First, remember last year when I bragged about not getting tossed into the Nile. Well, this year the Nile kicked my butt. We had 8 people on our boat, and ended up with 17 people in the drink. I got tossed two times, including a massive spill where onlookers said our raft looked like a popcorn maker, with all of us being tossed in the air separately. The first spill, I think Trish P. who was four rows behind me on the raft, sailed above me to exit the boat over my head. Everyone is fine, but I am still a little banged up. One of the raft guides was an Aussie, and when he heard me tell someone about my trip said from the comfort of the outhouse, "The river has a soul and remembers, and she is a woman."
Much better today, I worked hard to get a good seat on Emirates, I also purposely got a big Cubs fan next to me, what was I thinking.
We stopped at Garden City to exchange money, I had nothing left to buy, so I wandered up to Casino Simba. I think I was the only one there, the table games were all locked up, so I sat down to play at a 16-player electronic roulette table with real ball and wheel. There was no place to put money in so an attendant came over and took my 50000/= shilling bill. I figured, worse case, that is a hard bill to break so if I lost 20000/= or 3000/= at least I had change. I lost a lot of my credits early when I wanted to bet 5 credits on black and mistakenly put 50 credits, but soon I hit 3 straight numbers and walked out of the Casino Simba with 250000/=..... you will have to look that up to see how much I won.....
Tomorrow morning, we go to Chimp Island, and then begin the journey home......
Can't wait to see you all,
John
Congrats to a Biloxi girl who just e-mailed me to tell me she rocked a 4 on the AP Stats Exam......Way to go Z-b0ne
Walk to Atanga SS
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Last Day in Gulu
It has once again, been a good trip, just a little bit different than last year. CSC member Ben Bocher sent me an e-mail that said, "There is no one you could not love, if you knew their story." So as I told the Gulu SS teachers the other night, I am gathering more stories.
This morning woke up to a Rooster at 7 am, on the day we could all sleep in. I staggered to the bathroom, and of course, Obibi the goat had pooped in 3 different locations. This morning is the last day, I will ever have to sweep up goat poop. I cannot wait until I have heard news back from Gulu, that Obibi the goat, is now sitting comfortably next to ample servings of rice and potatoes on a dinner platter. I can also sympathesize with all parents who allowed their kids to buy a pet, and then never took the responsibility for cleaning up after the pet.
Odong Collins Otika, the S2 student from Awere, showed up at the gate this morning with a clean Awere SS shirt, and a nice tie. He was off to take his English midterm or final early this morning. I hope that he can have a successful end of this term, and end the year in style. I wonder if I do come back next year will he be in the same city I am. The transient nature of small friendships makes those so few minutes great. But it also forces us to be better friends and better people, because we have to work at making these short times work.
Collins was worried that he might not see me as I left Gulu. I tried to explain to him that I believe life is a movie and not a snapshot. It does not matter if we missed the last opportunity for a picture, it is the movie we have created over the years. If I took time to lament missing the last snapshot of seeing my friend at Mardi Gras this year, I would not be watching the movie of our great times together, and the incredible friendship that he gave me over the past 9 years.
I will probably write something reflective next week, but again I may not post again until I hit New York (of course there is a chance that I will post 3 more times)....
John
This morning woke up to a Rooster at 7 am, on the day we could all sleep in. I staggered to the bathroom, and of course, Obibi the goat had pooped in 3 different locations. This morning is the last day, I will ever have to sweep up goat poop. I cannot wait until I have heard news back from Gulu, that Obibi the goat, is now sitting comfortably next to ample servings of rice and potatoes on a dinner platter. I can also sympathesize with all parents who allowed their kids to buy a pet, and then never took the responsibility for cleaning up after the pet.
Odong Collins Otika, the S2 student from Awere, showed up at the gate this morning with a clean Awere SS shirt, and a nice tie. He was off to take his English midterm or final early this morning. I hope that he can have a successful end of this term, and end the year in style. I wonder if I do come back next year will he be in the same city I am. The transient nature of small friendships makes those so few minutes great. But it also forces us to be better friends and better people, because we have to work at making these short times work.
Collins was worried that he might not see me as I left Gulu. I tried to explain to him that I believe life is a movie and not a snapshot. It does not matter if we missed the last opportunity for a picture, it is the movie we have created over the years. If I took time to lament missing the last snapshot of seeing my friend at Mardi Gras this year, I would not be watching the movie of our great times together, and the incredible friendship that he gave me over the past 9 years.
I will probably write something reflective next week, but again I may not post again until I hit New York (of course there is a chance that I will post 3 more times)....
John
Friday, July 25, 2008
Final Day at Gulu SS
Last night, we were given a royal and formal sendoff at Gulu SS. They cleared out the teachers' lounge and had it set up for a dinner. We processed into dinner with the five teachers as the Guests of Honor. The MC, Okoli John, was not quite sure the entire night, how we could have 5 guests of honor, but the dinner went on marvelously. Of course, being in Uganda we had a formal program complete with many speeches. They also refer to the program quite a bit, and tell you what is going to be next on the program. I told the Ugandan teachers that we are living in a smaller and smaller world, and the world will be a lot different in 2025. But after exchanges like this we can see that we have many more common interests than conflicts.
Some of the students came and did a spirited 15 minute native dance, with one young student shimmying on her knees for about 25 feet. It was amazing. The dinner consisted of fried chicken, casava chips, and slaw/salad. It was a definite attempt to have "american style" food. They had a cake that looked like a wedding cake, and of course like last year, they had lace everywhere. This place is running out of power, so I am racing to get in a few thoughts. Gulu has been without power for 2 days, and all of us Americans are trying to figure out how to charge our laptops and ipods before we leave. The dinner was so great, so I will have to talk later. The interesting thing is they were going to have a choral group sing a "sad, good-bye" song, but since one of the American teachers cried during her introduction. They thought it might be too sad for us, and cancelled the song from the program.
John
Some of the students came and did a spirited 15 minute native dance, with one young student shimmying on her knees for about 25 feet. It was amazing. The dinner consisted of fried chicken, casava chips, and slaw/salad. It was a definite attempt to have "american style" food. They had a cake that looked like a wedding cake, and of course like last year, they had lace everywhere. This place is running out of power, so I am racing to get in a few thoughts. Gulu has been without power for 2 days, and all of us Americans are trying to figure out how to charge our laptops and ipods before we leave. The dinner was so great, so I will have to talk later. The interesting thing is they were going to have a choral group sing a "sad, good-bye" song, but since one of the American teachers cried during her introduction. They thought it might be too sad for us, and cancelled the song from the program.
John
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Love + Love = Eternal Love
I have a briefcase full of letters from the students of Gulu SS and one letter from Odong Collins Otika of Awere SS for Mary H. I have skimmed the letters to make sure that there is nothing that I would have to talk to them about, but I was struck by the African equivalent of BFF. On several letters from the girls, they use the words Love + Love = Eternal Love ( I may not have this right, I will edit when I get a chance to relook at the letters).
So although the pen pal experiment failed last year, because I could not figure out a good way to get the letters back and forth. I am trusting this year, the pony express of myself. I thought my luggage would be a lot lighter on the way back, because I am leaving behind 2 basketballs, a soccer ball, a cheap printer that betrayed me, and several t-shirts, etc. But I did not count on carrying the hopes and dreams of about a hundred Ugandan students back to the states with me.
The questions they are asking in my final days go from the usual --- are you married?, do you have children?, what is it like in your village?, do you know Fifty cent? to the deep --- How can I be better in physics?, How can I get to the University?, How can I come to America? They have just enough American culture that so many of them want more. The things we take for granted, are overwhelming to them. How do their letters convey so much to our students? Some are simple. Some are poignant. Some are snuck to me by young boys when their friends are not looking, because they contain poetry and pictures of flowers for the students of Nerinx.
I think for me the right approach is not LARGE and BIG. How can you not eat your food, when others are hungry? How can you not take school seriously when others sit four to a desk, and have never been able to afford a pencil?
The Acholi people do not talk LARGE and BIG. They talk softly and slowly when using English. In those soft words and the stillness, I can hear that I do not want to live in an world where anyone ever uses US vs. THEM in capital letters. Whether the THEM is illegal immigrants, the poor, the uneducated, the lazy. I have not been to any other places outside of the US where poverty, hunger, and education are lacking. But I have been to Gulu, and I expect that other people without have the same kindness and grace of the Acholi people. Even if they just had a third of these qualities of my friends the Acholi's --- I would be interested in meeting them.
I want to be a teacher where I understand and can teach my students the word -- WE. I want to be a teacher who can teach his students what I heard at a Springsteen concert years ago. "Nobody wins, unless everyone wins." What are you doing now, to end hunger and poverty by the year 2025? The first step is understanding that we are not sharing a finite pie. By lifting up all people , there is much more to share. And that is where we start, by finding ways to lift up all people with help at first, then support for small business, then help for infrastructure. It all moves slowly from a 1000 different shops, and 10000 people working to educate themselves better.
Last night, I printed 3 photos off of my digital camera at my new friend Francis' shop. Although, I don't think it his shop, it is probably his cousin's or aunt's. Because everything in the shop is mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Except for the one wall, where there is small specialty groceries like a liter bottle of coke. And then there is Francis with his HP photo printer plugged into a corner, printing photos for 1000/= (62 cents) each. He has a sign out front that he painted himself which makes it sound like a huge multi-purpose digital studio inside. He is a fair businessman and takes great pride in his work.
I really thought this was going to be a short entry, but then I remembered stories of good people and there are so many different ones to tell.
I will be travelling starting on Saturday, so the blog entries might be few. But I will be back in New York at 745 am on 7/31.
What do I do next summer?????
John
So although the pen pal experiment failed last year, because I could not figure out a good way to get the letters back and forth. I am trusting this year, the pony express of myself. I thought my luggage would be a lot lighter on the way back, because I am leaving behind 2 basketballs, a soccer ball, a cheap printer that betrayed me, and several t-shirts, etc. But I did not count on carrying the hopes and dreams of about a hundred Ugandan students back to the states with me.
The questions they are asking in my final days go from the usual --- are you married?, do you have children?, what is it like in your village?, do you know Fifty cent? to the deep --- How can I be better in physics?, How can I get to the University?, How can I come to America? They have just enough American culture that so many of them want more. The things we take for granted, are overwhelming to them. How do their letters convey so much to our students? Some are simple. Some are poignant. Some are snuck to me by young boys when their friends are not looking, because they contain poetry and pictures of flowers for the students of Nerinx.
I think for me the right approach is not LARGE and BIG. How can you not eat your food, when others are hungry? How can you not take school seriously when others sit four to a desk, and have never been able to afford a pencil?
The Acholi people do not talk LARGE and BIG. They talk softly and slowly when using English. In those soft words and the stillness, I can hear that I do not want to live in an world where anyone ever uses US vs. THEM in capital letters. Whether the THEM is illegal immigrants, the poor, the uneducated, the lazy. I have not been to any other places outside of the US where poverty, hunger, and education are lacking. But I have been to Gulu, and I expect that other people without have the same kindness and grace of the Acholi people. Even if they just had a third of these qualities of my friends the Acholi's --- I would be interested in meeting them.
I want to be a teacher where I understand and can teach my students the word -- WE. I want to be a teacher who can teach his students what I heard at a Springsteen concert years ago. "Nobody wins, unless everyone wins." What are you doing now, to end hunger and poverty by the year 2025? The first step is understanding that we are not sharing a finite pie. By lifting up all people , there is much more to share. And that is where we start, by finding ways to lift up all people with help at first, then support for small business, then help for infrastructure. It all moves slowly from a 1000 different shops, and 10000 people working to educate themselves better.
Last night, I printed 3 photos off of my digital camera at my new friend Francis' shop. Although, I don't think it his shop, it is probably his cousin's or aunt's. Because everything in the shop is mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Except for the one wall, where there is small specialty groceries like a liter bottle of coke. And then there is Francis with his HP photo printer plugged into a corner, printing photos for 1000/= (62 cents) each. He has a sign out front that he painted himself which makes it sound like a huge multi-purpose digital studio inside. He is a fair businessman and takes great pride in his work.
I really thought this was going to be a short entry, but then I remembered stories of good people and there are so many different ones to tell.
I will be travelling starting on Saturday, so the blog entries might be few. But I will be back in New York at 745 am on 7/31.
What do I do next summer?????
John
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
My friend Alfred
Coming back to Gulu, I was probably looking forward to seeing two people the most. There are a lot of special people, but I was most looking for Orach Amos, the P7 student I had become friends with, and of course, my teaching partner from Awere SS, Nyeko Alfred.
Last night, I asked Amy what it would cost to send a letter to US. She told me 2000 /= and I said I thought I would write a letter to Alfred, and leave it with the head teacher of Awere SS, Matthew. I sent word through as many channels as I could, but both of these meetings were not going to happen this year. I really wanted to leave a way for Alfred to contact me. I am pretty sure Orach Amos, is going to school in Kampala, and although I miss seeing him, I think this is probably a very positive step for a bright, outgoing young man.
One of the people in the house yelled that there was someone at the front gate for me from Awere SS. I thought it might be Odong Collins Otika, the S2 student I have been seeing a lot or another student. But they had included the word Alfred.....could it be....no....don't get your hopes up. I leaned through the small 3 foot gate, and peered outside. There standing against the wall was my friend Nyeko Alfred. I was so happy to see him, we hugged and laughed immediately. I could not believe this was happening. Alfred and I had came inside, and
Amy soon greeted us. I think Amy really respected Alfred's teaching and demeanor last year. She was very happy to see him also, but I think she was really happy for me too. She knew how hard I had worked to make this happen......
Switch gears, Alfred had been hearing from more than one person I was in Africa, specifically Gulu, but the stories always lost something in translation. He has a new job and it is very hard for him to get time off. So on Wednesday morning, he got on his bike and rode to Gulu, and specifically to my front gate. He got there at 820 am, and I think I had left at 810 am. Again, there was an incomplete exchange of information, with someone telling Alfred I may have left for Ginja. Here is the extraordinary part, Alfred's bicycle trip had taken him 4 hours. Yeah, I know I figured it out after he had left, that he must have left at around 4 am and traveled over muddy, bumpy roads for 4 hours on a bike to see me. Luckily, Abraham Lincoln, (his real name there is also an Acholi name but I forget it---btw, Abraham is one of the few survivors of the Ebola virus in the world), told Alfred I was teaching and would be back in the evening.
Alfred and I took a couple of pictures and quickly caught up. Although, we had pledged to stay in touch, we had not heard from each other in several months. Alfred took a new job in the Pader district last year compiling statistics. He did not want to leave Awere SS, but felt compelled to for more job security. So Alfred has not been available by phone or email since. We walked through the streets of Gulu, and laughed and talked, we talked about good things, and the struggle that living in Northern Uganda continues to be. We ran into an old student of both of ours in the street. And the student could not believe he was seeing both of us together.
We had a great dinner at Diana Gardens, traditional African food. I had invited Alfred to eat at the IC house, but Amy had brought out a taste of the American style food, and Alfred said we should find a place to eat in town. "Too sweet, " he said and laughed the Alfred laugh, where he smiles as his face crinkles up just a bit, and if you were his friend you would know how special seeing your friend laugh during tough times is. Dinner was great, and since I am leaving soon, I decided to give Alfred my phone. We then walked through the streets of Gulu in the dark trying to find someone who could print from a digital camera, so Alfred could take back the picture you see on the blog tonight.
After awhile, we realized it was pointless, and were far, far from home. The power was sketchy so there was almost no light, and in the excitement I had not brought my flashlight. Our walk home, would appropriately take us past Awere SS, where we had first become colleagues and friends. It had rained earlier in the day and was about to rain again, so Alfred and I did our best to remember in the dark where the big puddles were. 15 minutes from home, I hit a big one, but was able to extract my shoe, before it got to my sock. So there I was in the dark in Gulu with a cherished friend trying to find the right path home. All of a sudden 2 things happened, lightening flashed in the distance, and for just a brief second you could see the next 30 feet of dirt. The lightening was very helpful, and then as we passed the town Aloyo I Long, there was another light for our path. About 50 African lightening bugs could be seen in the weeds, so as long as we stayed in between the two sets of flickering light we were okay.
This year, through many tears and many laughs, I have come to now what true friendship is. I know when I see it in the present, I know when I have shared it in the past, and those two help me to see good friends and hopefully be a better man and a better friend to you. If you had taken a picture in the dark last night, you would have seen an African man of dignity and grace walking with his friend a tall American, but I know in my heart there beside the both of us was another friend of mine. Thank you my friend, for the lightening and the lightening bugs, I will not ever forget you. Thanks for lighting the way for me and my friend Alfred, he really is a good man, isn't he?
John
Last night, I asked Amy what it would cost to send a letter to US. She told me 2000 /= and I said I thought I would write a letter to Alfred, and leave it with the head teacher of Awere SS, Matthew. I sent word through as many channels as I could, but both of these meetings were not going to happen this year. I really wanted to leave a way for Alfred to contact me. I am pretty sure Orach Amos, is going to school in Kampala, and although I miss seeing him, I think this is probably a very positive step for a bright, outgoing young man.
One of the people in the house yelled that there was someone at the front gate for me from Awere SS. I thought it might be Odong Collins Otika, the S2 student I have been seeing a lot or another student. But they had included the word Alfred.....could it be....no....don't get your hopes up. I leaned through the small 3 foot gate, and peered outside. There standing against the wall was my friend Nyeko Alfred. I was so happy to see him, we hugged and laughed immediately. I could not believe this was happening. Alfred and I had came inside, and
Amy soon greeted us. I think Amy really respected Alfred's teaching and demeanor last year. She was very happy to see him also, but I think she was really happy for me too. She knew how hard I had worked to make this happen......
Switch gears, Alfred had been hearing from more than one person I was in Africa, specifically Gulu, but the stories always lost something in translation. He has a new job and it is very hard for him to get time off. So on Wednesday morning, he got on his bike and rode to Gulu, and specifically to my front gate. He got there at 820 am, and I think I had left at 810 am. Again, there was an incomplete exchange of information, with someone telling Alfred I may have left for Ginja. Here is the extraordinary part, Alfred's bicycle trip had taken him 4 hours. Yeah, I know I figured it out after he had left, that he must have left at around 4 am and traveled over muddy, bumpy roads for 4 hours on a bike to see me. Luckily, Abraham Lincoln, (his real name there is also an Acholi name but I forget it---btw, Abraham is one of the few survivors of the Ebola virus in the world), told Alfred I was teaching and would be back in the evening.
Alfred and I took a couple of pictures and quickly caught up. Although, we had pledged to stay in touch, we had not heard from each other in several months. Alfred took a new job in the Pader district last year compiling statistics. He did not want to leave Awere SS, but felt compelled to for more job security. So Alfred has not been available by phone or email since. We walked through the streets of Gulu, and laughed and talked, we talked about good things, and the struggle that living in Northern Uganda continues to be. We ran into an old student of both of ours in the street. And the student could not believe he was seeing both of us together.
We had a great dinner at Diana Gardens, traditional African food. I had invited Alfred to eat at the IC house, but Amy had brought out a taste of the American style food, and Alfred said we should find a place to eat in town. "Too sweet, " he said and laughed the Alfred laugh, where he smiles as his face crinkles up just a bit, and if you were his friend you would know how special seeing your friend laugh during tough times is. Dinner was great, and since I am leaving soon, I decided to give Alfred my phone. We then walked through the streets of Gulu in the dark trying to find someone who could print from a digital camera, so Alfred could take back the picture you see on the blog tonight.
After awhile, we realized it was pointless, and were far, far from home. The power was sketchy so there was almost no light, and in the excitement I had not brought my flashlight. Our walk home, would appropriately take us past Awere SS, where we had first become colleagues and friends. It had rained earlier in the day and was about to rain again, so Alfred and I did our best to remember in the dark where the big puddles were. 15 minutes from home, I hit a big one, but was able to extract my shoe, before it got to my sock. So there I was in the dark in Gulu with a cherished friend trying to find the right path home. All of a sudden 2 things happened, lightening flashed in the distance, and for just a brief second you could see the next 30 feet of dirt. The lightening was very helpful, and then as we passed the town Aloyo I Long, there was another light for our path. About 50 African lightening bugs could be seen in the weeds, so as long as we stayed in between the two sets of flickering light we were okay.
This year, through many tears and many laughs, I have come to now what true friendship is. I know when I see it in the present, I know when I have shared it in the past, and those two help me to see good friends and hopefully be a better man and a better friend to you. If you had taken a picture in the dark last night, you would have seen an African man of dignity and grace walking with his friend a tall American, but I know in my heart there beside the both of us was another friend of mine. Thank you my friend, for the lightening and the lightening bugs, I will not ever forget you. Thanks for lighting the way for me and my friend Alfred, he really is a good man, isn't he?
John
Monday, July 21, 2008
Last Week
I have just completed my final Monday teaching at Gulu SS. I really wish I could stay 2 more weeks, but it is also time I get home and start working in preparation for my Nerinx school year. I am going to bring my camera to school to take pictures of our students on Wednesday and Friday of this week. The students seem very excited about this possibility, they really want American students to know who they are.
I had a great time talking with Henry in between classes this morning. I was trying to explain to him, what my city looked like. I am going to bring him to an internet cafe soon to look at Google earth. A very busy week, so this is all I am going to post today, but I will keep posting and might get some more down time with travel happening next week.
John
btw, the Cardinals are playing well, keep it up fans, I expect to win this series with the Brewers.
I had a great time talking with Henry in between classes this morning. I was trying to explain to him, what my city looked like. I am going to bring him to an internet cafe soon to look at Google earth. A very busy week, so this is all I am going to post today, but I will keep posting and might get some more down time with travel happening next week.
John
btw, the Cardinals are playing well, keep it up fans, I expect to win this series with the Brewers.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Rhinos !!!!
After a good week at school, we left with 23 of us in two mutatus to visit the Ziwa Rhino Organization in Uganda. I do not know if this website works, but here goes www.rhinofund.org. It was a 2 hour trip that turned into almost 4 hours, but the accomodations were very nice for Uganda. I had a single bed, and there was 2 nice guest houses. The food was very good--shepherd's pie, beef stew, and scrambled eggs. There was a rumor that someone got a hot shower, but it was not me. It was a great chance to relax, and hang with our entire group of teachers. I really like the weekends, because more people are in our house. Friday night, Matt M. and Josh, hung out and had a couple of Bell beers. It was great just to talk to some good people. At the Rhino guest house, Saturday night we played a game of hearts, and get ready for this Nerinx students, Mr. Magee played Mafia with the other teachers. I do not know if I told you about the other games, but I have now played Mafia 4 times in my life!!!! Casey is very intense during Mafia, much like Lauren L. or Norah F. are.
Okay, back to the rhinos. We went out on Saturday in our two mutatus down dirt paths after a heavy rain. There were several puddles that I thought we might get stuck in, but the plucky mutatus rolled through. All of a sudden, we stopped, and followed the guides into the bush for about a half of a mile. 25 of us, single file in a line, when I saw Matt M. raise his hand excitedly. There we were in a field with 5 white rhinoceros grazing in a field. It was amazing, I was also kind of curious, if these rhinos ever charged. But two guides were there with guns, but mostly they just turned the rhinos by saying, "Back Bella, or go back Bella now." It was weird, funny, scary, and amazing at the same time." I have both movies and pictures from this wonderful time, and just posted a picture of Nandi, the rhino on the blog. There are now 8 rhinoceros in Uganda. 6 at this compound, and two in a zoo in Kampala. We saw all of them, 5, except for the dominant male. I kind of thought, he might come up from behind us, tap me on the shoulder, and say, "Are you messing with my women." But that did not happen. It was a very good trip before our last week in school.
Tomorrow, I pick up two shirts I had made. I am curious how that is going to work out. I did it all by myself, and I expect when I get back someone will tell me, that is cloth for a dress....but I will walk down the streets of St. Louis proud of my shirts.
I am going to help Josh get some spirits, so I have to go now.
John
Okay, back to the rhinos. We went out on Saturday in our two mutatus down dirt paths after a heavy rain. There were several puddles that I thought we might get stuck in, but the plucky mutatus rolled through. All of a sudden, we stopped, and followed the guides into the bush for about a half of a mile. 25 of us, single file in a line, when I saw Matt M. raise his hand excitedly. There we were in a field with 5 white rhinoceros grazing in a field. It was amazing, I was also kind of curious, if these rhinos ever charged. But two guides were there with guns, but mostly they just turned the rhinos by saying, "Back Bella, or go back Bella now." It was weird, funny, scary, and amazing at the same time." I have both movies and pictures from this wonderful time, and just posted a picture of Nandi, the rhino on the blog. There are now 8 rhinoceros in Uganda. 6 at this compound, and two in a zoo in Kampala. We saw all of them, 5, except for the dominant male. I kind of thought, he might come up from behind us, tap me on the shoulder, and say, "Are you messing with my women." But that did not happen. It was a very good trip before our last week in school.
Tomorrow, I pick up two shirts I had made. I am curious how that is going to work out. I did it all by myself, and I expect when I get back someone will tell me, that is cloth for a dress....but I will walk down the streets of St. Louis proud of my shirts.
I am going to help Josh get some spirits, so I have to go now.
John
Friday, July 18, 2008
So Much Sadness, So Much Joy
Gulu is such a wonderful, promising place. Yesterday, I let the small frustrations creep into my head, and bother me. This morning, I woke up and realized that although this is a place of sorrow and turmoil. It is more fundamentally a place of perseverence and overcoming obstacles. Students struggle, students misbehave, but it is in Gulu SS and Awere SS, where I have seen students above all will do anything to learn. As Henry and I walked out, the students were asking if they could do Physics on Saturday. They may have been kidding, but probably not they had just had a mid-term, recognized they needed more work, and were trying to find a way to get it.
This afternoon, I started distributing the 20 or so letters I had from Nerinx students (left over from September), but I think this time it will work. I also gave the students small slips of paper with the names of other students who would like to receive a letter. Within 45 minutes of this distribution, I received a wonderful letter to Allie F. (Class of '11). Henry and I had a great two classes, and he was real happy with the binder I had put together. If I had been able to print on my printer, it would have been better---but Henry did not know that and he was impressed with the way it looked. All of that time fretting yesterday over something insignificant, really hit me again that it is these small things that do not matter. Although, Sarah asked about my day last night, and I told her it was full of small problems. She said that sometimes she welcomed these Gulu problems, because it reminds her of how fortunate we are in the United States or England.
After 2 stops with no people and no results, I went to Awere and found the bursar. I was able to pay the school fees for a young S2 student who has become my friend. Last year, I had done something similar and it had cost about 12,000/=, this time it cost 49,900/= which again startled me until I realized it was less than $33 US. So after two summers in Gulu, and a stupid printer, maybe this is the lesson that all of these events is trying to teach me. To have the courage and the selflessness to find out what is important and truly means something, and also to have the patience and the wisdom to not spend time worrying about the small bumps.
On the way to Awere, I was joined by 4 students from Gulu SS. It was a wonderful walk and a wonderful conversation. They, of course, asked me if I was coming back, and then the questions quickly moved to New York and the rapper 50-cent. I tried to tell them, they should dream about coming to St. Louis instead of New York. New York is too big, and St. Louis just really feels like home. We talked about how parts of New York were not too safe, and how I feel safe in almost every corner of Gulu. We hit a fork in the road, and they said good-bye and we parted ways.
Finally, when I went home, I read a letter that a student had given me today. The students call the teachers, "Sir and Madame" and the letter was addressed to Sir John Magee. I have a couple of drawers of wonderful things students have written me over the years. If you are my student and wrote me a note, yours is in that drawer. The letter from this Senior 2A student was a wonderful thank you for me coming to his school and spending time to help him and his fellow students. He also urges me to spread the word about him and the people of the Acholi sub-region of Northern Uganda.
So once again, this year I will be a brother, a son, a teacher, a softball coach, and maybe a basketball coach, but throughout all of these activities if there is a free minute or five, I will probably share with you a story about Henry or Odong Collins Otika or Opiya James or scores of others.
John
This afternoon, I started distributing the 20 or so letters I had from Nerinx students (left over from September), but I think this time it will work. I also gave the students small slips of paper with the names of other students who would like to receive a letter. Within 45 minutes of this distribution, I received a wonderful letter to Allie F. (Class of '11). Henry and I had a great two classes, and he was real happy with the binder I had put together. If I had been able to print on my printer, it would have been better---but Henry did not know that and he was impressed with the way it looked. All of that time fretting yesterday over something insignificant, really hit me again that it is these small things that do not matter. Although, Sarah asked about my day last night, and I told her it was full of small problems. She said that sometimes she welcomed these Gulu problems, because it reminds her of how fortunate we are in the United States or England.
After 2 stops with no people and no results, I went to Awere and found the bursar. I was able to pay the school fees for a young S2 student who has become my friend. Last year, I had done something similar and it had cost about 12,000/=, this time it cost 49,900/= which again startled me until I realized it was less than $33 US. So after two summers in Gulu, and a stupid printer, maybe this is the lesson that all of these events is trying to teach me. To have the courage and the selflessness to find out what is important and truly means something, and also to have the patience and the wisdom to not spend time worrying about the small bumps.
On the way to Awere, I was joined by 4 students from Gulu SS. It was a wonderful walk and a wonderful conversation. They, of course, asked me if I was coming back, and then the questions quickly moved to New York and the rapper 50-cent. I tried to tell them, they should dream about coming to St. Louis instead of New York. New York is too big, and St. Louis just really feels like home. We talked about how parts of New York were not too safe, and how I feel safe in almost every corner of Gulu. We hit a fork in the road, and they said good-bye and we parted ways.
Finally, when I went home, I read a letter that a student had given me today. The students call the teachers, "Sir and Madame" and the letter was addressed to Sir John Magee. I have a couple of drawers of wonderful things students have written me over the years. If you are my student and wrote me a note, yours is in that drawer. The letter from this Senior 2A student was a wonderful thank you for me coming to his school and spending time to help him and his fellow students. He also urges me to spread the word about him and the people of the Acholi sub-region of Northern Uganda.
So once again, this year I will be a brother, a son, a teacher, a softball coach, and maybe a basketball coach, but throughout all of these activities if there is a free minute or five, I will probably share with you a story about Henry or Odong Collins Otika or Opiya James or scores of others.
John
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Internet and Printing Problems
So far various reasons, even though I spent five hours on the day before I left to set up a printer for this trip, It looks like I will no longer be able to use it. The new picture I uploaded took 8 minutes, I also tried to upload a picture of me in the barber chair, but after 20 minutes I gave up. So today, I am terribly frustrated......until I go outside into Gulu, and see the kind and generous people who have felt the effects of war for the last 22 years. My frustrations are rather insignificant wouldn't you say.
Enjoy the picture....
John
Enjoy the picture....
John
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
62 cents haircut
My friend, John, the logistics officer at IC. Also the same John I grilled with and the one who beat me in Risk II told me about his Gulu Barber. He said next time he got a haircut he would take me with him. As I was walking down the road to Pece, away from Pece, I heard someone call John. I turned quickly (almost getting down by a boda boda driver) and saw John at a small barber shack. Next thing I knew I was getting my hairs cut (you all know the joke) at an Acholi Barber den. It was quite the experience, at lasted quite a bit longer than my usual Great Clips cut. He used three different razors, shaved my forehead ("There are some little white hairs here, Sir."). Mixed some kind of gel with water, heated the water in a small coffee pot. He only had two outlets so he had to plug and unplug constantly during the 25 minutes. And finally the best part. The cost was 1000/= which translates too, .......yeah I already know you saw the title......just act surprised.......62 cents. Surpassing my old record, by more than 2 dollars (not counting the free mohawk the 26-0 superstars gave me). This morning we had eight straight classes. 3 double periods and 2 single periods (we taught from 740 am until 120 pm) with only 20 minutes for tea. Afterwards, I decided Henry needed something more than posho and beans so I treated him to lunch at Maq Foods. They have a beef lasagna (they spell it beef lasagnia) that is quickly prepared and is close to an American dish. Henry really seemed to like it, which is surprising because most of the time the Acholi do not like the American food. If you are Patti P. please read the comments on the last post, and e-mail me how I can check up on Connor's progress this summer. If you are Frank H. reply to my e-mail. If it's anyone else, I am at the ball game and tomorrow if it don't rain, I will be fishing, and ps if this is Austin I still love you.
John
John
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Mid-Term Physics Final Gulu Style
Today was the Senior 2 mid-term exam for streams S2A,S2B, S2C, S2D, S2E, S2F, and S2G. Translation, we needed a place for more than 400 students to take the final. I have pictures, but not my camera cord, so you are going to have to wait. But with two or three to a typical Ugandan desk, the library held 326 students (I counted them!), and I thought there is no way Casey's class got 400 plus in this room. Then I went outside and saw that one every square inch of porch there was a student taking the test, some even in the grass. I counted them, and we had a total of 407 who took the 1.5 hour long test. There was some confusion getting them to sit down, and some confusion getting them to turn in their tests by the right stream, but in the end it all worked out. I would say it is probably not likely that some students did not see an answer or two from somebody literally sitting next to them, but for the most part it looked like each student was doing his/her own work. Even the kid who was outside precariously balanced on 6 bricks stacked on top of each other to reach the surface of his wood desk.
Last night, we had dinner at the Acholi Inn to honor the 12 or so high school kids who were the leading or the most creative fundraisers for the School 4 Schools program. The people who I have met in the last two years are some very dedicated and committed young professionals. The passion that Adam Rinck, Katie Braedel, Sarah Hartley, Jamie, and of course Madame Laker Jolly Okot bring to their work is extraordinary, but if not for the goofy and creative ideas of 15, 16, and 17 year old American teenagers, this program would be almost nowhere. So my colleagues who do the wonderful things for Invisible Children remain extraordinary, but they do stand on the shoulders of students who stand on the shoulders of students, ......
Once again, when people doubt that we can END HUNGER AND EXTREME POVERTY BY 2025, and remain cynical about that assertation. I ask these same people to go to the high school and see the kindness, the effort, and the concern for the whole world (not just their little corner) that these students demonstrate. The pursuit of their dream for a better world is phenomenal.
John
Last night, we had dinner at the Acholi Inn to honor the 12 or so high school kids who were the leading or the most creative fundraisers for the School 4 Schools program. The people who I have met in the last two years are some very dedicated and committed young professionals. The passion that Adam Rinck, Katie Braedel, Sarah Hartley, Jamie, and of course Madame Laker Jolly Okot bring to their work is extraordinary, but if not for the goofy and creative ideas of 15, 16, and 17 year old American teenagers, this program would be almost nowhere. So my colleagues who do the wonderful things for Invisible Children remain extraordinary, but they do stand on the shoulders of students who stand on the shoulders of students, ......
Once again, when people doubt that we can END HUNGER AND EXTREME POVERTY BY 2025, and remain cynical about that assertation. I ask these same people to go to the high school and see the kindness, the effort, and the concern for the whole world (not just their little corner) that these students demonstrate. The pursuit of their dream for a better world is phenomenal.
John
Monday, July 14, 2008
Fort Portico, HEALS, and Arrival of the High School Kids
On Saturday, the whole group of teachers along with John who works for IC went to Fort Portico. The Fort is about 45 minutes from Gulu, and was once a place where Arab Slave Traders held slaves before they were transferred up north. It was then taken over by Sir Samuel Baker, who eliminated the slave trade in Uganda. It is an amazing rock outcropping where large boulders, are precariously balanced on each other. Looking like they might fall any moment, but probably will stay that way for generations.
It was also part of a mountain range, where it was valued as a strategic location, by climbing up on the rocks, those who held the fort could see for many kilometers in all directions. We got a tour from a guide, and he showed us the place where many slaves without market value, the unhealthy, the old, the children, were slaughtered by beheading. You can still see the sword or hatchet marks in the rocks. He said the blood stains were still visible on these rocks all the way until the late 1960s. We also learned that Sir Samuel Baker bought (rescued) his wife from the slave traders (she was of Hungarian ancestry). Kyle asked if SSB had kept her as a slave at first, before they were married. A very interesting question, but the guide proud of Sir Samuel Baker dismissed it.
We then had an American Barbeque for our teachers on Sunday. I ended up manning the grill both times, which is weird, because I never do this in America. We forgot to bring forks to Ft. Portico, so I used bicycle spokes to turn the meat and veggies. Several large cows climbed up the steep rocks, and I thought we might be one big slip, from a nice beef dinner.
I promise I will finish this later, but the high school top fundraisers showed up yesterday, they are here for about a week, and the HEALS dancers put on quite a show at our house to welcome them. Gotta go to a teacher roundtable, so no time to finish, but 3 new pictures
John
It was also part of a mountain range, where it was valued as a strategic location, by climbing up on the rocks, those who held the fort could see for many kilometers in all directions. We got a tour from a guide, and he showed us the place where many slaves without market value, the unhealthy, the old, the children, were slaughtered by beheading. You can still see the sword or hatchet marks in the rocks. He said the blood stains were still visible on these rocks all the way until the late 1960s. We also learned that Sir Samuel Baker bought (rescued) his wife from the slave traders (she was of Hungarian ancestry). Kyle asked if SSB had kept her as a slave at first, before they were married. A very interesting question, but the guide proud of Sir Samuel Baker dismissed it.
We then had an American Barbeque for our teachers on Sunday. I ended up manning the grill both times, which is weird, because I never do this in America. We forgot to bring forks to Ft. Portico, so I used bicycle spokes to turn the meat and veggies. Several large cows climbed up the steep rocks, and I thought we might be one big slip, from a nice beef dinner.
I promise I will finish this later, but the high school top fundraisers showed up yesterday, they are here for about a week, and the HEALS dancers put on quite a show at our house to welcome them. Gotta go to a teacher roundtable, so no time to finish, but 3 new pictures
John
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Several thoughts on a Saturday
I taught Aaron how to play Risk II on my computer. He beat me. Then the two of us taught John from the IC house, and he beat us. It might be a good day to while away some time in the evenings. The girls laughed at us that we could spend so much time looking at numbers on a map, but if you are a Risk fan then I do not have to explain it to you. Although, it is a little weird playing a game of world domination, when we are trying to help people who have suffered from the world. So we came up with the idea of a new Risk, one where instead of armies, you sent teachers, doctors, and bore hole drillers. Oh well, it is in the planning stages at least.
It is nice in the weekend when the house is full. I really like the conversations I have with JRob, Matt, and David. We played a little bit of poker last night with favors instead of money, I am up on a few people, and down to David, which is good, because David is too nice of a guy to call them in. Obibi the goat keeps trying to get into our room, and apparently last night was successful. Aaron had little goat turds in his shoes.
Today, we are going to Fort Portico, a historic place where Sir Samuel Baker ended the slave trade in Uganda. We are going mostly for a picnic and to hang out with each other. Tomorrow, we have a pot luck dinner, and I have to make something although every recipe I know has White Castles in it. I bought some apple, but have been unable to find caramel. So we are going to have Caramel Apples without the Caramel.
John
probably no entry until monday, but check back then
It is nice in the weekend when the house is full. I really like the conversations I have with JRob, Matt, and David. We played a little bit of poker last night with favors instead of money, I am up on a few people, and down to David, which is good, because David is too nice of a guy to call them in. Obibi the goat keeps trying to get into our room, and apparently last night was successful. Aaron had little goat turds in his shoes.
Today, we are going to Fort Portico, a historic place where Sir Samuel Baker ended the slave trade in Uganda. We are going mostly for a picnic and to hang out with each other. Tomorrow, we have a pot luck dinner, and I have to make something although every recipe I know has White Castles in it. I bought some apple, but have been unable to find caramel. So we are going to have Caramel Apples without the Caramel.
John
probably no entry until monday, but check back then
Friday, July 11, 2008
"There is no one you couldn't love once you have heard their story."
I am trying to get a hold of some Jesuits in Gulu, and received an email from Ben Bocher helping me in this quest, and I got this Buddhist mantra from the bottom of his email.
It seems a good place to start this morning. Last night, I found Benard who really wanted me to help him learn basketball and a few other students and we went to the basketball court. Along the way, I saw a young boy driving cattle through the courts, and I stopped. Could this be, my friend, Ocen Juma, whom I had met last year ??? It turns out it was, but the rest of the story is sad. Last year, Ocen was warm and animated and carried on great conversations and asked great questions. This boy only responded in grunts, and I could not get much information from him. Was this the fact that a bright boy was missing his education to drive cattle for a few shillings a day? Boy, I wished I knew the whole story. I would love to have gotten the Ocen Juma that I met last year into school, but how? There is so much depth and obstacles to a lot of the stories here. It is amazing that there are great students here who have overcome all. Could this not have been Ocen? I feel that is my secret wish, that this boy merely said he was Ocen and somewhere there is my friend driving other cattle with a smile and a Apwoyo waiting for me. But then again if this is true, what about the boy who just grunts? Do I not want to hear his story and help him along his way.
Another friend Samuel played basketball with me yesterday. He was one of the kids that played last year, and showed great hustle, and great improvement in his basketball skills over the month or so I was in Gulu. He told me that he was demoted to P5. How could this be?
So, I am left to strive to do my best with what I can do, and leave the things I cannot change to prayer. I would live to drive a truck with new basketball standards and new basketballs to this playground. But the distance, and the skill sets here make this a near impossible task. Noticed I have said near impossible, not impossible. Uganda is a land, where hunger and disease and poverty are present. But is also a country where I have already seen people do the impossible.
So as I push the boulder up the mountain, I am encouraged because I was not the first to push, nor will I be the last to push.
John
Tonight, maybe think an extra thought or say a small prayer for those in Northern Uganda who are still left behind. Thanks.
It seems a good place to start this morning. Last night, I found Benard who really wanted me to help him learn basketball and a few other students and we went to the basketball court. Along the way, I saw a young boy driving cattle through the courts, and I stopped. Could this be, my friend, Ocen Juma, whom I had met last year ??? It turns out it was, but the rest of the story is sad. Last year, Ocen was warm and animated and carried on great conversations and asked great questions. This boy only responded in grunts, and I could not get much information from him. Was this the fact that a bright boy was missing his education to drive cattle for a few shillings a day? Boy, I wished I knew the whole story. I would love to have gotten the Ocen Juma that I met last year into school, but how? There is so much depth and obstacles to a lot of the stories here. It is amazing that there are great students here who have overcome all. Could this not have been Ocen? I feel that is my secret wish, that this boy merely said he was Ocen and somewhere there is my friend driving other cattle with a smile and a Apwoyo waiting for me. But then again if this is true, what about the boy who just grunts? Do I not want to hear his story and help him along his way.
Another friend Samuel played basketball with me yesterday. He was one of the kids that played last year, and showed great hustle, and great improvement in his basketball skills over the month or so I was in Gulu. He told me that he was demoted to P5. How could this be?
So, I am left to strive to do my best with what I can do, and leave the things I cannot change to prayer. I would live to drive a truck with new basketball standards and new basketballs to this playground. But the distance, and the skill sets here make this a near impossible task. Noticed I have said near impossible, not impossible. Uganda is a land, where hunger and disease and poverty are present. But is also a country where I have already seen people do the impossible.
So as I push the boulder up the mountain, I am encouraged because I was not the first to push, nor will I be the last to push.
John
Tonight, maybe think an extra thought or say a small prayer for those in Northern Uganda who are still left behind. Thanks.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Posho and Beans
Today, I am trying to catch up on some work, and I need to learn about simple machines in preparation for the next week's lessons. Any Physics teachers if you are reading this, and have a 4-5 page pdf file on simple machines please email it to me. www.johnmagee412@yahoo.com
Okay, Nerinx people, here is my idea for next year. At Gulu SS, we usually have posho and beans for lunch. This is what the high school kids eat almost every day of the year. I am going to come back and learn how to make posho and beans, and all students and Faculty can sign up, and I will cook posho and beans for everyone. Each student will be required to bring a dish from home, and we will have one hose available for everyone to wash their dish afterwards. At Awere SS, everyone was given a fork, but at Gulu SS, we eat posho and beans with our hands. If we can get a 100 or so participants, than we can all donate what we would have spent for lunch, to a group in Uganda. Sounds good, doesn't it???? This year, I am free B,G, and H period (Big Giant Hungry), so it will happen sometime during an H period lunch.
By the way, I kind of like posho and beans, so it is not that much of a hardship for me. It just takes a little getting used to. I taught Aaron how to play Risk II last night, so we had a classic battle (he is winning) until the juice ran out on my laptop. Hopefully, we will have power tonight to finish our game. If you keep my dad in your prayers, I have heard he has had successful hip surgery yesterday. Also keep my mom in your prayers, because some of you know my dad (HA HA).
Cardinal wins, Cardinal wins, Cardinal wins, what is wrong with you who keeping going to games. Can't you get bring home a winner????
AP Stat students, e-mail me, when you get your results, I am curious.....
John
Okay, Nerinx people, here is my idea for next year. At Gulu SS, we usually have posho and beans for lunch. This is what the high school kids eat almost every day of the year. I am going to come back and learn how to make posho and beans, and all students and Faculty can sign up, and I will cook posho and beans for everyone. Each student will be required to bring a dish from home, and we will have one hose available for everyone to wash their dish afterwards. At Awere SS, everyone was given a fork, but at Gulu SS, we eat posho and beans with our hands. If we can get a 100 or so participants, than we can all donate what we would have spent for lunch, to a group in Uganda. Sounds good, doesn't it???? This year, I am free B,G, and H period (Big Giant Hungry), so it will happen sometime during an H period lunch.
By the way, I kind of like posho and beans, so it is not that much of a hardship for me. It just takes a little getting used to. I taught Aaron how to play Risk II last night, so we had a classic battle (he is winning) until the juice ran out on my laptop. Hopefully, we will have power tonight to finish our game. If you keep my dad in your prayers, I have heard he has had successful hip surgery yesterday. Also keep my mom in your prayers, because some of you know my dad (HA HA).
Cardinal wins, Cardinal wins, Cardinal wins, what is wrong with you who keeping going to games. Can't you get bring home a winner????
AP Stat students, e-mail me, when you get your results, I am curious.....
John
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Fr. Hagan, Fr. Vonderhaar, and Fr. Mattione
Many, many, many years ago, I was a slightly cocky, mostly scared freshmen roaming the halls of St. Louis U. High. As I teach Senior 2 students at Gulu, and get word about a memorial service for Fr. Hagan at SLUH on Thursday, my thoughts wander back to these three men.
Fr. Hagan is the icon of the bunch, known to so many people. He taught me freshmen Theology, and roamed the basement of SLUH where I spent a lot of time playing pool. I heard rumors that he studied pictures incessantly and knew every kid in the school. This lesson is very important to me now as a teacher. Nerinx is the first place I have ever taught at, where I do not know every student in the building. I have worked diligently to change this fact, but the best number I have gotten to is the low 400s in recognizing students by face and name. This dedication that Fr. Hagan showed for years and years in recognizing 800??? plus students is even more amazing to me since I have tried to replicate his feat. Knowing a student, and being able to call them by name is one of the most important things we can do as teachers.
Fr. Mattione was never my teacher, but the Latin office was very close to my freshmen locker, and every time he saw me he said something like, "I hope you are having a great day today." or when I said no, he would say, "Well don't worry, I know for a good student like you tomorrow will be better. I never did have the noted Latin scholar as a teacher, but his friendship to me outside of Homeroom 107 meant more to me that amo, amas, amat ever could.
And Finally Fr. Vonderhaar, screamed at me during my very first Algebra class for not using a straight edge to draw lines. He also mocked my brackets, (which I still cannot draw today). He was tough and stern, at least that is how it seemed when I was a freshmen, but he always challenged me to do my best, and never let me get by when I was deficient in my classwork or my homework. He got from me as much as any teacher ever has, and I cannot say I ever saw him smile. I think if I had videotapes, I would have seen the warm smile, behind his stern gaze, but I was young and scared.
So I am now teaching 420 students and it is almost impossible for me to grab, but just a few names. But I am trying, and every time I see a student in town or on the way to class I wish them well, and tell them today will be great, and for a bright student tomorrow will be better. And I hope I challenge them to do their best, even if I have trouble with the stern gaze.
Jesuit boy and proud of it,
Hopefully a man for others,
John
Fr. Hagan is the icon of the bunch, known to so many people. He taught me freshmen Theology, and roamed the basement of SLUH where I spent a lot of time playing pool. I heard rumors that he studied pictures incessantly and knew every kid in the school. This lesson is very important to me now as a teacher. Nerinx is the first place I have ever taught at, where I do not know every student in the building. I have worked diligently to change this fact, but the best number I have gotten to is the low 400s in recognizing students by face and name. This dedication that Fr. Hagan showed for years and years in recognizing 800??? plus students is even more amazing to me since I have tried to replicate his feat. Knowing a student, and being able to call them by name is one of the most important things we can do as teachers.
Fr. Mattione was never my teacher, but the Latin office was very close to my freshmen locker, and every time he saw me he said something like, "I hope you are having a great day today." or when I said no, he would say, "Well don't worry, I know for a good student like you tomorrow will be better. I never did have the noted Latin scholar as a teacher, but his friendship to me outside of Homeroom 107 meant more to me that amo, amas, amat ever could.
And Finally Fr. Vonderhaar, screamed at me during my very first Algebra class for not using a straight edge to draw lines. He also mocked my brackets, (which I still cannot draw today). He was tough and stern, at least that is how it seemed when I was a freshmen, but he always challenged me to do my best, and never let me get by when I was deficient in my classwork or my homework. He got from me as much as any teacher ever has, and I cannot say I ever saw him smile. I think if I had videotapes, I would have seen the warm smile, behind his stern gaze, but I was young and scared.
So I am now teaching 420 students and it is almost impossible for me to grab, but just a few names. But I am trying, and every time I see a student in town or on the way to class I wish them well, and tell them today will be great, and for a bright student tomorrow will be better. And I hope I challenge them to do their best, even if I have trouble with the stern gaze.
Jesuit boy and proud of it,
Hopefully a man for others,
John
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Hangin' with Henry
Today was my best day so far in Gulu.
It started last night, when I told my partner teacher, Henry, that I could type up his math test for his other job. I was able to do it quickly using Word and MathType, and he was very impressed this morning with the final product. I think he was real happy with the finished product, so much so that he showed it off to several colleagues.
Henry and I had a full classload, but I think we did a real good job of teaching today. Many of the kids were tuned in, I was able to do my Centre of Gravity demonstration, and in one of the classes several of the students eagerly handed me their notebooks for a grade and my approval. I signed Good Work! on all of them with the JPM signature, because I did not want them to compare afterwards. But several of the students, (and I was happy to see that several were girls) had phenomenal notebooks. Many of these students work so hard each and every day to do their very best.
An aside, yesterday or so, JRob and I were walking into town when I noticed a young man in a tie walking along side of me. I asked him his name, and he began to tell me his story. He really values education and has finally convinced his parents to back his plan. But to accomplish this dream, after he was almost done with S2, and took a couple of years off, he had to go back to P7. How many Americans after completing half of their freshmen year would willing go back to the 7th grade to begin the journey to University. Amazing ! But this happens so often here. Many people with really amazing stories.
Today after school, I was going to watch and help Henry teach an S6 class at a different school. He suggested we go to his house and wait until it was time. He has a mountain bike which is interesting, because they should all have mountain bikes on these roads, but most of the Ugandans bikes are the English Road models. Anyway, Henry had to get a xerox made, so I watched his bike as he went into the shop. HE HAS A BUD SPORTS BIKE, WITH BUDWEISER WRITTEN SEVERAL TIMES ON THE FRAME. How weird is that? He told me looked it up in a dictionary, because he did not know what Budweiser meant, and he discovered it was a beer.
As I was waiting for Henry with the Bud Bike, a crazy man started walking up the street screaming in Luo. Obviously, I could not understand what he was saying, but he was obviously a little bit touched, or as the Acholi say mad. The funny part was as he walked next to Henry and me later he got a cell phone call. He answered, said hello, and then continued his rant by shouting into the phone. So many images today....I don't know how to describe them all. As I was also waiting, I saw a boy of 16 or so, use a pole to kind of ski, up the street on one leg. He was obviously hurt, but smiled and worked hard to move around. It was nice at the end of the street, I saw a boda boda driver stop and pick him up. I do not know if this was a kind gesture or not, but it is my blog and this is the way I am going to tell the story.
We finally got to Henry's house, it was a couple of kilometers from school, but he kept apologizing near the end. Worried about me, and the trip may have been too far. I told him I was getting rid of my car and had to learn to walk long distances. He was amazed at what I told him it took to fill my gas tank, and that I did that every week. Maybe not anymore.
Next, we got to his one-room apartment "studio", and his bed had more stuff on it then mine, including a full stereo with speakers. It was fun to know I may have met my Acholi twin in Henry. He talked about his place, and the trouble he was having with rats. He found some poison called Inducide, which he says he mixes in with some food, the rat eats, the rat gets drunk, and dies a day later. We spent an hour there going over breaking rational functions into partial fractions.
Then at 4:30 pm, we got to his class.. So much happened today.....He teaches 5 young men in their late 20s or early 30s who have not given up on their dream of university. They are all in S6 math, which is actually quite a bit further than any math in an American high school. We were working on some complicated problems. Only 3 of 10 I could do right away. I will have to review my Calc III and Dif Eq......
Finally, on the way home I saw two student from Awere , A S4 young women called Salama Sebbi Mustafa, she is the one who last year said on the video, "I like Awere SS, I like Maths, and I like the tall teacher from America called John." I also met Magom Benard Josah. They both invited me to a special day at Awere on Friday. So I will probably go, but I most excited about going back with Henry and doing math for 3 hours from 4 pm--7pm. These 5 students amaze me, that they are paying school fees out of meager earnings. Henry only gets paid 300o shillings per hour or less than $5.
I appreciate all of your prayers, and good thoughts, today they all paid off. I have also asked the administration at Nerinx to schedule an evening in September for me to talk to both students and adults. If you have not seen my pictures or heard my stories. You need to mark that day down on your calendar. The Acholi people of Northern Uganda are an amazing people, and just like many of you are my very good friends. You all need to hear their story, hopefully my humble words will give you just a fraction of the kindness and grace of my friends.
John
It started last night, when I told my partner teacher, Henry, that I could type up his math test for his other job. I was able to do it quickly using Word and MathType, and he was very impressed this morning with the final product. I think he was real happy with the finished product, so much so that he showed it off to several colleagues.
Henry and I had a full classload, but I think we did a real good job of teaching today. Many of the kids were tuned in, I was able to do my Centre of Gravity demonstration, and in one of the classes several of the students eagerly handed me their notebooks for a grade and my approval. I signed Good Work! on all of them with the JPM signature, because I did not want them to compare afterwards. But several of the students, (and I was happy to see that several were girls) had phenomenal notebooks. Many of these students work so hard each and every day to do their very best.
An aside, yesterday or so, JRob and I were walking into town when I noticed a young man in a tie walking along side of me. I asked him his name, and he began to tell me his story. He really values education and has finally convinced his parents to back his plan. But to accomplish this dream, after he was almost done with S2, and took a couple of years off, he had to go back to P7. How many Americans after completing half of their freshmen year would willing go back to the 7th grade to begin the journey to University. Amazing ! But this happens so often here. Many people with really amazing stories.
Today after school, I was going to watch and help Henry teach an S6 class at a different school. He suggested we go to his house and wait until it was time. He has a mountain bike which is interesting, because they should all have mountain bikes on these roads, but most of the Ugandans bikes are the English Road models. Anyway, Henry had to get a xerox made, so I watched his bike as he went into the shop. HE HAS A BUD SPORTS BIKE, WITH BUDWEISER WRITTEN SEVERAL TIMES ON THE FRAME. How weird is that? He told me looked it up in a dictionary, because he did not know what Budweiser meant, and he discovered it was a beer.
As I was waiting for Henry with the Bud Bike, a crazy man started walking up the street screaming in Luo. Obviously, I could not understand what he was saying, but he was obviously a little bit touched, or as the Acholi say mad. The funny part was as he walked next to Henry and me later he got a cell phone call. He answered, said hello, and then continued his rant by shouting into the phone. So many images today....I don't know how to describe them all. As I was also waiting, I saw a boy of 16 or so, use a pole to kind of ski, up the street on one leg. He was obviously hurt, but smiled and worked hard to move around. It was nice at the end of the street, I saw a boda boda driver stop and pick him up. I do not know if this was a kind gesture or not, but it is my blog and this is the way I am going to tell the story.
We finally got to Henry's house, it was a couple of kilometers from school, but he kept apologizing near the end. Worried about me, and the trip may have been too far. I told him I was getting rid of my car and had to learn to walk long distances. He was amazed at what I told him it took to fill my gas tank, and that I did that every week. Maybe not anymore.
Next, we got to his one-room apartment "studio", and his bed had more stuff on it then mine, including a full stereo with speakers. It was fun to know I may have met my Acholi twin in Henry. He talked about his place, and the trouble he was having with rats. He found some poison called Inducide, which he says he mixes in with some food, the rat eats, the rat gets drunk, and dies a day later. We spent an hour there going over breaking rational functions into partial fractions.
Then at 4:30 pm, we got to his class.. So much happened today.....He teaches 5 young men in their late 20s or early 30s who have not given up on their dream of university. They are all in S6 math, which is actually quite a bit further than any math in an American high school. We were working on some complicated problems. Only 3 of 10 I could do right away. I will have to review my Calc III and Dif Eq......
Finally, on the way home I saw two student from Awere , A S4 young women called Salama Sebbi Mustafa, she is the one who last year said on the video, "I like Awere SS, I like Maths, and I like the tall teacher from America called John." I also met Magom Benard Josah. They both invited me to a special day at Awere on Friday. So I will probably go, but I most excited about going back with Henry and doing math for 3 hours from 4 pm--7pm. These 5 students amaze me, that they are paying school fees out of meager earnings. Henry only gets paid 300o shillings per hour or less than $5.
I appreciate all of your prayers, and good thoughts, today they all paid off. I have also asked the administration at Nerinx to schedule an evening in September for me to talk to both students and adults. If you have not seen my pictures or heard my stories. You need to mark that day down on your calendar. The Acholi people of Northern Uganda are an amazing people, and just like many of you are my very good friends. You all need to hear their story, hopefully my humble words will give you just a fraction of the kindness and grace of my friends.
John
Monday, July 7, 2008
Gulu Senior
This morning we began our first real week of team teaching. I got to school about 730 am and right away we began preparing for four physics classes. Just to let you know, I am teaching 7 streams of Senior 2 Physics-- Senior 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G. At first, I thought each stream would have 3 40 minute sections a week, but now it seems that two of them only meet twice a week. Each student is taking 10 different subjects, and they are quite busy. They stay in the same classroom all day, and the teachers move to the different classes. This year, because of so, so many students Senior 2 ends their school day at 1:20 pm, and the Senior 1 students then come in for a ful day that ends at 5. Let's see what else can I tell you---the students are very polite and do all the work around the school. They do not even want me to carry my own chair. So every time I go into a classroom, Odawa Henry asks the closest student to get a chair for me and carry it to our classroom. Students always stop what they are doing and get my chair before carrying on with what they are doing. My teaching partner, like many teachers here, teaches at more than one school to make a decent living. Today Henry showed me what he is doing at one of his other schools, and I will be going with him to teach there tomorrow.
We spent a nice relaxing weekend with all of our crew together. Saturday, it seemed like I kept sweating and getting clean several times. We played many volleyball games including a classic three game match where our team got a big dig with the game tied 13-13 in the final game. Yesterday, David and I tried to go to English Mass at 11 am. When we got there we noticed the Mass was still at the homily and in Luo. So we sat done in the side vestibule. Heard at least 14 minutes of a sermon in Luo, urging us very strongly to "do something" what I do not know, got communion, and the Mass ended. Immediately the church filled with a new group of people, and about 7 minutes later an English Mass started. We stayed through the homily, and left. So we figured we had it covered, especially since we got there at 10:45 am and did not leave until 12:45 pm. On the way back we stopped at Prince supermarket, dubbed the "Wal-mart" of Gulu. I have kind of a sore throat and a cold, so if I had to reread this, I bet this entry is really boring. Sorry, tomorrow's will be better.
We spent a nice relaxing weekend with all of our crew together. Saturday, it seemed like I kept sweating and getting clean several times. We played many volleyball games including a classic three game match where our team got a big dig with the game tied 13-13 in the final game. Yesterday, David and I tried to go to English Mass at 11 am. When we got there we noticed the Mass was still at the homily and in Luo. So we sat done in the side vestibule. Heard at least 14 minutes of a sermon in Luo, urging us very strongly to "do something" what I do not know, got communion, and the Mass ended. Immediately the church filled with a new group of people, and about 7 minutes later an English Mass started. We stayed through the homily, and left. So we figured we had it covered, especially since we got there at 10:45 am and did not leave until 12:45 pm. On the way back we stopped at Prince supermarket, dubbed the "Wal-mart" of Gulu. I have kind of a sore throat and a cold, so if I had to reread this, I bet this entry is really boring. Sorry, tomorrow's will be better.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Da Pub
After a 10 hour conference yesterday, we decided it was time to go to the pub literally called "Da Pub". I went with Matt M., Josh, David, and Jen. We had a good time just relaxing and talking about what we all trying to accomplish in Uganda. We all have slightly different ideas, but all 4 of these people are good people and I am honored that they are my colleagues. It was a great conversation about our upcoming week and our partner teachers. Also some of the things we liked to do at home. We exchanged favorite concerts we had attended and other stories about our life.
Then with the 5 of us and about 7 Ugandans, the bartender started playing great american musics. When "Ready or Not" by the Fugees came on I had to dance, it was and still is, such a great song. Pretty soon following "Da Pub" filled up and a lot more people started dancing. Matt even joined the Electric Slide with a group of Ugandans. The night ended with some of Spanish girls coming in and dancing to Spanish songs. (I am pretty sure the Spanish in town work with Medecines Sans Frontieres or Doctors without Borders). We had 6 hours of conference this morning, and David and I walked part of the way home with Odawa Henry Odongpiny my Physics team teacher. He is a very honest and hard working man, and I really believe he wants to do the very best for all of his students. It should be a good couple of weeks.
By the way, I really need a Cardinal win tonight. I have a Cubs fan talking trash in Uganda.
John
Then with the 5 of us and about 7 Ugandans, the bartender started playing great american musics. When "Ready or Not" by the Fugees came on I had to dance, it was and still is, such a great song. Pretty soon following "Da Pub" filled up and a lot more people started dancing. Matt even joined the Electric Slide with a group of Ugandans. The night ended with some of Spanish girls coming in and dancing to Spanish songs. (I am pretty sure the Spanish in town work with Medecines Sans Frontieres or Doctors without Borders). We had 6 hours of conference this morning, and David and I walked part of the way home with Odawa Henry Odongpiny my Physics team teacher. He is a very honest and hard working man, and I really believe he wants to do the very best for all of his students. It should be a good couple of weeks.
By the way, I really need a Cardinal win tonight. I have a Cubs fan talking trash in Uganda.
John
Friday, July 4, 2008
Hearts Game
Yesterday, I went into town to buy a case of beer for my friends who would be returning from the IDP camps. It was 25 pint bottles and was a little bit heavy. So I hired 2 boda bodas (1 for me, and 1 for the beer). It is weird because the Acholi are such an honest people that I would not think for a moment anything else would happen. But then again it is beer, so I had to keep an eye on it. I told them to let the beer go first, and we would follow, but they crossed me up, so I had to turn around to keep an eye on the beer. Kind of a funny scenario, actually, the beer ended up tipping the boda boda driver better than I. Kind of a good guy, that case of beer!!! Anyway, David and Josh came back from Atonga camp and they are teaching in a school located in an IDP camp. Their experience and dedication is so full of interesting stories. Josh saw naked babies, running around with chickens and goats. And he said the people in the Pader district were actually touching him to see if he was kind of real. Not many Mzungus, make it to these villages. Apparently, the little children were also a little curious also, as they peaked under the stall as one of them was "showering". For discretion purposes we will not name the one that is not Josh. Then Big Matt, Trisha (from Awere last year), and Danielle (also a veteran) came back from the Pabo camp. They shared similar experiences, but I think the two women might be ganging up on Matt. He might need some help in latter weeks, before they can "mold" him into the "perfect man". The evening ended with beers and playing Hearts. If you can believe it, I am kind of an obnoxious winner or so they say. Anne Q. from the first group joined us for conversation and spun disks on my computer. She was amazed at my collection of music (Thanks Nerinx students for the Taylor Swift and Rihannon selections) and the wide disparity. It was a good night for new friends. BUT MATT IS A CUBS FAN so I really need everyone to get the Cardinals to win this weekend, I need bragging rights.
John
John
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Finding the New Line in the Road
The mud roads here are probably about 25 feet wide. They are full of bumps and dips, and if you ride a boda boda, they all seem to use the same six inches of road in certain spots. They also will go from fast to cautiuous as they approach a bump you cannot see. They are extremely knowledgeable about all the small nuances in the road. Last night it rained heavily, there are big puddles in the road, and some of the topography has changed. So today, the boda boda drivers will have to react, think, and find the new line in the road. Sometimes it will be the same--a old trusty path, but sometimes it will be new, and it might take a couple of hard bumps, before the new line is discovered.
Today, I will join a new teacher, Opaki James, teaching math to Senior 1 students. This will be in addition to my new Physics adventures. So hopefully, I can be as skillful as our boda boda drivers and find that new safe line in the road.
I also have to tell you the theater major bent in group 1 showed up magnificently last night. They redid several scenes from "Sound of Music" with the words changed as a tribute to Amy's birthday. Anne did a wonderful job as Maria, but the excited looks on the "kids" faces, was masterful and hilarious. Also they went into town and had outfits sewn in identical fabric. INCLUDING LADERHOSEN (what is the Acholi word for laderhosen). We all had a small party at Christ the King (the party house) and it was good to see that group of 9 teachers during the week.
Wanen Lachen,
John
p.s. For those of you who have endured rainstorms in your life this year, I am praying that you find that new line in the road. I know that you can do it.
Today, I will join a new teacher, Opaki James, teaching math to Senior 1 students. This will be in addition to my new Physics adventures. So hopefully, I can be as skillful as our boda boda drivers and find that new safe line in the road.
I also have to tell you the theater major bent in group 1 showed up magnificently last night. They redid several scenes from "Sound of Music" with the words changed as a tribute to Amy's birthday. Anne did a wonderful job as Maria, but the excited looks on the "kids" faces, was masterful and hilarious. Also they went into town and had outfits sewn in identical fabric. INCLUDING LADERHOSEN (what is the Acholi word for laderhosen). We all had a small party at Christ the King (the party house) and it was good to see that group of 9 teachers during the week.
Wanen Lachen,
John
p.s. For those of you who have endured rainstorms in your life this year, I am praying that you find that new line in the road. I know that you can do it.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Sad Realities, Joyful People
I found out the stories of Moses and Geoffrey who have now been on this blog through photographs the past two years. In an earlier post, I stated that the kids at St. Jude's are not really orphans, but usually have family who will hopefully return. Not so for these two. Moses was found as an infant after his entire village was destroyed during the war. Since so many died, it was unable to be determined whose child or from what family he came. Moses always wanted me to pick him up. He would look at me with that unbelievable smile and outstretched arms and motion for me to lift him high. He wanted me to carry him. Much like the title of this blog. We really need to reach out and look who is smiling at us, and maybe pick them up for just awhile. So many smiles out of this child, I hope he will find a path of education, support, and happiness after this unbelievable start.
Geoffrey is HIV positive, and has already struggled through a couple of bouts of the illness, where he was not expected to survive. He is much more guarded that Geoffrey, especially last year when I had to coax him away from the recesses of the blue building. But he is a still a child that loves to play, and reaches out to you with open hand of friendship. He just wants you to hold his hand, you can see that in the picture.
I do not know if I have talked politics before in this blog, but as a wise elder in Uganda said last year. "If America woke up at breakfast and cared about the situation in Northern Uganda, our problems would be over by dinner." Right now you cannot do much about the plight of Moses and Geoffrey, but your Senator or congressman is a google search and a quick e-mail away right now. Just say, "I care about the people of Northern Uganda, and I want to know what we are doing to try to ease their suffering and protect their ability to live in their homes, go to school, and for the children just to have the opportunity to play."
I know this was a tougher entry to read then most, and sometimes when I start typing I have no idea where I am going. But do not despair, the Acholi people are a wonderfully resilient people. There are more people than ever in downtown Gulu, businesses are springing up. More people are playing basketball, and they invite you into their homes, into their shops, and into their schools, with the most inviting smiles. These people will win in the end, they will truly have earned the peace they are working towards, but a big friendly Uncle Sam can help that process. I know they love giants here.
John
how about getting those Cardinals to win 6 in a row.
Geoffrey is HIV positive, and has already struggled through a couple of bouts of the illness, where he was not expected to survive. He is much more guarded that Geoffrey, especially last year when I had to coax him away from the recesses of the blue building. But he is a still a child that loves to play, and reaches out to you with open hand of friendship. He just wants you to hold his hand, you can see that in the picture.
I do not know if I have talked politics before in this blog, but as a wise elder in Uganda said last year. "If America woke up at breakfast and cared about the situation in Northern Uganda, our problems would be over by dinner." Right now you cannot do much about the plight of Moses and Geoffrey, but your Senator or congressman is a google search and a quick e-mail away right now. Just say, "I care about the people of Northern Uganda, and I want to know what we are doing to try to ease their suffering and protect their ability to live in their homes, go to school, and for the children just to have the opportunity to play."
I know this was a tougher entry to read then most, and sometimes when I start typing I have no idea where I am going. But do not despair, the Acholi people are a wonderfully resilient people. There are more people than ever in downtown Gulu, businesses are springing up. More people are playing basketball, and they invite you into their homes, into their shops, and into their schools, with the most inviting smiles. These people will win in the end, they will truly have earned the peace they are working towards, but a big friendly Uncle Sam can help that process. I know they love giants here.
John
how about getting those Cardinals to win 6 in a row.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Lunch at Gulu Senior
I am going to write quickly, because Aaron is waiting and it is really hot in the internet cafe.
Today, at lunch I had potio and beans. We cannot drink their water so I had potio (dry mashed potatoes imagine) with beans with no drink. NO PROBLEM. Kope! Then my team teacher grabbed a spoon at put a couple scoops of g-nut sauce on the plate. So I am now eating this concoction with no water.
Then I started dreaming 44 oz Quick Trip Pepsi with ice.
No problem, I just kept eating, spoonful after spoonful, it was great, but my American palate was a little dry.
Then I started dreaming 52 oz Quick Trip Pepsi with ice.
No problem, kop, more spoonfuls, certainly I am close to being finished. No, I was not but I was already dreaming in this story so why not more.
Then I started dreaming 64 oz Quick Trip Pepsi with ice.
John
ps All the dogs that I have given peanut butter to as a joke, who now look down from heaven......HA HA HA
Today, at lunch I had potio and beans. We cannot drink their water so I had potio (dry mashed potatoes imagine) with beans with no drink. NO PROBLEM. Kope! Then my team teacher grabbed a spoon at put a couple scoops of g-nut sauce on the plate. So I am now eating this concoction with no water.
Then I started dreaming 44 oz Quick Trip Pepsi with ice.
No problem, I just kept eating, spoonful after spoonful, it was great, but my American palate was a little dry.
Then I started dreaming 52 oz Quick Trip Pepsi with ice.
No problem, kop, more spoonfuls, certainly I am close to being finished. No, I was not but I was already dreaming in this story so why not more.
Then I started dreaming 64 oz Quick Trip Pepsi with ice.
John
ps All the dogs that I have given peanut butter to as a joke, who now look down from heaven......HA HA HA
Monday, June 30, 2008
Euro Cup 2008
So since it was Sunday night, and most of us needed a break we decided to get together at the Kope Cafe (translation No Problems Cafe) and watch "Charlie Wilson's War" that I had brought with me and finally got to see after buying it 3 months ago. Danielle, Amy, and Catherine had it all set up with individual bags of popcorn and g-nuts. It was a nice way to just relax, but it was kind of weird ending the night by walking into the streets and realizing we were still in Gulu.
About 7 of us decided to go watch the Euro Cup 2008 (it is huge here), we went to the KSP which is an Indian restaurant and Hotel. Kyle, Sarah, and I went on the roof and had beers while overlooking Gulu. We did not have an opener so I found a steel edge to a table and popped them off by banging the heel of my hand into the crown (that one's for you Frankie). Kyle went down for the start of the game, but Sarah and I waited to finish our beers. Then Sarah, said "Oh, no, we are going to walk in front of the screen to sit down." Just when we got there, there was a goal kick so I said, "Go now!" The almost entire Ugandan audience rolled in laughter as a giant MuuNuu all of a sudden appeared and danced by their screen. That was only to be the second best laughter of the night. I have already met several people who remember me from last year. Including Bob or Gob who finally remembered we have been on the same airplane from Dubai to Entebbe last year ! I met Chris again, who I shared the pop-up mutatu on our Safari last year with Wendy and Chris' wife and child. Chris had called and asked where we were going to watch the Euro Cup as he is in town with about 8 Northwestern students. After 3 minutes of sitting down, I saw white people behind me and turned sharply to see if it was Chris. Well, my chair snapped in about 12 places with a rat-a-tat-tat and I was soon on the floor amidst a broken plastic chair. The security guard ran in from the street to see what the noise was. The Acholi crowd were silent, until my American colleagues busted into laughter and soon the whole place was rocking with laughs as people were united in laughter.
"Fat man in a little chair........."
John
THERE IS ANOTHER NEW POST THAT FOLLOWS..
About 7 of us decided to go watch the Euro Cup 2008 (it is huge here), we went to the KSP which is an Indian restaurant and Hotel. Kyle, Sarah, and I went on the roof and had beers while overlooking Gulu. We did not have an opener so I found a steel edge to a table and popped them off by banging the heel of my hand into the crown (that one's for you Frankie). Kyle went down for the start of the game, but Sarah and I waited to finish our beers. Then Sarah, said "Oh, no, we are going to walk in front of the screen to sit down." Just when we got there, there was a goal kick so I said, "Go now!" The almost entire Ugandan audience rolled in laughter as a giant MuuNuu all of a sudden appeared and danced by their screen. That was only to be the second best laughter of the night. I have already met several people who remember me from last year. Including Bob or Gob who finally remembered we have been on the same airplane from Dubai to Entebbe last year ! I met Chris again, who I shared the pop-up mutatu on our Safari last year with Wendy and Chris' wife and child. Chris had called and asked where we were going to watch the Euro Cup as he is in town with about 8 Northwestern students. After 3 minutes of sitting down, I saw white people behind me and turned sharply to see if it was Chris. Well, my chair snapped in about 12 places with a rat-a-tat-tat and I was soon on the floor amidst a broken plastic chair. The security guard ran in from the street to see what the noise was. The Acholi crowd were silent, until my American colleagues busted into laughter and soon the whole place was rocking with laughs as people were united in laughter.
"Fat man in a little chair........."
John
THERE IS ANOTHER NEW POST THAT FOLLOWS..
St. Jude's
Well, this Sunday we travelled again to one of my favorite places in Gulu. St. Jude's, which is kind of like an orphanage, but not really. In Uganda, the children that are in "orphanages" are children whose family cannot currently take care of them, but in a year or two when the family is able to overcome the obstacles in their lives, the children will go back home to live.
The great thing about just playing with kids, is that I also got to see Moses again, whose picture has been on this blog for awhile. And I also saw my other friend, who I now know is named Geoffrey. If the internet is fast enough you will be able to see both of them on this blog. This morning was also the first day of school, if you remember I am teaching Physics and so far I have not made a blunder in two classes. My partner teacher, Odawa Henry, is a very kind teacher and I hope we will have a successful partnerships with our students over the month of July.
Tonight I am also looking forward to our first basketball game with all of the boys I got to know last year.
John
The great thing about just playing with kids, is that I also got to see Moses again, whose picture has been on this blog for awhile. And I also saw my other friend, who I now know is named Geoffrey. If the internet is fast enough you will be able to see both of them on this blog. This morning was also the first day of school, if you remember I am teaching Physics and so far I have not made a blunder in two classes. My partner teacher, Odawa Henry, is a very kind teacher and I hope we will have a successful partnerships with our students over the month of July.
Tonight I am also looking forward to our first basketball game with all of the boys I got to know last year.
John
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Saturday in Gulu
Today, I picked up six nails so I could hang up my clothes. Imagine that? And then I stopped at a new internet cafe and who was out in front my good friend, Okello Geoffrey. Geoffrey was one of the first people I met last year, and some of you might remember his picture with Kennedy. Kennedy had on a Naperville soccer shirt. So this is real good news, I have now seen Geoffrey, Samuel, and Julius, all part of the basketball gang. We are hoping to play again on Monday night at 5 pm. Geoffrey also tells me that Amos is in town, so I hope to see him also.
This morning, I went to Gulu SS to work with my teaching partner, Odawa Henry. There was a bit of a mixup, and I will be team teaching in Physics. So if you are reading this, Nerinx faculty, pray for me. But all will be well as today, I watched 120 students spend a better part of their Saturday willingly giving up their free time to study for the Senior 4 exams, UCE exams. They started their study session (they call it a seminar) at 9 am, and worked past 1 pm with only one break. So I did get a fast refresher course in Physics this morning. My sleep patterns are way off and I seem to nod off during the middle of the day. I don't think I snored, but I may have closed my eyes for a second or two during this session.
Then after the session, Henry and I walked to the Rainbow Inn where I bought him lunch. We had beef, rice, and dodo (spinach). We both ate for 9000/= which is just a little more than $5 US. We then went into the bar area and watched TV. After some American Chopper, Henry asked the bartender to change channels and we watched ESPN. They had football highlights on so I was able to talk to him about American Football. The whole country of Uganda is excited about the EuroCup Match Sunday Germany v. Spain. Geoffrey is a fan of Germany. Then the Yankees--Mets game came on and we watched the whole first inning. Did you ever try to explain baseball to someone who has never seen a game.\
Well that's it, Geoffrey is going to post immediately below this. So read his thoughts also.
John
p.s. there are some frustrating aspects of this past weekend, that I am struggling to work through, again your prayers and good thoughts all appreciated. But don't worry they are just obstacles, they are certainly conquerable.
This morning, I went to Gulu SS to work with my teaching partner, Odawa Henry. There was a bit of a mixup, and I will be team teaching in Physics. So if you are reading this, Nerinx faculty, pray for me. But all will be well as today, I watched 120 students spend a better part of their Saturday willingly giving up their free time to study for the Senior 4 exams, UCE exams. They started their study session (they call it a seminar) at 9 am, and worked past 1 pm with only one break. So I did get a fast refresher course in Physics this morning. My sleep patterns are way off and I seem to nod off during the middle of the day. I don't think I snored, but I may have closed my eyes for a second or two during this session.
Then after the session, Henry and I walked to the Rainbow Inn where I bought him lunch. We had beef, rice, and dodo (spinach). We both ate for 9000/= which is just a little more than $5 US. We then went into the bar area and watched TV. After some American Chopper, Henry asked the bartender to change channels and we watched ESPN. They had football highlights on so I was able to talk to him about American Football. The whole country of Uganda is excited about the EuroCup Match Sunday Germany v. Spain. Geoffrey is a fan of Germany. Then the Yankees--Mets game came on and we watched the whole first inning. Did you ever try to explain baseball to someone who has never seen a game.\
Well that's it, Geoffrey is going to post immediately below this. So read his thoughts also.
John
p.s. there are some frustrating aspects of this past weekend, that I am struggling to work through, again your prayers and good thoughts all appreciated. But don't worry they are just obstacles, they are certainly conquerable.
Guest Blogger: Okello Geoffrey
I am so glad to meet John's family and many friends, how are you doing over there. My name is Okello Geoffrey and I am a S2 student at Gulu Senior. Where John will start teaching on Monday at 740 am. I met John when I was walking home (some of you will remember the picture with Geoffrey and Kennedy--john). The weather has changed in Gulu, it is now the dry season. This lasts until August. I am happy with the work John and other teachers are doing for students in Gulu. I have mad basketball skills.
Okello Geoffrey
Okello Geoffrey
Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday Morning at Ace Computing
I do not know if this is exciting to you, but it is exciting to me. The picture I just added to the blog only took 4 minutes, that might mean many more pictures this year. Let's see what is new. Well the two people I really wanted to see this trip, might be in different cities. Orach Amos I heard from Okot Julius that he is in Kampala. While I will be disappointed if I do not see my friend Amos, if he is in Kampala, it probably means a good school for Amos and that is great news. Okay I am going to try one more picture. I do not have great pictures yet, but now that I know this news I will be snapping away.
Wanen Lachen (see you later)
John
Wanen Lachen (see you later)
John
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Awere !!!
This morning, we had some free time before 9 am, so Trisha and I got up early to go to morning assembly at Awere. The morning assembly starts at 745 am, and I think I was up at 5 am---ready to go. It was so much fun, walking through Aloyo I Long again. There were many hellos and it seems that a few people actually remembered us. But the signs of recognition were everywhere, and the students were real excited to see us. I have to say it was a real good feeling to see the smiles and receive warm handshakes from many excited students. My good friend and colleague, Nyeko Alfred was not there, but I have learned he is doing a research project in the Pader district and the Deputy Head Teacher has given me Alfred's phone number. So although I am still apprehensive about making sure I see my friend, I am now optimistic that it will happen. The Deputy Head Teacher remembered that I was from the city that brewed the best beer in America.
Is that still true? or is it a Belgian firm. I had a great breakfast this morning and a great adventure. It was so much fun to be walking through Gulu again.
I am having some internet problems, so I will end here
John
Is that still true? or is it a Belgian firm. I had a great breakfast this morning and a great adventure. It was so much fun to be walking through Gulu again.
I am having some internet problems, so I will end here
John
Finally at Gulu
We arrive in Gulu !!! So it is 6:50 a.m. and I have had my first cold shower at the house. I guess it will take a little getting used to because it was cold. Yowser. It was so fun to see Jamie and Margo and Sarah and some of the other people at the IC house. Jamie is now in charge of running the house, and he seems to have brought a lot of his joy and zest for each moment into the job. For those of you who saw the video of me leaving the front gate, you will remember Jamie as the narrator of that piece. “A beautiful day at the Invisible Children house. Enter John Magee.” I actually am located one bedroom away from where I was last year. The ride from Gulu we took in a 28 passenger van, so we had our 19 teachers and Amy and Catherine for the whole trip. It was a relatively uneventful trip, until we hit a guy on a bicycle. 2/3 of the way into the trip, a young man on a bicycle just cut across the road as we were probably going about 50 mph. All of us held our breath as in a split second we imagined the worst. The driver honked and slammed on the brakes, and the bicycle and the young man appeared as big as life in the front windshield of the bus. In the end, we probably clipped the back 4 inches of his bike, and all of us breathed a sigh of relief.
I sat on a jump seat, that had far less cushion as a regular seat, but I chose to endure butt pain for more leg room. We essentially sat 4 across without an aisle and it was a tight fit. I had Josh and Allison on one side, and Bre on the other side. Bre is a good friend of Angie G. from last year. We tried to watch the movie, “War Dance” but my battery died with about 10 minutes left in the movie, so we used our split head phones to share music on our iPods. It was a blast, we had a great dance party, and Bre has a great laugh and a great smile. We listened to Austin and the best Prince dance song ever. "Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and something something girls.
John
I sat on a jump seat, that had far less cushion as a regular seat, but I chose to endure butt pain for more leg room. We essentially sat 4 across without an aisle and it was a tight fit. I had Josh and Allison on one side, and Bre on the other side. Bre is a good friend of Angie G. from last year. We tried to watch the movie, “War Dance” but my battery died with about 10 minutes left in the movie, so we used our split head phones to share music on our iPods. It was a blast, we had a great dance party, and Bre has a great laugh and a great smile. We listened to Austin and the best Prince dance song ever. "Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and something something girls.
John
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Amelia and Tiffany
Yesterday morning we started the day, by attending the US Embassy and listening to several speakers and asking questions. Just as the meeting was about to start, we were joined by three friends. Two of them, Tiffany and Amelia, I had met and had several great conversations with last year.
For Annie G. and Molly C. and Kenzie and all the other students who want to do something in Africa or somewhere soon, Amelia epitomizes the "can-do" spirit of many over here making a difference. Amelia was the English teacher who last year, I met after she came in from the bush, she is teaching English at a school, a couple hours away from the main road. She saw a need and answered the call. She is teaching at a school and has accepted that her daily life is not easy, but bringing education to her students is very important to her. Btw, students she is on facebook,
and she would love to hear from you, and you can also see pictures of her work. I know you need her last name, but I will get that to you soon. **** (Amelia Hirsch) She was telling me that all of the students she has taught, have never seen a color crayon in their life. She is working soon in Nashville to raise money for these students and her school. She is going to combine students' artwork with a portrait picture of them, and sell them somewhere in the states. Again, she did not listen when the first four or five people told her "No., she could not do this." She just found a way to make a difference.
She was with Tiffany who is leaving this week after completing a two year assignment with Invisible Children in Uganda. I was telling both of them, about how I had shared Amelia's story with students who were passionate about getting here, passionate about making a difference in peoples' lives. Tiffany had a great point, she got a real "boring" degree, Accounting. Yet every NGO (non-government organization) needs "boring" people, etc. accountants, IT people, etc. And it was through her ability and education in accounting that she spent 2 years in Uganda---watching "the numbers" making a difference, putting cash in the debit column, and education and dreams in the credit column. Taking contributions from all of you who have contributed to and making sure this giving can build a sustainable model of education for Ugandans. Without the "boring" people like Tiffany children in Uganda would still be invisible, but with infrastructure and quarterly reports and income statements we now know their names Amos, and Jennifer, and Emmy, and ......
Shout out to all those accountants like Tiffany and teachers like Amelia
I am honored and humbled to share words and friendship with both of you,
John
For Annie G. and Molly C. and Kenzie and all the other students who want to do something in Africa or somewhere soon, Amelia epitomizes the "can-do" spirit of many over here making a difference. Amelia was the English teacher who last year, I met after she came in from the bush, she is teaching English at a school, a couple hours away from the main road. She saw a need and answered the call. She is teaching at a school and has accepted that her daily life is not easy, but bringing education to her students is very important to her. Btw, students she is on facebook,
and she would love to hear from you, and you can also see pictures of her work. I know you need her last name, but I will get that to you soon. **** (Amelia Hirsch) She was telling me that all of the students she has taught, have never seen a color crayon in their life. She is working soon in Nashville to raise money for these students and her school. She is going to combine students' artwork with a portrait picture of them, and sell them somewhere in the states. Again, she did not listen when the first four or five people told her "No., she could not do this." She just found a way to make a difference.
She was with Tiffany who is leaving this week after completing a two year assignment with Invisible Children in Uganda. I was telling both of them, about how I had shared Amelia's story with students who were passionate about getting here, passionate about making a difference in peoples' lives. Tiffany had a great point, she got a real "boring" degree, Accounting. Yet every NGO (non-government organization) needs "boring" people, etc. accountants, IT people, etc. And it was through her ability and education in accounting that she spent 2 years in Uganda---watching "the numbers" making a difference, putting cash in the debit column, and education and dreams in the credit column. Taking contributions from all of you who have contributed to and making sure this giving can build a sustainable model of education for Ugandans. Without the "boring" people like Tiffany children in Uganda would still be invisible, but with infrastructure and quarterly reports and income statements we now know their names Amos, and Jennifer, and Emmy, and ......
Shout out to all those accountants like Tiffany and teachers like Amelia
I am honored and humbled to share words and friendship with both of you,
John
More News Soon
Had the first night in Africa, visited Lubiri SS in Kampala today. It is funny, several of the teachers recognize me from last year. I wonder how that can be. Must be my good look????
I am with 18 new people so of course I told the Chicken joke with the dollar bill today, and also last night I had a bad dream. I dreamt I ate a 50 lb marshmallow and I woke up and my pillow was gone.
John
I am with 18 new people so of course I told the Chicken joke with the dollar bill today, and also last night I had a bad dream. I dreamt I ate a 50 lb marshmallow and I woke up and my pillow was gone.
John
Monday, June 23, 2008
How Many Throws Does It Take to Smash a Car Window with a brick
If you said less than 12, you would have been wrong? I don’t know if it is my brick throwing ability or my choice of bricks, but at 1:48 a.m. Friday night in St. Louis, I could not break into my car. After a whole day of packing, a printer (one of the things I missed in Uganda), 2 U of I basketballs, 1 soccer ball, iPod speakers made the cut. Left behind were a towel (I will buy one in Kampala), several shirts, and a lot of little stuff.
Any way after I packed everything, I realized I did not have my wallet. Apparently, It may have been in my car that I left behind at my house, and then when I got there, some BIG DUMMY had locked it. So luckily I had parked the car in complete darkness, I worked open the back window and was taking random (used correctly students) stabs searching for the unlock button in the back. I decided I needed light, so I got a lamp from upstairs, a long extension cord, etc. As I pulled the extension cord, for more length, I knocked over the light, so I had to get a new light bulb. Too bad it was not on videotape (so you could have chuckled at me). After getting the lamp, cord, and chair outside, the lamp did a very poor job of illuminating the inside of my car to help me see.
So then I went with screwdriver and hammer trying to break a window—no luck!!
I then picked up a brick from my patio and start trying to bang in a side window. Twelve pretty good marks, but no breakage. WTH!!! I then went into my house to look for more methods, found a BIC fireplace lighter, held that inside of the car, and found the unlock button after 10 or 12 swipes. A very nice sound, indeed. So no sleep on the night, before two hours of traveling. Oh well. TINA—This is Not Africa. I am now traveling with 18 wonderful people, 4 veterans and myself, and 14 rookies.
I am now in Kampala at the BackPacker's Youth Hostel. We just had our first meeting and everyone is really ready to get into this experience. It seems like a really good group of teachers,--different styles, different looks, different methods, but all of us seem real committed to do our very best in the next month. Amy, the teaching coordinator, just told me she has not seen Nyeko Alfred at Awere when she visited. This news makes me a little apprehensive, as it is very important to see my friend. Don't worry I will find him, and I also can't wait to see how much Amos, Isa, Geoffrey, etc. have grown over the last year.
I will write again soon, think good thoughts for me and friends, and I assure you I will be thinking about you, and all the greatness and kindness I have seen from all of you in the past year.
Your teacher, your friend, your brother,
John
Any way after I packed everything, I realized I did not have my wallet. Apparently, It may have been in my car that I left behind at my house, and then when I got there, some BIG DUMMY had locked it. So luckily I had parked the car in complete darkness, I worked open the back window and was taking random (used correctly students) stabs searching for the unlock button in the back. I decided I needed light, so I got a lamp from upstairs, a long extension cord, etc. As I pulled the extension cord, for more length, I knocked over the light, so I had to get a new light bulb. Too bad it was not on videotape (so you could have chuckled at me). After getting the lamp, cord, and chair outside, the lamp did a very poor job of illuminating the inside of my car to help me see.
So then I went with screwdriver and hammer trying to break a window—no luck!!
I then picked up a brick from my patio and start trying to bang in a side window. Twelve pretty good marks, but no breakage. WTH!!! I then went into my house to look for more methods, found a BIC fireplace lighter, held that inside of the car, and found the unlock button after 10 or 12 swipes. A very nice sound, indeed. So no sleep on the night, before two hours of traveling. Oh well. TINA—This is Not Africa. I am now traveling with 18 wonderful people, 4 veterans and myself, and 14 rookies.
I am now in Kampala at the BackPacker's Youth Hostel. We just had our first meeting and everyone is really ready to get into this experience. It seems like a really good group of teachers,--different styles, different looks, different methods, but all of us seem real committed to do our very best in the next month. Amy, the teaching coordinator, just told me she has not seen Nyeko Alfred at Awere when she visited. This news makes me a little apprehensive, as it is very important to see my friend. Don't worry I will find him, and I also can't wait to see how much Amos, Isa, Geoffrey, etc. have grown over the last year.
I will write again soon, think good thoughts for me and friends, and I assure you I will be thinking about you, and all the greatness and kindness I have seen from all of you in the past year.
Your teacher, your friend, your brother,
John
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Journey Begins Again
On Saturday morning at 5 am, I will begin the journey back to Northern Uganda, and my favorite city, Gulu. Of course, I will also visit my favorite village, Aloyo I Long, which roughly translates to "Man Who Pees Himself."
Although, I am 49 years old, and I am quite committed to helping solve the problems of poverty, disease, and hunger. There is part of me that still giggles at the last sentence in the last paragraph. If you know me, you know that this is true.
Last year, I went to Uganda with the financial support of so many friends and family. This year I am going with the kindness and lessons I have learned from so many of you.
This year, I go with the spirit and support of Phil Williams. He was my best friend, and each and every time I saw him--he made me feel special. Someone this year said at Mass, "That you find friends who remind you of what you like about yourself." I believe that is true, because I had a friend named Phil. I know that my 50 Biloxi students know that my friend Phil was there the entire week helping me and helping our group do our very best. The people of Gulu will never know Phil, know his laughter, know his kindness, know what a friend he was. So this year I go with that purpose, to spread his message, his love, and his friendship to all of the people who won't be lucky like me--- to have met, hugged, and laughed with Phil Williams.
I also go with the spirit of the Biloxi group. How can you have been on that trip and not feel that we can change the world? It is from that group, and all their little extra efforts that will remind me during the next 6 weeks, to always do a little bit more than my best. Giving them an 11 when 10 is perfect, might come from me, but it has it roots in all of you. And if I am able to do good on this trip, it is because of your efforts and your examples.
I go with the spirit of the Nerinx community, you are all so talented and so wonderful. And when I say great things about you as freshmen, go find the Seniors who I taught as freshmen in E 14, and ask them the great things they have already accomplished since they left freshment Algebra. I go with the kindness and the interest that so many of you shared with me after my presentation and slide show. Telling me that you too would be in Africa soon, making a difference. I believe you. My colleagues on the faculty who make me want to be a better teacher and a better man, through their examples and their kindness.
I go with the basketball tournament at Chaminade, and the Walk/Run at Parkway West, and the backyard basketball game in Oakville, I go with all of those good thoughts and good intentions, but mostly I go with the idea that all of those young people put ideas into action and from their action came results.
I go with great thoughts and wishes from friends I have known 30 years and smiles and handshakes from people who know me just from playing softball in the Blackthorn league. I go with the dreams of people who I have not met, but will follow my actions through this blog.
I go with the support of my family, 2 great sisters and a brother, and all three of them married great people!! I go with the well wishes of 7 nieces and 1 nephew, and 1 nephew who watches his uncle from above.
And I go with the support of my parents, who have taught me that faith is the most important thing we have. And who have shown me that example, daily for the last 40 years.
So thank you all, all of a sudden, my task seems quite easy.
John
Although, I am 49 years old, and I am quite committed to helping solve the problems of poverty, disease, and hunger. There is part of me that still giggles at the last sentence in the last paragraph. If you know me, you know that this is true.
Last year, I went to Uganda with the financial support of so many friends and family. This year I am going with the kindness and lessons I have learned from so many of you.
This year, I go with the spirit and support of Phil Williams. He was my best friend, and each and every time I saw him--he made me feel special. Someone this year said at Mass, "That you find friends who remind you of what you like about yourself." I believe that is true, because I had a friend named Phil. I know that my 50 Biloxi students know that my friend Phil was there the entire week helping me and helping our group do our very best. The people of Gulu will never know Phil, know his laughter, know his kindness, know what a friend he was. So this year I go with that purpose, to spread his message, his love, and his friendship to all of the people who won't be lucky like me--- to have met, hugged, and laughed with Phil Williams.
I also go with the spirit of the Biloxi group. How can you have been on that trip and not feel that we can change the world? It is from that group, and all their little extra efforts that will remind me during the next 6 weeks, to always do a little bit more than my best. Giving them an 11 when 10 is perfect, might come from me, but it has it roots in all of you. And if I am able to do good on this trip, it is because of your efforts and your examples.
I go with the spirit of the Nerinx community, you are all so talented and so wonderful. And when I say great things about you as freshmen, go find the Seniors who I taught as freshmen in E 14, and ask them the great things they have already accomplished since they left freshment Algebra. I go with the kindness and the interest that so many of you shared with me after my presentation and slide show. Telling me that you too would be in Africa soon, making a difference. I believe you. My colleagues on the faculty who make me want to be a better teacher and a better man, through their examples and their kindness.
I go with the basketball tournament at Chaminade, and the Walk/Run at Parkway West, and the backyard basketball game in Oakville, I go with all of those good thoughts and good intentions, but mostly I go with the idea that all of those young people put ideas into action and from their action came results.
I go with great thoughts and wishes from friends I have known 30 years and smiles and handshakes from people who know me just from playing softball in the Blackthorn league. I go with the dreams of people who I have not met, but will follow my actions through this blog.
I go with the support of my family, 2 great sisters and a brother, and all three of them married great people!! I go with the well wishes of 7 nieces and 1 nephew, and 1 nephew who watches his uncle from above.
And I go with the support of my parents, who have taught me that faith is the most important thing we have. And who have shown me that example, daily for the last 40 years.
So thank you all, all of a sudden, my task seems quite easy.
John
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