Trip to Kampala

Just the thought of the Arlington Academy of Hope Study Tours brought brightness to the student’s faces the past few weeks; you can tell something is going on. I can hear students whispering and giggling during break times and asking the teachers for information about the stops along their tour. The other day, I asked a group of students if they were excited for the trip.  The physical anticipation and energy immediately brought all five of them into a wild dance circle. With the tours in the third and final term of the year, you can feel the built-up enthusiasm and it’s a bit contagious.

Primary 6 and Primary 7 travel to Entebbe and Kampala, the Capital city. Lacey and I were not going to miss this trip with these students and I think the teachers felt the same way. The primary 6 class is really special. They are so competitive about knowledge (and everything else), so animated and yet so sweet and caring. They really are the stars of the school. The primary 7 class, including the teachers, has been working tirelessly to cram an entire primary education review into one term after completing the necessary curriculum. They finish paper after paper and exam after exam Monday through Saturday and even study on Sundays, too. The Primary Leaving Exam (PLE) was set for two weeks after their tour and the trip was a proper motivator in the final push to revise as well as mentally prepare to sit for the PLE. Both classes really deserved this trip.

5:30 am Thursday morning was the time to report and the students were prompt, primped and packed to adventure to the big city. Their smiles were so big as they waited for the Elgon Flyer bus to roll into Kikholo trading center – a true sight to see. When busses were packed with red-checked uniforms and the chaperones, the horn sounded and the trip officially began. The singing started almost immediately, and so did the vomiting. Thank goodness Elgon Flyer knows that young children from the village who don’t travel much get motion sick so easily; they came prepared.

Along the bus ride, Teacher Michael pulled out a map of Uganda and the students took turns tracing our route and taking note of the change of environment in different districts. Also, the students kept track of different crops they spotted in those districts. Teacher Ronny spent much time in the back of the bus asking and answering questions for the students to reflect on their country as it passed in our tour bus windows. Their eyes were wide and so were their smiles. In between geography lessons, students sharpened their math and bargaining skills at roadside window markets. Grilled meats, fresh fruits, cold drinks and sugar canes soon filled our bus and for a moment, there was a quiet peace. 

The bus ride was long but definitely enjoyable. We arrived at the bay of Lake Victoria in the late morning for our first stop, Port Bell Pier in Kampala. We then moved to the Parliament building and finally the Uganda Museum. My favorite part of the day was Parliament. There was one other class in our group and we all sat in the viewing area, listening to the tour guide’s speech of historical facts. At the end of our session, the orator asked questions to the students such as names of current members, definitions of new vocabulary and procedural understanding of parliament. Each and every time a question was asked, only one side of the room raised their hands eagerly awaiting their chance to stand and address “parliament.” That side of the room was filled with students from Arlington Academy of Hope. The other school was a city school. Imagine, our student knew all of the answers and asked the most intriguing questions to solve their inquisitions. Our teachers really teach and our students really learn. We were all so proud in that moment.

We spent the evening in very comfortable dormitory facilities at the ZOO as it was our first stop in the morning when it opened at 8. This convenient set-up allowed for relaxation and confidence among the staff and students as we were not on a strict early morning time schedule. The teachers were also given their own rooms, which I am told is a huge improvement from sleeping in the same room as a bunch of excited, giggling students who refuse to sleep. We were all thankful for a peaceful night sleep.

The morning came quickly and after bathing and cleaning our rooms, we played “acting” (charades) while taking tea – always a great way to get the energy flowing in the morning. The zoo was fabulous and I was impressed with the diversity of animals and plants they had on display. After the tour, we spent time on the beach front and a group of students even took a boat ride; their first boat ride. I watched them test the stability of the dock with white-knuckles on the railing and struggle with life jackets; most put them on upside down. Moments like this really stick with a person who tends to forget childhood normalcy is not universally defined. I daydream about one of those students growing up to be nautical engineer which was all inspired by the simple 1,000 UGX boat ride.

After the zoo we traveled to the airport and then visited the meteorological center where Thomas joined the tour. It was really nice to see him connecting their education with their experiences and really loving it. After all, he is a teacher. We had one last meal and then departed Kampala. Well, we tried to depart Kampala but found ourselves in the middle of the famous unorganized evening jam. Lacey and I agreed that the tour of the city was probably not complete without this element and that eased our angst, indeed. The jam also gave the students the chance to really see the city. We were stuck in the same spot for long periods of time which allowed them to witness the roadside happenings.

When we finally made it through the jam, the children resumed their songs in the darkness of the night and the staff settled in for the cross-country trip. The drive was quick and flawless, except that we arrived at 11:30pm. Some of our students live deep into their villages and the timing made it impossible for them to make it home safely. Last minute accommodation and food for the students were put together at the school. A meal was prepared at midnight and the students went to sleep on the library floor. Student slept on the floor with broken mats and the bed sheets they had packed with them from the trip. (I later learned that the students who live far also have to sleep at the school the night before the trip in order to make the bus so early) After a two-day mega adventure, I am sure they all slept soundly. I know I did.

Teacher Patrick’s preparations were so crucial to the flow and success of the trip. Of course the traffic and timing of such events are never spot-on but even when our timetables were adjusted, he handled it calmly and efficiently as to not deprive the children of an opportunity to learn. He had planned a fun, educational and well-balanced study tour with all of the necessary comfort and support such as bathroom breaks, meals and accommodation.

We are so grateful for the support of the US and the hard fight in the Uganda team that made these trips happen. The entire staff feared the disappointment and educational backlash that would have occurred had the trips not been able to go forward. The week before the trip, the staff room was filled with teachers passionately confessing the true importance of the study tours. Not only do the trips provide school incentive, motivation and something to look forward to but the true spirit is to give them life application. They push through the core subjects, memorize facts and try to understand the world beyond the village boundaries. These opportunities provide real life experiences in which they can attach their knowledge to treasure memories. Giving the students the chance to witness some of life’s opportunities not only strengthens the education they receive, it creates a hunger for more. I, unfortunately missed out on some of the sights because I was too busy watching the students’ faces. They were filled with awe and wonder. The teachers on the trip were also looking at the students’ faces as they beamed with pride and fulfillment of their roles in the AAH family. It was sweet.

AAH Video

 Here is a link to a Youtube video put together last week by a local media man and great friend to AAH named Uthman. Check it out!

Arlington Academy of Hope 2011

Pictures

Animorph

Life...

A Beautiful Butterfly

Cockfight

Normal.

Just hanging out in my front yard...

Posing with Mt. Nusu

Oh the joy of waking up to African Creatures

More Pictures

Construction site of our Outreach Project at a nearby school.

Men sifting sand and mixing concrete by hand.

Ripe Coffee Beans on The Vine

Coffee being deshelled. The white bean inside is what we see after its roasted brown.

Scenery from the top of one of the mountain foothills.

People around the school

Headmaster Thomas
Library and Mt. Nusu in the background

Teachers: Richard, Moses and Edith

Teachers: Godfrey, Michael and Edith
(I think I am being scolded :D)

Baby Jeffrey, Teacher Godfrey's Son

Our Host mother, JENNIPHER!!!

Pictures of Kiddos

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." ~Confucius

So, in the past three weeks I have experienced much but most
importantly, I think, I have relaxed. I sleep more than six hours in a
night, I read novels, I listen to the birds chirping, I stargaze, I
sing while I walk, I hike in the foothills of a mountain, I take the
long path home just to feel the cool breeze off of the stream and I
share stories with new friends. After a crazy summer back home, I can
honestly say I needed this.

I have a roommate named Lacey who is from Tennessee. She is working as
the pilot outreach coordinator with AAH and is one bright and ambitious lady - really impressive. It is nice to share this big house with someone so sweet.
There is a medical clinic in our village run by the Foundation for the
International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC). This program has 2
on-site Americans to manage things and I love them both as well!! They have
been great to get to know as they are just as equally accomplished and
ambitious as Lacey. They also have programs run by volunteers from the
US so its nice to have a village escape once in a while and someone to
share a warm Senator with (personal beer of choice).

We have not had power for more than a week now and have been relying
on a generator at school to power our computers and phones. It has
made work a bit difficult and keeping in touch regularly out of the
question. So, I propose you get a phonecard and give me a call when
you want to catch up :) 011 256 773 544 304

Otherwise, life in the village is really nice. There is an unsaid
open-door policy in the village so I always have visitors stopping by,
saying hello and inviting me to their homes. I love it :)

In the midst of relaxing, I seem to find myself doing work. It doesn't
really feel like work most of the time though. Its easy to be reminded
of my true purpose here and that is the progressive development of
this community through the education of their children. Its easy to
wake up in the morning and look forward to the day when I have so many
brightly inspired youngsters waiting for me to shake their hand, make
a new friend, teach them something or just simply smile at them to say
hello.

We also meet some really motivated members of the Bududa district
outside the school. One man has started a nursery school with his own
salary, one women runs a micro-finance organization through the US for
over 100+ women in the area and there is a whole group of adults who
have started a development union to improve the environment and
organization of the community as the government has failed on its
promises and obligations. These examples just highlight some of the
people we have met and who have inspired us to be a part of this
community and its improvement for the future. What a blessing.

This area is beautiful and the people are even more beautiful. The
history of visitors to this region is so positive and the sight of new
faces elates those who dwell here. I am truly blessed to be touching
the lives of these people.. every day. I hope you all find grace and
positivity in your work and your lives.

Job Description:

Guesthouse Management: managing the budget, stocking and maintaining
the house and kitchen with food, water, toiletries, and other
household supplies, organize repairs and construction projects as
necessary. Supervise the employed housekeeper (Jennipher, more like a
mom) who is in charge of cooking, cleaning and laundry. Though, most
of the time my supervision duties consist of trying not to spit out my
tea when our house mom cracks us up with laughter. She is a gem.

Recruitment, Supervision and Support of AAH Volunteers: create
projects and ideas for on-site volunteer work, lay the groundwork and
promote these projects. Respond to volunteer inquiries and provide
support as they organize their travel. Pick up incoming volunteers in
Kampala and make sure they arrive in the village safe. Orient
volunteers upon arrival and act as a cultural guide to ensure their
comfort. Work and support the volunteers throughout their stay and
especially with their projects to ensure they can accomplish their
goals.

Support the Primary School and Secondary Program: Teach reading
lessons to students who need extra help with English, arrange
read-alouds for comprehension in classrooms, coordinate a girl
centered mentoring program, organize a reading carnival and lead the
primary one (1st grade) intake process ( I am told this will be my
most difficult task - more on this next month when it starts). Create
service projects and work with secondary students to review, study and
engage in their community over their term breaks.

Coordinate Child Sponsorship and Donor Communications: All of our
children are sponsored by organizations and individuals from the USA
so communication is important. I will organize four letter writing
sessions each year for students to communicate with their donors and
vice-verse. This also includes getting profiles and pictures of the
students to send to the USA.

“An egg is always an adventure; the next one may be different” Oscar Wilde

As an offering in church this morning, I watched a woman carefully place two fresh eggs, surely stolen from her chicken’s roost, into a hand-woven basket beside four plump avocados that instantly gave me a craving for guacamole. As the basket passed my lap, my faced flushed full of embarrassment with the realization that I had not brought a single shilling with me, nor an egg or avocado for that matter.  James, our self-appointed and oh-so appreciated translator for the service, simply said “no worries.” Just as I was going to ask him about the food donations, Richard, the father of an AAH student stood up and spoke to the church as he held the two dirt speckled eggs in his hands. His gaze shifted to the front row in which we were seated and warmly explained that the perishable gifts were given by people who had no money to spare.  Richard then offered anyone the opportunity to purchase the eggs as an alternate offering contribution. Whether anyone was interested in the eggs or not I will never know as the auction was conducted in their local dialect. Nevertheless, Richard reached into his pocket to purchase the eggs himself. I figured he was eager to add the two eggs, be them omelet or baby chick, to his home and farm but was taken back completely when he handed one egg to my counterpart, Lacey and placed the other gently in my empty hands with a warm bow of grace and appreciation. The preacher stood at this gesture and explained that the people of this land exchange, share and give such tokens as gifts to send messages of true appreciation and gratitude for the support and spirit we all provide for one another. 

Walking back down the steep hill away from Bulobi Parish, the sun’s rays warmed our faces which emphasized the tenderness of the morning.  My eyes were fixed at my hands which held one egg and one avocado: a life in the making and a fully ripened fruit.  To some these items may serve as a lunch menu or an opportunity to make money in the market. And to the others, the items may go unnoticed completely. To me, in that moment, it meant the official opening to my new life in Bududa, Uganda.

I am so excited to discover the spirit within this new journey.

www.aahuganda.org

Lacey English and Caitlan McDaniel
Entebbe Airport, Uganda
August 30th 2011

Holidays in Heaven:

            Ziwa, an old Muslim man and the head of the tour guide association on Lamu, met us as we stepped off of the ferry and took us to the place that was to be our home for the next week, Casuarina Guest House. We climbed the narrow staircase to the office where we met Charlie, the lead manager. He booked us for 6 nights (600ksh per night=$7.50 per night) and showed us to our rooms on the next floor. The beds were not covered with the nicest linens; they were covered with mosquito nets. The rooms were not equipped with air-conditioning; they had ceiling fans and the gentle breeze from the ocean. The walls were not freshly painted though they had an artistic spirit and authentic feel that let me know this was the best place to be.

The 18 hour bus ride made our bodies ache from the physical abuse and took a toll on our energy level, in general. We cleaned ourselves up and set out on a search for some local, fresh seafood. After looking at a few menus along the ocean front, we settled on The Seafront Café for dinner. Little did we know this would be our haven for amazing meals and the BEST freshly blended juices – I mean the most amazing we have ever had, people. (I may have already sent a text to Eric and Laurel saying “Remember the juice in Lamu?” and got a reply “You just had to mention the juice, didn’t you?”)

That night, we lounged on the rooftop terrace and entertained ourselves with the house kittens. The scene is divine in my memories. A part of my journal entry that first night:

Right now, I am looking out at the moon reflecting its beams over the Indian Ocean’s choppy bay. I sit atop Casuarina Guest House, our hostel in Lamu, and wonder where we are. The island really feels like a twilight zone as the ocean breeze seems to touch my soul and fill me with a pure and enchanting spirit.

......I have tried to finish this blog so many times but its difficult to tell all of the stories from this trip. It was the most amazing experience and I shed a few tears when the fairly took off from the Island. I promise, One day I will tell you the stories of Lamu. All we need is a bottle of wine and a nice breeze in our hair – see you there!

Holidays in Transit:

            As this holiday season approached, my host family was not planning a trip up-country or to the coast so I had my mind set on staying in Nairobi. I had plans of exploring and becoming more familiar with town as well as finally picking up the book I have wanted to read since I got onto the airplane almost three months ago (I am not a very dedicated reader). Fortunately for me, my family in Kenya extends well beyond the walls of where I rest my head at night. Eric and Laurel graciously invited me on their holiday vacation to an Island off the northern coast of Kenya, called Lamu – such a sweet name for such sweet memories.

            Though I refused the invitation at first and was insistent to not intrude on the lover’s tropical vacation, they were insistent that I keep them company on the trip. Laurel called the hotel to book a single room next to theirs and then walked me to the bus station to purchase a ticket on the same bus that they had already reserved seats on. If it wasn’t obvious to me then, the rest of the trip made it clear that these two have hearts of gold, solid gold in fact.

            The following week was filled with trips to the market to purchase sun dresses, beach hats and Christmas stocking stuffers. Laurel is filled with family traditions and made sure to keep them alive in Africa. Eric sewed stockings to hang with care in Lamu and the two of them, with my help, spent $10 on each other’s stocking stuffers. I never knew cereal, chocolate and Tic-Tacs could mean so much but these simple gifts were from the heart with true appreciation of their love and understanding as couple – Priceless.

21.12.2010

            After sending holiday emails and a few last minute Skype conversations, the trip was ready to being. The three of us loaded our hiking backpacks onto the Horizon Coach Bus and departed on an overnight shuttle to Mombasa. The road from Nairobi is bumpy and filled with crazy drivers so we managed only little and interrupted slumbers. The ride was comfortable, though as the bus was practically new, the seats were roomy and refreshments were served.

22.12.2010

            Our plan was to stay in the city for one day in order to catch the bus to Lamu the next morning. We arrived in Mombasa earlier than expected, 6:00am, so we were able to purchase tickets on a bus traveling to Lamu at 7:30am. When the bus arrived at the pick up station, I reluctantly placed my bag in the dust filled compartment below the cabin as it did not fit in the racks that hung over the ripped and broken seats on the worn out shuttle bus. As we settled into our seats, Laurel warned me of the treacherous road conditions we were to face on the road from Mombasa to Lamu. After we passed Malindi, her predictions became a reality as the road turned from broken concrete to pothole infested, gravel pathways that serve the purpose of a road. To make matters worse, the bus was oversold leaving children squeezed between Eric and Laurel and others to stand for the entirety of the trip. At one point we were pulled over at a police checkpoint and through my window, I watched the driver slip cash into the policeman’s hand to avoid proper punishment for mismanaging the somewhat risky drive to Lamu – Corruption is the only sure system in Kenya and money can get you out of just about anything with the police.

Also out of my window, I watched as we passed remote villages with mud houses, extensive farms with workers carrying the crops in perfect balance on their heads, and miniature towns that were equipped with business savvy locals who waited by the road for busses to come through and then approached the open windows with anything you could possible want: warm somosas, hard boiled eggs, freshly picked mangos, cold water, biscuits, peanuts, trinkets and at one stop there was even a lady offering live chickens.

The driver tried to avoid potholes by swerving left to right, off the road and back on which made sleep impossible and comfort an unthinkable luxury. The weather had become humid and the only relief was the dust filled breeze from the windows. The vibrations from the under-serviced bus traveling in such rough conditions came straight through the seats that we sat on. You know that tickle feeling you get on your face when your lips vibrate as you blow air through them in choir warm-ups and such? Well, imagine that feeling all over your body! I had to keep scratching my back and rubbing my legs to relieve the discomfort and the worst part was that I had to pee so badly. At some point my body was so numb from the vibrations and I had so much butt sweat, that I had no idea if I still had control of my bladder. When we stopped to pick up even more passengers, I realized I had not piddled, tapped the man seated next to me and told him I had to use the bathroom. He took me to the nearest hut just off the road and those people pointed to a bush. There, I popped a squat and properly relieved myself without hesitation. We had to run back to the bus as it was ready to leave with or without me. I felt like a champion as I stepped onto the rolling bus fully satisfied by my empty bladder.

At the next stop, a lady with a handful of live chickens climbed onto the bus. She sat in the back and plopped the clucking animals under the seat. She then exited the bus and returned with two more handfuls as well as three children who also held multiple live birds by the feet. The woman tucked the birds under almost every seat in the bus to keep them somewhat confined. I was lucky to not have any under my seat, only under the seats surrounding mine. For the duration of the trip I was occupied my mind by observing their tired spirits sustain the same travel conditions as us, but from the dirty, metal floor of the bus - Only in Kenya.

I really had no idea when that trip was going to end. I kept imagining the water just beyond a tree line and was endlessly disappointed to see more trees emerge. As we arrived at the shuttle’s final destination, the ocean’s bay was in front of us and our feet found the stability of the mainland and the breeze off of the water extremely relieving. We were hurried onto an already overcrowded ferry which was soon to be chocked-full with familiar travelers from the same shuttle, including the dozens of live chickens. Slowly but surely, we began our journey towards Lamu Island and on the way we spotted our first set of the infamous donkeys, many birth-day suited local children enjoying themselves among their adventure filled environment and above all, our eyes were fixated on the beauty of the water and the skyline of the old stone town – Breathtaking.

Holidays in Kenya:

            Kenya and the greater East African region have an incredible commitment to relaxation, especially when it comes to the holiday season. Even before I came here, I was aware of corporate Kenya’s two week hiatus in December. There are two places to go during holidays: up-country to your family’s home and the coast.

Most of the people that live in Nairobi are first or second generation city dwellers, which mean they still have a family farm somewhere in the rural parts of the country. The grandparents, parents and other family members live at the “family home,” this is the language used to describe where a person comes from. You may live somewhere else but your home is where you came from and where your heritage lies. So, like many cultures, Kenyan’s travel to their roots to celebrate the birth of Jesus (most Kenyan’s are extremely religious) with their beloved family members. This is under the assumption people have the means for public fare or personal transportation.

If a family is lucky enough or frugal enough to afford a proper holiday, they travel to coast. (Notice I did not say “the coast.” Kenyan’s don’t say they were at “the coast,” they say they were “in coast” – trying to fit in here, people!) The traffic jams of Nairobi shift to Mombasa as most Nairobians retreat to the sun-filled, ocean view of the coast. While Americans and Europeans go to tropical destinations to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful environment, Kenyans enjoy the air-conditioned hotel rooms until the sun retreats in the late afternoon. The beaches are lined with mzungus sunbathing all day until the time when the waters are filled with African’s taking their afternoon dips in the salty sea.

Wherever one finds themselves during the December break, spending time while relaxing with family, friends and good food is the most important thing of all. After all of the Christmas festivities and New Year parties, everyone can go back to school or work refreshed and filled with the memories of a great holiday season.