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.
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