Hello Everyone,
I hope this finds you all well and spending time with your friends and family. I am very pleased to say that I got on a bus and made it home last night to be with my Ugandan family for Easter today. Its the first time in three years that I will have Easter dinner with a family. The bus broke down, and I had to get on a different one halfway here, and had to sleep in the extra room because Mike locked me out.........but it was definitetly worth it.
I walked the kids to church this morning for the last time (well this trip anyway), and then after the service we went to Acholi Inn for some fun. They really had a good time in the pool, and of course having some treats. While at church, I looked around and realized how comfortable I was being one of only a few other muzungus there. Next week I will be looking out from the drum cage and gaze across of see of .........well...........not so much color ;). Hard to believe how three months can make such a difference.
I am in many ways ready to come home, but in others would love to stay. Like Julie said in a previous comment.......it will be hard now that my heart is in two places. I look forward to future trips to here, and other places around the globe. I think Julie was right when she said it just allows the heart to grow. I'm always up for that. I love loving people. I love helping people. I don't think that will change wherever I go.
Our neighboring mama has always been such a sweet old woman who always says hello whenever we walk by. She doesn't speak any english, and my acholi is weak at best, but we always seem to manage to understand each other in our passing conversations. She lives alone, but has a young family renting a hut adjacent to hers on her compound. She also has a daughter, but she isn't around much. I have for over a month, been thinking that I wanted to buy her a rooster for Easter. Being in Kampala, I didn't think I was going to be able to, so I asked mama Val to pick one up for me. She did and when she delivered in on friday, it almost brought her to tears. The mama said that she didn't know how or what she was going to cook for Easter dinner, and didn't know if her daughter would be able to bring anything either. She said that I was the nicest muzungu she has ever met. Its just little things like that, that make being here so great. It doesn't take much and I can make a holiday memorable. k
I don't think its much different at home. Well except for the cost of things, but really the best things you can do for someone don't cost much if anything at all. Take time to make someones day special. Whether its your neighbor, your family, or a complete stranger. Do something small but significant that really shows you care. You may be surprised to find that what you thought you were doing for someone else..........in the end does as much for your spirit as theres.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
I miss Gulu
Hello Everyone,
Well the good news is that we finally have the van, but its in the shop getting some work done. Which means that I won't be heading back to Gulu until probably Monday. I really am not happy about spending my last two weeks in Uganda here in Kampala, but it will be worth it in the long run.
I really miss the kids and the community and it stinks that I won't really have time to say goodbye to everyone.
I hope that you all have a wonderful Easter weekend. Guess I will have to wait til next year to spend it with family.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Well the good news is that we finally have the van, but its in the shop getting some work done. Which means that I won't be heading back to Gulu until probably Monday. I really am not happy about spending my last two weeks in Uganda here in Kampala, but it will be worth it in the long run.
I really miss the kids and the community and it stinks that I won't really have time to say goodbye to everyone.
I hope that you all have a wonderful Easter weekend. Guess I will have to wait til next year to spend it with family.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Racing to Kampala
Hello Everyone,
Mike just asked me and Mama V if we could be ready to leave for Kampala in thirty minutes. That gave me two minutes to pack, twenty five minutes to do my hair ;), and three minutes to pray for a connection and blog.
Please pray that everything goes smoothly and that we can get everything accomplished before we come back next weekend. Please don't be surprised if I don't post for a few days.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Mike just asked me and Mama V if we could be ready to leave for Kampala in thirty minutes. That gave me two minutes to pack, twenty five minutes to do my hair ;), and three minutes to pray for a connection and blog.
Please pray that everything goes smoothly and that we can get everything accomplished before we come back next weekend. Please don't be surprised if I don't post for a few days.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Zoo take three......well the fair anyway.
Hello Everyone,
Today we took the three older ones back to the expo fair to see if we could get them on the rides. It was not very busy, and we had a blast riding the "big ride". It was just like a big wheel that spun us around on swings. It was a lot of fun, and it was great watching Paul's face as he spun around as we went around the ride.
To be honest I may have to leave for Kampala tomorrow, and I am a little bummed that I may not have only a few days left in Gulu. We should be back for Easter weekend, but even if we are, we are heading back down the monday following.
This morning I was up a little before four with a cough I have been fighting for a while. I actually slept last night without it bothering me until I woke up early this morning. I decided to try and not wake my roommate, so I came out and got on the computer to kill the time. When the sun was about to come up, I grabbed some nescafe, and headed out to the porch. The sunrises and sunsets are very beautiful, but very fast here. If you aren't quick you miss them. It was a great sunrise.............AND I was able to see the sunset last night too. Really got me thinking about how much this has become home. I know that its not my home home, but its a great home away from home.
After a very productive morning of finishing the hose "reel" and all but the assembly of the kids clothes drawers, I had a wonderful lunch of rice and cabbage. One of my favorites for sure. Then because it started to rain.........I had another cup of nescafe, and took the kids upstairs to watch Charlotte's Web. I grabbed my pillow and laid on the mat with them. Because of my high body temperature, and the damp air, the kids all snuggled up on me, and we enjoyed a quiet.....well mostly quiet afternoon. Gloria kept grabbing my hands and putting them on her face and telling me my hands were nice and warm. Faith had me warm her feet with mine. Emmy just snuggled up against my chest, and told me I had a baby in my belly. I am really going to miss these kids. The closer I get to leaving, the more I realize how much of my heart they have stolen.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Today we took the three older ones back to the expo fair to see if we could get them on the rides. It was not very busy, and we had a blast riding the "big ride". It was just like a big wheel that spun us around on swings. It was a lot of fun, and it was great watching Paul's face as he spun around as we went around the ride.
To be honest I may have to leave for Kampala tomorrow, and I am a little bummed that I may not have only a few days left in Gulu. We should be back for Easter weekend, but even if we are, we are heading back down the monday following.
This morning I was up a little before four with a cough I have been fighting for a while. I actually slept last night without it bothering me until I woke up early this morning. I decided to try and not wake my roommate, so I came out and got on the computer to kill the time. When the sun was about to come up, I grabbed some nescafe, and headed out to the porch. The sunrises and sunsets are very beautiful, but very fast here. If you aren't quick you miss them. It was a great sunrise.............AND I was able to see the sunset last night too. Really got me thinking about how much this has become home. I know that its not my home home, but its a great home away from home.
After a very productive morning of finishing the hose "reel" and all but the assembly of the kids clothes drawers, I had a wonderful lunch of rice and cabbage. One of my favorites for sure. Then because it started to rain.........I had another cup of nescafe, and took the kids upstairs to watch Charlotte's Web. I grabbed my pillow and laid on the mat with them. Because of my high body temperature, and the damp air, the kids all snuggled up on me, and we enjoyed a quiet.....well mostly quiet afternoon. Gloria kept grabbing my hands and putting them on her face and telling me my hands were nice and warm. Faith had me warm her feet with mine. Emmy just snuggled up against my chest, and told me I had a baby in my belly. I am really going to miss these kids. The closer I get to leaving, the more I realize how much of my heart they have stolen.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Zoo take Two
Hello Everyone,
This afternoon after the older three were done school, we took them to see the expo fair the younger ones were able to see yesterday. Today we made it through the zoo, and over to the rides, when the skies opened up and it began to downpour. We waited under a ride for twenty minutes or so, till the rain was too getting the kids wet. Then we ran over to a tent to stay dry. While waiting the tent across from us fell over, and one in the corner flipped completely over. Thanks to all my handy dandy Hurlbut Tent Rental training...........I quickly evaluted our tent to be safe enough to stay under. The rains came down hard, and it began to thunder and lighting. It was great. The kids and I enjoyed playing in the river that was flowing through the tent.
After the rain subsided we brought the kids over to enjoy a treat in one of the soda tents. Unfortunately they got very cold, very fast so we didn't stay long before we decided to walk home. Riding a boda would have only made them even colder, and the walk helped them to warm up. We all laughed at Auntie Aida, as she was so worried about getting her feet and painted nails wet, as the rest of us just walked through the puddles when neccessary.
We finished off the day with making some chips and guacamoli, and of course a nice "hot" shower. Even though we got wet, and didn't make it onto all the rides, I think the kids had a lot of fun. I know I did. I really enjoy thunderstorms and rainshowers, so tonight I will be sitting out on the porch with a cup of coffee, and enjoying another one of natures shows.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
This afternoon after the older three were done school, we took them to see the expo fair the younger ones were able to see yesterday. Today we made it through the zoo, and over to the rides, when the skies opened up and it began to downpour. We waited under a ride for twenty minutes or so, till the rain was too getting the kids wet. Then we ran over to a tent to stay dry. While waiting the tent across from us fell over, and one in the corner flipped completely over. Thanks to all my handy dandy Hurlbut Tent Rental training...........I quickly evaluted our tent to be safe enough to stay under. The rains came down hard, and it began to thunder and lighting. It was great. The kids and I enjoyed playing in the river that was flowing through the tent.
After the rain subsided we brought the kids over to enjoy a treat in one of the soda tents. Unfortunately they got very cold, very fast so we didn't stay long before we decided to walk home. Riding a boda would have only made them even colder, and the walk helped them to warm up. We all laughed at Auntie Aida, as she was so worried about getting her feet and painted nails wet, as the rest of us just walked through the puddles when neccessary.
We finished off the day with making some chips and guacamoli, and of course a nice "hot" shower. Even though we got wet, and didn't make it onto all the rides, I think the kids had a lot of fun. I know I did. I really enjoy thunderstorms and rainshowers, so tonight I will be sitting out on the porch with a cup of coffee, and enjoying another one of natures shows.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Monday, March 22, 2010
Zoo anyone?
Hello Everyone,
Today I took the three youngest to the "zoo" that came to town. There was a small variety of African animals, and the kids really enjoyed themselves. They spent most of there time watching the ostrich. There was also an african fish eagle, two grey parrots, a kob(like an antelope), a camel, the african version of a peacock, and an anaconda. There was also a Serval cat, which was my favorite. We had a nice strole from the compound to Pece Stadium where it was housed. It was basically like a fair, except that even thought opened today, most of the vendors and rides were still putting up booths and getting inventory brought in. Time is much different here then it is in the States. Punctuality is not the norm. The kids and I enjoyed walking and I started to get sad realizing that I only have a few more weeks left with them.
I also had a lot of fun when I went to school to get the older three. I got to the school a little early and got to play a little soccer with some pre-schoolers hanging around. One was the little girl who melted my heart about a month ago. The best part was that she had her little sister with her, who had the cutest little dimples. I don't know how you could not want to hide these kids in a suitcase and bring them home.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Today I took the three youngest to the "zoo" that came to town. There was a small variety of African animals, and the kids really enjoyed themselves. They spent most of there time watching the ostrich. There was also an african fish eagle, two grey parrots, a kob(like an antelope), a camel, the african version of a peacock, and an anaconda. There was also a Serval cat, which was my favorite. We had a nice strole from the compound to Pece Stadium where it was housed. It was basically like a fair, except that even thought opened today, most of the vendors and rides were still putting up booths and getting inventory brought in. Time is much different here then it is in the States. Punctuality is not the norm. The kids and I enjoyed walking and I started to get sad realizing that I only have a few more weeks left with them.
I also had a lot of fun when I went to school to get the older three. I got to the school a little early and got to play a little soccer with some pre-schoolers hanging around. One was the little girl who melted my heart about a month ago. The best part was that she had her little sister with her, who had the cutest little dimples. I don't know how you could not want to hide these kids in a suitcase and bring them home.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Chicken on Sundays ROCKS!!!!!
Hello Everyone,
Being Sunday we had two fantastic meals. Cabbage and porcia for lunch, and chicken and rice for dinner. I really do look forward to this meal all week long. It might seem ridiculous, but we only have meet a few times a week. Fish on thursdays, mince meat on saturdays, and chicken on sunday. Chicken is much darker here then at home..........kindof of like the dark meat on a turkey, but it is SOOOOOO good. Auntie Jennifer laughs at me every week, but gives me the part of the chicken reserved for the honored guest.
I really enjoy walking the kids to and from church.........well as long as they don't play in the road. The traffic here is crazy, and cars drive by within inches of us. I put my "big" back between me and the vehicles, but don't like it when the kids are being careless. A friend once told me that I would be too strick as a dad, and its times like that when I think they are right. Hopefully I balance it well with telling them how much I love them. I have defintiely learned that you can't correct each child the same. Some are much too sensitive to take harsh correction. Maybe I should work on being kinder when I am correcting.
I have just been thinking a lot lately of what I have done and said over the past few months, and want to really reflect and see if there are things that I should change. There definitley are, but others I hope I do well. I guess only time will tell.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
Being Sunday we had two fantastic meals. Cabbage and porcia for lunch, and chicken and rice for dinner. I really do look forward to this meal all week long. It might seem ridiculous, but we only have meet a few times a week. Fish on thursdays, mince meat on saturdays, and chicken on sunday. Chicken is much darker here then at home..........kindof of like the dark meat on a turkey, but it is SOOOOOO good. Auntie Jennifer laughs at me every week, but gives me the part of the chicken reserved for the honored guest.
I really enjoy walking the kids to and from church.........well as long as they don't play in the road. The traffic here is crazy, and cars drive by within inches of us. I put my "big" back between me and the vehicles, but don't like it when the kids are being careless. A friend once told me that I would be too strick as a dad, and its times like that when I think they are right. Hopefully I balance it well with telling them how much I love them. I have defintiely learned that you can't correct each child the same. Some are much too sensitive to take harsh correction. Maybe I should work on being kinder when I am correcting.
I have just been thinking a lot lately of what I have done and said over the past few months, and want to really reflect and see if there are things that I should change. There definitley are, but others I hope I do well. I guess only time will tell.
Love and miss you all,
Joe
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