Hello all! Emily here. We are now in Mbale, Uganda and are staying at an inter-faith coffee co-op called Mirembe Kawomera. We've been learning about how the coffee is grown and harvested and have gotten to take part in the entire process- picking the berries, pruning the trees, shelling the berries, etc. The farm is totally organic and the coffee is shade grown with many other plants, such as banana trees and vanilla. Yesterday we were taken to a town meeting and the townspeople gave all of us new names. Mine is Namaganda. Holla!
Last week at the school was amazing. We spent the mornings building the foundation for a new schoolhouse, and it was extremely difficult. We did a lot of shoveling, rock moving, and brick building. I think we are going to be in good shape by the time we get home. If not, we will at least have a lot of blisters and sunburns. We slept on cots in one of the classrooms at night and had a really amazing cook named Peter.
Adapting to life in Africa has been pretty difficult but really interesting. We are all learning the science of squatting over a hole and bathing with a bucket of water (though most of us have simply chosen not to bathe...)At the school, we had to walk about a half mile up big hills just to get water.
Despite some homesickness, all of us have been doing really well. The group is amazing and I think we all bring something awesome to the table. We have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but we are totally ready.
5 comments:
Emily,
Hi from your Aunt Jackie! Your mom sent me the link to this blog. Loved reading all of the posts so far. Sounds like an amazing experience for you and all. Will check in to see how you are doing. Wishing you and the entire group the best on this "adventure." What an opportunity and learning experience.
Love,
Jackie
Hi Kimmy,
I love hearing about all you are doing. I am so proud of all of you and can't wait until the next blog.
Sally T. - Your auntie Dynie and Uncle Doug are so jealous- you're there with all that coffee! We are so happy to hear about all of your adventures! We have the coolest niece! We are thinking of you and we love you SO much!!! xoxox Dynie and Doug and all of your cousins
Sally,
I'm guessing you are taking part in the no showering rule :) I also hope you have someone to brush your hair when you get homesick. Oh, and I got engaged two weeks ago. I love you and I miss you!
Dani
Hi Sally and all your new friends, you are getting new names are you also learning the language? It sounds like the local folks have embraced you. How about pictures can blogs do pictures? I would love to get a sense of your surroundings....keep posting we love you all, even those of you we don't too well (yet). Did Sally tell you about the Bragdon Thanksgiving.......?????
In any event, your cousins and your Aunt Kate and Uncle Charlie miss you and are starving for more information and pictures.
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