I like to stop in New York and go see a Broadway play or a play and a Yankee game like last year. This year my flight was getting in at 730 pm, and with customs and all..... So when Ed Poth posed that I could spent the evening at his brother's parish, I was thinking sleep and free, yippee!!!!
It turned out to be much more than that. First, I had a short connection time in London (only an hour and five minutes), as the plane took longer and longer to get to the gate, I started to get nervous, not only would I miss my connection, but I would also not get my exit row seat on the next flight....OUCH. So I sweet talked the flight attendant, got to 2nd in line when the door came open and ran through Heathrow. They have individual walkways and we were at the end, so I literally ran half a mile, and then to Security Point B, where I had to almost strip and start running again, but then I got to the gate, and the gate agent said she was sorry. I said, "I missed it?" and she said, "No, sir, we have not begun boarding yet." So I was on the flight. Again the flight time from Entebbe to JFK was 5 hours less this year, but after back to back flights, I was very uncomfortable when I got to JFK. It was a real pleasure to see Fr. Tom and his deacon waiting for me. It is always these small favors at the right time that seem the best to me. They asked if I wanted food, and I said no, and we arrived at the rectory 5 minutes later, they are close to JFK. Soon Tom let me use his phone to contact Allison Chavanon and check in with home. While I was making those calls in his office, I jumped on Yahoo and again "saw" my Cardinals winning live. Both calls went great, and back to the living room, where I watched Baseball Tonight after they had gone to bed. It was great. I tried to stay asleep as long as possible and made it to 5 am NY time, so I feel good about tonight.
I had made plans to go with Father Tom to 845 mass the next morning. His parish, St. Mary's Gate of Heaven in Queens has Mass in a small chapel just like my dad and mom attend every morning in St. Louis at St. Dominic's. I think with the time zone change, both Masses might have been going on at the same time---spiritual mojo. Anyway, Father Tom was very gracious in introducing me and telling his parishioners what I was doing. It was a great Mass, Gate of Heaven is an old Italian neighborhood in Queens that now is bustling with many new immigrants and many new nationalities.
The reading was about the shepherd who chases the lost sheep out of 100, while the other 99 are safe. Father Tom honored me by tying in this reading with my work at Invisible Children. His line to close the sermon was we should all "Make the invisible, visible in our hearts." It was a wonderful way to put an epilogue on this trip.
Allison Chavanon and her boyfriend Jeff picked me up from Father Tom's from Jersey, and he suggested a Cuban restaurant down the street. We walked and it was fantastic, got to meet Jeff for the first time, and Allison and I renewed some 2008 Africa stories while talking about this year. It was funny during our conversations the night before, we got disconnected because her cell phone died. I tried to call her, but she just dialed me back on a different phone on the number I was calling from... Father Tom answered the phone, "Gates of Heaven", and then found me and handed me the phone. Allison was laughing and asked, "Did I just call heaven?"
Finally, got to JFK in plenty of time, when Michelle called my name, so know instead of thinking what am I going to do for more than an hour, I was able to write this.
My goal for the next month is to try to live by Father Tom's words, "I want to make all the invisibles (the poor, the hungry, the shy freshman, the forgotten), visible in my heart.
So thanks to Father Tom and all the kind parishioners and staff, Allison and Jeff, and to Michelle, it was a great Quinn Martin epilogue (don't worry youngsters you are not supposed to understand that last joke).
John
Walk to Atanga SS
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Time in Uganda OR Why Tom Magee's Head would explode.
Time in Africa is really kind of an elusive concept. I have pen pal letters from Atanga SS this year and I am trying to collect them for some of my students who wrote to Gulu SS last year. But..
On Thursday, I showed up to meet the Senior 3 students at 11:40 because their 10 o'clock exam would be over at noon, and I wanted to make sure I did not miss anyone.
I got there on time, but soon discovered that the exam had started at least an hour late, and it was not until 1250 or so before I actually got to talk to students. I told them, I could come again tomorrow, because many had forgotten their letters. I had talked to them about it last week, so that seemed reasonable, plus it is exam week.
So today, I was planning on showing up at 845 so I could catch them before their 9 o'clock scheduled final. I got there at 825, but they had all started their final.. more than 400 students 45 minutes early. I eventually got some letters to specific people Claire Meyer, Haley Hunter, Rachel Kuehnle, 2 for Libby Harbaugn, so get excited....
time is almost up gotta go
racing to post this before connection is lost\
John
On Thursday, I showed up to meet the Senior 3 students at 11:40 because their 10 o'clock exam would be over at noon, and I wanted to make sure I did not miss anyone.
I got there on time, but soon discovered that the exam had started at least an hour late, and it was not until 1250 or so before I actually got to talk to students. I told them, I could come again tomorrow, because many had forgotten their letters. I had talked to them about it last week, so that seemed reasonable, plus it is exam week.
So today, I was planning on showing up at 845 so I could catch them before their 9 o'clock scheduled final. I got there at 825, but they had all started their final.. more than 400 students 45 minutes early. I eventually got some letters to specific people Claire Meyer, Haley Hunter, Rachel Kuehnle, 2 for Libby Harbaugn, so get excited....
time is almost up gotta go
racing to post this before connection is lost\
John
Thursday, August 6, 2009
4 New Pictures
I finally got a camera cord! Check out the new photos. Blogging might be limited, but I will be home Tuesday night and will write some more then or just tell you about it.
John
ALSO CLICK ON THE PICTURE OF ALLISON AND AMELIA TO SEE THEIR JEWELRY AND THE STORY OF THE WOMEN THEY ARE HELPING.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Grace in Gulu
On Monday night, while 6 of the teachers huddled around a laptop to watch a documentary about Idi Amin (really just film clips of his life), another group was in the next room discussing religion and faith and why man chooses to do good. After the movie was over, I came into this room to listen. It was a great intellectual conversation with many teachers and one of the IC staff debating and analyzing some pretty heavy thoughts. It was the kind of conversation that a slightly younger John Magee would have battled to be a part of, I would have tried my best to convince them of the wisdom of my thoughts.
Age is a funny thing, most of the times on this trip, I am like the Ugliest Dachsund, the Disney Classic. I am an old man, in a big great dane's body convinced I am still a dachsund and in my twenties. I felt that way at Fort Patika, as even Sweetie in her plastic shoes and dress was able to ascend higher on the mountain than this one. And then there was the time when Bill's partner teacher and I were having this great conversation. He told me I was more than a brother to him (ha! maybe he should have stopped there) , I was like a father to him. But there are also times, most times in fact, where I treasure my vast wealth of experiences the stories I know, the friends I have made, and the friends I have lost.
It was in this context that I just listened, kind of reading an autobiography of Sam Cooke, but mostly listening. The concept of grace came up, and the one teacher went looking for a dictionary because none of the participants had a real good definition of grace. One said it was receiving something that you truly don't deserve. One teacher got on her laptop and told us the Apple definition of grace. I went to bed Monday night thinking about grace, or really Grace.
Tuesday was a busy day, with much to do. I went into Gulu SS and tried to collect pen pal letters, but there concentration is all on their finals. (GOOD). But one student had a letter for Maggie Herr, and I pulled out my camera to show them pictures of Maggie and the rest of the Biloxi crew. They were amazed at the interior construction pictures. I then went to the internet cafe, see yesterday's post, went to Kope Cafe and of course waited an hour for my food, boda-ed to the IC office to save on a spreadsheet the survey results of 80 students and 14 faculty from Atanga SS. Finishing just in time to go back, grab batteries for the Awere Hip-Hop Club meeting.
At Awere, I was warmly greeted by the faculty and the head teacher, Matthew. Blake, a teacher of Awere in year 2, joined me and we went to a concrete floor building to watch these students dance, rap, and where they showed us the song they are working on writing that has equal parts English and Lwo. It was great, I have videos!!!! Lauren, Abby, and Joanna I hope you are reading this, you have a core group that is really running with your ideas. Blake is trying to download beats for them to use in this group.
I was meeting Henry, my Gulu SS partner at 7 pm, so at 5:30 p.m. it was into town with Odong Collins Otika to grab cold water and look for a wedding card, as I think Henry is getting married on Saturday--- if the response from the bride's family comes in time! I found a very ornamental card with sequins and glitter that I chose out of 5 similar cards (Henry loved the card and cherished it later that night as we parted ways). Collins and I walked back to the IC house and I gave him the light up frisbee I had bought for the trip, but not really used. Now 25 minutes to dinner, I was sweating and rushed. Doreen's dinner looked good so I had some of the Chapati Chicken Burrito kind of thing. Still sweating, still rushed, and then I thought.....
I asked 2 of the teachers who were talking about Grace to follow me. We walked out the front gate, took a left, where a choir was practicing beyond the wall of St. Kizito counseling center. ("Free counseling all the time-you are welcome", reads their sign in front). We walked past a few small huts with children yelling munu and asking us "How are you?!!". I exchange Apwoyos with an old woman carrying some food. Including an Apwoyo Bah as a sign of respect. We passed by the barb-wired compound of some primary school where over 100 children were lining up for a dinner of posho. Their smiles and calls to us were great. One of the young boys, who did not fear, raised a fist in the air with an exaggerated walk. I mimicked his style and we shared a great laugh. ....
Through more huts, exchanging smiles and greetings with everyone we met. It was now past time to go, but wait just a little bit more....slow down... this walk is good. As we turned to walk back, there it was the Northern Uganda sunset peeking through the trees with bright and soft colors at the same time--oranges, and blues, and maybe a little bit of purple. In the foreground, was a simple village.
I was not sure that I would be able to find it when I started the walk, but I was pretty sure.
It usually happens in these small villages on slow walks of this type.
Somewhere in this fifteen minutes, was the Grace that was so elusive the night before. It might have been in the laughter of the toddlers, running on uncertain legs to greet the white people. It might have been in the gap toothed smile of the old woman, smiling a little more after our exchange of greetings. It might have been in the raised fists of the primary boys or their exaggerated kung fu moves, or it may have been in the sunset.
Finding Grace in Gulu,
John
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Opiyo Charles and Oketayot John
I have now been sitting in an internet cafe for more than an hour....the pages load slow with two students that I taught last year at Gulu SS. John found me in the street last week and told me that he was sorry that he did not get a letter from a Nerinx student. So immediately thanks to the internet, I was able to track down that student send her an email, and she wrote a letter to me which I printed out for 500/= . John really liked the letter ---so thanks to Maureen O. and everyone who helped track her down. Charles is looking to hear again from Kate Scott, so if anyone can find her in the next day have her email me a letter.
SORRY ABOUT THE LAST POST, I DID NOT INCLUDE THE STORY ABOUT THE 2 LITTLE CHILDREN, BUT THAT WILL HAVE TO WAIT.
So today, let me introduce all of you to Opiyo Charles, who is an S.3. student at Gulu SS. Charles is a prefect which is a combination of STUCO officer and Dean of Students. His official title is Assistant Information. His jobs include sending and receiving information from the students to the students and teachers. His favorite subject at Gulu SS is Biology. At Gulu SS, this is Charles 3rd year of Biology. Charles would like to hear from more American students. If you would like to write to him, you can give me a lettter or email him at charlesopiyo31@yahoo.com. Like all students here the internet is expensive and Charles will have limited access to his account.
Secondly, sitting to my left is Oketayot John, who is also an S.3. student at Gulu SS. He is not ready to tell you anything right now, because I have just put him on the spot. But his favorite subject in school is Chemistry. Both John and Charles are taking their third year of Chemistry this year, they just finished a 2nd trimester examination on Geography. John's email address is johnaug14@yahoo.com.
Not much else to say, I was told I looked smart today when I visited Gulu. I have a brand new hand made tie that I got in the market. BTW, smart means handsome or good-looking.....
See you all soon,
John
SORRY ABOUT THE LAST POST, I DID NOT INCLUDE THE STORY ABOUT THE 2 LITTLE CHILDREN, BUT THAT WILL HAVE TO WAIT.
So today, let me introduce all of you to Opiyo Charles, who is an S.3. student at Gulu SS. Charles is a prefect which is a combination of STUCO officer and Dean of Students. His official title is Assistant Information. His jobs include sending and receiving information from the students to the students and teachers. His favorite subject at Gulu SS is Biology. At Gulu SS, this is Charles 3rd year of Biology. Charles would like to hear from more American students. If you would like to write to him, you can give me a lettter or email him at charlesopiyo31@yahoo.com. Like all students here the internet is expensive and Charles will have limited access to his account.
Secondly, sitting to my left is Oketayot John, who is also an S.3. student at Gulu SS. He is not ready to tell you anything right now, because I have just put him on the spot. But his favorite subject in school is Chemistry. Both John and Charles are taking their third year of Chemistry this year, they just finished a 2nd trimester examination on Geography. John's email address is johnaug14@yahoo.com.
Not much else to say, I was told I looked smart today when I visited Gulu. I have a brand new hand made tie that I got in the market. BTW, smart means handsome or good-looking.....
See you all soon,
John
Monday, August 3, 2009
2 small children and photocopying
Just trying to wrap up a few loose ends. One of them I had to xerox 4 sheets of paper. It took me about 2 hours and 3 different photocopying shops and still do not have what I would consider fair qualities. In this bustling metropolis known as Gulu, I think most of the people, business wise, who need computers and xeroxes have great machines, while the photocopying shops deal with those that may only need a copy or two. Including it always seems people applying for some job or university application. Aha! There is a great idea, I think for a new NGO, just a place with modern computers, good printers, and good xerox machines to help those that are trying to help themselves.
I also went to the post office for the first time in 3 years, I have picked up 100,000/= in stamps to help facilitate the pen pal program, that although it has many kinks, I think is getting better every year.
Went to dinner with Eric, Kelly, Morgan, and Katie last night. We went to the new Chinese place some of the IC people have discovered. Their onion rings were great and I had to try the Obama mixed fried rice special. They also had some kind of hot sauce with peppers that I tried on my onion rings. It knocked me out !!! Not since, the cajun sauce at JC's insurance man party 10 ?? years ago has my mouth been on this much of a fire. I had to act tough, kind of, because of the three women. Kelly M. has actually shot and killed a bear in her life--so we know she is tough. Although, she did let on to some of the teachers that the bear was actually smaller than John Magee.
Big rainstorm last night, and the power kept going in and out, but I read a little bit from a book on Sam Cooke and tried to tackle a 16 x 16 Sudoku from the Kampala paper. This is my third weekly attempt, and after 4+ hours each time, I realized I had a fatal error, so I am trying again, some 3 or 4 hours in to finish this one,.....but I really want to know if anyone in the whole country of Uganda is completing these puzzles.
Should have got pictures up today, but I am at the mercy of others with camera cords and so forth, and it did not happen today.
John
I also went to the post office for the first time in 3 years, I have picked up 100,000/= in stamps to help facilitate the pen pal program, that although it has many kinks, I think is getting better every year.
Went to dinner with Eric, Kelly, Morgan, and Katie last night. We went to the new Chinese place some of the IC people have discovered. Their onion rings were great and I had to try the Obama mixed fried rice special. They also had some kind of hot sauce with peppers that I tried on my onion rings. It knocked me out !!! Not since, the cajun sauce at JC's insurance man party 10 ?? years ago has my mouth been on this much of a fire. I had to act tough, kind of, because of the three women. Kelly M. has actually shot and killed a bear in her life--so we know she is tough. Although, she did let on to some of the teachers that the bear was actually smaller than John Magee.
Big rainstorm last night, and the power kept going in and out, but I read a little bit from a book on Sam Cooke and tried to tackle a 16 x 16 Sudoku from the Kampala paper. This is my third weekly attempt, and after 4+ hours each time, I realized I had a fatal error, so I am trying again, some 3 or 4 hours in to finish this one,.....but I really want to know if anyone in the whole country of Uganda is completing these puzzles.
Should have got pictures up today, but I am at the mercy of others with camera cords and so forth, and it did not happen today.
John
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Lazy Saturday in Gulu
I met my teaching partner from the first year Nyeko Alfred at the bus park in Gulu.I was going there to pick up a few papers from Atanga SS. At first, I did not know if I was looking for a bus or a mutatu (van taxi), but the barkers from the bus lines did their best to get me on a bus somewhere. Even with Alfred there, they were very persistent in getting me on a vehicle, even though I did not want to go anywhere. The one actually said I should wait for my package inside his vehicle. Don't know where it was going, but he thought it would be a good place to wait. I declined his generous offer, I did not want to go to some strange city.
Alfred and I waited, got the package, and then went to Hotel Roma for some water. It was a great visit. Alfred told me his plans for the future, and we discussed his further studies. I am now at the Acholi Inn, because the power has been out in town for almost a day, and I figured this western style hotel would have a way to get on the internet. They also have a pool which I might be coming back to later today. This has been a long trip and I am ready to come home, I have I think all of my gifts bought, and just a few details to sew up. I have probably never wanted to sit in the bleachers at a Cards game more.....
I am going to take care of some business for Alfred, so I am going to sign off.
John
Alfred and I waited, got the package, and then went to Hotel Roma for some water. It was a great visit. Alfred told me his plans for the future, and we discussed his further studies. I am now at the Acholi Inn, because the power has been out in town for almost a day, and I figured this western style hotel would have a way to get on the internet. They also have a pool which I might be coming back to later today. This has been a long trip and I am ready to come home, I have I think all of my gifts bought, and just a few details to sew up. I have probably never wanted to sit in the bleachers at a Cards game more.....
I am going to take care of some business for Alfred, so I am going to sign off.
John
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Last full saturday in Gulu
After a night of Beer Olympics organized by Darren and Michelle, I have come to Gulu to check the internet (nice victory last night Cardinals), return a case of beer for 30,000 /=, and go pick up the gifts I had made for the 11 returning Biloxi veterans. Nyeko Alfred, I believe is probably riding his bike 4 hours to see me as I type this.
So no big drama, no boda crashes or anything like that. It was a great night spent with my new friends last night. A lot of laughter and so forth. I just realize, I have nothing to say so I guess you will all have to wait until tomorrow. I will be getting up early for Mass with the students at Gulu High, a fantastic way to end my final week. I cannot wait to see all of you.
John
So no big drama, no boda crashes or anything like that. It was a great night spent with my new friends last night. A lot of laughter and so forth. I just realize, I have nothing to say so I guess you will all have to wait until tomorrow. I will be getting up early for Mass with the students at Gulu High, a fantastic way to end my final week. I cannot wait to see all of you.
John
Friday, July 31, 2009
Talking to People
Today, I decided the best thing for my body was to walk into town, probably about a 25 minute walk. Yesterday, Darren and I went into town to get 2 cases of beer for a party we are having tonight. It is a little tricky, but you put the case on your thigh and tell the boda boda driver to go slow. Unfortunately, if you have an insane boda boda driver, then big people bounce off roads. Although, I told him about 7 times to slow down, he decided to pass another boda on Juba road in front of Prison primary. The beer crate did not clear the other boda and his handlebars hit the crate. Lucky for all that he did not crash. More, "Mot, Mot," from me did not slow him down. So when we hit the IC road, I fell off the back with the case of beer. Me falling off put the bike into a wheelie and the driver soon fell off. By now, the driver he had hit was screaming at him in Lwo. And Darren's driver was also shaking his head about this one. As I was falling off the back, my calf hit the brake light structure (wrought iron metal) and tore my pants, and cut my leg. By the way, mom I am fine, just a little sore.
So that was just the preamble, as I decided to walk to stretch out my calf, I was joined by a young student from Gulu High, an S.2. student he had been sent home because his hair was a quarter of an inch long, and that is too long for most schools. He was going to go home, get money for the barber, and go get a haircut. We had a great conversation. Reminding me again in this town, Gulu, or that town, Atanga (actually Lakecayot), I can talk with total strangers all the time. It is my vow this year to have more conversations with total strangers, and ask them about their life.
I believe it is a just a more pleasant way to live.
Okay Cardinals 3 out of 4 from Dodgers is good, let's win the series against the Astros.
John
btw, finished third in the quiz night with all of the Mzungus last night. Did not know the play Lincoln was watching when he was shot.
So that was just the preamble, as I decided to walk to stretch out my calf, I was joined by a young student from Gulu High, an S.2. student he had been sent home because his hair was a quarter of an inch long, and that is too long for most schools. He was going to go home, get money for the barber, and go get a haircut. We had a great conversation. Reminding me again in this town, Gulu, or that town, Atanga (actually Lakecayot), I can talk with total strangers all the time. It is my vow this year to have more conversations with total strangers, and ask them about their life.
I believe it is a just a more pleasant way to live.
Okay Cardinals 3 out of 4 from Dodgers is good, let's win the series against the Astros.
John
btw, finished third in the quiz night with all of the Mzungus last night. Did not know the play Lincoln was watching when he was shot.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Amelia and Allison
On the rafting trip to Jinja, I looked up at the bar and standing there was one of my favorite people who helps Ugandans do more--Amelia. Many Nerinx students will remember that I highlighted Amelia and her achievements in my speech to the National Honor Society. She is small of stature, but large of heart, and continually amazes me with her efforts and her new projects. I was also excited because Amelia and Allison who is working with Amelia were headed to Gulu. I immediately offered lunch as a bribe to hear about their new venture.
Upon returning Monday to Gulu, I texted Amelia to see when lunch might happen. She told me that both her and Allison were in the hospital in Jinja as they had contracted Malaria. It was the first time for Allison, who has only been in Uganda for a month, but the third time! for our seasoned pro, Amelia. Either way, I was saddened that my friends were having a hard time. Today, I joined the two of them at Cafe Larem, for a little relaxation. It was great, because Amelia and Allison had a great conversation with Rita, the wife of the Rita and Justin team, that owns Cafe Larem. It was a great conversation and just reminded me of how many Americans and others are here willing to share their time and their talents to help others. Justin and Rita (a young married couple out of Austin) have opened this espresso bar, internet cafe, and chocolate chip cookie outlet in the middle of Gulu. They welcome each visitor like they have known you all of their life. Their friendliness connects a lot of great people here. BTW, Larem is Lwo for Friendship. Cafe Friendship.
So what can you do? Aaaaaaaah! I have a real simple answer. Go to www.nuintentions.com and read about what they are trying to do, and it might help if you bought a pair of earrings or two or three. Nuintentions stands for Northern Uganda Intentions.
If you are reading this and are 16 years old or 19 years old or 22 years old and someone has still convinced that young women are not going to change our world.----then you have not met the people I know. I am in the internet cafe, Cafe Larem, right now and there are 13 women here all working in different projects compared to only me and One American male.
Remember my students and former students, Believe in yourself. And know that I believe in you. And if you ever need to see the definition of an empowered woman, fly to New York, take a flight to London, then fly in to Entebbe, take a mutatu 5 hours north to Gulu, hop on a boda boda, and have them take you to Cafe Larem. You will not be disappointed.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Nerinx Student Dedicating a Year to Invisible Children
Becky Dale, Nerinx alum, and phenomenally great kid has decided to take a leave of absence from Mizzou to spend a year helping Invisible Children as a roadie.
I could describe Becky, but her words are so much better than mine.
Here is why she describes she is doing what she is doing.
"There's a great big world out there. It's a beautiful world filled with the laughter of children and the spray of water crashing on rocks and creatures yet undiscovered stalking through the underbrush of some long-forgotten rainforest. It's a sad world filled with the uncomforted tears of mothers and the hatred of brothers and the accidents of those who throw caution to the wind. It's an exciting world filled with wonder and adventure and incredible impossibilities. I love that world.
I am here to learn--to see the majesty of that world wherever I am, to hear the words and the stories of the people who walk it, to recognize the similarities between us.
I am here to face a challenge--a personal challenge to keep fighting, a greater challenge to promote change, even greater to inspire.
I am here because I was changed and challenged years ago. I was shown a beautiful world so different from my own and invited to be a part of it. I am here to join that world making it a part of who I am and to share it with everyone I meet.
I am here to love and to hopefully bring peace.
Like I said--pretty amazing.. My prayers are with you my friend.
John
Here is the link to her site
I could describe Becky, but her words are so much better than mine.
Here is why she describes she is doing what she is doing.
"There's a great big world out there. It's a beautiful world filled with the laughter of children and the spray of water crashing on rocks and creatures yet undiscovered stalking through the underbrush of some long-forgotten rainforest. It's a sad world filled with the uncomforted tears of mothers and the hatred of brothers and the accidents of those who throw caution to the wind. It's an exciting world filled with wonder and adventure and incredible impossibilities. I love that world.
I am here to learn--to see the majesty of that world wherever I am, to hear the words and the stories of the people who walk it, to recognize the similarities between us.
I am here to face a challenge--a personal challenge to keep fighting, a greater challenge to promote change, even greater to inspire.
I am here because I was changed and challenged years ago. I was shown a beautiful world so different from my own and invited to be a part of it. I am here to join that world making it a part of who I am and to share it with everyone I meet.
I am here to love and to hopefully bring peace.
Like I said--pretty amazing.. My prayers are with you my friend.
John
Here is the link to her site
http://roadiefall09.blogspot.com/
A Tale of Two Grandpas
Started catching up with old friends in Gulu. I called Odawa Henry and arranged to meet him for supper. We met at the Moonset Dairy in Gulu and started walking west and finally decided to eat at Diana Gardens, a buffet style place with Acholi food, and an outdoor garden feel to it. As we came in, we saw many men gathered around 2 pool tables. All of a sudden, many bars and restaurants in Gulu have pool tables and they are a very popular item. I don't really know how they were transported here, or if they are slate tables, and if they are how did the slate not get cracked on some of the roads here. Anyway, back to the supper.....
Henry and I talked for 2 hours, he told me that he had gone to Kitgum to have his family send a letter to the family of the woman he wants to marry. Surprisingly on that trip to Kitgum, 3 hour ride on a motorbike, I happened to be out on the road, as I was leaving Atanga. I actually heard his voice before I saw him. He was decked out in the Budweiser Racing jacket that Frank Hellwig had helped me get for him. Little did I know that this was such an important journey for him.
He is planning to get married on the day I leave Uganda, but has still not received a reply from the fiancee's family. I will try to keep you tuned in to new developments. We had a great supper with rice, irish potatoes, boiled cabbage, and good chicken. It was a great night. Henry has worked hard to get his University degree from Gulu University and is quite proud of it. And I am quite proud also of my friend's hard work. We started talking about families and I told him about my grandfather who worked 50 years at South Side National Bank and went from messenger boy to Chairman of the Board with just a lot of hard work. I see some of these examples happening in Uganda through new opportunities in education. I think there will be some wonderful stories coming out of Uganda with amazing people. Henry told me that his grandfather use to tell them wonderful stories when he was growing up. He would tell them about going out to hunt elephants, and one time he decided to get into a boxing match with an elephant. Henry told me that they all loved that story. Boxing an elephant, sounds like a wonderful story. Would have loved to hear that one.
Nearing the end,
John
Henry and I talked for 2 hours, he told me that he had gone to Kitgum to have his family send a letter to the family of the woman he wants to marry. Surprisingly on that trip to Kitgum, 3 hour ride on a motorbike, I happened to be out on the road, as I was leaving Atanga. I actually heard his voice before I saw him. He was decked out in the Budweiser Racing jacket that Frank Hellwig had helped me get for him. Little did I know that this was such an important journey for him.
He is planning to get married on the day I leave Uganda, but has still not received a reply from the fiancee's family. I will try to keep you tuned in to new developments. We had a great supper with rice, irish potatoes, boiled cabbage, and good chicken. It was a great night. Henry has worked hard to get his University degree from Gulu University and is quite proud of it. And I am quite proud also of my friend's hard work. We started talking about families and I told him about my grandfather who worked 50 years at South Side National Bank and went from messenger boy to Chairman of the Board with just a lot of hard work. I see some of these examples happening in Uganda through new opportunities in education. I think there will be some wonderful stories coming out of Uganda with amazing people. Henry told me that his grandfather use to tell them wonderful stories when he was growing up. He would tell them about going out to hunt elephants, and one time he decided to get into a boxing match with an elephant. Henry told me that they all loved that story. Boxing an elephant, sounds like a wonderful story. Would have loved to hear that one.
Nearing the end,
John
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Cost of Love--Current Exchange Rates
My friend Odong Collins Otika, was waiting for me outside the gate of the IC intern house, as I woke up from a much needed nap after too little sleep in Kampala and the sizzling prawns doing battle with the 3 immodium for control of my body. When it comes to this subject, I usually try to keep my system aligned with Newton's first law of motion--- a body at rest tends to stay at rest.
Any way back to Collins, he told me that he was sent home from Awere SS, because his school fees were not paid. He was there in blue slacks, a great Awere sleeveless sweater, and a silver color watch. Everything about him looked smart. (Smart here means a sharp dressed man or woman). There was just one problem, it was Monday 2 days before exams and he was not in school.
I made plans to meet him today at 8 a.m. outside the IC house. Had a good night's sleep, decided to go with middle bunk instead of lower one, shaved my beard, and had a great Dorene supper. This morning, Collins and I met and started the walk from the IC house to Awere. I told him that this 15 minute walk is my favorite in all of Africa.
You start at the IC house,and are often greeted by the little ones yelling Munu from across the street. You cross a busy road as Gulu is waking up and becoming this enormously busy city. You see Prison primary and the tremendous amount of students heading there for school. (Trisha, Adam, and all the other T/EX alums--Prison Primary has a new fence, and a brand new coat of bright yellow paint--It actually looks good). Walked by the Prison Primary latrine, still the worst smell in Africa, but today that awful smell had so much nostalgia in it--that it well, how can I say ---It still stank!!!
Then the bore hole, and many people working hard to get water for the day. Past the tree, where the old man watched over the bore hole, with a 3-legged chair in 2007. And then my favorite, whole families on one motor bike, the pre-schooler on the handlebars with the brightly colored student uniform, dad manning the bike, little brother in his shorts and no shoes smiling impishly at me as they pass, and older sister smiling too, but smiling in a way that she knew the world she was entering into was full of promise for young women--A Uganda, and a world that would be much different for her than her mother. And the motorbikes and the families keep rolling over bumpy, mud roads. Now through Aloyo I Long (sp?)--or in English translation, "(Man with) Urine in Trousers"....still the funniest name, I have ever heard for a village, but people working hard, each sweeping a dirt road with branches, to make sure that their little 4 square meter patch in front of their store was clean. And finally up the hill and up the path, and there it is Awere SS, my first love. (And I think the first love of Abby (pronounced here Obby), Lauren, and Joanna). A place where in the worst of conditions over the last decade, hope has been kept alive, the education of young men and women remains, and teachers and head teachers work hard to keep their students reaching.
Collins and I arrived at school after this great walk.
The head teacher was not there yet, so I walked into the staff room to greet the faculty. Boniface, the deputy was there, of course he was smiling, and so was Komakech and a few other familiar faces. Matthew, the head teacher, soon showed up on his motorbike in a 3 piece suit and the Bursar also showed. Brief greetings with Matthew, and then to the business at hand. Collins needed 58,000 Ugandan shillings (58,000 /=) to take his exams for the second term, and a like amount was also needed for the third term. The itemized receipt told me it was 36,000/= for PTA (maybe the need to pay PTA teachers not funded by the government), 10,000/= for B/Fund (maybe books, I don't know), 4,000/= for games, 3000/= for ID Card, and 5000/= for others. All told 116,000 /= for two terms or $53 for 2/3 of the school year.
As I was thinking of converting this to American money, I was thinking about the price of love. At Awere SS, It takes about $78 to "love" your kid for a year, by giving the gift of education. Whereas, at Nerinx does that mean our parents "love" their kids 128 times more? Maybe it just means, that a pretty special group of parents are making sacrifices to make sure that their daughters, special kids themselves, are doing whatever it takes. Just like the parents of Collins, or Ronald, or Martin, or Samuel Baker--- but somehow the best they can do is sadly not enough, and buying casava in the market is a much more pressing need then education.
Or maybe, I am just wondering why if education can be bought for $78 a year, why isn't our world making sure this happens first?
So today, maybe my final thoughts is to thank those that love you, and pray for those that need help "loving" their children.
Still thinking and trying my best to find solutions to problems,
John
Any way back to Collins, he told me that he was sent home from Awere SS, because his school fees were not paid. He was there in blue slacks, a great Awere sleeveless sweater, and a silver color watch. Everything about him looked smart. (Smart here means a sharp dressed man or woman). There was just one problem, it was Monday 2 days before exams and he was not in school.
I made plans to meet him today at 8 a.m. outside the IC house. Had a good night's sleep, decided to go with middle bunk instead of lower one, shaved my beard, and had a great Dorene supper. This morning, Collins and I met and started the walk from the IC house to Awere. I told him that this 15 minute walk is my favorite in all of Africa.
You start at the IC house,and are often greeted by the little ones yelling Munu from across the street. You cross a busy road as Gulu is waking up and becoming this enormously busy city. You see Prison primary and the tremendous amount of students heading there for school. (Trisha, Adam, and all the other T/EX alums--Prison Primary has a new fence, and a brand new coat of bright yellow paint--It actually looks good). Walked by the Prison Primary latrine, still the worst smell in Africa, but today that awful smell had so much nostalgia in it--that it well, how can I say ---It still stank!!!
Then the bore hole, and many people working hard to get water for the day. Past the tree, where the old man watched over the bore hole, with a 3-legged chair in 2007. And then my favorite, whole families on one motor bike, the pre-schooler on the handlebars with the brightly colored student uniform, dad manning the bike, little brother in his shorts and no shoes smiling impishly at me as they pass, and older sister smiling too, but smiling in a way that she knew the world she was entering into was full of promise for young women--A Uganda, and a world that would be much different for her than her mother. And the motorbikes and the families keep rolling over bumpy, mud roads. Now through Aloyo I Long (sp?)--or in English translation, "(Man with) Urine in Trousers"....still the funniest name, I have ever heard for a village, but people working hard, each sweeping a dirt road with branches, to make sure that their little 4 square meter patch in front of their store was clean. And finally up the hill and up the path, and there it is Awere SS, my first love. (And I think the first love of Abby (pronounced here Obby), Lauren, and Joanna). A place where in the worst of conditions over the last decade, hope has been kept alive, the education of young men and women remains, and teachers and head teachers work hard to keep their students reaching.
Collins and I arrived at school after this great walk.
The head teacher was not there yet, so I walked into the staff room to greet the faculty. Boniface, the deputy was there, of course he was smiling, and so was Komakech and a few other familiar faces. Matthew, the head teacher, soon showed up on his motorbike in a 3 piece suit and the Bursar also showed. Brief greetings with Matthew, and then to the business at hand. Collins needed 58,000 Ugandan shillings (58,000 /=) to take his exams for the second term, and a like amount was also needed for the third term. The itemized receipt told me it was 36,000/= for PTA (maybe the need to pay PTA teachers not funded by the government), 10,000/= for B/Fund (maybe books, I don't know), 4,000/= for games, 3000/= for ID Card, and 5000/= for others. All told 116,000 /= for two terms or $53 for 2/3 of the school year.
As I was thinking of converting this to American money, I was thinking about the price of love. At Awere SS, It takes about $78 to "love" your kid for a year, by giving the gift of education. Whereas, at Nerinx does that mean our parents "love" their kids 128 times more? Maybe it just means, that a pretty special group of parents are making sacrifices to make sure that their daughters, special kids themselves, are doing whatever it takes. Just like the parents of Collins, or Ronald, or Martin, or Samuel Baker--- but somehow the best they can do is sadly not enough, and buying casava in the market is a much more pressing need then education.
Or maybe, I am just wondering why if education can be bought for $78 a year, why isn't our world making sure this happens first?
So today, maybe my final thoughts is to thank those that love you, and pray for those that need help "loving" their children.
Still thinking and trying my best to find solutions to problems,
John
Monday, July 27, 2009
Goodbye for Just a Little While and Sizzling Prawns-Ouch!
This morning at 5 am, I said goodbye to my friends in group 2 and Amy, our wonderful leader.
Unfortunately, the sizzling prawns I ordered at the Indian restaurant in Kampala had me running to the bathroom, on the hour. Thanks to a little bit of immodium from Kevin and Lisa, and a Cipro from Lance, I made it back to Gulu (4 hours) without having to stop for any messy long calls.
Now, it is Annie, Catherine, and myself and group 3 holding down the fort for the final two weeks. I am really excited to connect with some old and new friends these next two weeks. I will probably be able to post everyday, but c'mon folks get my Cardinals going!!! If you keep them close, I can bring my mojo to seal the deal in mid-August.
John
Friday, July 24, 2009
Rain, Rain, Thank God for rain.
THERE ARE UPDATES TO THE TEXT POSTS (THE LAST 4 POSTS) READ THEM FIRST.
This morning at 6:27 am, the rains came with a roar. When you sleep with a tin roof and nothing else, you know the minute the storm comes. I just waited in my room for an hour, because there was no place to go. I watched the courtyard fill up with water, and realized it may soon be coming into my room. If there was blockage by the door, I put on my trusty Crocs and waded into 6 inches of standing water. Don't worry it wasn't the water so much, as all of the turkey poop that had to be a part of the water that really messed me up.
But the town of Atanga and surrounding communities need rain so much. They rely on growing their own food, and have been praying for this rain for awhile. Drought and famine are already happening in parts of Uganda. I was so glad that the rain came for my friends that I almost did not want it to end. But eventually it did and we got to say good-bye to our friends, Ronald and Martin and Isaac and Otim John and Odongyik Patrick and Ocwa Alfred. I am going rafting tomorrow and will be back blogging every day on Monday.
These people, my new friends, are amazing. It is really kind of sad that I have to leave. I will write more next week, when I can process a little more.
We got home and I was able to treat Kevin, Bill, Ryan, and Darren (from Group 3) to lunch at the pork joint. It was so good and so cheap.
Might blog tomorrow, if I do not sleep in. Until Monday, and remember Spahn and Sain and pray for rain.
John
This morning at 6:27 am, the rains came with a roar. When you sleep with a tin roof and nothing else, you know the minute the storm comes. I just waited in my room for an hour, because there was no place to go. I watched the courtyard fill up with water, and realized it may soon be coming into my room. If there was blockage by the door, I put on my trusty Crocs and waded into 6 inches of standing water. Don't worry it wasn't the water so much, as all of the turkey poop that had to be a part of the water that really messed me up.
But the town of Atanga and surrounding communities need rain so much. They rely on growing their own food, and have been praying for this rain for awhile. Drought and famine are already happening in parts of Uganda. I was so glad that the rain came for my friends that I almost did not want it to end. But eventually it did and we got to say good-bye to our friends, Ronald and Martin and Isaac and Otim John and Odongyik Patrick and Ocwa Alfred. I am going rafting tomorrow and will be back blogging every day on Monday.
These people, my new friends, are amazing. It is really kind of sad that I have to leave. I will write more next week, when I can process a little more.
We got home and I was able to treat Kevin, Bill, Ryan, and Darren (from Group 3) to lunch at the pork joint. It was so good and so cheap.
Might blog tomorrow, if I do not sleep in. Until Monday, and remember Spahn and Sain and pray for rain.
John
Thursday, July 23, 2009
62 Lbs.
On the way here I had to pay an extra fee because my bag was overweight. I got rid of the basketball, a frisbee and some clothes.
I come back with the prayers of our partner teachers and at least a portion of the hopes and dreams of the Atanga students.
I wonder what the fees will be for that bag on the way home?
I come back with the prayers of our partner teachers and at least a portion of the hopes and dreams of the Atanga students.
I wonder what the fees will be for that bag on the way home?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Time to Go To Subway
Sometimes I am fustrated when I have to put on shoes .... put on shorts.....and find a bathroom key just to take a leak.
So sometimes just to be a meanie, I will flash my headlamp into the turkey closet on the way back just to mess with the turkeys. Yeah!!
Of course, then the next day, they poop all over the front of my door on my stoop.
So listen, everyone go to Subway today, and order a turkey foot long with double meat.
That'll show 'em.
So sometimes just to be a meanie, I will flash my headlamp into the turkey closet on the way back just to mess with the turkeys. Yeah!!
Of course, then the next day, they poop all over the front of my door on my stoop.
So listen, everyone go to Subway today, and order a turkey foot long with double meat.
That'll show 'em.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
ISAAC
I first met Isaac under the shade of a Shea nut tree in the middle of Atanga. He seemed to be the talker of a whole group of kids Isaac is a bright 14 year old in S.2. Yesterday Isaac invited me to walk to his village to meet his grandmother. Isaac has other reasons for wanting to talk to me. He might not be allowed to go to school without payment of school fees. His grandma invited me to their round hut for cow peas and millet bread.
(Also on Tuesday in a telephone conversation John said that Ronald and Martin were in the same boat regarding payment of fees.)
UPDATE: I met with the bursar and was able to pay the balance on Ronald and Martin's school fees. Isaac was in a different boat, but I decided to give him some money to help him. We drew up a contract and we both signed it. I gave up a few shillings, and Isaac promised to do great things.
Ronald biked to Pajoole to submit his Invisible Children application. I think it is about a 25 km ride over hills and bad roads. He left at 9 am on a bicycle and was back before 1 pm, sweating profusely. He immediately hopped on the back of bicycle ridden by Martin to take him back to the town center for some much needed food. It is really quite something what I see here. Words cannot describe what some of these students and these teachers have overcome.
Q: What can I do Mr. Magee?
A: Well, we will make some plans when I get home in mid-August. But maybe for tonight, you just give your mom and dad a big hug, and thank God that are still living and in your life. And tonight, when you sit down and eat your supper, think how tough it must be to be hungry as long as you can remember, and say just a gentle prayer for those souls that go to be hungry and tired every night.
(Also on Tuesday in a telephone conversation John said that Ronald and Martin were in the same boat regarding payment of fees.)
UPDATE: I met with the bursar and was able to pay the balance on Ronald and Martin's school fees. Isaac was in a different boat, but I decided to give him some money to help him. We drew up a contract and we both signed it. I gave up a few shillings, and Isaac promised to do great things.
Ronald biked to Pajoole to submit his Invisible Children application. I think it is about a 25 km ride over hills and bad roads. He left at 9 am on a bicycle and was back before 1 pm, sweating profusely. He immediately hopped on the back of bicycle ridden by Martin to take him back to the town center for some much needed food. It is really quite something what I see here. Words cannot describe what some of these students and these teachers have overcome.
Q: What can I do Mr. Magee?
A: Well, we will make some plans when I get home in mid-August. But maybe for tonight, you just give your mom and dad a big hug, and thank God that are still living and in your life. And tonight, when you sit down and eat your supper, think how tough it must be to be hungry as long as you can remember, and say just a gentle prayer for those souls that go to be hungry and tired every night.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thanks to sweetie --- NEW PICTURES
Justine and Lance, married to each other, are great people and good friends. Justine, I call her Sweetie, let me upload some pictures she took at Fort Patika and Other places. They are part owners in a bar called the Blue Light in San Francisco, so if you are close go there in August and hoist an ale with them.
Ft. Patika, Climbing a Mountain, and Poker
Today, our group of teachers along with many Ugandan teachers went to Ft. Patika, for a picnic and sightseeing. Matt M. almost decapitated Justine, when he opened the side door of the mutatu when she had her head out taking photos. Less than two minutes later, as I was trying to wedge my big body into the crowded mutatu, I got two of my fingers slammed in the door while someone closed the front door. It hurt like hell, but we found ice (first ice I have seen in Africa this trip) and with a couple of Advils I was fine.
I was really looking forward to grilling the chicken tikka like last year. Unfortunately, we decided not to grill this year, and then I decided to eat last, and by the time I got through the line, the chicken was over.
Gave Mike, Lance, Justine, Ryan, a short tour of Ft. Patika and got talked into climbing a mountain. It was a tough climb, and I got almost to the top when I realized I was hanging out with people in their twenties, and this was probably the rock, the old man should stop on.
Played a nine-person poker tournament and yours truly came out the winner. Last week in Atanga, I will write again through text messages and take a lot of pictures.
see you soon,
John
I was really looking forward to grilling the chicken tikka like last year. Unfortunately, we decided not to grill this year, and then I decided to eat last, and by the time I got through the line, the chicken was over.
Gave Mike, Lance, Justine, Ryan, a short tour of Ft. Patika and got talked into climbing a mountain. It was a tough climb, and I got almost to the top when I realized I was hanging out with people in their twenties, and this was probably the rock, the old man should stop on.
Played a nine-person poker tournament and yours truly came out the winner. Last week in Atanga, I will write again through text messages and take a lot of pictures.
see you soon,
John
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Just Chillin'
Our group of teachers and Ugandan teachers are going to Ft. Pawtiko, where Sir Samuel Baker ended the slave trade.
I am glad to see Albert still kicking it, but I think we need to pull away from the riff raff in the central. Each time I am on the internet, I am under the favor of someone else (with my laptop being stolen) so sorry, but I think it would be rude to stay...will write again tomorrow.
Although a comment or two from one of you would be nice....
John
I am glad to see Albert still kicking it, but I think we need to pull away from the riff raff in the central. Each time I am on the internet, I am under the favor of someone else (with my laptop being stolen) so sorry, but I think it would be rude to stay...will write again tomorrow.
Although a comment or two from one of you would be nice....
John
Friday, July 17, 2009
Visiting with two friends
This afternoon, I am the internet cafe with two friends. Odong Collins Otika, an S3 student at Awere SS and Onek Patrick Ocira, a student at Unity Vocational Training School. So I will let them talk,
first Odong Collins Otika,
"I would like to give a maximum thank you for having cooperation with John. I am very happy about the support of John and the work he is doing. The people of Gulu like Mzungus a lot. They are all ready faithfully, they are making a lot of fun, and we are very happy for them. If possible, we would like all of you to visit Gulu. In Gulu, we have peace and unity. So don't fear anything from Gulu here. So I wish you time to come if possible, I will show you all around Gulu.
secondly Onek Patrick Ocira,
"Congratulations, goes to Jon Bryant and his brother, John Patrick Magee, because we have been playing football, rugby, and basketball together. I am 16 years old and I have lived in Gulu for 3 years, because of study, but I live in a different district, it is called Amuru district. I would like to request those Americans to come again in our country, because there is no problem and there is not going to be a problem again. So they are supposed to be with a strong heart, without fearing anything, because Gulu is full of unity and peace.
John Magee adds,
"The people of Gulu and Northern Uganda are some of the friendliest I have ever met. They are warm and gracious and wonderful hosts. You really should come and meet them sometime.
If you are interested, especially young people of writing letters to Odong Collins Otika or Onek Patrick Ocira simple send them to John Magee, 7525 Murdoch, Saint Louis, MO 63119 and I will make sure they get them.
Peace and Unity Out,
John
first Odong Collins Otika,
"I would like to give a maximum thank you for having cooperation with John. I am very happy about the support of John and the work he is doing. The people of Gulu like Mzungus a lot. They are all ready faithfully, they are making a lot of fun, and we are very happy for them. If possible, we would like all of you to visit Gulu. In Gulu, we have peace and unity. So don't fear anything from Gulu here. So I wish you time to come if possible, I will show you all around Gulu.
secondly Onek Patrick Ocira,
"Congratulations, goes to Jon Bryant and his brother, John Patrick Magee, because we have been playing football, rugby, and basketball together. I am 16 years old and I have lived in Gulu for 3 years, because of study, but I live in a different district, it is called Amuru district. I would like to request those Americans to come again in our country, because there is no problem and there is not going to be a problem again. So they are supposed to be with a strong heart, without fearing anything, because Gulu is full of unity and peace.
John Magee adds,
"The people of Gulu and Northern Uganda are some of the friendliest I have ever met. They are warm and gracious and wonderful hosts. You really should come and meet them sometime.
If you are interested, especially young people of writing letters to Odong Collins Otika or Onek Patrick Ocira simple send them to John Magee, 7525 Murdoch, Saint Louis, MO 63119 and I will make sure they get them.
Peace and Unity Out,
John
Where there is despair, Lord, let me sew hope
Thursday was supposed to be a side trip to the city of Kitgum with a priest named
Father Patrick. We were not going to teach and just enjoy the trip squired by our tour guide extraordinaire, Otim John. It took a much different tone.
The students of S3 (think juniors or sophomores) have been upset for more than a week that they had not received the goat they were promised for winning the sports day. (Track and Field competition). Things happen a little differently here. Student strikes happen at school as young people sometimes find this the only way to air their grievances. So the entire S3 was gathered at the headmaster's office, to complain, they wanted their goat. By the way, they did not want the goat as some sort of pet or mascot, they wanted it to eat. Their daily diet consists of posho and beans, and that might be the best meal they get all day. The head teacher walked away, after some conversation. All of a sudden, the students started tearing down part of the tree. I thought they were just angry and wanted to wreck something, but they were actually (we were told matter of factly by one of the teachers watching) fashioning canes and switches to cane the head teacher.
It was kind of tough to figure out where I was at this time. I could see the rage of young people and the actions of the mob seemed to border on the lowest common intelligence. I am not sure anyone was thinking straight, but they were angry and frustrated, and in many cases hungry for too long. The group soon surrounded the head teacher around the latrines. Teachers scrambled to try to get the local police force to the school. The head teacher listened some more to the students, although Bill and I were quite some distance away at this time. We talked a little bit about what we should do, we both kind of agreed, that we would do something if someone innocent was getting hurt, but really had no idea what that meant. Three policemen soon arrived on one motorbike, and soon there were 5 there. Bill and I also talked that this action might result in mass suspensions for students and our time at Atanga might end very quickly. We both lamented that we would really miss saying good-bye to the students we have met. There was some throwing of branches, but the students eventually went to their two classrooms. Sam, a great young teacher, came by and told me that we needed to teach these students. There was an urgency in his voice, but also a real pragmatism and a compassion too. He told me that the 3A's were scheduled for math, and I and Otim John should go teach. So approximately 30 minutes after I was trying to figure out how to stop this unhealthy group mentality, I was teaching 40 of them how to simplify the square root of 8. There was a real enthusiasm to this group (as 45 minutes of adrenalin pumping will do). Since I had taught this group last, I immediately jumped into a long homework problem from the night before. The class went very well, but before I left I told them, that they had an incredible school and this group in this class was talented. I told them that I believed in them, and would always believe in them. But then reminded them that they were responsible for their own future, and taking action, bad types of action, could seriously derailt these futures. I had just read them the day before the last 5 paragraphs of Obama's speech to Africa, specifically to the youth of Africa. It was really the same message. I tend to be the optimist, but I was really encouraged that more students than ever before, brought their math homework to the shade of the tree later in the day. I think they were really trying to show me that they also believed in their own selves. Either way, they are too young, and too precious to give up on.
Second story---Later in the same day, there was a young man sitting on the grass and getting chastised in Lwo for some indiscretion. He would alternatively draw on his shoe with his pen, or just act in pain when he listened to the teachers. Here is his story: he stole casava (think big potato) from the fields and was caught. He was given two weeks to bring his parents in to settle on a disciplinary action. The two weeks had long past, and this young man did not live up to this agreement. During the course of their discussion, Otim John told me that it turns out that his last living parent, had been killed in the conflict in 2006 and he was now living with his brother. John is convinced that this student cannot learn, because he is an orphan and has no direction at home. His older brother, who is working hard being a shopkeeper in town, is providing some support to this boy. Otim John and all the Ugandan teachers are very effective in their own world, and it is tough to explain it, but I think in order to educate some, they give up on many. I think without this approach, maybe more would be lost, but it certainly does not make it any easier to take. I have let kids go before, but it is always painful. I am not sure what I can do in one week, but I would like to see if this is one I can also help. I cannot think of the alternative.
So this week I met many hungry young men and women. They not only lack food, but also a world where violence does not win. A world where men and women with quiet intelligence can speak louder than the braying of the mob. A world where reason wins out over anger and where patience wins out over frustration.
There will be ways when I get back that you can join me in trying to bring this world above to the students of Northern Uganda. I encourage you to help my young friends.
A Dream Deferred
by Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-- And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
still here tilting at windmills, but I am convinced I can slay these dragons
John Quixote
Father Patrick. We were not going to teach and just enjoy the trip squired by our tour guide extraordinaire, Otim John. It took a much different tone.
The students of S3 (think juniors or sophomores) have been upset for more than a week that they had not received the goat they were promised for winning the sports day. (Track and Field competition). Things happen a little differently here. Student strikes happen at school as young people sometimes find this the only way to air their grievances. So the entire S3 was gathered at the headmaster's office, to complain, they wanted their goat. By the way, they did not want the goat as some sort of pet or mascot, they wanted it to eat. Their daily diet consists of posho and beans, and that might be the best meal they get all day. The head teacher walked away, after some conversation. All of a sudden, the students started tearing down part of the tree. I thought they were just angry and wanted to wreck something, but they were actually (we were told matter of factly by one of the teachers watching) fashioning canes and switches to cane the head teacher.
It was kind of tough to figure out where I was at this time. I could see the rage of young people and the actions of the mob seemed to border on the lowest common intelligence. I am not sure anyone was thinking straight, but they were angry and frustrated, and in many cases hungry for too long. The group soon surrounded the head teacher around the latrines. Teachers scrambled to try to get the local police force to the school. The head teacher listened some more to the students, although Bill and I were quite some distance away at this time. We talked a little bit about what we should do, we both kind of agreed, that we would do something if someone innocent was getting hurt, but really had no idea what that meant. Three policemen soon arrived on one motorbike, and soon there were 5 there. Bill and I also talked that this action might result in mass suspensions for students and our time at Atanga might end very quickly. We both lamented that we would really miss saying good-bye to the students we have met. There was some throwing of branches, but the students eventually went to their two classrooms. Sam, a great young teacher, came by and told me that we needed to teach these students. There was an urgency in his voice, but also a real pragmatism and a compassion too. He told me that the 3A's were scheduled for math, and I and Otim John should go teach. So approximately 30 minutes after I was trying to figure out how to stop this unhealthy group mentality, I was teaching 40 of them how to simplify the square root of 8. There was a real enthusiasm to this group (as 45 minutes of adrenalin pumping will do). Since I had taught this group last, I immediately jumped into a long homework problem from the night before. The class went very well, but before I left I told them, that they had an incredible school and this group in this class was talented. I told them that I believed in them, and would always believe in them. But then reminded them that they were responsible for their own future, and taking action, bad types of action, could seriously derailt these futures. I had just read them the day before the last 5 paragraphs of Obama's speech to Africa, specifically to the youth of Africa. It was really the same message. I tend to be the optimist, but I was really encouraged that more students than ever before, brought their math homework to the shade of the tree later in the day. I think they were really trying to show me that they also believed in their own selves. Either way, they are too young, and too precious to give up on.
Second story---Later in the same day, there was a young man sitting on the grass and getting chastised in Lwo for some indiscretion. He would alternatively draw on his shoe with his pen, or just act in pain when he listened to the teachers. Here is his story: he stole casava (think big potato) from the fields and was caught. He was given two weeks to bring his parents in to settle on a disciplinary action. The two weeks had long past, and this young man did not live up to this agreement. During the course of their discussion, Otim John told me that it turns out that his last living parent, had been killed in the conflict in 2006 and he was now living with his brother. John is convinced that this student cannot learn, because he is an orphan and has no direction at home. His older brother, who is working hard being a shopkeeper in town, is providing some support to this boy. Otim John and all the Ugandan teachers are very effective in their own world, and it is tough to explain it, but I think in order to educate some, they give up on many. I think without this approach, maybe more would be lost, but it certainly does not make it any easier to take. I have let kids go before, but it is always painful. I am not sure what I can do in one week, but I would like to see if this is one I can also help. I cannot think of the alternative.
So this week I met many hungry young men and women. They not only lack food, but also a world where violence does not win. A world where men and women with quiet intelligence can speak louder than the braying of the mob. A world where reason wins out over anger and where patience wins out over frustration.
There will be ways when I get back that you can join me in trying to bring this world above to the students of Northern Uganda. I encourage you to help my young friends.
A Dream Deferred
by Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-- And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
still here tilting at windmills, but I am convinced I can slay these dragons
John Quixote
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
TEXT BLOG
ATE TWO DINNERS
Tonight (Tuesday) Ocwa Alfred invited us to his house for dinner. His wife, Rose, cooked 6 different dishes over one small charcoal stove. A lot of the Atanga live in a small alcove of 12 rooms. Dinner was great, but immediately we had to go eat our regular dinner.
Tonight (Tuesday) Ocwa Alfred invited us to his house for dinner. His wife, Rose, cooked 6 different dishes over one small charcoal stove. A lot of the Atanga live in a small alcove of 12 rooms. Dinner was great, but immediately we had to go eat our regular dinner.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Rain Tuesday morning.
John texted that at 5:30 Tuesday morning he was soaked by rain as he went to use the latrine. But despite being soaked he was happy for the rain as it had not rained in some time. He reminded us that all of the students "dig," that is raise crops and of course rain is necessary for successful crops. He also thanked God for the rain and prayed there would be more tomorrow.
Hold 'em and White Ants
Last night, I ran a hold'em tournament in our courtyard. Jo Mallory stayed in a hand with J3, hit a both on the flop and ran me out with my pair of queens and an ace kicker. Capt. Underwear won the tournament, but Jolene and Annie Q. held on until the end.
I was up trying to figure out a way to watch the Cardinals-Cubs game when I heard a flurry in the court yard. Thousands of white ants were back, they were all attacking the light in front of Matt's and Jon's room. A really great trick would have been to turn off the outside light and turn on the light in their room, but I was too tired or lazy.
If you can get the text to Obama's speech in Ghana--it is amazing. Especially the last 5 paragraphs, he really challenges the young Africans to take care of their future. Get on line and get the text to this speech. They printed the entire speech in the Ugandan paper. Although in the same paper, they have some other trash. And a 16 x 16 Moduku that actually did keep me up for a lot of the night.
In less than an hour, it is back to Atanga for the penultimate week. I used bad word processing programs at 3 different places to print a survey for their school. I am going to select students at random to complete the survey and then we will give it to the faculty next week.
Hope everyone has fun at the Home Run Derby and All-Star game. Since my grandpa Joe went in 1966, I have been waiting to go to this game. So I figure, I will have another chance in 2042, how scary is that thought.
will try to text my dad some mini-posts, but otherwise see you in a week
go cards,
john
I was up trying to figure out a way to watch the Cardinals-Cubs game when I heard a flurry in the court yard. Thousands of white ants were back, they were all attacking the light in front of Matt's and Jon's room. A really great trick would have been to turn off the outside light and turn on the light in their room, but I was too tired or lazy.
If you can get the text to Obama's speech in Ghana--it is amazing. Especially the last 5 paragraphs, he really challenges the young Africans to take care of their future. Get on line and get the text to this speech. They printed the entire speech in the Ugandan paper. Although in the same paper, they have some other trash. And a 16 x 16 Moduku that actually did keep me up for a lot of the night.
In less than an hour, it is back to Atanga for the penultimate week. I used bad word processing programs at 3 different places to print a survey for their school. I am going to select students at random to complete the survey and then we will give it to the faculty next week.
Hope everyone has fun at the Home Run Derby and All-Star game. Since my grandpa Joe went in 1966, I have been waiting to go to this game. So I figure, I will have another chance in 2042, how scary is that thought.
will try to text my dad some mini-posts, but otherwise see you in a week
go cards,
john
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Rainy Sunday Morning
It rained a little this morning. The roads have been so dusty here, and many of the families really need rain for their crops. I would say almost everybody I know in Atanga is a farmer, even the teachers get up early to dig. They call all work in their farm--digging. I typed out survey questions using a bad software program and the printer printed it crooked, but I guess I have to settle for shabby work, because I have no other options.
Low key night, only 3 teachers left in town. They either went home, to see rhinos, or on safari. I hope the rain this morning will bring out the animals for my friends. Matt, Annie, and I had a nice dinner at Bambu and then Matt and I joined a couple people at Da Pub. Met a woman who worked in Sudan, we talked about micro loans and Jeffrey Sachs and many other things. Andrew who is here a year or two with IC wondered how America was when Obama got elected. He was in Chile during that time. Every knows I am optimistic about the world, because I see on a daily basis the dedication, compassion, and caring about others from phenomenal 16 and 17 year olds. I really wish more of these 17 year olds could see what the twenty-somethings are actually doing on the ground in different parts of the world. YOU CAN TAKE A YEAR OR TWO OF YOUR LIFE GO SOMEWHERE AND MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE. So hold onto that dream.
Going to let Matt use some of my internet, so gotta go..
Go Cards
John
Low key night, only 3 teachers left in town. They either went home, to see rhinos, or on safari. I hope the rain this morning will bring out the animals for my friends. Matt, Annie, and I had a nice dinner at Bambu and then Matt and I joined a couple people at Da Pub. Met a woman who worked in Sudan, we talked about micro loans and Jeffrey Sachs and many other things. Andrew who is here a year or two with IC wondered how America was when Obama got elected. He was in Chile during that time. Every knows I am optimistic about the world, because I see on a daily basis the dedication, compassion, and caring about others from phenomenal 16 and 17 year olds. I really wish more of these 17 year olds could see what the twenty-somethings are actually doing on the ground in different parts of the world. YOU CAN TAKE A YEAR OR TWO OF YOUR LIFE GO SOMEWHERE AND MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE. So hold onto that dream.
Going to let Matt use some of my internet, so gotta go..
Go Cards
John
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Two weeks of teaching left.
As group 1 teachers hopped into their coaster to begin their journey home, I started to think about how I can be giving my best to Atanga SS in the final two weeks. I stayed home from the safari to concentrate on getting some work done and just relaxing a little bit.
Great news, it appears that the Invisible Children Teacher Exchange is really going to be an exchange and 11 Ugandan teachers will be coming to America in January. This might require some bit of fund raising, so I may be gently putting the squeeze on all of you. This is a huge piece of the puzzle and I feel can really make a difference on the ground in Uganda. America seems so far away to these students, but if one of their own teachers can get here, they might believe that they can also. They will see that hard work and dedication has a real payoff. I am so excited about this. I let my voice be known and it looks like the current teachers and all of you alums out there, will have a real voice and part of this program. I do not know the details, but I would love to have an Acholi teacher in St. Louis this January. Keep your fingers crossed.
I attended the Awere SS farewell dinner and connected with old friends, and my trusted colleague, Matthew, the head teacher. He is adamant to try to bring the culture of reading to his students. Like all African (think British) events their was a program and a list of speakers. I was actually compelled to talk twice. The second time I repeated a message many of you have heard. I keep trying to take my candle out into the world to light up the darkness that I think I see, but when I get there I always see the candles of the ones I am trying to help are usually more bright then my own.
CAUTION: THE NEXT PARAGRAPH CONTAINS DETAILS OF A LATRINE INCIDENT, YOU MAY SKIP IF YOU SO DESIRE
The dinner ended for me eventfully, as I was called to the latrine, things did not go well, but I am proud to say everything made it in the right place. The bathroom floor was wet, so I delicately balance my khakis on my crocs, before answering the now urgent call. I tried to flush the toilet and it did not flush. I was tall enough, so I took off the lid of the tank (6 feet off the ground). The lever was broken, so I tried to jimmy up a new way to flush it, although while wearing only a shirt and tie, and now sweating profusely. I had to laugh at the absurdity of it all. After unsuccessfully trying to fix the toilet, I left realizing I would need to find management and ask for a bucket of water. No person, Ugandan or American needed to be subjected waht was still in the bowl. Right outside, was a 50 gallon tub, with a pitcher of water obviously for the purpose of flushing the toilet. SOMETHING I SHOULD HAVE NOTICED ON THE WAY IN. It would have saved me an agonizing ten minutes of spontaneous plumbing work. I excused myself from the dinner, and made it home, although a boda boda ride did not seem like a good idea. My group was having a party, so I rushed past them, took 2 immodium, and crawled into bed. 30 minutes of being in a fetal position, and I was fine. (Mom all is fine, really)
I then joined Ryan, Matt, and some of the other teachers. Michelle and Kelly from group 3 also seemed excited about the Ugandans coming to America. Kelly told me the Pope Paul VI Anaka teachers were ready for a good week, after kind of a rough first week.
Love to see the Cardinals playing well, my dad texts me every night with the score, it makes me feel a little closer to all of you.
Finally, this program has allowed me to talk, laugh, drink, dance, and sing with incredible people. I have told the stupidest jokes and have had deep conversations about faith, and how we can help change the world. These wonderful people are out there in our world, go talk to strangers, you will find amazing people. Especially Erin and Elise, and all those going to college for the first time. You are incredible people go find more incredible people and we can all be incredible.
Mr. Incredible
(if you don't see that image, think of me in my Smart car.)
Great news, it appears that the Invisible Children Teacher Exchange is really going to be an exchange and 11 Ugandan teachers will be coming to America in January. This might require some bit of fund raising, so I may be gently putting the squeeze on all of you. This is a huge piece of the puzzle and I feel can really make a difference on the ground in Uganda. America seems so far away to these students, but if one of their own teachers can get here, they might believe that they can also. They will see that hard work and dedication has a real payoff. I am so excited about this. I let my voice be known and it looks like the current teachers and all of you alums out there, will have a real voice and part of this program. I do not know the details, but I would love to have an Acholi teacher in St. Louis this January. Keep your fingers crossed.
I attended the Awere SS farewell dinner and connected with old friends, and my trusted colleague, Matthew, the head teacher. He is adamant to try to bring the culture of reading to his students. Like all African (think British) events their was a program and a list of speakers. I was actually compelled to talk twice. The second time I repeated a message many of you have heard. I keep trying to take my candle out into the world to light up the darkness that I think I see, but when I get there I always see the candles of the ones I am trying to help are usually more bright then my own.
CAUTION: THE NEXT PARAGRAPH CONTAINS DETAILS OF A LATRINE INCIDENT, YOU MAY SKIP IF YOU SO DESIRE
The dinner ended for me eventfully, as I was called to the latrine, things did not go well, but I am proud to say everything made it in the right place. The bathroom floor was wet, so I delicately balance my khakis on my crocs, before answering the now urgent call. I tried to flush the toilet and it did not flush. I was tall enough, so I took off the lid of the tank (6 feet off the ground). The lever was broken, so I tried to jimmy up a new way to flush it, although while wearing only a shirt and tie, and now sweating profusely. I had to laugh at the absurdity of it all. After unsuccessfully trying to fix the toilet, I left realizing I would need to find management and ask for a bucket of water. No person, Ugandan or American needed to be subjected waht was still in the bowl. Right outside, was a 50 gallon tub, with a pitcher of water obviously for the purpose of flushing the toilet. SOMETHING I SHOULD HAVE NOTICED ON THE WAY IN. It would have saved me an agonizing ten minutes of spontaneous plumbing work. I excused myself from the dinner, and made it home, although a boda boda ride did not seem like a good idea. My group was having a party, so I rushed past them, took 2 immodium, and crawled into bed. 30 minutes of being in a fetal position, and I was fine. (Mom all is fine, really)
I then joined Ryan, Matt, and some of the other teachers. Michelle and Kelly from group 3 also seemed excited about the Ugandans coming to America. Kelly told me the Pope Paul VI Anaka teachers were ready for a good week, after kind of a rough first week.
Love to see the Cardinals playing well, my dad texts me every night with the score, it makes me feel a little closer to all of you.
Finally, this program has allowed me to talk, laugh, drink, dance, and sing with incredible people. I have told the stupidest jokes and have had deep conversations about faith, and how we can help change the world. These wonderful people are out there in our world, go talk to strangers, you will find amazing people. Especially Erin and Elise, and all those going to college for the first time. You are incredible people go find more incredible people and we can all be incredible.
Mr. Incredible
(if you don't see that image, think of me in my Smart car.)
Friday, July 10, 2009
I travel 26 hours in a plane to meet great people
It is amazing every year, that I run into the most amazing people in Uganda. People I would have never met or talked to in America are propelled into my world. It is one of the blessings in my life that each year the most amazing and talented people I am allowed to call my friend for some few weeks. So here is my tribute to a few of them. As the "old man" on the trip, I am also allowed to see the future for this wonderful group.
Lauren, the "Wildwood Gangsta" is an amazing person. She is a wonderfully talented, wonderfully committed young women. She is super bright, but carries her knowledge in a real unassuming way. She is a tall, striking young woman who still does not know what to do with her beauty, so she strives to hide it with goofy facial expressions. She will know now that the goofy faces just enhance who she is, and if the men in group 2 are any indication, she has done a poor job of hiding the phenomenal woman she is. One of my number one goals I have when I get back is to find her a job that fits her talents. I am truly excited that we will get a chance to share a beer in the bleachers cheering for our beloved Cardinals. (Before anyone gets the wrong idea all of these phenomenal people in this blog are too young for me. I believe in the rule of 7 and currently that minimun is 32). Lauren has overcome many small fears to give her best to my beloved Awere SS for five weeks and myself and the students of Awere are extremely grateful. I ran into 3 girls on the street the other day, who were talking highly of Lauren and wishing her to stay.
Abby is an obnoxious little one who really just grows more annoying with time. JKJK. She does insist on calling me "old man" though, which actually I am going to miss as she travels back to hollow tree she lives in in America (ha, Abby that's two). Abby has the heart and zest of a person much taller than she is (three if we are counting). She has an incredible feel for the world and truly understands what beauty is, when she sees it or more specifically when she hears it. She forms friendship easily, and has the loyalty of a boy scout, (are girl scouts loyal?). I think she would fight real hard for any of her friends, and I appreciate her smile. And as the Nerinx students know, I have a special place in my heart for the obnoxious ones.
Lisa is an amazing artist, and I hope all of you who have not yet bought her tunes go immediately to iTunes and buy her stuff (Lisa Swetman). I am serious about booking her for a private concert in St. Louis for a benefit concert. Since she plays the piano, I am actually thinking of getting Jole Blon to play before her. Do you hear that Julie? Anyway, although I am mystified and in a better place listening to Lisa the artist. I have recently seen a lot of the incredible person she is. She has an amazing rudder, that keeps her centered as we all float along. While many others bounce from shore to shore, Lisa stays in contact with them, as she cruises effortlessly down the middle of the river. She has a smile that can make a 29 year old Rhode Island kid smile as easily as a 50 year old St. Louis guy and I don't even want to talk about the twinkle that she gets from the Irish. So with this amazing rudder, I am concerned that there will not be enough darkness in her life, that she will continue to write amazing music. Lisa easily saw through the subtrefuge last night, and there was no great song about me cheating with her best friend.
There are like 6 more of these amazing people, but I will have to save that for another day.
To all you amazing people who have captivated and transformed my life, I salute you. When times are tough over here (and this year has been the toughest). I just sit back and remember who I am representing with my presence here. Especially the students, you continue to thrill me, and give me a reason and a smile to begin each day,
John
Lauren, the "Wildwood Gangsta" is an amazing person. She is a wonderfully talented, wonderfully committed young women. She is super bright, but carries her knowledge in a real unassuming way. She is a tall, striking young woman who still does not know what to do with her beauty, so she strives to hide it with goofy facial expressions. She will know now that the goofy faces just enhance who she is, and if the men in group 2 are any indication, she has done a poor job of hiding the phenomenal woman she is. One of my number one goals I have when I get back is to find her a job that fits her talents. I am truly excited that we will get a chance to share a beer in the bleachers cheering for our beloved Cardinals. (Before anyone gets the wrong idea all of these phenomenal people in this blog are too young for me. I believe in the rule of 7 and currently that minimun is 32). Lauren has overcome many small fears to give her best to my beloved Awere SS for five weeks and myself and the students of Awere are extremely grateful. I ran into 3 girls on the street the other day, who were talking highly of Lauren and wishing her to stay.
Abby is an obnoxious little one who really just grows more annoying with time. JKJK. She does insist on calling me "old man" though, which actually I am going to miss as she travels back to hollow tree she lives in in America (ha, Abby that's two). Abby has the heart and zest of a person much taller than she is (three if we are counting). She has an incredible feel for the world and truly understands what beauty is, when she sees it or more specifically when she hears it. She forms friendship easily, and has the loyalty of a boy scout, (are girl scouts loyal?). I think she would fight real hard for any of her friends, and I appreciate her smile. And as the Nerinx students know, I have a special place in my heart for the obnoxious ones.
Lisa is an amazing artist, and I hope all of you who have not yet bought her tunes go immediately to iTunes and buy her stuff (Lisa Swetman). I am serious about booking her for a private concert in St. Louis for a benefit concert. Since she plays the piano, I am actually thinking of getting Jole Blon to play before her. Do you hear that Julie? Anyway, although I am mystified and in a better place listening to Lisa the artist. I have recently seen a lot of the incredible person she is. She has an amazing rudder, that keeps her centered as we all float along. While many others bounce from shore to shore, Lisa stays in contact with them, as she cruises effortlessly down the middle of the river. She has a smile that can make a 29 year old Rhode Island kid smile as easily as a 50 year old St. Louis guy and I don't even want to talk about the twinkle that she gets from the Irish. So with this amazing rudder, I am concerned that there will not be enough darkness in her life, that she will continue to write amazing music. Lisa easily saw through the subtrefuge last night, and there was no great song about me cheating with her best friend.
There are like 6 more of these amazing people, but I will have to save that for another day.
To all you amazing people who have captivated and transformed my life, I salute you. When times are tough over here (and this year has been the toughest). I just sit back and remember who I am representing with my presence here. Especially the students, you continue to thrill me, and give me a reason and a smile to begin each day,
John
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Bumpy Ride Back to Gulu
I got a ride back to Gulu with 3 Ugandans working for the Norwegian Refugee Council. The trip to Atanga, usually take more than an hour. This one took 48 minutes and we stopped for 5 minutes to load up charcoal. Otim John arranged the ride for me as I was waiting for the bus.
On my way to the town center, I was literally followed by 500 primary school students. I need to go take care of some business about my laptop. So that is all for now.
John
On my way to the town center, I was literally followed by 500 primary school students. I need to go take care of some business about my laptop. So that is all for now.
John
Butterflies and Bullets
I am sitting on the main road ...the only road... reading a book, "THE MASCOT’ about a five year old who survived incredibly through WWII. When two butterflies flew by, I thought of all the violence Atanga has seen in 20 years and I realize that bullets don’t kill butterflies. They kill men, women, children, cows, goats and chickens, but not butterflies.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
It all comes down to teaching
In the end it comes down to teaching. Otim John, my team teacher, urged us this week to narrow the gap between teachers and students. I just taught a class where each student sought the answer after finishing the problem. If we can bridge this gap not to fear the teacher , then their curiosity becomes their question. By asking questions the students unlock their world.
When that happens anything is possible. Either in an air-conditioned class room where a young girl works on her laptop or under a mango tree where a young girl asks good questions.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
4th of July- Acholi Style
Last night, after a great conference we went to a party at the Acholi Inn. There were about 200 people there, and we had hamburgers and french fries, and some kind of burrito thing. Wonderful, wonderful food. There was also much beer available and almost all the partiers got up off their chairs and danced. Daneen gave me a plastic Statue of Liberty hat, so I lit a napkin on fire and stood like Lady Liberty, until the napkin start burning my hand. Later, Amy surprised us with some sparkling candles, which were really more like fountains or roman candles. It was a great fourth. The DJ actually played the Star Spangled Banner, and all of the Americans stopped and sang that song as loud as they could. It was pretty cool. You could definitely feel some pride. I hung out with Lisa, Lauren, Abby, and a lot of the Group I girls. They are leaving in a week, and I am going to miss their energy, and their talent. Luckily, Lauren is a Wildwood Gangsta and she is already excited about going to a game in the bleachers. Lauren and I have also pledged to have at least one talk a month in St. Louis talking about the people and students of Uganda.
The Acholi Inn has a real swimming pool and a bunch of us beat the heat and jumped into the pool. Next it was off to Bambu to finish the night. I made sure Michelle's (a new San Diego teacher from Group 3) and my boda boda kept in contact as we travelled down dark roads into the night. The boda boda drivers dropped us off at a dark and closed Bambu. They took off and Michelle looked at me like what the hell did you do to me. We quickly got the bodas back and got directions to an ex-pats party up the road. So we roared off on our bodas deeper down dark Ugandan roads. I don't know what Michelle was thinking, but I was hoping like hell to find this house, because I had no idea what I was going to do if we did not. We found the house and all was well. Not a bad party, and a very interesting group of people. Mick and Lisa sang some more, and soon Michelle and Raysa wanted to go home so we walked into the darkness home with the Bavabuka hip hop dance crew (a great group). It took me an hour and a half to walk them to their lodging. It is called Elephant Graceland, and has a shower in every double room and a sit-down toilet. I am so jealous. When I finally got home, I told the night guard that I was probably the last. David said, "Oh no, there are many left." I think the last of the crew may have wandered in the wee hours of the morning. Let's see--who was that. One guess, Trisha and JRob???
I will probably text post this week and more longer posts will happen over the weekend. Justin, an American has agreed to let me use his laptop, which is great news since yesterday it took an internet page a minute and a half to load.
Still thinking about those 10 Sacred Heart students and the dreams they shared with me yesterday. A good weekend, many great people here. Walked home from buying beads at the IC house with Mike F. He is a great guy and I will have to write about him sometime, I promise. Also my bed at Atanga is starting to splinter, and I will soon find mind self on the floor falling through the frame. So a former student helped me procure 5 40 inch pieces I am going to use for bed slats. At the time, I did not know there were 40 inches, but I had marked their length on my tie. So I went to church with a purple shirt and a green tie (apologies to the fashion conscious AP stats girls), but I needed the tie to measure my boards. I walked into a Lwo Mass with 5 boards and was the only white person there. I got quite a few MORE stares this time. I also did not know the etiquette if I should clap for some of the announcements at the end that the congregation did. I obviously did not know what they were clapping about!!
But I chose to applaud on 4 different occasions something that I will never know...
John
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Coach Magee and the Sacred Heart Basketball Team
Amy, the director of Invisible Children's Schools for Schools program had asked me to present at the teaching conference. She wanted me to teach 10 young women, and present how we can use sports in Uganda to empower young women and get them to do more. So 10 wonderful young women from Sacred Heart, an all girls school, showed up at the conference not knowing what to expect. They are: Agnes, Alicia, Prossy, Gladys, Beatrice, Mildred, Mary, Dosoline, Caroline, and Susan. I enlisted the help of another teacher Sasha, and in the front parking lot of the Guzco center, we started to teach these young women basketball. We started out by telling them that if at least they tried they would be successful, and if they tried both Coach Magee and Coach Sasha would be proud of them.
In the beginning it looked a little rough, the students were all wearing sandals, and we were practicing in an uneven, brick patio. But slowly there difficulties were removed and they worked hard to get better. I introduced the bump splash to them, a kind of high five, where it was easy for me to give them positive reinforcement. They worked incredibly hard in the hot sun, and slowly start keeping their hands together, taking that step, calling for the ball, being in a ready position. We moved them to a star passing drill, and there were a lot of mistakes. It was interesting, because Sasha and I were now being observed by 90 teachers as they walked around to the different workshops. I made a point about emphasizing the positive reinforcement, and slowly but surely they became better. During this time, 2 Ugandan teachers who had an interest in basketball, joined our practice and were instructing the students in Lwo as we were coaching them in English. It got really confused for awhile and I admit it was a first for me. Since, I did not know Lwo, I did not know what these coaches were saying One later told me he had been trained by Russians at their basketball academy.
Surprise, Surprise the food was delayed, so we continued to practice. We were supposed to have 2 hours with the students, but it soon became 3. We talked to them about how success individually on a math test, could be translated into team success as a group. We had a very wonderful conversation eating our lunch in the grass. I talked to the girls about their reach, and then Sasha brilliantly asked them where they saw themselves in 5 years. These amazing young women told us that they would be in Parliament, an accountant, a social worker, another accountant, an environmentalist, and a lawyer. These are the best at Sacred Heart and I think some of them will and can achieve these dreams.
The demonstration of the star drill in a conference room full of teachers went great. The girls had their best moment of the practice session. Sasha and I traded ideas of what we tried to give these students besides just a sports practice. I talked about how as a coach, I was able to help my students in all phases of their education. We continued to talk, as these 10 continued a flawless star drill in very camped quarters. They were truly an amazing bunch, and they were quite thankful of what Sasha and I had given to them. I think these 10 may have benefitted greatly from this little workshop. Sasha and I both received many positive responses from both Ugandan teachers and American teachers. Justine told me that she was so touched that she almost cried during our presentation. We got several pictures, that I will try to post if I ever can. The students asked me if I could give them more basketball training. And I am going to do my best to do that in the last part of this month.
As I stood on the brick patio, waving good bye to my team, I realized these 10 wonderful women might be the last group ever to call me Coach Magee. If that is true, I am very proud of what the 12 of us accomplished today.
Coach Magee
In the beginning it looked a little rough, the students were all wearing sandals, and we were practicing in an uneven, brick patio. But slowly there difficulties were removed and they worked hard to get better. I introduced the bump splash to them, a kind of high five, where it was easy for me to give them positive reinforcement. They worked incredibly hard in the hot sun, and slowly start keeping their hands together, taking that step, calling for the ball, being in a ready position. We moved them to a star passing drill, and there were a lot of mistakes. It was interesting, because Sasha and I were now being observed by 90 teachers as they walked around to the different workshops. I made a point about emphasizing the positive reinforcement, and slowly but surely they became better. During this time, 2 Ugandan teachers who had an interest in basketball, joined our practice and were instructing the students in Lwo as we were coaching them in English. It got really confused for awhile and I admit it was a first for me. Since, I did not know Lwo, I did not know what these coaches were saying One later told me he had been trained by Russians at their basketball academy.
Surprise, Surprise the food was delayed, so we continued to practice. We were supposed to have 2 hours with the students, but it soon became 3. We talked to them about how success individually on a math test, could be translated into team success as a group. We had a very wonderful conversation eating our lunch in the grass. I talked to the girls about their reach, and then Sasha brilliantly asked them where they saw themselves in 5 years. These amazing young women told us that they would be in Parliament, an accountant, a social worker, another accountant, an environmentalist, and a lawyer. These are the best at Sacred Heart and I think some of them will and can achieve these dreams.
The demonstration of the star drill in a conference room full of teachers went great. The girls had their best moment of the practice session. Sasha and I traded ideas of what we tried to give these students besides just a sports practice. I talked about how as a coach, I was able to help my students in all phases of their education. We continued to talk, as these 10 continued a flawless star drill in very camped quarters. They were truly an amazing bunch, and they were quite thankful of what Sasha and I had given to them. I think these 10 may have benefitted greatly from this little workshop. Sasha and I both received many positive responses from both Ugandan teachers and American teachers. Justine told me that she was so touched that she almost cried during our presentation. We got several pictures, that I will try to post if I ever can. The students asked me if I could give them more basketball training. And I am going to do my best to do that in the last part of this month.
As I stood on the brick patio, waving good bye to my team, I realized these 10 wonderful women might be the last group ever to call me Coach Magee. If that is true, I am very proud of what the 12 of us accomplished today.
Coach Magee
Friday, July 3, 2009
More good times at Bambu
I am sitting in an internet cafe waiting 30 seconds for each page to load. Morgan is on my left, and Jill is on my right, two new teachers from Group 3. Jo Mallory is back, and yes JRob, I gave her the appropriate greeting.
We had our first day of teacher workshop today with 90 some teachers. Learning how to be a better teacher and help our students more both in Uganda and at home. Of course, I have no idea why I am going to teacher training on a personal trip. It was actually a good day and we had a breeze the whole day, which is so much better than last year, when I sweated so, so much.
During my talk today, I encouraged the Ugandan teachers to think past their reach, and envision great things for their students. Dana, a sweet smaller one from Group 1, wrote down something I said. WOW. But the line was, and I think I will use it for my Nerinx students this year is, "If you can see, touch, or envision your future, you are not reaching far enough."
For instance, Shona, who would have ever thought that I would be spending my third straight summer in Uganda. Last night, most of group 2, and a few from the other 2 groups converged at Bambu. It was a good night, as I had burned a CD of dance music off of Joanna's computer. She had a good mix, although her Prince selection was a little weak. But she had Yeah, Golddigger, Ride wit me, and Holiday (still the best Madonna song). Although, I also included Like a Prayer for the unwashed.
We have another day of conference tomorrow, and then a 4th of July party at the Acholi Inn, the oasis of western style in Northern Uganda.
Oh, I almost forgot, I am working on having Lisa Swetman fall in love with me for four days, and then break her heart on Thursday night at Bambu by cheating on her with the stubborn one, Abby. If you recall she is a great singer/songwriter and I think this has the making of a hit. So although a few feelings may be hurt....I am doing it for the art.
still a little bit off (z-score higher than 3),
your friend, and son, and brother, and possibly just a stranger,
John
ps AP students send me the good news when you get your scores.
We had our first day of teacher workshop today with 90 some teachers. Learning how to be a better teacher and help our students more both in Uganda and at home. Of course, I have no idea why I am going to teacher training on a personal trip. It was actually a good day and we had a breeze the whole day, which is so much better than last year, when I sweated so, so much.
During my talk today, I encouraged the Ugandan teachers to think past their reach, and envision great things for their students. Dana, a sweet smaller one from Group 1, wrote down something I said. WOW. But the line was, and I think I will use it for my Nerinx students this year is, "If you can see, touch, or envision your future, you are not reaching far enough."
For instance, Shona, who would have ever thought that I would be spending my third straight summer in Uganda. Last night, most of group 2, and a few from the other 2 groups converged at Bambu. It was a good night, as I had burned a CD of dance music off of Joanna's computer. She had a good mix, although her Prince selection was a little weak. But she had Yeah, Golddigger, Ride wit me, and Holiday (still the best Madonna song). Although, I also included Like a Prayer for the unwashed.
We have another day of conference tomorrow, and then a 4th of July party at the Acholi Inn, the oasis of western style in Northern Uganda.
Oh, I almost forgot, I am working on having Lisa Swetman fall in love with me for four days, and then break her heart on Thursday night at Bambu by cheating on her with the stubborn one, Abby. If you recall she is a great singer/songwriter and I think this has the making of a hit. So although a few feelings may be hurt....I am doing it for the art.
still a little bit off (z-score higher than 3),
your friend, and son, and brother, and possibly just a stranger,
John
ps AP students send me the good news when you get your scores.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Walking with Hope
This morning, since I was getting a ride back to Gulu at the end of the day, I decided not to ride my bike. Read the previous post for more explanation. Anyway, halfway down on the journey, I met Hope, one of my senior 3B students. We talked quite a bit. I told her that Hope was big again in America and there were posters all over America with her name on it. We talked about crops mostly, as she asked me about every crop we had in America, and the crops they had in Uganda. On the most frustrating week in Africa, I hate that God is so obvious in his signs to me. Walking with Hope (really, I can handle some nuance). It was a wonderful conversation. Hope is 16 and I would love to have her pen pal with Rachel Kuehnle and Mary Dang. If you know those 2, tell them to send me their cel phone numbers(on this blog's comments)---I might even try to let you talk to Hope. So if you don't know Hope or Rachel or Mary, listen to me, they are all wonderful young women, who are doing their best to just be friendly, and make the world a better place. And I know a couple of hundred more just like those three.
Hope is on my mind,
John
Hope is on my mind,
John
Heat, Sweating profusely, and the Chicken Man
I don't know if I have told you this, but it seems like every room I get in this place has absolutely no air circulation. So I often just lie in my bed and sweat for an hour or two until my body equilibirizes (word?). My room in Atanga also catches the end of the evening sun, with its metal window, it really is a hot box. So today, when I came home from school, I stripped down to the barest minimum of culturally acceptable clothing, grabbed two bottles of Chinese water, and a plastic chair. I was going to sit out front, but realized of course that would get the same sun. So I took my plastic chair and walked across the street to the shade of a big tree. Of course, every little kid (human kind) and every little kid (goat kind==there are a lot in Atanga) came by and stared. The children said either How are you? or something in Acholi, a few adults stopped by to introduce themselves and chat. One was the brother of the man who stopped me yesterday, he showed me a bent bike part, and installed it on my bike for 3000/= or less than two dollars. Now I am sitting 3 or 4 inches higher although the juxtaposition of the seat, my handlebars, digging into my legs, and the lack of brakes, probably means I am going to crash soon. But this man, the bike man, was my savior..... The ride to school is downhill, and only makes me sweat through my shirt.... The ride back is all uphill, so first I ride through corn fields, and dodge little chickens...I call this part the chicken farm. Then the next part is the hill of death, although not so steep, it is sometimes hard to find the smooth bike path, and I am also a fat old man. But the second part of this obstacle course, might be the most treacherous, I call it the P.O.D.A.L. which is the Path of Derision and Laughter. I pass by the primary school grounds and at least 200 students every day come by to laugh at the large man on the small bike. The third part is flat as I roll through town, so I call it Friendly town, but the last part to get home has a nice uphill grade, so I call it Not so Friendly town. This usually happens around 5 oclock here. So if you are up at 9 am St. Louis time, think about me on my journey, you will laugh. Welcome to the PODAL. Anyway, thanks to my new seat, I made it home in good shape, although still very warm. I took refuge under the shade tree, and met my new friend Kidega Francis. Kidega means the father did not love the mother and wanted her to get away. Anyway, Francis warmly welcomed me to Atanga and told me that he was going to give me a young chicken next week. He said through the translation of his brother, the bicycle repairman, that I could eat it or watch it grow. HMMMMMMMMMMM
God bless the Chicken Man and all of you,
John
God bless the Chicken Man and all of you,
John
Remembering What is Important (Even when I don't want to)
While I was on the rhino trip, someone broke into Bill's room and stole my laptop. Upon further review, it looks like my US cell phone, another power cord, and 200 dollars was also taken. It has been a very frustrating week, as I really do like to communicate and that might be kind of tough now. I have to remember that this hardship is what the Acholi people have dealt with for 20 years. It is really frustrating, but when I got back to Atanga, I found my worn 30 year old scapular that I thought I had lost. I guess it was just a remembrance to me that material things are nice, but what is really important to all of us are the things that we cannot possess **there is no colon on this computer** love, friendship, kindness, and in the case of the scapular---faith. We should be reminded that I know that I am travelling with the good thoughts and prayers of many of you that I know, and some that I don't know (Jon Bryant's mom's prayer circles). All of the extra marks including the apostrophe are in the wrong place on this computer. It is torture typing contractions and possessives. LOL. I will work to overcome these frustrations and represent you well by giving my best to the people of Northern Uganda
respectfully,
John
not so respectfully, I WANT MY FRIGGING LAPTOP BACK!!!!!!!
John
respectfully,
John
not so respectfully, I WANT MY FRIGGING LAPTOP BACK!!!!!!!
John
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 30 Text Massage
Today I was leaving at 7:40 for a ten minute bike ride for an 8 am class when the key and lock disintegrated and did not open. So I got a hammer and beat the shit out of it. So today my hammer and I are winning. LOL
We heard from John that his laptop is not functioning, so it may effect how much and how often he can blog. I'll continue to post his text messages.
We heard from John that his laptop is not functioning, so it may effect how much and how often he can blog. I'll continue to post his text messages.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Too Little Time Today
There are several things going on, and I might not be able to post a long entry until the weekend. But we saw the rhinos again, I lost money to my teacher friends playing Rat at the rhino exchange. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers as I lay in bed at 10 pm at Atanga ( a lots of time to think). I wonder if all 14 of my neighbors will be back (gobble, gobble) or did one of them become dinner..
wish me luck
John
wish me luck
John
Friday, June 26, 2009
Why We Teach
With absenteeism a problem at Atanga, and seeing a heartbroken father talk to the teachers at Atanga after he realized his daughter was not going to school. He had to stay a village a way to find work in the fields, and with him being gone his daughter was spending her day with friends, and not in school. I also saw another young man try to get a copy of his school records from the officials at Atanga. He was chastised for his attire, and told to come back another time. He came back an hour later, with a borrowed shirt, but the same tattered pants as before. He was not given his school records, and in very tough terms he was lectured by several of the teachers. It is hard to understand, as I saw the hurt and pain on his face, but maybe this tough lesson is exactly what he needed or maybe he is just a beaten man in a pretty beat up part of our world.
Bill said today, “The ones that attend, the ones that take notes, they will do anything to succeed. They will do anything you ask them.” So in this quiet village called Atanga, this in the end is why we are here. This is why you should continue to support Schools for Schools, and find a way to give a few extra dollars to Invisible Children. There are students here who are amazing. On Wednesday afternoon, I wandered up and talked to a few of the Senior 4 students (most equivalent to Juniors in America). It was the best conversation, they asked me a few questions about all of my students in America. I told them about Hey Day and Shout Week, and where St. Louis is on a map, but I really saw an amazing curiosity. I pray that these students continue to get a chance to move on with their education. In this group of 8 students was both the Head Boy and Head Girl. This position would be a combination of Stuco President, Dean of Students, Sports Captain, and Good Will Ambassador. They are amazing young men and women, just before I left for home on Tuesday, I also saw Otim John receive an application for Debate prefect from a perfect gentleman by the name of Komakech Tony Blair. Translated that means “unlucky man” Tony Blair. It is on these days that I realize how blessed I am by old friends, former students, and family. And also how lucky I am to see new friends both Ugandan and American that I have met this summer. I have strived to live a patient life these past weeks and not let frustrations or obstacles spill out. I guess I have to, for this small time, I am Atangan.
Bill said today, “The ones that attend, the ones that take notes, they will do anything to succeed. They will do anything you ask them.” So in this quiet village called Atanga, this in the end is why we are here. This is why you should continue to support Schools for Schools, and find a way to give a few extra dollars to Invisible Children. There are students here who are amazing. On Wednesday afternoon, I wandered up and talked to a few of the Senior 4 students (most equivalent to Juniors in America). It was the best conversation, they asked me a few questions about all of my students in America. I told them about Hey Day and Shout Week, and where St. Louis is on a map, but I really saw an amazing curiosity. I pray that these students continue to get a chance to move on with their education. In this group of 8 students was both the Head Boy and Head Girl. This position would be a combination of Stuco President, Dean of Students, Sports Captain, and Good Will Ambassador. They are amazing young men and women, just before I left for home on Tuesday, I also saw Otim John receive an application for Debate prefect from a perfect gentleman by the name of Komakech Tony Blair. Translated that means “unlucky man” Tony Blair. It is on these days that I realize how blessed I am by old friends, former students, and family. And also how lucky I am to see new friends both Ugandan and American that I have met this summer. I have strived to live a patient life these past weeks and not let frustrations or obstacles spill out. I guess I have to, for this small time, I am Atangan.
Tuesday-- They Won't Let Me Change the Channel
Today, Bill and I got out of school a little before Kevin, we stopped at Brenda’s Good Time Café, and were expecting a quiet respite at the end of the day. We were first greeted by a man named Bob, and he started off with a very cordial and friendly conversation. It was soon apparent that there was something a little bit off with Bob and his story. There were some details that were confused and repeated and some maybe we did not understand, but it seemed Bob was also looking for something from Bill and I that we were just not able to give. Bob soon moved a storefront away, and a young mentally disturbed boy moved closer to us, he was holding a box of milk, and had about a foot long piece of drool, hanging from his lip. He, too, looked at us with some hope and some sense of need, but how could we help this young boy, I did not know. Bob’s spot on the chair next to us was soon taken over by an obviously intoxicated man, he had gone to the small store next to Brenda’s to buy a bag of alcohol. Imagine MD 20/20 in a big Kool Pop bag, that is drank by biting off one corner and slurping it out of the small plastic bag. I have know forgotten this man’s name but he alternately called me his brother, his papa, and his lover. He tried to explain that he loved white men, because his sister had married a white man and moved to California, and his other sister had married a man from India. So he tried to explain, as he spilled more sweet yellow alcohol on his hands, pants, and arms. The bag with the hole in it might not be the most efficient way for drunks to drink. I then returned home, and dropped my first deuce of the Atanga trip into a smelly pit latrine, that might only be used by me, because it has a lock, but then again maybe not. Although, I really believed I have seen Africa and its people before, it is a much different story this year. At night, I always had a chance to relax around the candlelight with American teachers. When I got hot there was a fan that I would sit in front of, when I wanted an ice cold drink I could go buy one. This is a different experience, when I see the unpleasantness and heartbreak of poverty and tough conditions, I cannot change the channel.
John
John
Atanga--Monday Night
Atanga
The first night at Atanga, we stopped for a cold drink (room temperature) at Brenda’s restaurant. It is called Good Times, and I will take a picture of it eventually for the blog. The miniature bike that bought for me to ride to school and back had broken down, and I had left it up the dirt road with the bicycle repairman. The entire town laughs at me, when I ride by, because the big is way too small for me. Anyway, it was a good happy hour at Brenda’s drinking warm coke with my Atanga teaching partners (American) and Otim John (my Ugandan team teacher).
Brenda had come into town and was sitting on a blanket in front of her restaurant. She had been beaten by an unknown assailant the week before. She still looked she was in bad shape, as it was tough for her to hear. As we listened to Otim John, more than a dozen people from the village of all ages and genders made their way to Brenda to inquire about her well being. She greeted all of them with a silent smile, and they then leaned close and whispered their words of encouragement to her. Even the LC3, the highest elected official in the village came by to check on her condition. I do not know how to describe the sadness around these visits, yet the people still came by, got down on the blanket with Brenda and gave words of friendship and kindness.
While all of this was going on, we listened to the everyday words of Otim John, as he described how he had survived, taught, and lived through the days of the LRA occupation. He took great pride in telling us, that he never left. While others sought safety in Gulu and even Kampala. John stayed, he needed to be close to his parents and he tried his best to keep Atanga, the school, going during these days of violence. He talked about having to hide and sleep in the bush and tall grass while the LRA was in town, looking for them with possible kidnapping or murder being the end result. There were just a few years, where the school had to be moved up to Kitgum to survive, but in the end these people, these simple warriors stayed in their towns, and hid from the violence. They talked about hanging out in Brenda’s restaurant during heavy rains, not sleeping and keeping an eye out, up the road for possible signs of the LRA rebels. I am writing this on Wednesday to post this weekend, and I realize that life in Atanga, even in peace is not an easy life. The people work very hard to grow their own food, and to scramble during difficult times. I hope that when I come back to America and encounter small struggles in my daily life, I can remember the courage and the resilience of these people, the kind and courageous men and women of Atanga.
John
The first night at Atanga, we stopped for a cold drink (room temperature) at Brenda’s restaurant. It is called Good Times, and I will take a picture of it eventually for the blog. The miniature bike that bought for me to ride to school and back had broken down, and I had left it up the dirt road with the bicycle repairman. The entire town laughs at me, when I ride by, because the big is way too small for me. Anyway, it was a good happy hour at Brenda’s drinking warm coke with my Atanga teaching partners (American) and Otim John (my Ugandan team teacher).
Brenda had come into town and was sitting on a blanket in front of her restaurant. She had been beaten by an unknown assailant the week before. She still looked she was in bad shape, as it was tough for her to hear. As we listened to Otim John, more than a dozen people from the village of all ages and genders made their way to Brenda to inquire about her well being. She greeted all of them with a silent smile, and they then leaned close and whispered their words of encouragement to her. Even the LC3, the highest elected official in the village came by to check on her condition. I do not know how to describe the sadness around these visits, yet the people still came by, got down on the blanket with Brenda and gave words of friendship and kindness.
While all of this was going on, we listened to the everyday words of Otim John, as he described how he had survived, taught, and lived through the days of the LRA occupation. He took great pride in telling us, that he never left. While others sought safety in Gulu and even Kampala. John stayed, he needed to be close to his parents and he tried his best to keep Atanga, the school, going during these days of violence. He talked about having to hide and sleep in the bush and tall grass while the LRA was in town, looking for them with possible kidnapping or murder being the end result. There were just a few years, where the school had to be moved up to Kitgum to survive, but in the end these people, these simple warriors stayed in their towns, and hid from the violence. They talked about hanging out in Brenda’s restaurant during heavy rains, not sleeping and keeping an eye out, up the road for possible signs of the LRA rebels. I am writing this on Wednesday to post this weekend, and I realize that life in Atanga, even in peace is not an easy life. The people work very hard to grow their own food, and to scramble during difficult times. I hope that when I come back to America and encounter small struggles in my daily life, I can remember the courage and the resilience of these people, the kind and courageous men and women of Atanga.
John
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Only a particial message.
So Bill and I tried the camp shower I brought. Imagine a 4 foot high concrete enclosure with 1 Munu holding a black bag on a short broom while the othe (and that's all I got)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
June 24 by cell phone text.
Day 2 at Atanga. It remains an amazing place this Africa. There is so much promise out of many students. They will do anything we ask. On the other hand there are so many effects of the war around us. Bill and I were so thirsty we needed liquid. But the stop was awful as a parade of people, each with a different problem approached us. Don’t worry I am fine, but the people of Atanga need your prayers.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Jack Magee offers.
I found another blog of a guy who was in Atanga with Invisible Children last year. He has some photos of Atanga and the school where John is now. This is a chance to see some pictures until John has posted his own.
http://www.jrobuganda.blogspot.com/
http://www.jrobuganda.blogspot.com/
Text Massage from John Tuesday morning in Uganda
First day in Atanga. We got started a couple hours late, but finally made it. The school has nice grounds and the new buildings are better than the ____?
Right next door to me last night was twelve turkeys penned up in a closet.
These text messages are sent to John's Dad Jack. They are corrected to regular composition when I can figure out what I thnk he meant. Do you think the turkeys were in the room next to John or he forgot the words "Coop or pen?"
Right next door to me last night was twelve turkeys penned up in a closet.
These text messages are sent to John's Dad Jack. They are corrected to regular composition when I can figure out what I thnk he meant. Do you think the turkeys were in the room next to John or he forgot the words "Coop or pen?"
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Funny, funny, and funny
Okay, I have been laughing non stop here. Some typical crazy stuff. The "wing, wing, wing" joke has made it to a new group of people. But anytime you spend significant time with a guy named Captain Underwear, funny stuff is going to happen. The same night that Lisa and Mick sang, Mike F. also picked up the guitar. I was just calling him a utility infielder, because he was so versatile, but he picked up the guitar and perfectly sang Mr. Big's "To be with you", so he is now named Mr. Big. Captain Underwear also joined Mick in singing several old Garth Brooks songs and was also good.
There were many westerners there so I started preaching about the lack of XXL shirts for big people who believe in social causes. Hopefully, I have made a small dent in this "large" problem. This morning we got up early--- Captain Underwear, Stephanie, Kevin, Annie, and Lauren and we ventured to Gulu High for the amazing Mass. I wish I could take all of you to this place. The energy and the faith and practice of these students is amazing. They work hard to bring devotion and music to their Sunday service. And they accomplish it with such spirituality and faith. I know I have not posted a picture yet, and I only have five more minutes today, before we leave for St. Jude's orphanage. So I might try to send some stuff to my dad that gets posted. In less than 18 hours, Kevin, Shilling Shilling Bill, and I will be off to Atanga to try our bests and learn from the people of that school.
Wish me luck,
John
There were many westerners there so I started preaching about the lack of XXL shirts for big people who believe in social causes. Hopefully, I have made a small dent in this "large" problem. This morning we got up early--- Captain Underwear, Stephanie, Kevin, Annie, and Lauren and we ventured to Gulu High for the amazing Mass. I wish I could take all of you to this place. The energy and the faith and practice of these students is amazing. They work hard to bring devotion and music to their Sunday service. And they accomplish it with such spirituality and faith. I know I have not posted a picture yet, and I only have five more minutes today, before we leave for St. Jude's orphanage. So I might try to send some stuff to my dad that gets posted. In less than 18 hours, Kevin, Shilling Shilling Bill, and I will be off to Atanga to try our bests and learn from the people of that school.
Wish me luck,
John
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Lisa Swetman is Amazing and so much more!!!!
Okay I am starting out by asking you to leave this page, go to iTunes and buy a song from Lisa Swetman. I am offering a double your money back guarantee, if you do not like her work.
Let's see, where should I start. I found a free few hours in the day and went back to visit Awere SS, my first school here, and still a very special place in my heart. I visited the head teacher Matthew, who is working hard to make his school and his students, something special. He talked to me about encouraging the Discipline of Reading into his school. Many teachers, even maths teachers, know that kids that love to read and do read will have the world opened to them. Matthew showed me the architects plans for a library that will hold more than a 100 students. Awere SS, which has been a displaced school because of the war, is moving back to their old location. I wish Matthew and Awere SS the best and the students there remain phenomenal.
Next, Joanna E. was starting an afternoon Hip-Hop club for Awere students. So I joined her, Lauren H. (my STL buddy), and Abby H. (my arch enemy and best friend) in cajoling the students to dance. The students had a fun time watching 4 munus dancing. They actually played "Single Ladies" and sorry Janet Csolak, I forgot the steps. It was fun, it was also visually fun to see Joanna, a tall young woman who carries herself with such a grace and classiness to "boogie down" with the Awere SS students. Lauren H. competed in a dance off with one young man and held her own until he stood on his head and shoulder after a break dance move. Abby and Joanna also rapped the Fresh Prince.
After that and much sweating in my shirt and tie, we walked to dinner with 20 teachers through Gulu. A white people parade if you will. I stayed back a little to see if a young girl who was hurt was okay. 2 young boys, shouted at me in Lwo and laughed loudly. Two women carrying their babies, asked if I knew what they said. They told me, the boys said, "Look it is Jesus, we knew he would be tall." I laughed with the women, and I guess I have a beard now with that comment.
The dinner was great, I will be working with Otim John. Otim means "born far away" because he was born in Kenya when his father was working there. He is a great man, Shilling Shilling Bill also has a great partner and Kevin seems like he will be a great fit also. I am so so ready to teach. I am so ready for Atanga, but those stories will have to wait for next week. With maybe mini-updates through the week. So many dedicated teachers together have to be good for our students.
LISA SWETMAN, remember the name, she is a vibrant young woman, who snorts when she laughs, she greets each and every person with a smile that is so welcoming and so fresh that you are more alive. I rushed out of the dinner, because she was singing at Bambu. I got there just in time from a boda boda who drove me 80 meters. I did not quite know where I was, so I paid him 1000 /= for his cleverness.
But anyway, most of you know who talented Lisa is because you have downloaded one of her songs and are listening to it know. She sang her songs, but not all of them because not all of her songs were guitar songs. All of you Nerinx students, and my nieces spread the word about her. I want mega downloads from all of you. It is not only great music, but she is my friend and she is over here sharing her talents with the Acholi, so help her out. BUY HER MUSIC--She will be famous some day, and you can say I knew her well. I am seriously negotiating for her to come up to Jazz at the Bistro, Mitch's place, for a September or October show. You are all invited. Her song "Waste of Time" has so much zest and personality in it. Seriously, have you listened to it yet.
Abby H. who loves Lisa's music as much as me, was sitting quietly on the couch, listening, not engaging in any chit chat, just really putting herself with the music. Mick, the Irishmen, was singing when I came in, and I kept thinking quit hogging the guitar--I want to hear my girl. But after Lisa, had played several songs. Mick after talking about Ireland, sang a song about the tough times there. It is by Phil Coulter "The town I love so well". So in the middle of a beautiful Ugandan night surrounded by good friends. I was sitting on a couch with Abby and Lisa and Mick were on another couch facing ours. It might have been one of my favorite songs I have ever heard.
Think for a moment, I was listening to an Irishman with real pride, signing about his people, and how they had overcome so many obstacles and so much violence-- in a country that was trying to do the same thing. How I am so blessed to be in this moment at this time. It truly was beautiful ("Did you know we could do that?"). As I sat there listening, several tears ran down my face. I did not brush them away, as I was afraid, that moving only the slightest would break the magic or disrespect the message that Mick was singing about. Next to me, Abby was just as silent as I.
When he is not the singing, storytelling Irishman in the middle of the bar Mick is part of a Danish NGO, dismantling land mines in Uganda. He is also making sure young children can return to their villages, where there are no RPGs or machine gun bullets that can maim or kill them. He told me he spent 12 years in Anti-Terror in the Irish Army. He told me proudly, "That he will see one Ireland united in his lifetime, but it will not be by their methods (killing and violence)."
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that our world is place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our ancestors is alive in our time; who still questions the power of democracy, the power of kindness, or the power of laughter and music" (sorry Barrack, I stole) then I encourage you to come to an uncomfortable couch in a bamboo bar in the middle of dirt roads in the middle of Gulu and listen to a young blonde American angel and an Irishman sing.
I believe in all of us, and sometimes when I forget you all remind me in such
a wonderful way.
Most importantly I believe in you.
Go do something great today! or make the smallest moment great with a smile and a song.
Wanen Lachen,
John
Let's see, where should I start. I found a free few hours in the day and went back to visit Awere SS, my first school here, and still a very special place in my heart. I visited the head teacher Matthew, who is working hard to make his school and his students, something special. He talked to me about encouraging the Discipline of Reading into his school. Many teachers, even maths teachers, know that kids that love to read and do read will have the world opened to them. Matthew showed me the architects plans for a library that will hold more than a 100 students. Awere SS, which has been a displaced school because of the war, is moving back to their old location. I wish Matthew and Awere SS the best and the students there remain phenomenal.
Next, Joanna E. was starting an afternoon Hip-Hop club for Awere students. So I joined her, Lauren H. (my STL buddy), and Abby H. (my arch enemy and best friend) in cajoling the students to dance. The students had a fun time watching 4 munus dancing. They actually played "Single Ladies" and sorry Janet Csolak, I forgot the steps. It was fun, it was also visually fun to see Joanna, a tall young woman who carries herself with such a grace and classiness to "boogie down" with the Awere SS students. Lauren H. competed in a dance off with one young man and held her own until he stood on his head and shoulder after a break dance move. Abby and Joanna also rapped the Fresh Prince.
After that and much sweating in my shirt and tie, we walked to dinner with 20 teachers through Gulu. A white people parade if you will. I stayed back a little to see if a young girl who was hurt was okay. 2 young boys, shouted at me in Lwo and laughed loudly. Two women carrying their babies, asked if I knew what they said. They told me, the boys said, "Look it is Jesus, we knew he would be tall." I laughed with the women, and I guess I have a beard now with that comment.
The dinner was great, I will be working with Otim John. Otim means "born far away" because he was born in Kenya when his father was working there. He is a great man, Shilling Shilling Bill also has a great partner and Kevin seems like he will be a great fit also. I am so so ready to teach. I am so ready for Atanga, but those stories will have to wait for next week. With maybe mini-updates through the week. So many dedicated teachers together have to be good for our students.
LISA SWETMAN, remember the name, she is a vibrant young woman, who snorts when she laughs, she greets each and every person with a smile that is so welcoming and so fresh that you are more alive. I rushed out of the dinner, because she was singing at Bambu. I got there just in time from a boda boda who drove me 80 meters. I did not quite know where I was, so I paid him 1000 /= for his cleverness.
But anyway, most of you know who talented Lisa is because you have downloaded one of her songs and are listening to it know. She sang her songs, but not all of them because not all of her songs were guitar songs. All of you Nerinx students, and my nieces spread the word about her. I want mega downloads from all of you. It is not only great music, but she is my friend and she is over here sharing her talents with the Acholi, so help her out. BUY HER MUSIC--She will be famous some day, and you can say I knew her well. I am seriously negotiating for her to come up to Jazz at the Bistro, Mitch's place, for a September or October show. You are all invited. Her song "Waste of Time" has so much zest and personality in it. Seriously, have you listened to it yet.
Abby H. who loves Lisa's music as much as me, was sitting quietly on the couch, listening, not engaging in any chit chat, just really putting herself with the music. Mick, the Irishmen, was singing when I came in, and I kept thinking quit hogging the guitar--I want to hear my girl. But after Lisa, had played several songs. Mick after talking about Ireland, sang a song about the tough times there. It is by Phil Coulter "The town I love so well". So in the middle of a beautiful Ugandan night surrounded by good friends. I was sitting on a couch with Abby and Lisa and Mick were on another couch facing ours. It might have been one of my favorite songs I have ever heard.
Think for a moment, I was listening to an Irishman with real pride, signing about his people, and how they had overcome so many obstacles and so much violence-- in a country that was trying to do the same thing. How I am so blessed to be in this moment at this time. It truly was beautiful ("Did you know we could do that?"). As I sat there listening, several tears ran down my face. I did not brush them away, as I was afraid, that moving only the slightest would break the magic or disrespect the message that Mick was singing about. Next to me, Abby was just as silent as I.
When he is not the singing, storytelling Irishman in the middle of the bar Mick is part of a Danish NGO, dismantling land mines in Uganda. He is also making sure young children can return to their villages, where there are no RPGs or machine gun bullets that can maim or kill them. He told me he spent 12 years in Anti-Terror in the Irish Army. He told me proudly, "That he will see one Ireland united in his lifetime, but it will not be by their methods (killing and violence)."
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that our world is place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our ancestors is alive in our time; who still questions the power of democracy, the power of kindness, or the power of laughter and music" (sorry Barrack, I stole) then I encourage you to come to an uncomfortable couch in a bamboo bar in the middle of dirt roads in the middle of Gulu and listen to a young blonde American angel and an Irishman sing.
I believe in all of us, and sometimes when I forget you all remind me in such
a wonderful way.
Most importantly I believe in you.
Go do something great today! or make the smallest moment great with a smile and a song.
Wanen Lachen,
John
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Group 1, Birthdays and funny guys.
So the mini-blog may have worked. Here is the expanded version.
After a long dinner and several delayed meetings, we finally got to go out and release a little steam. We joined Group 1 at KSP (where I broke the chair last year) for a few refreshments. My fellow teachers encouraged me to have something they called beer. Not a bad taste, for my first time. It was a good time, my shyness was not a problem as I let others take the lead. Mostly I just sat back and observed. Group 1 was celebrating Joanna's birthday so we joined in with a few jokes and a few stories. I let Ryan, and Wild Bill Shilling lead the way, but for some reason when it came to her birthday dance, Joanna chose me. Well, I don't think I knew anything about dancing, but I gave it a try and Joanna was teaching me all kind of new steps. We were going to sing a special happy birthday, but our Theeeeeaaaaaaattttterrrrr people got cold feet. (AQ that is you). I also reacquainted myself with Lauren, an STLer, and Abby, and Runita, and Daneen. Phil went home because he did not want to hear more stories about his Tigers losing to our Cardinals. Lisa, who teaches at a Catholic school in Louisiana, kept telling jokes, but I eventually had to warn her that a lot of her jokes offended my sensibilities. Once we got over that hurdle, things were great. They ordered me a second beer, but I was unable to finish it. But it was a great time had by all. My Atanga partners Shilling Shilling Bill and Kevin (no nickname yet) liked the evening and we ended up in Ryan's room in a small space telling stories. Ryan and Mike have a larger room with a full kitchen, so it is easier to congregate there. A good night, all around.
Earlier in the day, one of the people on the trip, was having a series of misfortunes, and so I, John Magee, walked with her to the market and helped her find a dress. Yes, I know finally a chance to put my expertise in women's fashion into play.
by the way, I told them I was 50 years old, and they believed me.
Having fun before work starts,
John
p.s. I saw Odong Collins Otika today, so hopefully the schedule will allow me to play some basketball with him this weekend.
After a long dinner and several delayed meetings, we finally got to go out and release a little steam. We joined Group 1 at KSP (where I broke the chair last year) for a few refreshments. My fellow teachers encouraged me to have something they called beer. Not a bad taste, for my first time. It was a good time, my shyness was not a problem as I let others take the lead. Mostly I just sat back and observed. Group 1 was celebrating Joanna's birthday so we joined in with a few jokes and a few stories. I let Ryan, and Wild Bill Shilling lead the way, but for some reason when it came to her birthday dance, Joanna chose me. Well, I don't think I knew anything about dancing, but I gave it a try and Joanna was teaching me all kind of new steps. We were going to sing a special happy birthday, but our Theeeeeaaaaaaattttterrrrr people got cold feet. (AQ that is you). I also reacquainted myself with Lauren, an STLer, and Abby, and Runita, and Daneen. Phil went home because he did not want to hear more stories about his Tigers losing to our Cardinals. Lisa, who teaches at a Catholic school in Louisiana, kept telling jokes, but I eventually had to warn her that a lot of her jokes offended my sensibilities. Once we got over that hurdle, things were great. They ordered me a second beer, but I was unable to finish it. But it was a great time had by all. My Atanga partners Shilling Shilling Bill and Kevin (no nickname yet) liked the evening and we ended up in Ryan's room in a small space telling stories. Ryan and Mike have a larger room with a full kitchen, so it is easier to congregate there. A good night, all around.
Earlier in the day, one of the people on the trip, was having a series of misfortunes, and so I, John Magee, walked with her to the market and helped her find a dress. Yes, I know finally a chance to put my expertise in women's fashion into play.
by the way, I told them I was 50 years old, and they believed me.
Having fun before work starts,
John
p.s. I saw Odong Collins Otika today, so hopefully the schedule will allow me to play some basketball with him this weekend.
1st Day in Gulu, 1st Day of Training, Henry has a motorbike
So today was our first day of training, this looks like it could be one of the best groups I have been a part of. Sorry Class of 2008, okay you guys were cooler, but I am excited about the new blood and teacher talent.
I will be going to Atanga with Kevin Brehm and Bill Yukstas, hopefully I spelled both of those right. They were roommates at Penn State, so they have a good friendship, and seem really eager for the challenge at Atanga. I like there energy and commitment, and I am looking forward to working with these 2 new teachers at Atanga. Hopefully, we can continue the legacy of David Heimeck and Josh Robinson, two great teachers from last year. We are living this year in a hotel, Caterina Hotel, for those of you veterans it is in town, but a block east of Kope Cafe. I am in a new internet cafe, run by an American named Justin that has chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
After our meetings, I walked through the market (open-air is not quite right as it has a roof). The married couple, Lance and Justine and Anne Quigley who went with us to the Yankees game were with me. For some reason I was a big attraction in the fish market, as my presence caused quite a ruckus. But I rushed down to here to give everyone some idea of what was going on.
It looks like I am only going to be able to post on the weekends. Although, I did spend two different trips to the Garden City mall to correct that problem. If only I had Michael Coffey here I could have been connected, but Perez the MTN guy, and myself did not possess the knowledge to connect.
Dad, I might try sending you a long message tonight on your phone, kind of as a sample mini-blog post. You should count the words you receive---and try to post them.
Okay, the great moment of the day was as we were walking past the market. Henry, my teaching partner, rode by on his motorbike. A step up from the Budweiser bike he had last year. I was really happy to see him, and I think he was excited about the process of exchanging a year's worth of stories with him.
What should I tell him? The continual insanity of the basketball situation? No, I think this is a time for positives and superlatives. So I will tell him about the wonderful group that just went to Biloxi with me, and how young people can and will change our world. Maybe I will talk to him about the incredible friendship that Frank Hellwig showed me on my final night in America or the Gaffneys fixing my plumbing problem. Or mom and dad once again, covering my disorganization and allowing me to give to so many.
Apwoyo bene,
John
I will be going to Atanga with Kevin Brehm and Bill Yukstas, hopefully I spelled both of those right. They were roommates at Penn State, so they have a good friendship, and seem really eager for the challenge at Atanga. I like there energy and commitment, and I am looking forward to working with these 2 new teachers at Atanga. Hopefully, we can continue the legacy of David Heimeck and Josh Robinson, two great teachers from last year. We are living this year in a hotel, Caterina Hotel, for those of you veterans it is in town, but a block east of Kope Cafe. I am in a new internet cafe, run by an American named Justin that has chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
After our meetings, I walked through the market (open-air is not quite right as it has a roof). The married couple, Lance and Justine and Anne Quigley who went with us to the Yankees game were with me. For some reason I was a big attraction in the fish market, as my presence caused quite a ruckus. But I rushed down to here to give everyone some idea of what was going on.
It looks like I am only going to be able to post on the weekends. Although, I did spend two different trips to the Garden City mall to correct that problem. If only I had Michael Coffey here I could have been connected, but Perez the MTN guy, and myself did not possess the knowledge to connect.
Dad, I might try sending you a long message tonight on your phone, kind of as a sample mini-blog post. You should count the words you receive---and try to post them.
Okay, the great moment of the day was as we were walking past the market. Henry, my teaching partner, rode by on his motorbike. A step up from the Budweiser bike he had last year. I was really happy to see him, and I think he was excited about the process of exchanging a year's worth of stories with him.
What should I tell him? The continual insanity of the basketball situation? No, I think this is a time for positives and superlatives. So I will tell him about the wonderful group that just went to Biloxi with me, and how young people can and will change our world. Maybe I will talk to him about the incredible friendship that Frank Hellwig showed me on my final night in America or the Gaffneys fixing my plumbing problem. Or mom and dad once again, covering my disorganization and allowing me to give to so many.
Apwoyo bene,
John
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