. Rubber tire debris littered the road. The spare tire was pulled out and driver worked on replacing blown tire. When another taxi pulls up with a friend of Grace's family working as conductor jumps out. Lugandan words are exchanged with Grace. We pile into his taxi and carry on into Kampala to meet up with Samuel.
The incident reminded me of how bald Samuel's tires really were and that they needed replacing. Grace was having the same thoughts. I gave nearly the last of my Ugandan shillling to buy Samuel buy his 2 new front tires and have them installed right away on our way to meet up with Marian, as a thank you for looking after me for 4 weeks without any expectation or thank you needed. It was important to me to give him this gift because I so appreciated his time and care. All of Grace's family, from her sisters to Samuel, nephew Joseph, and the girls, treated us like we were family. Sharing what they have and generous with their time and energy. What a gift that was to be considered part of their family.
While we waited for the tires to be put on, Grace & I waited in the car in an automotive area of the market. I noticed a young woman with 2 little ones....one about 6 or 7 and the other a toddler while she was kneeling on a mat with a basket of mangoes she was selling. I noticed how sad and worn out she looked. I pointed her out to Grace. She replied she was selling mangoes not in season and likely not selling too many. I felt it wasn't the point and asked how much mangoes would cost. I handed over some Ugandan shillings. Grace got out and spoke to her and bought some mangoes with shillings we both contributed. The mother smiled with the biggest smile you can imagine at both of us. She approached me and I gave her another 5000 shillings just because. She had no expectation nor asked us for anything other than did I want to buy more mangoes with the shillings. I said no....it was for her. Again a big smile like I had given her the world. All Grace and I could think of is that it epitomized the essence of this amazing country. Of the strength, resilience and self-reliance of its people and how a about $7 on our part, made the difference in whether they would eat that night. We didn't know her and that didn't matter. It made us both happy to do such a small thing and see how grateful and appreciative she was in that beautiful smile. She was beautiful and so were her children. It was an amazing memory on this my last day in Uganda after an emotional afternoon of giving away the clothes and items I brought from Canada and saying goodbye to the girls, to Samuel, and Grace, and Marian at the airport. It was a great privilege and honour to have been able to go and experience this amazing country with all its beauty and contradictions. It is the people, the ones I came to know and the ones I didn't know, the children's faces ...that nonetheless touched me and my heart. I am not the same person who left home so many weeks ago.
I flew out of Entebbe, in the wee hours of Saturday night / Sunday am. My flight to Brussels delayed leaving Entebbe 2 hours due to bad winter weather in Europe. I slept 3 hours 3am to 6 am on the plane after a hot meal. I made Brussels/Montreal connection ok with 45 minutes to spare out of a 3 hour layover. Watched 3 movies on that 8 hour flight while I sewed some applique. I thought of Dennis meeting me at the airport. I couldn't focus on a book. And I didn't want to sleep so I would sleep at home. The rest of the trip home was uneventful with jet lag hitting me at Montreal airport while waiting 2 hours for the mtl/ottawa flight. All I could think of was seeing Dennis at the bottom of the arrival escalator.
Dennis greeted me with a dozen red roses and a red heart balloon. I flew off the escalator and literally launched myself into his arms and nearly knocking him over in the process. I buried my face in his shoulder and cried happy tears. He showed me his cell where he had an app for tracking my flight progress. He knew when I had boarded each flight, when it had left and when it had arrived at each destination. Wow! He made me grilled salmon and scallops, rice and a crisp salad with strawberries for supper. I opted out of the mojito he had planned as I felt it would put me under the table. Not where I wanted to end up. I did end up falling asleep in front of the tv and later in his arms in our bed. Awake at 4am this morning ...still on Ugandan time. My body and mind feel like they are in two different time zones. It will be great to have them reacquainted with each other again in this time zone. I am still working on regaining my appetite. I lost 12 lbs according to our bathroom scales....very happy about that! I must look like I was somewhere warm when a passenger at Mtl airport asked me where I had been as I looked so tanned and sunburned at the same time. Cool! Roxanne my esthetician is going to have my head for supper!
So I will spend the next few days looking after me. While I process the journey with its ups and downs, and the grace of the people we met and came to know. I'll revisit our blogs, journal, and photographs and remember the many people I met and had the privilege to get to know. I'll remember our girls with their many strengths, big smiles, grace, talents and self-reliance and ability to carry on no matter what. I'll process what I have learned and the experience I would not trade for anything. I look forward to going back and teach the girls how to assemble the quilt they are working on, to sew the little bags I gave each one with a pair of little scissors. They are hoping I'll teach them to make them when I go back. I can see them making them in African batiks and selling them in the market on market day for income. This is something I know how to do. I'll be in touch with Maama Asa about Asa's progress in school, send her the promised quilting items, notepaper and ugandan postage and anything else I can think to send. I've been in touch with Samuel already. I'm working on getting Maama Asa's phone number sorted out to set up a time on the weekend to talk to Asa when she visits him in kampala on the weekend. She will let me know how the girls are. I miss everyone... a good and sad feeling at the same time.
On the shipping container front....Grace and Jim were in Kampala today to open the container for customs inspection. Haven't heard about the outcome of that yet. Checked Jim's blog and no joy there yet. They will go back to Kampala early Tuesday morning to clear one last (hopefully) hurdle with customs to release container with a driver.
On the day of my departure, Grace and I took a taxi bus with Maama Asa into Kampala mid-afternoon to meet up with Samuel who had taken my luggage with him early that morning. He would take Grace and I to meet Ruth's's sister, Marian to take me on to Entebbe airport for my flight. About 20 minutes into the taxi bus ride on the road to Kampala, we heard a loud bang, while the driver fought for and maintained control of the vehicle. I knew as soon as I heard the bang, that the rear driver-side tire had blown. All 17 of us on the taxibus were quiet and calm. The driver handled it extremely well. He pulled over safely and we piled out. Rubber tire debris littered the road. The spare tire was pulled out and driver worked on replacing blown tire. When another taxi pulls up with a friend of Grace's family working as conductor jumps out. Lugandan words are exchanged with Grace. We pile into his taxi and carry on into Kampala to meet up with Samuel.
The incident reminded me of how bald Samuel's tires really were and that they needed replacing. Grace was having the same thoughts. I gave nearly the last of my Ugandan shillling to buy Samuel buy his 2 new front tires and have them installed right away on our way to meet up with Marian, as a thank you for looking after me for 4 weeks without any expectation or thank you needed. It was important to me to give him this gift because I so appreciated his time and care. All of Grace's family, from her sisters to Samuel, nephew Joseph, and the girls, treated us like we were family. Sharing what they have and generous with their time and energy. What a gift that was to be considered part of their family.
While we waited for the tires to be put on, Grace & I waited in the car in an automotive area of the market. I noticed a young woman with 2 little ones....one about 6 or 7 and the other a toddler while she was kneeling on a mat with a basket of mangoes she was selling. I noticed how sad and worn out she looked. I pointed her out to Grace. She replied she was selling mangoes not in season and likely not selling too many. I felt it wasn't the point and asked how much mangoes would cost. I handed over some Ugandan shillings. Grace got out and spoke to her and bought some mangoes with shillings we both contributed. The mother smiled with the biggest smile you can imagine at both of us. She approached me and I gave her another 5000 shillings just because. She had no expectation nor asked us for anything other than did I want to buy more mangoes with the shillings. I said no....it was for her. Again a big smile like I had given her the world. All Grace and I could think of is that it epitomized the essence of this amazing country. Of the strength, resilience and self-reliance of its people and how a about $7 on our part, made the difference in whether they would eat that night. We didn't know her and that didn't matter. It made us both happy to do such a small thing and see how grateful and appreciative she was in that beautiful smile. She was beautiful and so were her children. It was an amazing memory on this my last day in Uganda after an emotional afternoon of giving away the clothes and items I brought from Canada and saying goodbye to the girls, to Samuel, and Grace, and Marian at the airport. It was a great privilege and honour to have been able to go and experience this amazing country with all its beauty and contradictions. It is the people, the ones I came to know and the ones I didn't know, the children's faces ...that nonetheless touched me and my heart. I am not the same person who left home so many weeks ago.
I flew out of Entebbe, in the wee hours of Saturday night / Sunday am. My flight to Brussels delayed leaving Entebbe 2 hours due to bad winter weather in Europe. I slept 3 hours 3am to 6 am on the plane after a hot meal. I made Brussels/Montreal connection ok with 45 minutes to spare out of a 3 hour layover. Watched 3 movies on that 8 hour flight while I sewed some applique. I thought of Dennis meeting me at the airport. I couldn't focus on a book. And I didn't want to sleep so I would sleep at home. The rest of the trip home was uneventful with jet lag hitting me at Montreal airport while waiting 2 hours for the mtl/ottawa flight. All I could think of was seeing Dennis at the bottom of the arrival escalator.
Dennis greeted me with a dozen red roses and a red heart balloon. I flew off the escalator and literally launched myself into his arms and nearly knocking him over in the process. I buried my face in his shoulder and cried happy tears. He showed me his cell where he had an app for tracking my flight progress. He knew when I had boarded each flight, when it had left and when it had arrived at each destination. Wow! He made me grilled salmon and scallops, rice and a crisp salad with strawberries for supper. I opted out of the mojito he had planned as I felt it would put me under the table. Not where I wanted to end up. I did end up falling asleep in front of the tv and later in his arms in our bed. Awake at 4am this morning ...still on Ugandan time. My body and mind feel like they are in two different time zones. It will be great to have them reacquainted with each other again in this time zone. I am still working on regaining my appetite. I lost 12 lbs according to our bathroom scales....very happy about that! I must look like I was somewhere warm when a passenger at Mtl airport asked me where I had been as I looked so tanned and sunburned at the same time. Cool! Roxanne my esthetician is going to have my head for supper!
So I will spend the next few days looking after me. While I process the journey with its ups and downs, and the grace of the people we met and came to know. I'll revisit our blogs, journal, and photographs and remember the many people I met and had the privilege to get to know. I'll remember our girls with their many strengths, big smiles, grace, talents and self-reliance and ability to carry on no matter what. I'll process what I have learned and the experience I would not trade for anything. I look forward to going back and teach the girls how to assemble the quilt they are working on, to sew the little bags I gave each one with a pair of little scissors. They are hoping I'll teach them to make them when I go back. I can see them making them in African batiks and selling them in the market on market day for income. This is something I know how to do. I'll be in touch with Maama Asa about Asa's progress in school, send her the promised quilting items, notepaper and ugandan postage and anything else I can think to send. I've been in touch with Samuel already. I'm working on getting Maama Asa's phone number sorted out to set up a time on the weekend to talk to Asa when she visits him in kampala on the weekend. She will let me know how the girls are. I miss everyone... a good and sad feeling at the same time.
On the shipping container front....Grace and Jim were in Kampala today to open the container for customs inspection. Haven't heard about the outcome of that yet. Checked Jim's blog and no joy there yet. They will go back to Kampala early Tuesday morning to clear one last (hopefully) hurdle with customs to release container with a driver.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Last day in Uganda!
My bags are packed. Samuel picked up my checked bags and one carry-on to take into Kampala. Grace and I will follow by taxi bus around 2 or 3 this afternoon. So we can have a leisurely supper and Marian will take me and my baggage to the airport in early evening for my midnight 9 hour flight to Brussels and then Montreal to Ottawa airport where Dennis will meet me.
I'm fighting tears as I write. A lot of hard goodbyes to say to these girls, and little Esau who doesn't realize yet I'm leaving and Asa (from a distance in Kampala where he is in school). I've cared about them from afar without even meeting them. I love Grace's girls more having gotten to know them as young girls, or young single moms, brother, nephew, sisters, friends. They are part of me. I've gotten to know what they dream about and hope for their future. And they seem a long way away with a lot of obstacles for them to overcome and work through. If they want it badly enough to struggle and work for them....they will be okay as opportunities always present themselves at the right time when needed most. They have such faith here that things will improve and dreams can happen. And they can.
I'm coming home at the end of the week. My body is wearing down with the heat and likely some dehydration. I don't want to be the weak link in the team and have them worry I'll get sicker. I don't want to slow them down. So I know I can be much more effective working from Canada on the June fundraiser and getting Maama Wakisa Designs off the ground to launch at the fundraiser. This is where my strengths lie. My body isn't made for heat...it is just the way I'm made as many of you already know. I had to come to see and experience what Grace’s world is like and who the people she loves are. And I don't regret a moment of it. I've made some amazing discoveries, had wonderful experiences and found some strong and resilient women and men that I love like family. They have embraced me and considered me part of theirs. That is an honour and a privilege that I don't take lightly.
So as I say my goodbyes, exchange email and phone numbers with to do lists of things I've promised to send, I'm looking to home and seeing my family and friends. Back to my kindred quilting group. To getting my unhappy toes looked after with Roxanne next week. They are sad and so much dust and grime on them I'll soak them for a week I think.
On the shipping container, Uganda Rotary International has seen the container and touched it at the customs depot in Kampala. So it made it from the side of the road from Ginja where the truck had broken down for 2 days. The latest is that Jim and Grace go to Kampala Monday morning to open the container for customs inspection and wait to see what newest taxes and "fees" customs comes up with. What a journey that sounds more like a bad soap opera. Once the container arrives Jim can then plan his departure date and get home to his family. He is a trooper and getting on with what he needs to do. And he so waits.....
So I will see you all on the other side and look forward to having a slide show of pictures to show you. I'm hoping to put some on Facebook when I'm over jet lag. Love you all and I'll continue to post the journey as it continues from home and let you know the newest trials of the shipping container that remains still in Kampala. See you soon........xoxo........Chris
I'm fighting tears as I write. A lot of hard goodbyes to say to these girls, and little Esau who doesn't realize yet I'm leaving and Asa (from a distance in Kampala where he is in school). I've cared about them from afar without even meeting them. I love Grace's girls more having gotten to know them as young girls, or young single moms, brother, nephew, sisters, friends. They are part of me. I've gotten to know what they dream about and hope for their future. And they seem a long way away with a lot of obstacles for them to overcome and work through. If they want it badly enough to struggle and work for them....they will be okay as opportunities always present themselves at the right time when needed most. They have such faith here that things will improve and dreams can happen. And they can.
I'm coming home at the end of the week. My body is wearing down with the heat and likely some dehydration. I don't want to be the weak link in the team and have them worry I'll get sicker. I don't want to slow them down. So I know I can be much more effective working from Canada on the June fundraiser and getting Maama Wakisa Designs off the ground to launch at the fundraiser. This is where my strengths lie. My body isn't made for heat...it is just the way I'm made as many of you already know. I had to come to see and experience what Grace’s world is like and who the people she loves are. And I don't regret a moment of it. I've made some amazing discoveries, had wonderful experiences and found some strong and resilient women and men that I love like family. They have embraced me and considered me part of theirs. That is an honour and a privilege that I don't take lightly.
So as I say my goodbyes, exchange email and phone numbers with to do lists of things I've promised to send, I'm looking to home and seeing my family and friends. Back to my kindred quilting group. To getting my unhappy toes looked after with Roxanne next week. They are sad and so much dust and grime on them I'll soak them for a week I think.
On the shipping container, Uganda Rotary International has seen the container and touched it at the customs depot in Kampala. So it made it from the side of the road from Ginja where the truck had broken down for 2 days. The latest is that Jim and Grace go to Kampala Monday morning to open the container for customs inspection and wait to see what newest taxes and "fees" customs comes up with. What a journey that sounds more like a bad soap opera. Once the container arrives Jim can then plan his departure date and get home to his family. He is a trooper and getting on with what he needs to do. And he so waits.....
So I will see you all on the other side and look forward to having a slide show of pictures to show you. I'm hoping to put some on Facebook when I'm over jet lag. Love you all and I'll continue to post the journey as it continues from home and let you know the newest trials of the shipping container that remains still in Kampala. See you soon........xoxo........Chris
Friday, February 3, 2012
Preparations and packing
I had to tell the girls Wednesday night I am flying home early. It was hard. Maama Asaa whom I've bonded the most with had tears in her eyes. We had a little cry together with our heads pressed together. It will be an emotional day tomorrow saying goodbye.
So today, I have started my packing at the guesthouse. I've separated clothes I am leaving behind for the girls and toiletries items, sunscreens, over the counter stuff, as well as things I brought with me from home to leave. So my baggage will be much lighter which is a good thing as I have to lose one suitcase so I can travel with one carry-on. Brussels airlines (Entebbe to Brussels) is a stickler for weight as we discovered when we flew in early January.
I have my to-do list for today and tomorrow. We have hired the driver who drove us to Murchison falls to take me into Entebbe airport for 180,000 shillings or about $90 including gas. The airport run is about 3 hours each way and I fly out at midnight tomorrow night. The drive from Kampala to Luweero is treacherous in the dark and I don't want Samuel driving home on it in the dark. It is dangerous with many accidents happening at night. I don't know if I blogged about it....I think I did.... that a taxi or a bus hit a parked transport truck on the side of the road at around 3am a few weeks ago killing 20 people. Turned out Michael, our guide and driver lives close to the accident site and one of the first on scene. Pretty brutal and not a pretty sight or sounds of people injured. Some likely died waiting for emergency workers to arrive. It is not like our response times at home. Very sad. So all to say, I would rather pay a driver to do this instead of Samuel. Michael knows what he is doing and I feel safe with him. We will be leaving for the airport before dark anyway.
So today, the plan is finish my packing, run my errands and spend the rest of today and tomorrow doing some quiet sewing with the girls and chat. Looking forward to that.
Dennis asked me last night what I would like for supper on Sunday. I replied grilled salmon, a crisp fresh salad with a mojito or margarita. However, it may not be a good idea as one drink with jet lag may well put me under the table. I fly Entebbe to Brussels, Brussels to Montreal and Montreal to Ottawa and arrive around 4pm Ottawa time. I'm most looking forward to seeing Dennis at the airport and being in his arms Sunday night in our own bed.
An update on the shipping container. It turns out on Wednesday that we discovered the container had been stuck outside of Ginja for two days with mechanical issues. However, in Kampala someone in customs had signed off that it was at their depot in Kampala and wanted to assess taxes on it for used sport equipment, without seeing the container or the necessary paperwork or they even knew where it is. Grace is in Kampala again today with Samuel pay whatever fees are needed and get it released to be trucked here later today. We will see. What a journey. Gives new meaning to "Uganda time"! It is amazing anything gets done in business and commerce. If it worked this way at home...commerce would be a standstill! Jim still waiting and hoping it arrives today or tomorrow and he can plan when he will be able to go home. He’s been pretty frustrated with twiddling his thumbs trying to stay busy.
So that is all for now. I hope to post one last time tomorrow on my departure day. Please know I'm okay and doing well. I just need to get out of the heat and get home. I'm pushing fluids today and will hydrate for the trip home tomorrow. There will be much processing of everything and good to reread my blogs of the journey. Something I haven't done so what you read is pretty raw and just as I see it as it happens. Please forgive if it is intense in the blogs. This is a pretty intense place and the experiences are equally so. Looking forward to seeing you all soon and sharing pictures. Will take some more today and tomorrow. See you all soon.....xoxo
So today, I have started my packing at the guesthouse. I've separated clothes I am leaving behind for the girls and toiletries items, sunscreens, over the counter stuff, as well as things I brought with me from home to leave. So my baggage will be much lighter which is a good thing as I have to lose one suitcase so I can travel with one carry-on. Brussels airlines (Entebbe to Brussels) is a stickler for weight as we discovered when we flew in early January.
I have my to-do list for today and tomorrow. We have hired the driver who drove us to Murchison falls to take me into Entebbe airport for 180,000 shillings or about $90 including gas. The airport run is about 3 hours each way and I fly out at midnight tomorrow night. The drive from Kampala to Luweero is treacherous in the dark and I don't want Samuel driving home on it in the dark. It is dangerous with many accidents happening at night. I don't know if I blogged about it....I think I did.... that a taxi or a bus hit a parked transport truck on the side of the road at around 3am a few weeks ago killing 20 people. Turned out Michael, our guide and driver lives close to the accident site and one of the first on scene. Pretty brutal and not a pretty sight or sounds of people injured. Some likely died waiting for emergency workers to arrive. It is not like our response times at home. Very sad. So all to say, I would rather pay a driver to do this instead of Samuel. Michael knows what he is doing and I feel safe with him. We will be leaving for the airport before dark anyway.
So today, the plan is finish my packing, run my errands and spend the rest of today and tomorrow doing some quiet sewing with the girls and chat. Looking forward to that.
Dennis asked me last night what I would like for supper on Sunday. I replied grilled salmon, a crisp fresh salad with a mojito or margarita. However, it may not be a good idea as one drink with jet lag may well put me under the table. I fly Entebbe to Brussels, Brussels to Montreal and Montreal to Ottawa and arrive around 4pm Ottawa time. I'm most looking forward to seeing Dennis at the airport and being in his arms Sunday night in our own bed.
An update on the shipping container. It turns out on Wednesday that we discovered the container had been stuck outside of Ginja for two days with mechanical issues. However, in Kampala someone in customs had signed off that it was at their depot in Kampala and wanted to assess taxes on it for used sport equipment, without seeing the container or the necessary paperwork or they even knew where it is. Grace is in Kampala again today with Samuel pay whatever fees are needed and get it released to be trucked here later today. We will see. What a journey. Gives new meaning to "Uganda time"! It is amazing anything gets done in business and commerce. If it worked this way at home...commerce would be a standstill! Jim still waiting and hoping it arrives today or tomorrow and he can plan when he will be able to go home. He’s been pretty frustrated with twiddling his thumbs trying to stay busy.
So that is all for now. I hope to post one last time tomorrow on my departure day. Please know I'm okay and doing well. I just need to get out of the heat and get home. I'm pushing fluids today and will hydrate for the trip home tomorrow. There will be much processing of everything and good to reread my blogs of the journey. Something I haven't done so what you read is pretty raw and just as I see it as it happens. Please forgive if it is intense in the blogs. This is a pretty intense place and the experiences are equally so. Looking forward to seeing you all soon and sharing pictures. Will take some more today and tomorrow. See you all soon.....xoxo
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Last minute shopping in Kampala
Today I spent in Kampala after driving in with Grace and Samuel, finishing some shopping for fabric, and items to leave with the girls at the house. Grace’s sister Deborah met me at the marketplace to do my shopping.Samuel and Grace won't allow us to go on our own. Deborah was sick with the flu and looked unwell. So I shortened my shopping list to get the essentials and get her on her way back home and to bed. I bought some more batiks for a friend at home and some to give as gifts to the girls with a zippered quilted bag, pins, scissors, etc, 2 new sharp kitchen knives as the ones they use are very dull (one has no handle!). So those knives are going to go "bye-bye". I still want to find some airmail paper and envelopes and stamps so the girls can write us, if I can find them. And 8 meters of black fabric for the backing for the quilt project they have started. I will send batting from home, and anything else I can think of.
I spent time talking to auntie Faith, Grace’s oldest sister and got to know her a little better, with a bit of time on the internet and working on editing Tuesday blog, while I waited for Samuel to come and pick me up. He did and we went for lunch and spent a lovely afternoon over burgers, fries and cold sodas with African chai tea. Grace met us briefly as she had a meeting in the same place. Her nephew Joseph met us too and I treated him to a burger. I gave him money to replace his cell phone as my goodbye gift for taking such good care of me since I've been here. He called Samuel on his new phone to talk to me and tell me he is talking to me on his new cell and he sounded so happy. It made me feel good.
I spent time talking to auntie Faith, Grace’s oldest sister and got to know her a little better, with a bit of time on the internet and working on editing Tuesday blog, while I waited for Samuel to come and pick me up. He did and we went for lunch and spent a lovely afternoon over burgers, fries and cold sodas with African chai tea. Grace met us briefly as she had a meeting in the same place. Her nephew Joseph met us too and I treated him to a burger. I gave him money to replace his cell phone as my goodbye gift for taking such good care of me since I've been here. He called Samuel on his new phone to talk to me and tell me he is talking to me on his new cell and he sounded so happy. It made me feel good.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Coming home!
The internet was down in Luweero Tuesday afternoon and today. We found a high speed internet connection yesterday and finished off the blog from Tuesday which was interrupted when internet went down. I'm told someone was working on the internet cafe / post office generator and took out the internet. I didn't post it as I wanted time to look at it again and maybe do some editing to tone it down some. I didn't post because I wanted to take another day and edit it some more as I know yesterday's post is pretty heavy, deep and real as this community is. So I toned it down some.
Today, Grace and Jim spoke to me and felt I should seriously consider going home earlier as they are seeing me struggle with the heat which seems to feel hotter each day that passes. Although nights are cool for sleeping and this is such a blessing! My appetite remains poor and they worry I'm getting sick. My body just isn't made for heat and humidity. I've worked at sucking it up and get on with the day without complaint. I think I have done that but my body isn't happy.
So after much soul searching and talking to Dennis, I've decided to take their advice and fly home on Saturday and arrive home on Sunday late afternoon. Grace and Jim feel I can do more for Maama Watali at home working on the fundraiser and plans to move Maama Wakisa Designs forward while I look after my body. So I've booked my ticket to come home this weekend. I'm looking forward to home. And I am sad to leave this place and the people I've met. Unless the shipping container arrives before I leave on Saturday, I won't be able to help unload the truck and set up the library. This I will really regret.
Today, Grace and Jim spoke to me and felt I should seriously consider going home earlier as they are seeing me struggle with the heat which seems to feel hotter each day that passes. Although nights are cool for sleeping and this is such a blessing! My appetite remains poor and they worry I'm getting sick. My body just isn't made for heat and humidity. I've worked at sucking it up and get on with the day without complaint. I think I have done that but my body isn't happy.
So after much soul searching and talking to Dennis, I've decided to take their advice and fly home on Saturday and arrive home on Sunday late afternoon. Grace and Jim feel I can do more for Maama Watali at home working on the fundraiser and plans to move Maama Wakisa Designs forward while I look after my body. So I've booked my ticket to come home this weekend. I'm looking forward to home. And I am sad to leave this place and the people I've met. Unless the shipping container arrives before I leave on Saturday, I won't be able to help unload the truck and set up the library. This I will really regret.
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