Last Saturday Father Michael said he was saying a mass doe a family outside Kampala and he would ask if I could join. I told him that sounded great. He didn't say anything about getting a response until Sunday morning at 8:30 he shouted from the ground level of my building that we would be leaving at 9:00. So my only info for the adventure is a mass is being said. I leave with my water bottle.
We drove part way into town and picked up a Sister. We continued on our way and for stuck in a traffic jam. We sat for about an hour and a half. Our trip was about 3 hours. We got to the house, where tents were set up. Father greeted people and introduced me around. Everyone was so welcoming and the woman's house we were at gave me a big hug multiple times throughout the day. The mass was in local language, but I am 99% sure Father was making fun of me during the homily for enjoying the traffic jam because I could look around at everything and see so much.
The mass was being said as a memorial for the woman's husband who past away, as well as a baptism for her granddaughter. There was a lot going on during the mass, so when everyone got up singing and walking towards the backyard, I followed. That is where the small family grave yard was. It was interesting to see how all these ceremonies are done in different countries.
Then the rains came. Most people tucked under the tents, but Father Michael, the Sisters (2 were there), a few other people, and I were invited into the house. We sat in there chatting and a person brought us food. It was the biggest plate of food I have ever seen. Father smiles at me and said "see how much of it you can eat". There were 2 types of rice, potatoes, matooke, fruit, meat, chapati, and this purple and white marble colored thing. I was the only one had that purple thing on my plate... I didn't know what it was, but the sound of Martin saying "try everything, who knows if you will ever get a chance to again." So I tried it. Uhhhh... It was like eating a candle. It was waxy. Not sure what it was..
The way home was another adventure. Father said the jam almost killed him on the way there. When he saw a truck turn off onto a dirt road, he followed. We weaved in and around back dirt roads, now muddy and flooded from the rain. It took about an hour and a half of that to get back to Kampala, then about 30 min to get back to Ggaba. It was really interesting to see all the houses and small businesses.
A few days ago we had bitter greens with dinner. A few or the priests told me I should try them, so I did. Father Michael said to me "I am so impressed with your willingness to try whatever food we put in front of you. I never would have tried different foods like that in America." I just like food... Haha
Speaking of food... Thursday I learned how to make a cake over a fire.
First you start with a large, and small container of blue band (margarine). Scrape into a bowl, saving a tiny bit out to grease the pan. Then fill both those containers with sugar, and blend with the blue band until creamy. We used a "mingling stick". The mingling stick probably could have been used to paddle a canoe. It takes along time to cream by hand.... Next in a cup mix 6 eggs with 4 small blue band containers worth of milk. Blend then stir into the sugar/blue band mixture. Added to that is 2 large containers of blue band worth of wheat flour. Mix well. Finally add 2 spoons of baking powder. If you want more flavor vanilla can be added. If you want it to last longer, add lemon or whiskey. It is then covered and put on the fire. The cover is layered with ash and coals, and cooks for about an hour. We ate it yesterday, and it was really good. Very similar to yellow cake.
Yesterday was Saint Paul's day. Since that is the name of our school and the parish we are connected to, it was our feast day. We had big plans for football (soccer) and netball (similar to basketball). But, our balls were "spoiled". They had leaks :(. The teachers didn't think we would be able to have our day. I wanted my team to win...I also kept thinking about how even poor schools in America have a room filled with all kinds of balls and jump ropes, even those scooters that ALWAYS smashed fingers. It made me sad that this school didn't even have a ball. I gave one of the teachers 150,000 shillings, about $60 to go get balls. He has to go into town, and it started to rain. He got wet up to his shins, but got the balls. The football (soccer ball) was 70,000 shillings. That is about $30. At Walmart it would have been about $10. The netball was 55,000, about $20. It looks like a volley ball, but is the texture of a soccer ball. The teacher also bought an umbrella for 5,000 shillings, about $2. He said they were able to sell the umbrellas for more because it was raining hard as he was getting it. That gives you an idea of prices on things.
To add to prices, gas is about $15 a gallon. No more complaints from me on the price of gas in the states...
For the games, my house won at football (soccer) but we lost in netball. I got to present the awards. It was a really fun day!
A few nights ago I walked over to the main building in the compound to use the wireless. As it often is late at night, the building was gated closed, so I sat on a window ledge like usual. This is what happened...
Setting: seminary
Time: 8:43 pm
Person: old man with LARGE STICK
Comment: have no fear madam, I am the one who is watching!
Then he kept walking. I am not sure what he was watching for, but I assume it would not survive that stick.
A special thanks to Dad and Martin who repeatedly insisted that I lack a flashlight. It was never top on the list of things to remember, but this week it has been amazing. The power has been cutting out a lot. The generator is on occasionally.(always if a game is on, the Brother LOVES football matches. Wanted to say he watches them religiously, but with the lighting that is going on right now, I wasn't sure if God could/would strike me down.)
A group is coming from Omaha this week! I don't know them, but my mom went and met with one of the ladies. She said the lady was very nice. While the group is here I will go to Father Michael's village and see the school that many from Omaha help support. I will also go in a safari!
I am sure I have missed some stuff, but I have been VERY good at keeping a pen/paper journal. Mom calls dibs on reading first, then anyone else is welcome. There will be a slide show as well. Pop some popcorn for that one, because I have a 32gb memory card in my camera...
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Highlights of the week so far...
Obviously the Nile on Sunday...
Yesterday: we have tea at 10:30 at school. I sit down at my place, and my mug is about 1/4 of the way full.. Not like the usual heaping (yea it is possible with a liquid I found out) cup of tea. It is lighter too... I give it a sniff... Yup, Madam Edith is pouring wine from a water bottle into everyone's cup, the passing a bowl of crumbled ginger cake around. Was a great way to start tea time!
Highlights of today: I walk back to the seminary everyday for lunch. Today two little boys about 3 were walking with a lady about my age holding her hand. The boys kept looking back at me and I would smile and wave. Finally one let go of the lady's hand and runs back to me, grabbing my hand. The other little boy is quick to follow. They hold my hand in each of their hands, and the my wrist in the other. They keep looking up and smiling at me as we walk. The lady says to the boys "This is mommy! Say hi mommy!" The boys just keep on smiling and holding on until our roads part.
(A friend back in Lincoln refers to all his friends that are women as mommy on a regular basis.)
Then after school our houses (teams), for a field day in 2 weeks, practiced net ball. My house won! All the kids were high-fiving me! Everyone was so excited!!! I can't wait for field day! Too bad dad isn't coming to be a judge for this one!
Today at before lunch an interesting convo about marriage, kids, in-laws compared to America was given. Very interesting. Some tribes cannot sit next to in-laws at meals and so on...
Yesterday: we have tea at 10:30 at school. I sit down at my place, and my mug is about 1/4 of the way full.. Not like the usual heaping (yea it is possible with a liquid I found out) cup of tea. It is lighter too... I give it a sniff... Yup, Madam Edith is pouring wine from a water bottle into everyone's cup, the passing a bowl of crumbled ginger cake around. Was a great way to start tea time!
Highlights of today: I walk back to the seminary everyday for lunch. Today two little boys about 3 were walking with a lady about my age holding her hand. The boys kept looking back at me and I would smile and wave. Finally one let go of the lady's hand and runs back to me, grabbing my hand. The other little boy is quick to follow. They hold my hand in each of their hands, and the my wrist in the other. They keep looking up and smiling at me as we walk. The lady says to the boys "This is mommy! Say hi mommy!" The boys just keep on smiling and holding on until our roads part.
(A friend back in Lincoln refers to all his friends that are women as mommy on a regular basis.)
Then after school our houses (teams), for a field day in 2 weeks, practiced net ball. My house won! All the kids were high-fiving me! Everyone was so excited!!! I can't wait for field day! Too bad dad isn't coming to be a judge for this one!
Today at before lunch an interesting convo about marriage, kids, in-laws compared to America was given. Very interesting. Some tribes cannot sit next to in-laws at meals and so on...
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Since I fell once...
[In the cave on the Nile. A witch doctor used to live in it...]
The Nile!!
It was a very nice day!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
End of the world?
If the end of the world was coming, would you want to know the date?
Debate at dinner..
Debate at dinner..
Friday, June 15, 2012
My "awwww moment" of the day...
Three girls came up to me and said "we think you are a really good teacher, and want to know if you will be our friend."
Yep. I love my school!
Yep. I love my school!
Laundry
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Fun tidbit of info...
While watching the national budget aired on tv, an interpreter was signing at the bottom of the screen. Although the words were spoke in English, some signs were the same, many were not.
Word of the day: poly thin bag - plastic grocery bag
Word of the day: poly thin bag - plastic grocery bag
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Spare the stick, spoil the child...
Today the topic of "Kelcey, can you beat kids back home?" came up again. One of the teachers asks me how I keep order without slapping a few kids here or there. I tell him we can threaten to call home, send kids home, taking away points in a class, or send them to the office... Those are our main choices. He said he wouldn't know how to "Not backhand a kid who is taking back. Just bop them in the mouth!" I laugh and say there were particular kids I would have loved to get with the stick for their behaviors, but it just isn't how it is done in America. One teacher says to me "I can get you one tomorrow! We got a bunch of them!" Everyone is laughing.
While sitting in the staff room, right outside I hear a teacher say "I just want to slap you right now" to a student. I look up and laugh. The teacher to my left laughingly comments, "You would hear that and laugh!"
The other topic that comes up often is malaria. The teachers (who have not been out of Africa) are shocked that malaria does not occurs in America. One reached looks at me with a dropped mouth when I say no one sleeps mosquito netting. He just returned after near death with malaria.
I helped teach PE again today. Amazing. Highlights: tug of war using a child, and airplane. With airplane one kid lays on the ground and puts their arms out flat, looking like an airplane. Well, what fun is an airplane on the ground? Not much! One kid grabs the left arm, another the right. A final kid on the feet, take off! The kids RUN around avoiding other airplanes while making airplane noises. Simply the best!
Tonight at dinner a priest who does not eat red meat, which was part of dinner, shared some of his scrambled eggs with me. Possibly the best, most fluffy and amazing eggs I have ever had.
And that my friends, is how to enjoy a Wednesday in Ggaba. (Ggaba is the one of seven hills that makes up Kampala that I am on)
While sitting in the staff room, right outside I hear a teacher say "I just want to slap you right now" to a student. I look up and laugh. The teacher to my left laughingly comments, "You would hear that and laugh!"
The other topic that comes up often is malaria. The teachers (who have not been out of Africa) are shocked that malaria does not occurs in America. One reached looks at me with a dropped mouth when I say no one sleeps mosquito netting. He just returned after near death with malaria.
I helped teach PE again today. Amazing. Highlights: tug of war using a child, and airplane. With airplane one kid lays on the ground and puts their arms out flat, looking like an airplane. Well, what fun is an airplane on the ground? Not much! One kid grabs the left arm, another the right. A final kid on the feet, take off! The kids RUN around avoiding other airplanes while making airplane noises. Simply the best!
Tonight at dinner a priest who does not eat red meat, which was part of dinner, shared some of his scrambled eggs with me. Possibly the best, most fluffy and amazing eggs I have ever had.
And that my friends, is how to enjoy a Wednesday in Ggaba. (Ggaba is the one of seven hills that makes up Kampala that I am on)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Errors in the blog..
I realize there are some typing errors. My excuse: All of this has been those on my phone. Hope you can deal with them! :)
My own water heater...
The turkey...
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Church today
Last night after dinner I asked Father Michael what time mass would be in the morning. He said the priests have one here at 7:30, but it would be very boring. It is quick, no music, boring. So he suggested I go at 11:30 to the church that is right outside the compound. It is also the church my students go to on Friday mornings. I walk down the big hill, getting to the front door at 11:29, and people are seated in chairs outside because it is so full. I stand near the entrance, and an usher brings me right up to the front. I take a seat behind the choir. Most of the mass is in English. A few songs and the homily are in local language. After mass I climb back up the big hill and go into lunch. Father Michael asks with a big smile, "How long was mass?" I tell him an hour and a half. He says "Ohhhh quick mass today."
I am starting to see a trend on masses here..
I am starting to see a trend on masses here..
Lake Victoria
Not sure the name...
I tried it and it was very sweet.
Bananas!
For Martin
Martin actually told me I should carry one home for Maddy. Not sure Lis would approve... Although, you do have a fence now, that was part of the problem when you shot down me getting you a goat last time...
Saturday, June 9, 2012
First week complete
This first week has been amazing! The first night I got back to the seminary around 11. The seminary is located in Ggaba, which is one of the 7 hills Kampala is built on. I unpacked and spent my first night under mosquito netting, which was not as horrible as I had imagined.
The next morning I got up around 9, had a breakfast of toast and coffee and we set off to see Kampala. Father Michael drove all around the city showing me different kinds of business, the entire time narrowly avoiding cars, people, bikes and boda-bodas. How he had a difficult time getting a license in America, I will never know, because it takes a pro to make it through these streets.
I went into exchange my money while Father waited in the car. When I walked in, there were a few other people in the tiny store front with bars and glass coming from the ceiling to the counter top. As I squeezed past the chairs, a guard with a gun went and waited directly outside. While exchanging the money, the worker lady asked me if I was lost. At that point I realized just how much I was going to stick out this entire trip. When I was done exchanging, I went back to the car, and the man with the gun went back into the building.
The next day was Saturday, and I am pretty sure I slept for 19 hours of that day, which was good because it prepared me for Sunday...
Sunday June 3rd was martyrs day. I was told I would go the the celebration in a big truck called a Lori (not sure the spelling). This HUGE truck had gates that went up to make walls in the bed, and the cab could have fit a cow comfortably. Sister Florence (who I met that very morning at 6:30) and I sat up front with out driver Mr. John. I told Sister she could not lose me because I did not have a phone or know anyone else we were with. This was her first time going to the event. She was originally from Nigeria, but was now living and studying in Kenya.
We parked in a field sound 7:00 and were told to meet back at 3:00. Sister walked one way, the others went another. I followed Sister very closely. We went on a search for a place to "relieve ourselves", which later I find out is called a "short call". Well, I must say, this was the first time I have paid to take a pee in a hole. 100 shillings. As I was peeing I thanked God I had packed some tissues and I did not have to go number 2.
Onward we walked to the crowed of 1.5 million people. As we got to the line to get in, Sister just kept walking as if the line was not there. We got to the front and some man started shouting "let the Sister through!" I grabbed Sister's arm with what could have been a death grip and squeezed through the most jam packed crowd I have ever seen. We get in and look for a place to sit. Most people are on the grass. Sister is in a white habit, so the grass will not suit her well. We try to go to the VIP section as she sweet talks, no luck. We try to sit with the other nuns, no chairs. Finally, we sit in a covered section labeled "priests"....
Mass started around 8. At 1:45 I look at Sisters watch and realize mass is just ending. THEN speakers get up to talk. We left about 2:15 to see the basilica. We walk through, and head back to the truck. Oh yes, why would either of us have any clue which way to go to get back? That would be too easy. We walked around for about 20 minutes through the crowds lost. Every couple of steps I would hear "munzungu!" and see people pointing.
We got back to the truck and headed home. When we returned Father Michael asked what I thought. I commented on a few things and mentioned the crowed. He said, "Oh yes. That is why I do not go. I do not like crowds."
Monday started my first day of school and many excited children pointing/laughing/smiling/excitedly shouting "MUNZUNGU!" For the most part I am in P6 which has kids from 11-15, and sometimes in P7. P6 has 86 kids in room smaller than American classrooms. The kids are pretty well behaved and understand my accent most of the time. It feels weird to be the one with an accent.
Thursday Father Albert took me to the lake. We walked through the slums to get there. It was heart breaking to see how some must live. While on the walk there were chickens constantly running in front of us. Since that is not the norm for me I would get excited or laugh. Then, to my excitement, there was a purple chicken. I grabbed Father's hand and said, "LOOK!!!" Without batting an eye Father says, "You must really like chickens...?" We keep walking, I continue to take in the sights. We get to the lake. There is a bar/concert venue that is gated off with a guard. Father convinces him to let us in since I have never seen the lake. We walk around, I take some pictures. I am quickly told by a man who came running that pictures are not allowed. Oh well, had already gotten the ones I wanted :). We continue on our walk through the market. Most of the stuff being sold is imported goods. I did by a Uganda flag for 2000 shillings. Father told me I was lucky to find one that had the correct colors.
The food here has been pretty good. Meals usually have matoke (mushed cooked bananas), potato of some sort, beans and/or peas, and greens. Sometimes there is rice or ugali made with flour. At lunch there is peanut paste that I love! It kind of tastes like peanut butter, but looks like runny grey refried beans. At dinner there is always some sort or meat or fish. There is always fruit for after the meal. Sometimes there are avocados, and they are huge and amazing.
Thursday I discovered wireless in the compound, so I have been enjoying that. It will be shut off shortly since the seminary students are on holiday.
New phrases I have enjoyed:
Short go - restroom
Eh? - what?
Ehh!? - right?
Ehhhhhh! - what were you thinking!?
Eh - agreeing
Eh! - is that so?!
Spoiled the air - someone farted
The next morning I got up around 9, had a breakfast of toast and coffee and we set off to see Kampala. Father Michael drove all around the city showing me different kinds of business, the entire time narrowly avoiding cars, people, bikes and boda-bodas. How he had a difficult time getting a license in America, I will never know, because it takes a pro to make it through these streets.
I went into exchange my money while Father waited in the car. When I walked in, there were a few other people in the tiny store front with bars and glass coming from the ceiling to the counter top. As I squeezed past the chairs, a guard with a gun went and waited directly outside. While exchanging the money, the worker lady asked me if I was lost. At that point I realized just how much I was going to stick out this entire trip. When I was done exchanging, I went back to the car, and the man with the gun went back into the building.
The next day was Saturday, and I am pretty sure I slept for 19 hours of that day, which was good because it prepared me for Sunday...
Sunday June 3rd was martyrs day. I was told I would go the the celebration in a big truck called a Lori (not sure the spelling). This HUGE truck had gates that went up to make walls in the bed, and the cab could have fit a cow comfortably. Sister Florence (who I met that very morning at 6:30) and I sat up front with out driver Mr. John. I told Sister she could not lose me because I did not have a phone or know anyone else we were with. This was her first time going to the event. She was originally from Nigeria, but was now living and studying in Kenya.
We parked in a field sound 7:00 and were told to meet back at 3:00. Sister walked one way, the others went another. I followed Sister very closely. We went on a search for a place to "relieve ourselves", which later I find out is called a "short call". Well, I must say, this was the first time I have paid to take a pee in a hole. 100 shillings. As I was peeing I thanked God I had packed some tissues and I did not have to go number 2.
Onward we walked to the crowed of 1.5 million people. As we got to the line to get in, Sister just kept walking as if the line was not there. We got to the front and some man started shouting "let the Sister through!" I grabbed Sister's arm with what could have been a death grip and squeezed through the most jam packed crowd I have ever seen. We get in and look for a place to sit. Most people are on the grass. Sister is in a white habit, so the grass will not suit her well. We try to go to the VIP section as she sweet talks, no luck. We try to sit with the other nuns, no chairs. Finally, we sit in a covered section labeled "priests"....
Mass started around 8. At 1:45 I look at Sisters watch and realize mass is just ending. THEN speakers get up to talk. We left about 2:15 to see the basilica. We walk through, and head back to the truck. Oh yes, why would either of us have any clue which way to go to get back? That would be too easy. We walked around for about 20 minutes through the crowds lost. Every couple of steps I would hear "munzungu!" and see people pointing.
We got back to the truck and headed home. When we returned Father Michael asked what I thought. I commented on a few things and mentioned the crowed. He said, "Oh yes. That is why I do not go. I do not like crowds."
Monday started my first day of school and many excited children pointing/laughing/smiling/excitedly shouting "MUNZUNGU!" For the most part I am in P6 which has kids from 11-15, and sometimes in P7. P6 has 86 kids in room smaller than American classrooms. The kids are pretty well behaved and understand my accent most of the time. It feels weird to be the one with an accent.
Thursday Father Albert took me to the lake. We walked through the slums to get there. It was heart breaking to see how some must live. While on the walk there were chickens constantly running in front of us. Since that is not the norm for me I would get excited or laugh. Then, to my excitement, there was a purple chicken. I grabbed Father's hand and said, "LOOK!!!" Without batting an eye Father says, "You must really like chickens...?" We keep walking, I continue to take in the sights. We get to the lake. There is a bar/concert venue that is gated off with a guard. Father convinces him to let us in since I have never seen the lake. We walk around, I take some pictures. I am quickly told by a man who came running that pictures are not allowed. Oh well, had already gotten the ones I wanted :). We continue on our walk through the market. Most of the stuff being sold is imported goods. I did by a Uganda flag for 2000 shillings. Father told me I was lucky to find one that had the correct colors.
The food here has been pretty good. Meals usually have matoke (mushed cooked bananas), potato of some sort, beans and/or peas, and greens. Sometimes there is rice or ugali made with flour. At lunch there is peanut paste that I love! It kind of tastes like peanut butter, but looks like runny grey refried beans. At dinner there is always some sort or meat or fish. There is always fruit for after the meal. Sometimes there are avocados, and they are huge and amazing.
Thursday I discovered wireless in the compound, so I have been enjoying that. It will be shut off shortly since the seminary students are on holiday.
New phrases I have enjoyed:
Short go - restroom
Eh? - what?
Ehh!? - right?
Ehhhhhh! - what were you thinking!?
Eh - agreeing
Eh! - is that so?!
Spoiled the air - someone farted
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