Well to say the least it feels completely normal. No unnecessary anxiety or looming fear. But the past few days have been a bit crazy....
Friday there was a taxi strike. No big deal right? Only when strikes occur, riots do as well, open fire, tear gas, public arresting and beatings too. Just in a normal days work. A friend of ours was waiting for her friends in a restaurant on Friday. She heard commotion outside. Her friends had been arrested and beaten. They were taken to the police station to be questioned. Many other cases were like this. Bystanders were arrested and taken for questioning. ONly there were so many, some had to stay the night there. Horrible system..
But by 3:00 everything had cleared and it was a typical day in Kampala.
Today, Chris and I were in town getting medical supplies and food for the home. We pulled out and a boda boda ran into the side of the car. Oops. Two hours later it was all good. We took the man to the clinic. No broken bones. Just a few bruises and bumps. We paid for his boda to be fixed as this is his only way for an income. But God was watching out for us. Neither Chris or I were hurt and the driver was not hurt badly. Plus, it is very common for a mob to form and become angry when a wreck occurs and white people are involved. I thought for a second it was happening, then a man named Abraham was standing out of my window and seriously says, "Don't be scared. It'll be alright."
What? Perfect english. Perfect timing. He came to the clinic with us and translated for the entire episode. I am convinced he was an angel. And he had two very cute kids.
Besides these past two episodes, things have been relatively quite. The kids are testing this week for the end of the term. Then 3 weeks of holiday! Yeah! All the kids are healthy. There are many scrapes and cuts that I am way too excited to attempt to heal.
I am learning and growing. Please continue to pray for protection and love from our Father.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Activities as of late:
I've decided that living life is hard enough without having to relive and write about it.
With that said I am going to attempt to write and relive:
Abudduh's had two really bad teeth in his wee lil mouth that were "paining" him. One had been broken and the other was rotting. So we ventured to the dentist which happened to be quite a site. Walking through two shady looking buildings, stepping on glass and debris we rounded to the back of one of the two buildings and walked up a shaky three floors of iron steps. We reached a sheet door which led into the dental office. This office consisted of an old chair and another sheet which separated the patient from the waiting chair. Abudduh and I sat at the chair listening to the moaning of the patient not 4 feet from us. I could feel his little heart speed up. eee. How do you reassure a child it will not hurt when you know darn well it is going to be awful? I'll leave the rest of the details to your imagination but just know that the instruments and technology was very comparable to the sheet for a door concept.
Other than Abudduh, health at the home is quite good! No more malaria for the time being or other strange diseases. OOo but Fefe the dog had puppies. She just plopped down in the middle of two houses near where the boys sleep and shot them out. They are cute as lil buttons.
God is ever faithful and good. Everyday we see Him working and providing. It is difficult to go to church here but thankfully we can pray and sing and worship with the boys every night and be encouraged by Sam. Church is difficult because each time we go it is a huge deal that a white person is present. It seems the focus is off of God and now upon us. It is awful. Then money is expected of us... oh so uncomfortable.
Teaching is somehow. I am required to carry a stick. Sparing the rod is unknown here. Half of my class time seems to be spent working out fights occurring between students who are copying, stealing, or hitting each other. The other half is copying down what I have on the board. And the third half is walking around the classroom continually stopping students from cheating. Ha ha it is quite a task. Strangely enough, the kids like math class. Don't ask me why. I cannot figure this one out.
Anyhoo, I am loving it here and spending everyday with the boys for me is like a painter being able to paint their favorite picture everyday.
With that said I am going to attempt to write and relive:
Abudduh's had two really bad teeth in his wee lil mouth that were "paining" him. One had been broken and the other was rotting. So we ventured to the dentist which happened to be quite a site. Walking through two shady looking buildings, stepping on glass and debris we rounded to the back of one of the two buildings and walked up a shaky three floors of iron steps. We reached a sheet door which led into the dental office. This office consisted of an old chair and another sheet which separated the patient from the waiting chair. Abudduh and I sat at the chair listening to the moaning of the patient not 4 feet from us. I could feel his little heart speed up. eee. How do you reassure a child it will not hurt when you know darn well it is going to be awful? I'll leave the rest of the details to your imagination but just know that the instruments and technology was very comparable to the sheet for a door concept.
Other than Abudduh, health at the home is quite good! No more malaria for the time being or other strange diseases. OOo but Fefe the dog had puppies. She just plopped down in the middle of two houses near where the boys sleep and shot them out. They are cute as lil buttons.
God is ever faithful and good. Everyday we see Him working and providing. It is difficult to go to church here but thankfully we can pray and sing and worship with the boys every night and be encouraged by Sam. Church is difficult because each time we go it is a huge deal that a white person is present. It seems the focus is off of God and now upon us. It is awful. Then money is expected of us... oh so uncomfortable.
Teaching is somehow. I am required to carry a stick. Sparing the rod is unknown here. Half of my class time seems to be spent working out fights occurring between students who are copying, stealing, or hitting each other. The other half is copying down what I have on the board. And the third half is walking around the classroom continually stopping students from cheating. Ha ha it is quite a task. Strangely enough, the kids like math class. Don't ask me why. I cannot figure this one out.
Anyhoo, I am loving it here and spending everyday with the boys for me is like a painter being able to paint their favorite picture everyday.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
With two minutes to post...
Sunday: make no-bake cookies for everyone at the home. !st home style thing in way too long. ooo so delicious. Colored pictures with boys for sponsors! ooo so cute.
Monday: teach P3.Come to find out a boy does not know how to count to 20. eeee. Must send back. Go to headmistress to tell of my bad news. She tells me she is leaving. Yup. Just walking out. hmmmm. Bible study with Sam and Chris. Frequent interruptions and anger spouts from the now former headmistress. (African culture....) Later on make hand washing station for boys. Gorgeous and definitely will come in handy with that nasty bacteria. Hoe flower and broccoli garden. Help with homework. Pick beans. Wash dishes. Play tag. Lesson plans. Pass out. Living life.
These days pass and most days are ended with exhaustion. This is just the way I would have it though. For now, the home is still just keeping its head above water financially, but their are many things in the works that we are very excited about and looking forward to. The support we are getting is unbelievable. The love and prayers we are receiving is keeping us going strong. Love to you. ooooo!
Monday: teach P3.Come to find out a boy does not know how to count to 20. eeee. Must send back. Go to headmistress to tell of my bad news. She tells me she is leaving. Yup. Just walking out. hmmmm. Bible study with Sam and Chris. Frequent interruptions and anger spouts from the now former headmistress. (African culture....) Later on make hand washing station for boys. Gorgeous and definitely will come in handy with that nasty bacteria. Hoe flower and broccoli garden. Help with homework. Pick beans. Wash dishes. Play tag. Lesson plans. Pass out. Living life.
These days pass and most days are ended with exhaustion. This is just the way I would have it though. For now, the home is still just keeping its head above water financially, but their are many things in the works that we are very excited about and looking forward to. The support we are getting is unbelievable. The love and prayers we are receiving is keeping us going strong. Love to you. ooooo!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Didn't even know it was leap year.
Love and peace to you all.
Yes if you were wondering...it has been a crazy hectic week.
Friday evening: Car breaks down in the middle of town. Only Chris and I.
Saturday a.m.: Take bodabodas to get car in order to retrieve luggage from airport in Entebbe full of shoes and clothes from wonderful hearts in America.
Saturday p.m.: After many many shillings and a lot of frustration reach Entebbe. Wait and wait. Receive luggage. Bring back home. Kids freak out. Love shoes and clothing. Love. Love. Love.
Sunday a.m.: Drive to Kanungu.
Sunday p.m.: Reach Kanungu. Ps. it is crazy beautiful
Wednesday pm: come home to Kampala.
Thursday: back to teaching.
So there were a couple more details involved but in short, this is how the last week went.
Chris and I are learning what it takes to raise a family of a billion kids. This must be said:
Thank you Ma and Pops for everything you sacrificed and did for me. I am learning how much it takes to raise kids. Sacrifice of time, money, self, and cleanliness. (that one I threw in due to panic. But it works.)
Teaching is getting better and better! I think this is a prime example of how God is seen in our weaknesses.
We are seeing God work everyday. It is amazing how much He does when we do not confine Him to a box. Pray that we continue having faith and leave everything to Him. We have way too many projects for us to handle. It's got to be the Big Guy on this or we are gonna drown.
Thank you for your support. I cannot say that enough. Without all of you, none of this is possible at all. Everyday we are amazed at how God is using you. Thank you thank you thank you.
peace and love.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
I've had way too much tea and water today
Yes we are still alive...eee I may be the worst blogger ever. So sorry. We have been very busy and had little internet access lately. Chris went into the hospital, which was very funny but horrible for him. He is healing and getting better. We are still teaching. And no, I have not gotten any better. But I do love teaching P5. They are the greatest kids. Mostly, they like me and the others don't. Golly, how selfish is that huh?
The boys are doing great. Exhaustion is pretty prominent. But the kiddos and their spirits keep us going.
My birthday was so much fun! We took the day off and had a shower for the first time since American soil. Holy moley, it was so great! Let me tell you, when one of the highlights of your 21st birthday is a hot shower, you know it has been too long. Seriously, though we had a great time. Plus, we made new friends and had a great time.
We have loaded some pictures on to this site. Please check them out. More are to come whenever we find the time. I love you all and miss you. Hope your lives are full of love and joy.
http://picasaweb.google.com/dorcaschildrenshome/Africa
The boys are doing great. Exhaustion is pretty prominent. But the kiddos and their spirits keep us going.
My birthday was so much fun! We took the day off and had a shower for the first time since American soil. Holy moley, it was so great! Let me tell you, when one of the highlights of your 21st birthday is a hot shower, you know it has been too long. Seriously, though we had a great time. Plus, we made new friends and had a great time.
We have loaded some pictures on to this site. Please check them out. More are to come whenever we find the time. I love you all and miss you. Hope your lives are full of love and joy.
http://picasaweb.google.com
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
"Madame, madame!"
Yes believe it or not I am a math teacher. Here is the tricky thing about being raised in the school system in America and deciding to teach in the school system in Uganda:
1. Well the kids do not speak much English.
2. Showing up for class....is not entirely necessary per say.
3. Time? Oh I am sorry, so it does not matter if I show up an hour later than when you said yesterday?
4. Books are not really available if you will. Meaning, I have 2 out of my 5 curriculum books. The kids do not have books. Period.
5. The heavily used blackboard is my only means of communicating the problems I want them to learn. I think I will grow a fondness for chalk. Seriously, my lungs are beginning to need it like nicotine.
6. I don't really have scheduled time that I am teaching. Strangest thing to me really. I show up, wait for the other teachers and students to actually get there. Then simply ask which classes do not have teachers. And those lucky ducks get to be taught math for two hours. No classes are not two hours long, but nobody changes classes when the suggested time has been set, so...Math all day! woot woot!
Despite this, the past two days have been wonderful and long! We had white visitors yesterday which was more of a blessing than I could ever imagine. We could actually talk to them! And boy did we ever.
Besides the usual proposals and frequent visitors, not much is new or crazy. Thank you for your prayers and love.
Love back. And back. and back.
1. Well the kids do not speak much English.
2. Showing up for class....is not entirely necessary per say.
3. Time? Oh I am sorry, so it does not matter if I show up an hour later than when you said yesterday?
4. Books are not really available if you will. Meaning, I have 2 out of my 5 curriculum books. The kids do not have books. Period.
5. The heavily used blackboard is my only means of communicating the problems I want them to learn. I think I will grow a fondness for chalk. Seriously, my lungs are beginning to need it like nicotine.
6. I don't really have scheduled time that I am teaching. Strangest thing to me really. I show up, wait for the other teachers and students to actually get there. Then simply ask which classes do not have teachers. And those lucky ducks get to be taught math for two hours. No classes are not two hours long, but nobody changes classes when the suggested time has been set, so...Math all day! woot woot!
Despite this, the past two days have been wonderful and long! We had white visitors yesterday which was more of a blessing than I could ever imagine. We could actually talk to them! And boy did we ever.
Besides the usual proposals and frequent visitors, not much is new or crazy. Thank you for your prayers and love.
Love back. And back. and back.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
