Today was a good day. I stayed home from Tegot today because I’m still not 100% recovered from giardia. Feeling much, much better, but still just a little funky this morning. I decided to stay at home for an additional day of rest and just to let my body recover. Tegot is very dirty and there are always runny noses everywhere. I decided one more day of break from the intense germs would probably be wise.
I missed those kids though! Chrissy said little Okema asked where I was and I was really excited about that. I’m so glad he’s eager to learn! He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s getting introduced to the beauty of alphabet flashcards next time I see him. He’ll love it!
I figured out that podcasts will download here! I am ridiculously excited about that. Almost nothing else will work here because the internet is so slow so I’m really surprised but so thankful. I got to download and listen to some Matt Chandler today and I was super pumped!
Tomorrow will officially be one week of no water in Gulu. Why? No one knows. T.I.A. is all I can say. It’s not that bad for us because we have quite a large reserve, but even that is running low. We buy our drinking water in huge containers and then fill our water bottles, so that is and will not ever be a problem. However, if showers have to be rationed (and it’s getting very close), I may be singing a different tune…
I officially got my first African sunburn yesterday. I. am. fried. It was the second time I have gone without sunscreen and the first I was totally fine. Since yesterday was Sunday and I knew I wouldn’t be out much, I just didn’t bother. I was seriously barely out in the sun. It was after I was burned to a crisp that I realized that the medication I took for giardia probably made me super photo-sensitive. Lame. Thank goodness for aloe though!
The American coffee shop in Gulu, Café Larem, just got new management and they now have guacamole. And it is good. Really good. We stopped for an evening snack this evening. Just one more reason to love that place!
I’m looking forward to being back in camp tomorrow and hoping to post more pictures soon. I have yet to get my shelves, so I still haven’t taken pictures of my room (because I’m still living out of my suitcases) but they keep promising they’ll be ready “tomorrow.” Whatever that means…
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Hugging in a Handshake Culture
Something I noticed almost immediately upon my arrival in Gulu and, more specifically, in Tegot, was that most of the kids tense up when you hug them. They are totally cool with handshakes and are actually culturally obligated to shake hands with and kneel or curtsy to adults. I initially thought that it was just because they didn’t know me, but then I noticed that the same happens when they get hugs from Chrissy, whom they have known for several months now.
Upon further observation and a little research, I have discovered that part of this is due to Acholi culture. Parents do not ever hug their children or show physical affection. Another aspect is that almost all of the children are orphans or come from single-parent families. While they are all being cared for in someone’s home (mostly a grandmother), adoption is not often viewed in the same way as America, so the children are not necessarily taken in as part of the family but more just fed and housed. Plus, most of the kids are in their situations because of violence done by the LRA – very traumatic way to lose a parent or parents. Finally, and probably the biggest part of this is due to the years of violence and atrocities that they have lived with – it has caused them to emotionally pull back as a coping mechanism. People who visited Tegot even a year ago say that the kids did not used to smile. It is hard for me to even imagine an entire village of children that have been robbed of so much that they don’t smile.
Even though it is obvious that most of the kids feel incredibly awkward when hugged, it is equally as obvious that they enjoy that physical contact. After the initial shock of being embraced, they almost always break out with huge smiles. Chrissy has continued to hug them through the awkwardness for months now and I will most definitely do the same. It is undoubtedly healthy for kids to be hugged and is a great way to affirm to them that I really do love and care about them. I want them to know that hugs are good and safe. Plus, I heard somewhere that to maintain physical and emotional well-being, a person should receive 5-10 meaningful touches a day (for all your Crossroad-ers!). :-)
There are some kids who have already adjusted to hugs (mostly from Chrissy’s time working on this) and just skip the obligatory handshake altogether. I even walked two girls home a couple days ago, both of them with their arms wrapped around my waist. I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed me the blessing of being trusted by these precious children. It is my prayer for each of them that they will one day trust in the Gospel if they haven’t already.
If you’re interested in getting a better idea of the history of the camp, there’s a video you can view at http://limegreenphotography.com/tegotatoo. The focus is more on the resettlement process rather than the kids, but the images are professional and excellent. They capture how camp looks, although I would say they don’t capture the HOPE that lives there now. Still, worth the five minutes to watch!
Also, I’m fully recovered now. Giardia was not fun, but didn’t last long and for that I am so thankful!
Upon further observation and a little research, I have discovered that part of this is due to Acholi culture. Parents do not ever hug their children or show physical affection. Another aspect is that almost all of the children are orphans or come from single-parent families. While they are all being cared for in someone’s home (mostly a grandmother), adoption is not often viewed in the same way as America, so the children are not necessarily taken in as part of the family but more just fed and housed. Plus, most of the kids are in their situations because of violence done by the LRA – very traumatic way to lose a parent or parents. Finally, and probably the biggest part of this is due to the years of violence and atrocities that they have lived with – it has caused them to emotionally pull back as a coping mechanism. People who visited Tegot even a year ago say that the kids did not used to smile. It is hard for me to even imagine an entire village of children that have been robbed of so much that they don’t smile.
Even though it is obvious that most of the kids feel incredibly awkward when hugged, it is equally as obvious that they enjoy that physical contact. After the initial shock of being embraced, they almost always break out with huge smiles. Chrissy has continued to hug them through the awkwardness for months now and I will most definitely do the same. It is undoubtedly healthy for kids to be hugged and is a great way to affirm to them that I really do love and care about them. I want them to know that hugs are good and safe. Plus, I heard somewhere that to maintain physical and emotional well-being, a person should receive 5-10 meaningful touches a day (for all your Crossroad-ers!). :-)
There are some kids who have already adjusted to hugs (mostly from Chrissy’s time working on this) and just skip the obligatory handshake altogether. I even walked two girls home a couple days ago, both of them with their arms wrapped around my waist. I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed me the blessing of being trusted by these precious children. It is my prayer for each of them that they will one day trust in the Gospel if they haven’t already.
If you’re interested in getting a better idea of the history of the camp, there’s a video you can view at http://limegreenphotography.com/tegotatoo. The focus is more on the resettlement process rather than the kids, but the images are professional and excellent. They capture how camp looks, although I would say they don’t capture the HOPE that lives there now. Still, worth the five minutes to watch!
Also, I’m fully recovered now. Giardia was not fun, but didn’t last long and for that I am so thankful!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Praise God
Since being in Africa, I’ve noticed that I say “praise God” or something along those lines quite often. However, it is often when the power comes back on, the Internet works, or we have water in the city. Now those are great reasons to praise God, but in the last few days I’ve been really convicted about the need for praising God at all times.
I’ve been sick the past 36 hours – a nasty sickness called giardia that comes from a protozoan in water. I’m not sure where I picked it up, but all I’ve been able to think is “praise God.” God is no less worthy of praise because I’m sick or hot or tired.
So that is my prayer for right now – that no matter what the circumstances are, that I will praise God and be thankful for the immense blessings He has bestowed upon me.
**I took medication about 12 hours ago and it’s supposed to take 24 hours to take full effect. I’m already feeling a lot better!
I’ve been sick the past 36 hours – a nasty sickness called giardia that comes from a protozoan in water. I’m not sure where I picked it up, but all I’ve been able to think is “praise God.” God is no less worthy of praise because I’m sick or hot or tired.
So that is my prayer for right now – that no matter what the circumstances are, that I will praise God and be thankful for the immense blessings He has bestowed upon me.
**I took medication about 12 hours ago and it’s supposed to take 24 hours to take full effect. I’m already feeling a lot better!
Success!
Little Okema has definitely become my project. The kid is absolutely adorable yet SO naughty. This is rare for here. The kids are typically extremely well-behaved and respectful - I have yet to see a child disobey an adult. Until Okema. He pretty much does whatever he wants.
I found out that he lives with his elderly grandmother who is almost entirely deaf. When I heard that, everything made a little more sense...she can't hear half the stuff he says! We went and talked to her a few days ago about his behavior during school and our after-school program and that made a huge difference.
The day after we talked to her, I was outside with him and a couple other kids working on learning the alphabet. He decided he didn't want to work anymore and got up and left. I told him to come back (in Acholi) and he did not respond. So, I went and took his arm, sat him back down, and said "No" really close to his face. He stared at me for a couple seconds (I'm sure he was shocked that a mzungu was going to enforce the rules) and then got right back to work.
I've been teaching Gloria the alphabet too. Her parents are raising nine kids and can't afford to send her to school. I'm hoping to get her in the sponsorship program soon, but until then, we're working on the alphabet.
She was really struggling with writing the letter B. I showed her multiple times, had her trace the letters I had written, and guided her hand. Still, she wasn't fully getting it. It was an exciting moment for me when Okema looked at her blackboard, stopped what he was writing, took her hand, and wrote a perfect B while explaining how to do it! After he helped her write a row of excellent B's, she could do it by herself.
Of course, I made a huge deal about how smart and helpful he was and he was SO proud of himself. It was really awesome!
Okema and Gloria, working hard on mastering the alphabet!
I found out that he lives with his elderly grandmother who is almost entirely deaf. When I heard that, everything made a little more sense...she can't hear half the stuff he says! We went and talked to her a few days ago about his behavior during school and our after-school program and that made a huge difference.
The day after we talked to her, I was outside with him and a couple other kids working on learning the alphabet. He decided he didn't want to work anymore and got up and left. I told him to come back (in Acholi) and he did not respond. So, I went and took his arm, sat him back down, and said "No" really close to his face. He stared at me for a couple seconds (I'm sure he was shocked that a mzungu was going to enforce the rules) and then got right back to work.
I've been teaching Gloria the alphabet too. Her parents are raising nine kids and can't afford to send her to school. I'm hoping to get her in the sponsorship program soon, but until then, we're working on the alphabet.
She was really struggling with writing the letter B. I showed her multiple times, had her trace the letters I had written, and guided her hand. Still, she wasn't fully getting it. It was an exciting moment for me when Okema looked at her blackboard, stopped what he was writing, took her hand, and wrote a perfect B while explaining how to do it! After he helped her write a row of excellent B's, she could do it by herself.
Of course, I made a huge deal about how smart and helpful he was and he was SO proud of himself. It was really awesome!
Okema and Gloria, working hard on mastering the alphabet!
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Nile
Sorry for the lack of update - the Internet has been down since Tuesday!
In typical Uganda fashion, we arrived home to Gulu an additional day later than planned. However, it was totally worth it because we drove almost the whole way and stopped in Karuma, a small town about an hour south of Gulu. There, we stayed at Restoration Gateway, a developing ministry that will eventually include orphan homes, an agricultural program, a hospital, and multiple other community development programs.
The land was gorgeous, bordering the Nile. I have to say, it was quite incredible to wake up to the sound of the rushing Nile River! We rode back from Kampala with the family I met in the airport in Entebbe – it was an interesting journey, as they had all of their furniture in the van, so it was me and Chrissy with four girls smashed into two seats.
Tuesday night Chrissy and I sat outside and looked at the stars. It was absolutely incredible. I have never been able to see more stars more clearly. There wasn’t an inch of the sky that wasn’t filled with light! God’s vastness is incredible!
I could have stayed out there for hours, but when a wild dog ran within a few feet of us, we decided it was time to head inside.
Wednesday morning we got up early and walked down to the river. As we walked, there were monkeys calling in the trees – awesome! It was so cool to stand on the bank of and dip my hands in a river that has such a huge role in Biblical history!
When we got back to the house, the people we were staying with showed us the snake skin of a 12-foot python that they had killed down by the river. Needless to say, I was thankful to see that AFTER I was back.
The bank of the Nile!
The river is gorgeous.
The sunset at Restoration Gateway.
In typical Uganda fashion, we arrived home to Gulu an additional day later than planned. However, it was totally worth it because we drove almost the whole way and stopped in Karuma, a small town about an hour south of Gulu. There, we stayed at Restoration Gateway, a developing ministry that will eventually include orphan homes, an agricultural program, a hospital, and multiple other community development programs.
The land was gorgeous, bordering the Nile. I have to say, it was quite incredible to wake up to the sound of the rushing Nile River! We rode back from Kampala with the family I met in the airport in Entebbe – it was an interesting journey, as they had all of their furniture in the van, so it was me and Chrissy with four girls smashed into two seats.
Tuesday night Chrissy and I sat outside and looked at the stars. It was absolutely incredible. I have never been able to see more stars more clearly. There wasn’t an inch of the sky that wasn’t filled with light! God’s vastness is incredible!
I could have stayed out there for hours, but when a wild dog ran within a few feet of us, we decided it was time to head inside.
Wednesday morning we got up early and walked down to the river. As we walked, there were monkeys calling in the trees – awesome! It was so cool to stand on the bank of and dip my hands in a river that has such a huge role in Biblical history!
When we got back to the house, the people we were staying with showed us the snake skin of a 12-foot python that they had killed down by the river. Needless to say, I was thankful to see that AFTER I was back.
The bank of the Nile!
The river is gorgeous.
The sunset at Restoration Gateway.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Mzungu, Stop!
One of my favorite things in Uganda has been the voices of the children. Our house is in the middle of a "neighborhood" of mud huts, so no matter where the kids are, we can hear them. Of course, I can't typically understand them, but their voices are sweet whether they're speaking Acholi or the few English phrases some know!
Whenever we come home, all the neighborhood kids come running and shouting, "Mzungu, stop!" We always stop, shake everyone's hand, and say hello. The next phrase they know is, "Mzungu, give me ball." I always respond, "Ashley, please may I have a ball." They just smile back at me and try to repeat. It's quite cute.
I am so thankful to be here loving on kids in Uganda!
Whenever we come home, all the neighborhood kids come running and shouting, "Mzungu, stop!" We always stop, shake everyone's hand, and say hello. The next phrase they know is, "Mzungu, give me ball." I always respond, "Ashley, please may I have a ball." They just smile back at me and try to repeat. It's quite cute.
I am so thankful to be here loving on kids in Uganda!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Kampala and Culture Shock
What was initially supposed to be a Thursday night to Sunday trip to Kampala has now turned into a Friday morning to Tuesday afternoon trip. I think I'm slowly learning to throw out planning... Personally, I'm thrilled to have a couple extra days in a big city where beef can be purchased at the restaurants!
It's interesting though, because I'm experiencing more culture shock from being back in a Western-like city than I did when I first went to Gulu. I am definitely beginning to understand the extent of the poverty in which I live in Gulu. There is most definitely poverty in Kampala, but there is also wealth. There's some buildings with air conditioning, the roads are mostly paved, and the people generally appear healthier. I have yet to see a mud hut; in Gulu, that's almost all there is outside of the few mzungu houses, NGOs, or businesses.
I did almost die on a boda-boda again. We were driving on the wrong side of the road in VERY busy traffic trying to pass this truck. The truck starts drifting towards us, the oncoming truck wasn't slowing down, and then our boda died. Completely ran out of gas and we stopped moving forward. I just closed my eyes and put my head down until the driver started yelling at us to jump off and run to the side. It was quite terrifying. I'm quite confident that if I get injured in Uganda, it's going to be on a boda-boda in Kampala!
We are staying at the MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) in south Kampala, and I couldn't have asked for a better place. It's clean, cool, serves homemade meals, and is super cheap. The family I met in the Entebbe airport told us about it and we are actually staying here with them, as they are in Kampala to pick up their vehicle and supplies before going back to Gulu. I am SO thankful that I met them. They have four little girls that have been fun to be around and have been more than willing to help us out in any way they can. I feel like I've known them forever (even though I've only seen them twice before this weekend) and they are already great friends. If we were in America, it would definitely be totally weird to be friends already.
For those of you who have asked for pictures of the city, I really can't take any here or in Gulu. If the police or military see you with a camera, they will confiscate it, demand a bribe, and sometimes arrest you. This happens often, so I am not willing to risk that, as I would prefer to make it out of Uganda without being thrown in jail. I'll just stick to pictures of the village and my house when it's furnished! However, we ARE stopping to stick our feet in the Nile on the way back to Gulu and I will definitely take pictures then!
It's interesting though, because I'm experiencing more culture shock from being back in a Western-like city than I did when I first went to Gulu. I am definitely beginning to understand the extent of the poverty in which I live in Gulu. There is most definitely poverty in Kampala, but there is also wealth. There's some buildings with air conditioning, the roads are mostly paved, and the people generally appear healthier. I have yet to see a mud hut; in Gulu, that's almost all there is outside of the few mzungu houses, NGOs, or businesses.
I did almost die on a boda-boda again. We were driving on the wrong side of the road in VERY busy traffic trying to pass this truck. The truck starts drifting towards us, the oncoming truck wasn't slowing down, and then our boda died. Completely ran out of gas and we stopped moving forward. I just closed my eyes and put my head down until the driver started yelling at us to jump off and run to the side. It was quite terrifying. I'm quite confident that if I get injured in Uganda, it's going to be on a boda-boda in Kampala!
We are staying at the MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) in south Kampala, and I couldn't have asked for a better place. It's clean, cool, serves homemade meals, and is super cheap. The family I met in the Entebbe airport told us about it and we are actually staying here with them, as they are in Kampala to pick up their vehicle and supplies before going back to Gulu. I am SO thankful that I met them. They have four little girls that have been fun to be around and have been more than willing to help us out in any way they can. I feel like I've known them forever (even though I've only seen them twice before this weekend) and they are already great friends. If we were in America, it would definitely be totally weird to be friends already.
For those of you who have asked for pictures of the city, I really can't take any here or in Gulu. If the police or military see you with a camera, they will confiscate it, demand a bribe, and sometimes arrest you. This happens often, so I am not willing to risk that, as I would prefer to make it out of Uganda without being thrown in jail. I'll just stick to pictures of the village and my house when it's furnished! However, we ARE stopping to stick our feet in the Nile on the way back to Gulu and I will definitely take pictures then!
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