Got your attention, didn't I? It wasn't that close but we did get stopped by the police today. We go everywhere in a 14 passenger Jimmy. I don't believe that I covered that particular vehicle the day I described the road to Uganda. It looks like those safari toyota van and it is supposed to carry 14 passengers. Well, you may guess that Africa has it's own idea of proper passenger load.
Each day the Jimmy arrives here with a driver, Jenna Doud, and Rose. They are here to pick up our team of five. We are joined by Miriam, a house mother, her daughter, a child mother and son. If you are counting, we are up to 12 passengers. Along the way, we pick up interpreters, and more child mothers. Usually we end up with up 19 passengers. We decided, at Scarry Mary's urging, to go for a world record and had 21 this afternoon. And that's when the police stopped us. The policeman was very friendly and polite. He told us that we had too many passengers for the vehicle. Little did he know that before he stopped us, we had dropped off two and while we were waiting for him to walk up to us, one more jumped out.
Rose told him that we were coming back from some training nearby. He asked what kind. She told him we were working with child mothers in one of the camps. He asked if any of the women in the van were child mothers and when we said yes, he waved and began walking backwards away from us. So we escaped a arrest. Rose said it would not have ended up being a problem anyway. The "custom" is to get out, with money hidden in hand, and either pat the policeman on the shoulder while apologizing, or shake his hand while greeting him and then he would tell us to get out of the way.
Today, we saw the results of the girls first experience with tie dying. They brought in their samples that they did yesterday. They were all sitting and Marianne asked them to show us their project. Oh, how proud they were to show us! They all did a great job. I've taken a lot of pictures but haven't had time to see if I can upload here. If I get a bigger block of time, I will try to figure that out. Otherwise, I will post them after we get back to the states.
Today I spoke on prayer and we shared the gospel. One girl raised her hand that she had accepted Christ for the first time today. Praise God! One of our interpreters said that it is probable that more did as well but in general, the girls are afraid to raise their had to show that because they might be ridiculed back home. They will show their decision by telling Rose or Christina privately later.
Denee was the first to break the mazoonga curse. A little girl of about 18 months old, grabbed one of her fingers and held on for a really long time. Then, she was slowly able to entice her to sit on her lap. We were all afraid to go for our cameras in case our movement frightened the little girl. It was a miracle.
Tomorrow is the festival day with the children. We expect 300 children from various camps. We have several activities planned. Sunday, we are going to church with Rose and then to one camp that is not able to participate with us on festival day. We don't know for sure how long these two days will be, so I may not be able to post until Monday. So, farewell for now.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Mary has a new name
Before I tell you about Mary and her new name, I'd like to tell you a little more about our hotel. First, the people who work there are wonderful. If you have a question, no matter how silly, they are gracious in answering. They are helpful and kind. We have had informative conversations with some of them. And we realize that our accommodations so surpass the men at the land. We are grateful for what we have. But........
It is often an adventure staying there. Last night, the power went on and off several times in the evening. It surged dim to bright several times. Then it was on for quite a while. Until about 11:30. And that means no fan. Can I tell you that it is really, really hot here, even at night. So needless to say, that cold shower felt really good this morning.
Yesterday, our wonderful children's pastor began to attempt to interact with the little children here. It began with her just looking at one little girl about two years old. The little girl ran screaming to her mother. I don't mean yelling -- I mean horror movie type screaming. Really all of the kids have acted the same. Only two times so far have any of us been able to hold a baby -- Marianne and Denee. I was allowed to have one little boy touch my face and take off my glasses. But Mary, well, she can't even make eye contact with them.
Today was Mary's day to teach on parenting. She had asked the mothers to bring their children so there were several more than we have had so far. When the van pulled in, the children began running into the building, screaming MAZOONGA! Loudly! So we've decided Mary now should be called Scary Mary.
But to be fair, she has great popularity with the girls. She taught them a great game that they have taken to amazingly fast. It is called Mary Says. I believe in the US, we call it Simon Says. They are great at the game. She has played it each day.
The girls did their first tie dye project today. They took right to it. They have been so attentive as Marianne taught them. They are really excited about the possiblity of using this skill to make a living.
We learned that here in Uganda, the men must pay a dowry when they want to marry a girl. Today, one of the leaders, Miraim, told Mary that she was worth many cows because of the gap between her two front teeth. Scary Mary is worth much!
It is often an adventure staying there. Last night, the power went on and off several times in the evening. It surged dim to bright several times. Then it was on for quite a while. Until about 11:30. And that means no fan. Can I tell you that it is really, really hot here, even at night. So needless to say, that cold shower felt really good this morning.
Yesterday, our wonderful children's pastor began to attempt to interact with the little children here. It began with her just looking at one little girl about two years old. The little girl ran screaming to her mother. I don't mean yelling -- I mean horror movie type screaming. Really all of the kids have acted the same. Only two times so far have any of us been able to hold a baby -- Marianne and Denee. I was allowed to have one little boy touch my face and take off my glasses. But Mary, well, she can't even make eye contact with them.
Today was Mary's day to teach on parenting. She had asked the mothers to bring their children so there were several more than we have had so far. When the van pulled in, the children began running into the building, screaming MAZOONGA! Loudly! So we've decided Mary now should be called Scary Mary.
But to be fair, she has great popularity with the girls. She taught them a great game that they have taken to amazingly fast. It is called Mary Says. I believe in the US, we call it Simon Says. They are great at the game. She has played it each day.
The girls did their first tie dye project today. They took right to it. They have been so attentive as Marianne taught them. They are really excited about the possiblity of using this skill to make a living.
We learned that here in Uganda, the men must pay a dowry when they want to marry a girl. Today, one of the leaders, Miraim, told Mary that she was worth many cows because of the gap between her two front teeth. Scary Mary is worth much!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Hotel Roma -- and we don't mean Italy
While we are in Gulu, we are staying at Hotel Roma. I believe it is a very nice hotel by local standards. Mary says she feels right at home -- it's just like Kids Camp with mesquito nets. We each have our own room, complete with a bathroom/shower -- no seperation there. Mary is the only one with a shower curtain. Half of us have hot water, although it comes and goes. Two of us have no hot water. I have adjusted to that quite well -- I just view it as my air conditioning.
We have heard from the land. The men are doing well. And Joshua has a posse already. Dave says that whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. The boys chased down their lunch today and I mean that literally. They chased a chicken and then had it for lunch! Yum yum!
Each night before we leave for dinner, we must drop down the mesquito net and tuck it in under our bed. Mary's net is a lot shorter than ours and she has had a couple of confrontations with it, emerging trapped as a bug in a spider web. But we are all adjusting to the proceedure as well.
Have we talked about time? I was familiar with Central Time, Mountain Time, Pacific Time, and of course, Eastern Time, but have you heard of Africa time? Well, I'd love to explain it to you but I don't quite have it down yet. We meet in the lobby for breakfast and then wait for the van to come get us. 9:00 can mean 8:50 or 10:30 am. And 11:00 can really mean noon. But there is no stress about time either. They are very patient people.
And I know I will not be able to tell you enough about these wonderful, loving people. They greet you so politely. And they sing and dance with such joy. I have been able to see poverty and contain my emotions but to sit and listen to these women worship completely undid me. It is pure, honest, unrestrained adoration and praise.
Yesterday, we had our first time with the girls. There were 37 girls ranging from 12 to 25. Carmelita spoke about Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. That he did it to modle servanthood. And then we began to wash the feet of these girls.
As we began, we saw feet that had been broken and tortured when they had been abducted. These feet have walked in paths that we can not imagine. One young girl was forced to walk on hot coals and broken glass. We saw scars on their legs that we dare not ask about. And most of us prayed silently to ourselves for these girls. And yet they sing.
We have heard from the land. The men are doing well. And Joshua has a posse already. Dave says that whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. The boys chased down their lunch today and I mean that literally. They chased a chicken and then had it for lunch! Yum yum!
Each night before we leave for dinner, we must drop down the mesquito net and tuck it in under our bed. Mary's net is a lot shorter than ours and she has had a couple of confrontations with it, emerging trapped as a bug in a spider web. But we are all adjusting to the proceedure as well.
Have we talked about time? I was familiar with Central Time, Mountain Time, Pacific Time, and of course, Eastern Time, but have you heard of Africa time? Well, I'd love to explain it to you but I don't quite have it down yet. We meet in the lobby for breakfast and then wait for the van to come get us. 9:00 can mean 8:50 or 10:30 am. And 11:00 can really mean noon. But there is no stress about time either. They are very patient people.
And I know I will not be able to tell you enough about these wonderful, loving people. They greet you so politely. And they sing and dance with such joy. I have been able to see poverty and contain my emotions but to sit and listen to these women worship completely undid me. It is pure, honest, unrestrained adoration and praise.
Yesterday, we had our first time with the girls. There were 37 girls ranging from 12 to 25. Carmelita spoke about Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. That he did it to modle servanthood. And then we began to wash the feet of these girls.
As we began, we saw feet that had been broken and tortured when they had been abducted. These feet have walked in paths that we can not imagine. One young girl was forced to walk on hot coals and broken glass. We saw scars on their legs that we dare not ask about. And most of us prayed silently to ourselves for these girls. And yet they sing.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Road We've Traveled....
Jono, Mary is sitting here beside me and wants you to say hi and that she wishes all of you were here. It is wonderful.
I am sorry we haven't posted before today. We woke up Sunday morning and drove many, many hours on the wrong side of the road. I wish I had the right words to share the exprience of the road from Entebbe to Gulu. Let me try to paint a picture for you but it is something you must experience to understand completely.
First, the lane markings are only a suggestion. And the road is really not two full lanes, only 1 and a half lanes. If a vehicle is traveling slowly, they pull over and drive on the shoulder. If a vehicle is traveling fast, or is carrying a wide load, or just wants to, it drives down the middle.
Then add in that there are hundreds of people walking to and from everywhere, crossing the road at will. Toss in a few hundred motorcycles, taxis really, that are parked all along the road -- aimed at traffic actually, prepared to dart out at a moment's notice. Add in hundreds of bicycles that are really wagons toting everything from people, to furniture, to 6 foot long bundles of sugar cane, hod, or bundles of any sort, all of this happening at once while our driver drives on the wrong side of the road.
I've learned that horns are really another form of communication here. They can tell you kindly to move to the side because I am coming up behind you at 60 miles an hour. Or they say MOVE OUT OF MY WAY NOW!!!!! Horns are used in conjuction with the turning signal and or headlights. The addition of a turning signal says I am not moving over. And the headlights flashing, well, I haven't quite figured that out yet. I know it is not warning you that a policeman is ahead because there are no speed limit signs, traffic signals, and I have yet to see a policeman that isn't on foot.
The trip from Entebbe started at 10 am and included the oil change, and the ten miles or so of road under construction, and this requires a whole 'nother set of driving skills. Have you ever seen anyone ski the bunny slopes, swerving back and forth to avoid the bumps? Well this is how BOTH SETS of drivers approach each other as we go over hugh speed bumps. You just hope that your swerve compliments the other driver because no one stops. May I share that half of our vehicle was on Dramamine.
After 7 hours or so, we arrived and went straight to our first IDP camp where we watched the children dance with such energy and joy. It was worth the trip. We then went to visit the safe house. The children there welcomed us with song.
My time on the internet is about up so I will close for now. I hope to post ever day or so but we have had some problems with losing power for hours. We are all well and thanking God for this time and opportunity to serve him.
I am sorry we haven't posted before today. We woke up Sunday morning and drove many, many hours on the wrong side of the road. I wish I had the right words to share the exprience of the road from Entebbe to Gulu. Let me try to paint a picture for you but it is something you must experience to understand completely.
First, the lane markings are only a suggestion. And the road is really not two full lanes, only 1 and a half lanes. If a vehicle is traveling slowly, they pull over and drive on the shoulder. If a vehicle is traveling fast, or is carrying a wide load, or just wants to, it drives down the middle.
Then add in that there are hundreds of people walking to and from everywhere, crossing the road at will. Toss in a few hundred motorcycles, taxis really, that are parked all along the road -- aimed at traffic actually, prepared to dart out at a moment's notice. Add in hundreds of bicycles that are really wagons toting everything from people, to furniture, to 6 foot long bundles of sugar cane, hod, or bundles of any sort, all of this happening at once while our driver drives on the wrong side of the road.
I've learned that horns are really another form of communication here. They can tell you kindly to move to the side because I am coming up behind you at 60 miles an hour. Or they say MOVE OUT OF MY WAY NOW!!!!! Horns are used in conjuction with the turning signal and or headlights. The addition of a turning signal says I am not moving over. And the headlights flashing, well, I haven't quite figured that out yet. I know it is not warning you that a policeman is ahead because there are no speed limit signs, traffic signals, and I have yet to see a policeman that isn't on foot.
The trip from Entebbe started at 10 am and included the oil change, and the ten miles or so of road under construction, and this requires a whole 'nother set of driving skills. Have you ever seen anyone ski the bunny slopes, swerving back and forth to avoid the bumps? Well this is how BOTH SETS of drivers approach each other as we go over hugh speed bumps. You just hope that your swerve compliments the other driver because no one stops. May I share that half of our vehicle was on Dramamine.
After 7 hours or so, we arrived and went straight to our first IDP camp where we watched the children dance with such energy and joy. It was worth the trip. We then went to visit the safe house. The children there welcomed us with song.
My time on the internet is about up so I will close for now. I hope to post ever day or so but we have had some problems with losing power for hours. We are all well and thanking God for this time and opportunity to serve him.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Entebbee
Greetings!
We arrived in Entebbe last night at 10:45, tired but yet excited to finally be here. We were met by the driver of the van to take us to Hotel Roma. The van was a 15 passenger van. There are 11 of us and 22 LARGE suitcases, 11 carryon bags and 5 purses. I will let your imagination take over from here!
On the way over, we met people from two other groups on their way over. One group was from Sarasota on a medical mission. One group was from London coming to work in Entebbe.
The beds were comfortable last night and we all slept well. After two long days of travel, the showers felt wonderful! Right now, we are waiting for the rain to subside so that they can repackage all of the above so we can embark on the 6 or 7 hour drive to Gulu. We will all visit one of the IDP camps tonight and then the guys will leave in the morning for The Village of Hope.
It is time to close for now -- we're about to head to Gulu. I hope to post tomorrow.
We arrived in Entebbe last night at 10:45, tired but yet excited to finally be here. We were met by the driver of the van to take us to Hotel Roma. The van was a 15 passenger van. There are 11 of us and 22 LARGE suitcases, 11 carryon bags and 5 purses. I will let your imagination take over from here!
On the way over, we met people from two other groups on their way over. One group was from Sarasota on a medical mission. One group was from London coming to work in Entebbe.
The beds were comfortable last night and we all slept well. After two long days of travel, the showers felt wonderful! Right now, we are waiting for the rain to subside so that they can repackage all of the above so we can embark on the 6 or 7 hour drive to Gulu. We will all visit one of the IDP camps tonight and then the guys will leave in the morning for The Village of Hope.
It is time to close for now -- we're about to head to Gulu. I hope to post tomorrow.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Preparation Day
Hello Bay Life,
Our bags are packed, our goodbyes have mostly been said, so now we wait until time to leave for the airport. It seems like the time has flown by since signing up for this trip in January but these last few hours are taking forever.
I have been asked if we will keep a blog while we are gone. It's a little late in the game but I will try to figure out how to set up and maintain a blog. Hopefully we will be able to post while we are gone and keep you up to date on our time in Africa.
We leave in the morning at 11:00 am for New Jersey. From New Jersey, we leave Friday evening and fly overnight to Brussels. From Brussels, we fly all day and land in Entebbe, Africa at 9:40 pm Saturday night. Sunday morning we will drive for approximately 4 hours (no ac, I understand!) to Gulu. We will divide into two teams there. The men will go on to the Village of Hope and the women will remain in Gulu.
I doubt anyone will be able to post until Monday sometime. For now, our prayer request would be for mercy at the baggage check-in counter and safe travel!
Our bags are packed, our goodbyes have mostly been said, so now we wait until time to leave for the airport. It seems like the time has flown by since signing up for this trip in January but these last few hours are taking forever.
I have been asked if we will keep a blog while we are gone. It's a little late in the game but I will try to figure out how to set up and maintain a blog. Hopefully we will be able to post while we are gone and keep you up to date on our time in Africa.
We leave in the morning at 11:00 am for New Jersey. From New Jersey, we leave Friday evening and fly overnight to Brussels. From Brussels, we fly all day and land in Entebbe, Africa at 9:40 pm Saturday night. Sunday morning we will drive for approximately 4 hours (no ac, I understand!) to Gulu. We will divide into two teams there. The men will go on to the Village of Hope and the women will remain in Gulu.
I doubt anyone will be able to post until Monday sometime. For now, our prayer request would be for mercy at the baggage check-in counter and safe travel!
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