Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Free Travel-Edirisa
Hello from an internet cafe in Kabale!
We've been doing so much, I have a lot to cover-
Free travel was definitely a learning experience for all of us. Figuring out transportation was a bit of a challenge, but we ended up taking a public bus from Lake Nkuruba to Mbarara. The day was a stretch on our comfort zones but we all stuck together and worked things out. We also learned the crucial difference between "now" (anytime in the next 6 hours), and "now now" (actually now) while waiting for our bus. We also had time to buy juice and a Rolex (egg wrapped in chapati). It's recently been discovered that Rolexes only exist in Uganda, not in Rwanda or TZ, so we've been trying to cram them in before we leave. Our first stop was to Lake Mburo National Park where we went on a game drive and a boat tour. We were all really excited to see hippos (especially Jessie when she saw one "breech"). Next we headed to Mgahinga National Park by way of matatu (private taxi). Alexa, Taylor, Will, Chris, Charlotte, Cliff, & Karen climbed Mt. Sabinyo while Zoe, Izzy, Jessie and I went Golden Monkey tracking and Vicky went caving. From what I heard, climbing the volcano was extremely difficult but also incredible. It was an all day climb that involved ladders, rain, and lightning, so needless to say we were all very impressed! There are only 500 golden monkeys left in the world so it was amazing that we got to see some of them. It's awesome that Vicky did what she wanted to do and went caving. After Mgahinga we took another matatu to Kabale to start volunteering with Edirisa. We all slept in one dormitory and it was cute because we haven't done that since painting at Lubani. There were also hot showers which was much appreciated. The founder, Miha, gave us a presentation on what Edirisa's all about. Here's the link to the website if anyone's interested in learning more: http://www.edirisa.org/. We stayed 1 night at "The Home", and then moved out to "The Heart" on Lake Bunyoni. Unfortunately uploading pictures is not working, but here's a google image pic: http://images.travelpod.com/users/nat_yeo/africa-2005.1164927900.lake_bunyoni.bmp. Our first day on the job we split up into 2 groups, one went across the lake to a school, and the other worked with the school next to The Heart. In the morning we played with the kids in the Nursery (entirely run by Edirisa), and in the afternoon we sat in on some Primary School classes (government run, but enriched by Edirisa). The next day we went to SNEC (Special Needs Education Center) to work on some projects with the kids. We split into groups again and half of us worked with the mainstream school and half worked with the kids with special needs. Alexa, Zoe, Taylor, Charlotte, and Vicky made texture collages with the kids at SNEC, and picked up a bit of sign language. Chris, Izzy, Will, Jessie, and I taught a lesson plan on habitats to Primary 6. Yesterday we went to Nyakasiru Primary School and taught the habitat lesson to P4, P5, and P6. We also played Duck Duck Goose and Red Light Green Light with the P1 students (so cute). Today's our day off so we're just kind of chillin in Kabale, going to the post office, buying food, etc. Tomorrow we're canoeing around Lake Bunyoni which should be amazing! That's about it for now I think, thanks for reading.
-Becca
We've been doing so much, I have a lot to cover-
Free travel was definitely a learning experience for all of us. Figuring out transportation was a bit of a challenge, but we ended up taking a public bus from Lake Nkuruba to Mbarara. The day was a stretch on our comfort zones but we all stuck together and worked things out. We also learned the crucial difference between "now" (anytime in the next 6 hours), and "now now" (actually now) while waiting for our bus. We also had time to buy juice and a Rolex (egg wrapped in chapati). It's recently been discovered that Rolexes only exist in Uganda, not in Rwanda or TZ, so we've been trying to cram them in before we leave. Our first stop was to Lake Mburo National Park where we went on a game drive and a boat tour. We were all really excited to see hippos (especially Jessie when she saw one "breech"). Next we headed to Mgahinga National Park by way of matatu (private taxi). Alexa, Taylor, Will, Chris, Charlotte, Cliff, & Karen climbed Mt. Sabinyo while Zoe, Izzy, Jessie and I went Golden Monkey tracking and Vicky went caving. From what I heard, climbing the volcano was extremely difficult but also incredible. It was an all day climb that involved ladders, rain, and lightning, so needless to say we were all very impressed! There are only 500 golden monkeys left in the world so it was amazing that we got to see some of them. It's awesome that Vicky did what she wanted to do and went caving. After Mgahinga we took another matatu to Kabale to start volunteering with Edirisa. We all slept in one dormitory and it was cute because we haven't done that since painting at Lubani. There were also hot showers which was much appreciated. The founder, Miha, gave us a presentation on what Edirisa's all about. Here's the link to the website if anyone's interested in learning more: http://www.edirisa.org/. We stayed 1 night at "The Home", and then moved out to "The Heart" on Lake Bunyoni. Unfortunately uploading pictures is not working, but here's a google image pic: http://images.travelpod.com/users/nat_yeo/africa-2005.1164927900.lake_bunyoni.bmp. Our first day on the job we split up into 2 groups, one went across the lake to a school, and the other worked with the school next to The Heart. In the morning we played with the kids in the Nursery (entirely run by Edirisa), and in the afternoon we sat in on some Primary School classes (government run, but enriched by Edirisa). The next day we went to SNEC (Special Needs Education Center) to work on some projects with the kids. We split into groups again and half of us worked with the mainstream school and half worked with the kids with special needs. Alexa, Zoe, Taylor, Charlotte, and Vicky made texture collages with the kids at SNEC, and picked up a bit of sign language. Chris, Izzy, Will, Jessie, and I taught a lesson plan on habitats to Primary 6. Yesterday we went to Nyakasiru Primary School and taught the habitat lesson to P4, P5, and P6. We also played Duck Duck Goose and Red Light Green Light with the P1 students (so cute). Today's our day off so we're just kind of chillin in Kabale, going to the post office, buying food, etc. Tomorrow we're canoeing around Lake Bunyoni which should be amazing! That's about it for now I think, thanks for reading.
-Becca
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Hello!
We're stopped in Kabale to pick up some fruit at the market and some cookies at the bakery while en route to Edirisa's Special Needs Education Center (SNEC). I'm sort of short on time but here's some stuff everyone had to say:
Chris- I got to teach 2 classes in primary school. I taught science in P3 and social studies in P4. I love the entire Edirisa program and what it has to offer. I've been eating a lot healthier and have not had bacon in a month.
Izzy- The lake is beautiful and Miha and Edirisa make me optimistic about Uganda's future.
Zoe-Halfway through the trip and I already feel like I have changed so much. I can't wait for the amazing experiences of the second half.
Jessie-Kids from the school attacked my back yelling "mkoko! mkoko!" (chicken! chicken!), trying to scratch off my tattoo.
Alexa- The Edirisa program is absolutely amazing. I hope I get to come back here someday because they truly are making a difference. I also got to play with the babies in the nursery and help out. Playing and being with them just made my day. They are so cute!
Vicky- These past few days have been so awesome! I loved our "free travel" to Lake Mburo and Mt. Mgahinga National Park. I can't wait for the rest of the activities we will be having with Edirisa. Yay!
Will-Visiting all of the national parks (and climbing Mt. Sabinyo) was absolutely stunning and really helped give me a new perspective on the diversity of Uganda's landscape. Also, I am really excited to be working at Edirisa, they seem to be making a big difference in the community.
Taylor-Having a great time...learning a lot, seeing and smelling a lot. The landscape is pretty breathtaking. Will never look at lightning the same. Lake Bunyoni is really peaceful. Feeling very lucky. Love to everyone at home in the states, you're all in my thoughts. I have never eaten so many bananas in all my life. And also.. Trick or Treat! Smell my feet.
Charlotte- Uganda offered a wide array of experiences and opportunities that we took full advantage of. As we pass the halfway point, we are excited for what lies ahead. Love you Mom and Dad!
Karen- Never in my life has the responsibility to fulfill opportunity meant so much to me. I firmly believe if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen; however, it is so difficult to accomplish with the lack of loyal, honest and compassionate community. Africa is beautiful and needs love just like the rest of our globe.
Cliff- "As you start on your way to Ithaca, then pray that the journey is long..." Time is flying by, as usual. Even as the adventure takes on a life of its own, the next adventure is already beginning to take shape. Sleeping under mosquito nets reminds me of the bed-tent I had as a child, and learning every day means that I sleep soundly at night.
Hopefully we'll be able to get another blog out on Friday to tell you all about free travel and what's been going on so far at Edirisa. Asante sana for reading!
-Becca
We're stopped in Kabale to pick up some fruit at the market and some cookies at the bakery while en route to Edirisa's Special Needs Education Center (SNEC). I'm sort of short on time but here's some stuff everyone had to say:
Chris- I got to teach 2 classes in primary school. I taught science in P3 and social studies in P4. I love the entire Edirisa program and what it has to offer. I've been eating a lot healthier and have not had bacon in a month.
Izzy- The lake is beautiful and Miha and Edirisa make me optimistic about Uganda's future.
Zoe-Halfway through the trip and I already feel like I have changed so much. I can't wait for the amazing experiences of the second half.
Jessie-Kids from the school attacked my back yelling "mkoko! mkoko!" (chicken! chicken!), trying to scratch off my tattoo.
Alexa- The Edirisa program is absolutely amazing. I hope I get to come back here someday because they truly are making a difference. I also got to play with the babies in the nursery and help out. Playing and being with them just made my day. They are so cute!
Vicky- These past few days have been so awesome! I loved our "free travel" to Lake Mburo and Mt. Mgahinga National Park. I can't wait for the rest of the activities we will be having with Edirisa. Yay!
Will-Visiting all of the national parks (and climbing Mt. Sabinyo) was absolutely stunning and really helped give me a new perspective on the diversity of Uganda's landscape. Also, I am really excited to be working at Edirisa, they seem to be making a big difference in the community.
Taylor-Having a great time...learning a lot, seeing and smelling a lot. The landscape is pretty breathtaking. Will never look at lightning the same. Lake Bunyoni is really peaceful. Feeling very lucky. Love to everyone at home in the states, you're all in my thoughts. I have never eaten so many bananas in all my life. And also.. Trick or Treat! Smell my feet.
Charlotte- Uganda offered a wide array of experiences and opportunities that we took full advantage of. As we pass the halfway point, we are excited for what lies ahead. Love you Mom and Dad!
Karen- Never in my life has the responsibility to fulfill opportunity meant so much to me. I firmly believe if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen; however, it is so difficult to accomplish with the lack of loyal, honest and compassionate community. Africa is beautiful and needs love just like the rest of our globe.
Cliff- "As you start on your way to Ithaca, then pray that the journey is long..." Time is flying by, as usual. Even as the adventure takes on a life of its own, the next adventure is already beginning to take shape. Sleeping under mosquito nets reminds me of the bed-tent I had as a child, and learning every day means that I sleep soundly at night.
Hopefully we'll be able to get another blog out on Friday to tell you all about free travel and what's been going on so far at Edirisa. Asante sana for reading!
-Becca
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sorry it has been so long since the last blog! We have been doing so much in these past 10 days that we have hardly had time to get into a town with internet.
So since the last blog by Izzy we have completed a major part of our semester; the R&R weekend ! Our R&R weekend took place at one of the beautiful Crater Lakes called Lake Nkuruba where we got our first taste of wildlife. Every morning we woke up to a plethora of monkeys playing at the lodge. It was fun sitting back and watching wrestle, groom each other, and occasionally take the banana peels from our hands. Many of the students also enjoyed swimming in the small lake during the free time we had.
As a group, we focused on personal growth and reflected on the great things that we had accomplished. Everyday, we attempted to meditate and we even had the incredible opportunity to visit a nearby lodge that offered yoga class. Everyone participated in at least one class at this incredible spot. The class was on the top of an isolated ridge overlooking rolling hills, lakes, and small villages on all sides. Overall, the teacher Claire received rave reviews from all us as we stretched ourselves to the limit.
The other highlight of the trip was the composition of our I AM poems. Each student filled in this particular format to create a beautiful poem about themselves. I highly recommend that you request to read them when your child, friend, or family member returns home.
Many of the group members had been relocated into tents. The four girls that remained in the banda awoke to a great surprise. Zoe, Becca, Vikky, and Jesse were under attack by fire ants! They ran out of the hut screaming and shouting except for Jesse who remained standing on her bed in fear of stepping onto the ground that had turned an ominous shade of black with the thousands of fire ants that were swarming the banda. She was rescued immediately. It did not take long for the girls to look back and laugh at it although they would have preferred not to endure the painful bites.
From there we were off to our first stop for Free Travel that Jesse and Becca worked very hard to coordinate for us. I am sorry to say though that you will have to wait just a bit longer for that completely summary.
Charlotte
So since the last blog by Izzy we have completed a major part of our semester; the R&R weekend ! Our R&R weekend took place at one of the beautiful Crater Lakes called Lake Nkuruba where we got our first taste of wildlife. Every morning we woke up to a plethora of monkeys playing at the lodge. It was fun sitting back and watching wrestle, groom each other, and occasionally take the banana peels from our hands. Many of the students also enjoyed swimming in the small lake during the free time we had.
As a group, we focused on personal growth and reflected on the great things that we had accomplished. Everyday, we attempted to meditate and we even had the incredible opportunity to visit a nearby lodge that offered yoga class. Everyone participated in at least one class at this incredible spot. The class was on the top of an isolated ridge overlooking rolling hills, lakes, and small villages on all sides. Overall, the teacher Claire received rave reviews from all us as we stretched ourselves to the limit.
The other highlight of the trip was the composition of our I AM poems. Each student filled in this particular format to create a beautiful poem about themselves. I highly recommend that you request to read them when your child, friend, or family member returns home.
Many of the group members had been relocated into tents. The four girls that remained in the banda awoke to a great surprise. Zoe, Becca, Vikky, and Jesse were under attack by fire ants! They ran out of the hut screaming and shouting except for Jesse who remained standing on her bed in fear of stepping onto the ground that had turned an ominous shade of black with the thousands of fire ants that were swarming the banda. She was rescued immediately. It did not take long for the girls to look back and laugh at it although they would have preferred not to endure the painful bites.
From there we were off to our first stop for Free Travel that Jesse and Becca worked very hard to coordinate for us. I am sorry to say though that you will have to wait just a bit longer for that completely summary.
Charlotte
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Fort Portal
Last Tuesday we arrived in Fort Portal after 13 hours of traveling.
We have been staying at a hostel run by Youth Encouragement Services. YES was founded 15 years ago by Carol Adams, an American. Her organization now takes care of over 300 kids who came from elderly-led families, child-led families, or orphanhood.
Throughout the week we have been working at the Manna Rescue Home where 30 kids with HIV (28 have AIDS) live.
We spent most of our time assisting them with maintenance projects (fixing ceiling tiles, putting up mosquito nets, painting signs, concreteing goal posts, and tearing up cement). In the aftrenoon, however, and especially the last few days, we have focused more energy toward playing with the kids. We started arriving and leaving later in the day, and Karen organized a candle-making activity for all of us.
As elsewhere, we worked alongside very interesting people who were very willing to tell us about themselves and Uganda. On Saturday we visited the house of one of Carol's office workers, Rose. Her mother adopted all 27 of her grandchildren after 12 of her 13 sons and daughters died. Together with Rose and a daughter in-law, the grandmother cares for all her residents in the "House of Kids." When we arrived, teh kids gathered int he backyard to give us a proper greeting. They sang and danced as one sat on a jerry can and beat on a bucket. A popular song among them is a sadly cheerful tune about family members' dying from AIDS.
On Monday our foreman, Paddy, was willing to talk with us about his life in Uganda. Though only ~36, Paddy has been involved in the Ugandan turmoil since he was 10. While in primary school, Obote's government burned his town. Paddy fled and joined the guerillas where he served under Musseveni throughout the Civil War and Musseveni's early years. After recounting his early years, Paddy fielded our diverse questions on resources, foreign policy, and politics.
With our free time this week, some of us visited teh chimps, botanical gardens, a local market, and the tombs of the Kingdom of Toro.
Since we have been staying at a hostel, many of us have opted to cook for ourselves. Our meals have been jsut bread, salty peas, mac and cheese, egglplant with tomato and cheese, and lots of eggs. On Friday night, we had a very special pizza dinner before acquainting ourselves with East African culture by watching the "Lion King." (On Monday we wathced "Hotel Rwanda" while we had the opportunity).
In just over an hour we will had tour to Lake Nkuruba for some R+R after oru very busy week.
We have been staying at a hostel run by Youth Encouragement Services. YES was founded 15 years ago by Carol Adams, an American. Her organization now takes care of over 300 kids who came from elderly-led families, child-led families, or orphanhood.
Throughout the week we have been working at the Manna Rescue Home where 30 kids with HIV (28 have AIDS) live.
We spent most of our time assisting them with maintenance projects (fixing ceiling tiles, putting up mosquito nets, painting signs, concreteing goal posts, and tearing up cement). In the aftrenoon, however, and especially the last few days, we have focused more energy toward playing with the kids. We started arriving and leaving later in the day, and Karen organized a candle-making activity for all of us.
As elsewhere, we worked alongside very interesting people who were very willing to tell us about themselves and Uganda. On Saturday we visited the house of one of Carol's office workers, Rose. Her mother adopted all 27 of her grandchildren after 12 of her 13 sons and daughters died. Together with Rose and a daughter in-law, the grandmother cares for all her residents in the "House of Kids." When we arrived, teh kids gathered int he backyard to give us a proper greeting. They sang and danced as one sat on a jerry can and beat on a bucket. A popular song among them is a sadly cheerful tune about family members' dying from AIDS.
On Monday our foreman, Paddy, was willing to talk with us about his life in Uganda. Though only ~36, Paddy has been involved in the Ugandan turmoil since he was 10. While in primary school, Obote's government burned his town. Paddy fled and joined the guerillas where he served under Musseveni throughout the Civil War and Musseveni's early years. After recounting his early years, Paddy fielded our diverse questions on resources, foreign policy, and politics.
With our free time this week, some of us visited teh chimps, botanical gardens, a local market, and the tombs of the Kingdom of Toro.
Since we have been staying at a hostel, many of us have opted to cook for ourselves. Our meals have been jsut bread, salty peas, mac and cheese, egglplant with tomato and cheese, and lots of eggs. On Friday night, we had a very special pizza dinner before acquainting ourselves with East African culture by watching the "Lion King." (On Monday we wathced "Hotel Rwanda" while we had the opportunity).
In just over an hour we will had tour to Lake Nkuruba for some R+R after oru very busy week.
Monday, October 4, 2010
The crew just left JJ's and is getting ready to spend a night in Mbale before heading off on a 9 hour bus ride to Fort Portal tomorrow. To recap, after leaving Jinja last week, we caught a ride into Mbale where we celebrated Zoe's 18th birthday! We had a nice dinner at an Indian restaurant and enjoyed an East African supermarket cake. The next morning we met up with JJ and his family. JJ founded the Mirembe Kawomera fair trade Coffee Cooperative so we got to learn a lot about the process behind the growing and marketing of coffee. The Coop has greatly improved the quality of life for participating farmers by allowing them to earn up to 5 times as much as they would otherwise earn selling locally or through non-fair trade organizations. The other cool part about Mirembe Kawomera is that it's an interfaith organization, peacefully uniting Jews, Christians, and Muslims in an area high with religious tension.
We got to participate in and witness the first Jewish Shabbat of the year at the local synogogue with JJ's friends and family. The service was beautiful with many amazing songs and afterwards, there was a really interesting discussion which provided a space for everyone to question and talk about the service and the faith.
We went on some really cool hikes while we were there - one of which was to the rock cave where JJ used to secretly practice his religion before Uganda became more religiously tolerant. The other was to Sipi Falls, about an hour out of Mbale. The hike took about 4 hours and provided us with amazing close up views of 3 different waterfalls... it was pretty unreal. Overall, it was an amazing week. JJ's family really took us in and showed us some incredible hospitality for which we are very grateful. We look forward to traveling on to Fort Portal and doing some work at the Yes Uganda orphanage later this week. Thanks to all who showed us a lovely time in Mbale.
- Will and Taylor
We got to participate in and witness the first Jewish Shabbat of the year at the local synogogue with JJ's friends and family. The service was beautiful with many amazing songs and afterwards, there was a really interesting discussion which provided a space for everyone to question and talk about the service and the faith.
We went on some really cool hikes while we were there - one of which was to the rock cave where JJ used to secretly practice his religion before Uganda became more religiously tolerant. The other was to Sipi Falls, about an hour out of Mbale. The hike took about 4 hours and provided us with amazing close up views of 3 different waterfalls... it was pretty unreal. Overall, it was an amazing week. JJ's family really took us in and showed us some incredible hospitality for which we are very grateful. We look forward to traveling on to Fort Portal and doing some work at the Yes Uganda orphanage later this week. Thanks to all who showed us a lovely time in Mbale.
- Will and Taylor
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