We get to carry each other

In praise of empowered women!!!

2011-05-25T03:09:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, May 25, 2011
In praise of empowered women!!!
in the end, I have come back to my Africa blog, because that is the part of the world that has changed me the most...I cannot discount the story of Ronald Kwolyelo who cared so much about his education that he sprinted 20 km on a bicycle to try to earn himself a scholarship or how when he arrived spent and out of breath at Atanga SS there was his best friend Martin Liboso to switch places on the bike and now it was Martin's turn to sprint to the town center to get food for his friend Ronald, so they could both get back to Atanga for essentially an exam planning review.

You all the people on Facebook, my students, my family, and my friends, are my Martin Liboso.... You are my Martin Liboso... I just hope I can be Ronald to your undying support.

I just figured out, as any good math teacher would, that I have spent the last 35 out of 37 days doing my best for Nerinx...but it does not seem like a job or great accomplishment to me....when I am at a track meet or lacrosse match or soccer game I revel in who you are....what other job is there where I get to stand up and cheer for so many of your accomplishments?

so when you stand with me now... I am touched by your loyalty and devotion, but I am also so proud that you stood up...YELLED LOUDLY.... and let your voice be heard

God has allowed me to get up that mountain....and I have looked over ... and I may not get there with you. So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing anyone.. (because you my young amazing talented women have shown me the promised land....and mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord

Teacher Exchange Day II

2010-12-28T23:21:00.003-06:00

FOR BEGINNING OF STORY SCROLL DOWN

Wanted to wake up at 8 am... My plan was
1) to pick up Catherine and Danielle in Queens drop them off in Manhattan
2) get ATT phones supplied by John Stephens in Manhattan
3) Drive to hostel on Upper west side drop off warm clothes
4) pick up Jill Knopic at JFK
5) pick up Ugandans at bus stop??
6) go get Sassers at JFK
7) drop car off at JFK before 5:27 when I am charged another very steep daily charge...

staying awake until 4 am...not good for early wakeup..

so here is what happened...

1) get to Catherines at 9:50.. George Washington bridge into the city was beautiful (not worth $8 tariff though) 2nd bridge was redundant but still cost $5.50.
dug young woman out of the snow...helped old woman shovel out her car that was buried 5 feet deep by plow...she tells me she is moving because she has no husband and no son and a plate in her leg...and snow removal sucks...still waiting as C and D are bringing down bags of stuff... tried to get Impala off to the side of street 3 cars get by, but not truck...Car is stuck...3 guys from the truck and I push it out as Danielle from South Carolina drives out of her first snow bank... off to drop off supplies...Manhattan is crazy but moving...2 stops...

2) find ATT store... walk to store... set up 5 phones for Ugandans....clerks were great and laughed every time my ringer played respect to get their numbers in my phone.... that part was easy

3) drove to hostel... toook a loooonng time with traffic

4) Jill loses out must find her own ride in...

5) We now drive from 103rd avenue to lower east side to find Ugandans at bus stop
find out that this Chinese bus company, kind of just a small store front that drops off people in front ... they tell us that one of the busses will not come to that stop but instead drop off people at 34th and 7th Avenue around Penn Station... we have to get there or Ugandans might get off and be alone in the middle of Manhattan... Manhattan is crazy... a couple of times, I have to walk through 3 foot drifts with snow above my knee to get to the street...

we get back there... Catherine decides after 33rd street does not go through to start walking on foot...good idea, as it takes Dani and I another 45 minutes to make the 4 blocks by driving 12 blocks.... We are there for over an hour, Danielle buying warmer socks, Catherine buying subway cards for all, and me walking forever to see a lot of other fly-by-night buses coming up 34th, but no Eastern company with possibly Chinese characters ( I forgot lunch was a can of Pringles shared by 3 of us at Chinese bus depot or storefront with metal benches in it...

Catherine talks to some lady who is waiting for someone from DC who has been waiting for someone who left at 730 am... we are pretty sure our guys left at 10, but don't know as we have no way to contact them... It is now 330 and still no Ugandans (quick call home----MOM get St. Anthony on this one, we have lost Ugandans!!!!!)...Start walking down 34th, tell Danielle that I have good feeling about bus that is 300 yards away... I was dead wrong, but now the one behind it says Eastern. It is stopped and within 18 feet of me....tried to find a way over the mounds of snow, but cannot finally found a break, but bus is now moving just out of my reach.... almost get runover by another truck as I get to the bus... motion frantically for Chinese driver to open door... I ask him if he has Ugandans on the bus, he tells me that I cannot be on his bus and to get off ... I climb steps and yell "Are there Ugandans on this bus, Invisible Children, INvisible Children"... then I hopped off.... ran to the corner but now I cannot find Danielle or Catherine easily 8000 people in 2 block radius... The bus stops around the corner for disembarking, but no Ugandans... a women tells me they said they were on there....but still no familiar faces....DO I HAVE THE WRONG UGANDANS??? FINALLY THE FAMILIAR FACE OF CALISTUS, THEN A SMILING PATRICK...

SUCCESS....

oh btw, the Sassers are stuck in Columbia and cannot get to New York..

had to get the rental back by 527... piece of cake it is 408....ended up stuck in Manhattan traffic for an hour and a half.

had PIZZA ....I was hungggry.... had a short meeting and then took Danielle and Catherine back to Queens and was going to try to take the car back to LaGuardia...

phone battery on low.... so Gps might die at any minute.... found LaGuardia, but missed all rental car returns sign and had to turn around... found Crowne Plaza hotel to ask for directions... ironically I parked in a spot for Hertz car but there counter was closed.....

Got to Hertz at 840 or so... Had an Invisible Children flyer and gave my whole story to the clerk...."So I know I brought it back to the wrong airport, and I am almost 4 hours late, but can I not be charged for the extra day... She smiles and says yeah she can work something out..... She smiles and hands me a bill for $300 more than I was hoping?????? She explains she gave me a discount of $200, but I tell her I was only looking a paying for one day....please.......she calls a supervisor who seemed at first like he was going to hold the line.... but relented.... still very expensive,....but I AM IN NEW YORK and half the country is trying to get here....

Hertz shuttle driver tells me that LaGuardia is a mess and lines for cabs are causing fights and it will take 2 hours to get a cab.....took the M60 bus back only a crammed bus full of many people in similar jams took an hour or so to get back... saw a lot of Harlem and the Apollo theatre...and got to within 3 blocks of the hostel...

went upstairs with head lamp to get my phone cord to charge my phone and grab my computer....CANNOT FIND MY PHONE CORD....

so came down to write this.....

Beginning of Teacher Exchange II

2010-12-28T23:02:00.002-06:00

Christmas Day find out that I am not flying to Baltimore then New York, but flying to Chicago Midway then NYC

Decided to run to Walgreen's a buy HDMI cable and set up Blu-Ray player for mom and dad instead of packing and cleaning room.

Cleaned house Christmas night...mostly done Got up on the 26th and made two beds with fresh sheets off to Dad's for ride to the airport.

Get to Airport and here flight to New York Cancelled...tell me to come back tomorrow decide to push through to Chicago and bunk in with the Powers family for the night.

My bag was supposed to get pulled in Midway, but baggage mixup in airport is stupendous. your bag will be up in 10 minutes becomes 2 hours plus of waiting...

Connor picks me up (has been waiting patiently for me watching Bears at midway).. mishandled trunk lid full of snow, and sliced a good chunk out of my finger...as Connor drives me to Naperville, bleeding is continuous, sucking the blood is not working...

Chinese dinner with John and Patti is great, Packers winning is not...will get up the next morning for Islipp...start to hear other flights being cancelled but not mine!!!!
BUT WAIT!!!! now mine is cancelled...

Decide might not make it to NYC (time to problem solve) look at Southwest Flight schedule and decide Cleveland is far away without any problems... will get car and drive from there...

MEANWHILE, Ugandans flight from London to NYC is cancelled ...next available flight is 4 days...British Immigration tells them it is illegal for them to stay that long...tell them to go back to British Airways and find a solution.. BA flies them to Washington DC...

Phone calls aplenty, lance and justine probably stuck in SF...Patrick and Katherine stuck in Columbia...talking to Catherine the whole time.. tell her I am driving in ....Jen Bresler and my mother think I am crazy...

Maybe no cars in Cleveland, Patti Powers comes through with reservation (although dropping it off at JFK will not be cheap)... Get in car, but realize phone will die...Tell Catherine I will drive to DC to pick up Ugandans.. she trusts the bus... Ugandans find accomodations in DC...know exactly what I need from STL Best Buy unfortunately in Cleveland (not much help or expertise)...find a car charger for my exact phone... Hop in Car...It is snowing and a little wet....WHOOPS

Weather gets better in 45 minutes, and start trucking along Ohio--Pennsylvania...calling home looking for weather reports....roads are dry...making good time... Listening to the football game.....screaming WHO DAT WHO DAT think going to beat them Saints, but then Brees throws two interceptions.... Kevin Harlan says between the hashes a lot and caught the ball against his chest.... Dad calls tells me that Mom says I should pull over and quit for the night... I tell him that Rental Car has ON star and I have already talked to emergency operator as I thought Cross on mirror was up, down, left, right, not a call to emer. operator...

Still making good time... man is Pennsylvania (I-80) boring... Get gas and McDonalds only half way through Pennsylvania... Catherine calls from tarmac, stuck on plane, my GPS says I am only 1 hour twenty minutes from Queens...might be her there

Decide as wind is picking up that driving over Bridges into New York is more of a daytime activity and try to find a hotel in Jersey... finally find one in Saddle Brook...so keyed up don't get to bed until 4 am

Teaching in Uganda: The Square Root of 8, A Goat, and a Dream Deferred??

2010-11-16T08:51:00.002-06:00

I will be giving two talks about my trips to Uganda this Thursday, Nov. 18th. The first one during the school day during the Peace and Justice Assembly. The second one will be at Nerinx Hall in the EAC at 7 p.m. on Thursday Night Nov. 18th. All are invited.

Necklaces for Fr. Leonsyo and Peace Together Uganda

2010-11-16T08:49:00.001-06:00

I am selling hand-made paper bead necklaces to benefit Father Leonsyo's organization, Peace Together Uganda. If you are interested please contact me at johnmagee412@yahoo.com

Ocwa Alfred Jackson Here In January!!

2010-11-16T08:47:00.002-06:00

Ocwa Alfred Jackson, or Alfred from Atanga SS, will be in St. Louis during the month of January teaching at Nerinx Hall. If you would like to possibly meet Alfred or share some time with us. You can email me at johnmagee412@yahoo.com

4:54 in the am... headed home

2010-08-08T20:54:00.001-05:00

hopefully, I make the London Connection and get to JFK tonight...

Get Up and Walk

2010-08-08T07:18:00.002-05:00

This is written by Jenni Aber Lynn

Just two days ago, the teachers of Pedro Menendez received news of another student death. I did not know this student as well as the student that had passed earlier on this summer, but I knew him. I did not teach him, but he stopped by my room a few times. His death, along with other events this summer, really affected my happy demeanor.

I have never been one to deal with death very well.

It seems that there have been moments where reality hits pretty hard. This thought process, for me, started with a phone call while I was in Uganda. It was about a student that I had last year.

She sat in the row all the way to the left, three seats from the front. She was quiet at times, but you could see that she still was infected by the contagious excitement for her senior year. She just graduated. She was just killed by a truck driving erratically. When I received this news, I kept saying that it wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair.

The next morning, July 12, I woke up to news that there were bombings in Kampala that killed over seventy people. The American that died was here because he was an “Invisible Children” roadie. His name was Nate ‘Oteka’ Henn. He seemed like such a wonderful person. We did not have a chance to meet him, but because I was still feeling the heaviness of the news from the night before, and because he was there with the same organization as my friends and I, it hit close to home. How could someone who did so much good be taken away? I again thought about how it wasn’t fair.

Then on Sunday, July 18, exactly one week from my phone call about my student, people from group 2 went to St. Jude’s orphanage. When they arrived, they found out that a toddler had just fallen into an open cesspool. When the group went back there, there was a man trying to put a ladder down the hole, but it wouldn’t fit. Then John (who we have deemed the dad of the group) pushed the ladder out of the way. John reached down and pulled Samuel (the toddler) out of the well. They started to try to get all of the stuff out of his mouth. Min and Colleen tried to give CPR, and the “Invisible Children” truck drove to the hospital. It took them ten more minutes to find someone to help them. Despite our best efforts, at 3:06 on July 18 the boy died. He was about 2 ½ years old. Definitely one of our more somber nights.

These events really got to me. How could such senseless things that cause so much pain happen? It WASN’T fair. It made me question. I wanted to know why. I was starting to question justice in this world. As I started to ask questions, I remembered thumbing through a book, “Hope in the Dark.” It is a photo-journal about two people who travel to Kenya. Not Uganda, but their story seems relevant enough to mine. I read the entries. I looked at the pictures. As I turned the pages, two entries caught my attention.

The first page is a picture of graffiti, “Piny Pek.” The entry read, “We walked along the dirt road to Muungano village where these words rested quietly on the brick wall next to a pharmacy shop. ‘What does piny pek mean?’ I asked. ‘Heavy world,’ they said” (Hope in the Dark).

That nailed it. It IS a heavy world. I have been feeling the weight of it all along. Where is justice?

As I was lamenting some of these events, I came across my friend Ryan’s blog. It was on dying seeds. I am going to use some of his words because he writes what I have been feeling so effectively. He says, “I’ve always despised the fact that God made death such an integral part of life. “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die,” Bonhoeffer says. But why can’t the Father work with us as though He were a bricklayer? I’d much rather just have my old self whitewashed, built on top of, not crucified.”

Ryan goes on to say, “That, however, is not His will. The Father’s plan for life is one of complete and total transformation that begins with a wrecking ball and ends with a new creation. And if I say that my way is better, I am arguing with the very God who gave me a mind, an intellect and an ability to argue in the first place. Surely, it is an argument I cannot win.

So I am still left asking, “Why?” I am still saying that it is not fair. I am still left presenting my argument and it makes me think of the verses in Acts 3.
It reads, “ 1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk.”
It makes me realize that I am like the crippled man and that every time I ask, “Why?” and every time that I argue that it isn’t fair; it is like I am asking for money.

I have to realize and trust that the experiences given to me will become beautiful. It is not money, but the ability to walk.

A couple of pages later in “Hope in the Dark”:

“I stood within the filthy, shack-filled slum of Kibera while also looking up at the stunning clouds that danced across the vast stretch of the African sky. There is such tragedy and yet such beauty at the same time” (HitD).

I remember that we were in a place where the blended scent of pit latrines and burning garbage lingered in the air. I remember the showers were cold. I remember we could not drink the water. I remember the dirt roads were full of potholes and mud. I remember the village was filled with poverty that often broke our hearts. I remember the deaths that will change me forever. I remember the tragedies.

With this entry, I also remember the beautiful friendships that I have made with the American and Ugandan teachers. I remember sharing the new experiences of learning to use shillings and negotiate for a boda ride with these people. I remember everyone playing with the kids in the street in front of our house with Frisbees, kites, and limbo sticks. I remember hearing, “Munu!” and seeing children run from the streets to greet us. I remember seeing the teachers from Uganda share stories, and play, and dance with us at our events. I remember the students’ willingness to share their stories, and the change it brought in us. I remember seeing the faces of deaf children in an orphanage light up because they could share their names and play. I remember seeing my friends bring smiles, laughter, and love to the same orphanage where death broke our hearts. This is the beauty that I remember. Breathtaking.

“Overwhelmed by the insanity of this broken world, I find it difficult to understand how the pieces of it all fit together” (Hope in the Dark).

Heavy world. Where is justice?

“The same earth can hold the fragrance of a field of flowers while also occupying the stench of urine on hot concrete” (HitD).

Where is justice? I think it’s in beauty. Where is beauty? I think it’s in compassion.

So what is something that I have learned on my trip? It’s a heavy world. I am terrified and weighed down by this information. Out of the tragedy, rises beauty and compassion. In the “Invisible Children” video for Nate Henn, it says that his legacy lives on. For me, out of the ashes of tragedy, a field of flowers scented with compassion will rise. That is my pledge to Shae, Nate, Samuel, and Jonathan. My pledge to those who have been and will be affected by a heavy world. My pledge to my new friends. Instead of asking why and saying that it isn’t fair, I am going to “get up and walk.”

I will no longer ask for money when I know that the ability to walk is there. I will no longer sit at the temple gates and ask questions. My promise is to “get up and walk” and bring beauty and compassion with me.

Jenni

my response on facebook

Einstein said, "Small is the number that see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts." It would have been great, if Jenni's experience in Uganda would have been all smiley kids yelling "munu bye". but not this year..

...To all those around Jenni, you already know who she is, but I got to see it for the first time. She is the real deal. I have listened to many and sometimes I hear "the sound of the genuine" from someone new. I pulled that young boy out of the worst shit water I have ever seen or experienced in my life, and tried to figure out how to get him to breathe, And in the end, tried to figure out why, and cursed myself for not winning the battle. But what I saw during that frustration was love, so many of the people in the picture above, reached out and gave me their love.

It would be nice if we could just love first, take a risk and appreciate the beauty of each other, and let these feelings be known. But our lives are often ordinary, and ordinary thoughts in ordinary lives crowd out these real thoughts. Maybe it takes this realness, this "heavy world" to remind us of not only who we are, but what we are capable of.

Don't get me wrong, I would much rather have a live Samuel then writing words on Facebook, but Jenni walked into my world this year, a world populated by amazing people, and became one of them.

And whether it is the first student you taught who dies, or the 12th..... it does not get any easier... but for Ashley, and Leslie, and Michael, for one Matt who died of Cancer, and one Matt who died in Iraq, and too many for me.... and of course, My Best Friend, Phil, whose death left a hole for too many of us.

I will take Jenni's advice and "Get Up and Walk". To do my best for Samuel,..... I will Get Up and Walk

Water

2010-08-04T15:15:00.002-05:00

Today was a celebration day at Pope Paul VI. The faculty gathered for a 1:50 pm sendoff, so the ceremony started at 3:05 pm. TIA. It was a wonderful gathering of the faculty, our friend the head teacher was not there, but it gave other people a chance to shine. The Ugandans have a tradition of shaking up soda bottles at occasions, such as this, or birthday parties. I think they thought they were going to surprise us, but the teacher shaking the bottle hit it early. The deputy teacher looked at him and said, "We were going on 3....1, 2, 3." It was hilarious and the entire faculty was laughing uproariously and having a great time.

But that will have to wait for another day....We had water at Anaka for about a day and a half. We thought the problem was temporary, but there was more to it than that. Something about not being able to pay the pump attendant, because finances were low. Last week we were lamenting our situation, and it dawned on me that we were still not working too hard for our water. Each day when we come back to the house, they are 4 Jerry cans filled with water. Who does this our 122 lb. cook, she walks down to the bore hole and carries one on her head and one in her hand, so two trips.

Maureen has been battling malaria or some other disease. She was not able to cook for us last night, and we realized we had to take care of ourselves. Kelley and I hopped after it with no problem, burning the trash, washing the dishes, and going to the bore hole to fill 3 Jerry cans. There was not the familiar sound of metal clanging so I knew no one was pumping at the bore hole. It is a little convenient, right outside of our house, 45 meters away. We filled up all three without too much problem, actually I pumped almost one full and then students took over for us.

Later in the day, I realized with the dish washing we would need more water for tonight. We would have to wash the dishes after dinner, this being our last night in Anaka. Also I was not sure if the Immodium would hold and I did not want to be trapped with my past history in the toilet (it takes a lot of water to flush the toilet manually). So I went to the bore hole to fill up two cans. Except this time, it was much more difficult...the water did not want to seem to come. Clang, Clang, Clang, I pumped furiously and even counted to 50 good reps, but one of the students said, "Sir, the water is not there." A couple of them took over and we alternated, but still just a trickle. We worked harder and harder, and finally something came.
But still what an effort....It just amazes how much of the world has to go through this or worse to find usable water. It is not easy.

John

2nd Half of a Great Day

2010-08-02T20:14:00.003-05:00

So let's see, I covered the impressive filming of the flag ceremony and the unexpected kind words of our Head Teacher. The day continued in this fantastic manner as I went into the staff room and was soon joined by my partner teacher, Kumakech Lawrence. Lawrence was smiling and pulled a package out of his small backpack for me. He told me he had been working on this for sometime. It is a plaque he made himself using wood burning techniques (don't ask if your under 30, but I once had a woodburning kit myself). It was a great gift and the time he took to make it, just made it more special.

The teachers were then summoned to the office and we were told that they wanted to take us to Pakwach to see some animals. We soon all piled into the headteachers truck. 5 of us in the front two seats, and 7 in the back. The handyman had put a school bench in the back, but mostly it was just hanging on. Luckily, I was chosen to sit up front. We took off, saw a few Ugandan Kob and settled in for lunch in Pakwach.

We were soon descended on by a group of people at the small restaurant. The men were selling wood crafts: real arrows (for hunting), wooden animals, carved turtles, canes, balancing cheetahs, etc. Lunch was a chapati and rolled egg, think breakfast burrito. I thought it was about time to go, so I decided to buy 2 souvenirs After it was seen that I bought 2 things, there were at least 8 men and boys who insisted I also buy their wares. I told them I was not going to when the one said, "You buy this one, Obama." We never really figured out if he was calling the warrior he wsa selling me, Obama or he was calling me Obama.

After the restaurant, we drove to the place where Kumakech Lawrence had grown up, we met the wife of his brother, who had raised him since his parents died when he was two. Ir was a pleasant meeting with pictures, but then all attention was drawn to Colleen, her partner teacher new it was her dream to hold a baby goat. So he went to a small pen and lifted a young goat into her arms. She was very happy! Soon it was back in the truck, Colleen volunteered to take Kelley's place in the wild, wild back of the truck. We crossed the bridge to return home, and detoured into the game park entrance. It costs money for each person to enter, but somehow the head teacher used his charm and politician's gift of laughter to allow us in for just a kilometer. "You are not talking a strict kilometer, of course." He said to the ranger. After a tough bridge and a puddle of unknown depth, which the Head Teacher drove through without pause, we saw elephants ahead.

The game ranger was yelling furiously from the back that the Head Teacher was going too fast. Finally we stopped just short of the elephants, Colleen was very nervous in the back, as she thought the elephants might charge. It did not help that Kumakech was telling her he already had plans to dive under the truck and spread gasoline on himself. We took a couple of pictures of the elephants. It was the first time Jennifer, Kelley's partner teacher, had ever seen an elephant. It was then decided we would back up out of the park. This did not work well as the head teacher, we found out had only learned to drive in the past 3 months. He continued to drive off the road into tall grass and sticker bushes, as he laughed heartily the whole time. Finally the handyman begged to take over the wheel and we backed up, turned around and got back on the main road.

Last night, we enjoyed a great dinner with a lot of the same people. The Head Teacher's madam (had insisted that we would be given a cock earlier in the day). The students laughed as I carried this chicken home for dinner, but it did taste good. If this sounds a little rambled, it is because I am again up at 4 am typing this. The good news is the shirt I washed by hand, after company left is dry.

Time to check the Cardinals score and go to bed for another hour...

John

A Humble Day ... a day of Honor

2010-08-02T07:19:00.004-05:00

This morning was one of the best days I have ever had in Uganda. I actually slept in and did not begin my day with 630 am Mass in Lwo. The reason was that after Mass and after greeting the Priests and the parishioners; I never get to see the raising of the flags. The Captain of the Flag Raising is very serious in his job, and I love that he works so hard to do his job right. His name is Obwona Brian Santo, and he does a great job. He has instructed both faculty and students, that they should never speak with their back to the Ugandan flag. So it is funny during these assemblies when a speaker (faculty or student) moves to the front of the flag stand. Brian will walk up to them, and politely whisper in their ear to move back behind the flags. The flag team today consisted of Brian, Olanya Vincent, and Adong Flavia

It was perfect this morning as the usual all male team was joined by a young woman. I have videotape of the ceremony, and will show it to you when I get back. But they specially tie the flags in a bundle, so they raise the bundle to the top of the flag pole, and then give it a jerk. This causes the flag first to unfurl at the top of the flag pole, as the students sing the Ugandan National Anthem. They pause in the middle of the anthem, to raise their school flag the same way, and then after the anthem is over raise the third flag, which is a flag of Pope Paul VI (resembles the Vatican flag), as the students bow their heads in prayer.

I also taped the speech of the headmaster. He has a wonderful and powerful speech pattern, where he lingers on the last word of his sentence. He started speeking about the American teachers, and said something like this, "They have spent time to do their very best for youuuuuuuuu. I call them friends of humanityyyyyyyy. You should give them a big farewell this week, a fair farewellll. I call them friends of humanity, because they are not worried about tribes, or nations, they are human beinggggggs and thus that is why I call them friends of humanity."

He then called Kelley and I to the flagpole, and told us that they wanted to give us all Acholi names. Most teachers are given Acholi names in their experience, but I have never been given one. It is not a big deal, yet I could not have foreseen how special this honor was. The Head Teacher explained to the students that they wanted to take some time giving these names so they could see who we are, and get to see our "characterrrrrrrrrrrrrr". He then start talking about me, some of the best words I have ever heard. This is close.... "In Uganda, we talk about heroes, and we have seen John Magee here every morning, he is always present, always visible. He has not missed coming to Uganda for the last 3 years (4 years of teaching). He is a man who believes what he is doing, and stands firm in his beliefs, even when others do not." Too many kind words ... "He stands for something, and he cares about the mathematics, and the students. So in our language, we will call him Oteka." He laid on that last word and held onto it, and followed it with this big hearty laugh. Some Invisible Children will know that Oteka was the name give to Nate Henn who died in the Kampala bombings. Nate, I think, was given that name is because he was a big, strong young man. I was amazed and humbled that the Head Teacher in consultation with the faculty would use that same word to talk about my beliefs and ideals.

It is often hard for us all to hear these words of praise, but I make my students stand on a chair, and be proud of who they are and what they have accomplished. I think this morning was my turn to stand on a chair...

They next renamed Kelley, and the Head Teacher gave a wonderful speech on who she was.... (If you are a friend or family of Kelley, email me, and I will find a way to send the video to you when I get home). Jacob, our Peace Corps roommate, had scrambled to get Min and Colleen out of their slumber in time to be given their names, Anywade, Child of the Moon for Colleen, and Aber, or beautiful for Min.

Next the headmaster told us we were all going to hop in his car and go to Pakwach, but I think I will save that story for later....

But Colleen did realize her dream of holding a baby goat...

Thanks to all who gave this year so I could follow my dream,
I have souvenirs for all of you, but after this morning I will
never be able to fully repay you in my lifetime,

John

3 A.M. in Anaka

2010-08-01T19:36:00.002-05:00

Got back to Anaka after a return trip to St. Jude's, made great time and the roads were not as bad as I thought they were going to be after a lot of rain. Early this morning, Colleen and I walked about 40 minutes to get to Mass with the students at Gulu High. Each step had to be chosen wisely, as the roads were really muddy. We reached a few impasses, but kind of walked on the graas a bit. When we arrived at Gulu High, the front gate was locked and we had to wait another 7 minutes or so to get in. By the time we got to Mass, it was over. We were both disappointed as what used to be 10 am Mass was not an 830 one. Oh well, another 20 minute walk through the mud, caught a boda, and back to Kope Cafe for breakfast.

Accomplished a few more errands, and then we hoped in the IC Land Rover for a trip back to Anaka, but first a stop at St. Jude's. I really wanted the first year teachers to get a chance to get back there. It really is a place of hope, and smiles, and snot (many babies...LOL). The kids did not disappoint, the young ones came to be picked up or bounced around or just to hang on my hands as long as I could support their weight. I started purposely walking over the little ones, as my legs are taller than they are high. Anything to see the laughter and the smiles that I knew St. Jude's was about. There was another white woman there I did not recognize, and maybe it was her that brought the kite. But the kite was great, (I was thinking it was not going to fly with no wind), but by just running as fast as they could, the boys got the kite moderately high. It was neat the way they would run as fast as they could, and then when they got tired, handed off to a friend.

I walked to the end of the buildings and greeted Filda. We both had so many memories of our last meeting. She thanked me (I accepted the thanks, but felt weird) and we talked a bit. She told me that she was broken hearted because that one, Samuel was one of her favorite little ones. I told her that many were praying for Samuel, and Father Tom Poth had actually said a Mass from Nicaragua. Many of the mothers were sitting on a porch, and Filda introduced me as "the one who helped us" and I needed to do something. So I looked on the roof and saw a stuffed bear that must have been thrown up there....first I tried to fish it off with a jump rope, but was unsuccessful and then found a stick with a perpendicular flat piece of board nailed to it. Exactly the tool I needed to get down a dirty stuffed bear..... but it worked....

Still thinking so I snuck alone to the edge of the buildings taking pictures of children. I ducked into their small, but beautiful chapel and felt confident that God was here for the children. I then walked around the back, being careful not to let others watch my actions, from about 25 feet away, I saw a new concrete lid to a hole in the ground....today that was good enough...and I felt guilty checking on the progress of many who cared daily for the young unwanted children, but I had to check ....25 feet was close enough. I turned circled back and saw many children.....how many more smiles and laughter could I squeeze into my brain in the next 4 minutes before it would be time for the Pope Paul VI crew to get back into the vehicle....how many....

John

Honoring My 2 Favorite Americans

2010-07-31T02:27:00.003-05:00

Tonight, I am hosting a special dinner for my 2 favorite "Americans" Okaali John and Odong Robert Oryema. We are going to a place run by a guy out of Chicago and are going to have pizza. The year is winding up by trying to reconnect with old friends until our paths cross again. This morning, several men were working at removing trash from the streets of Gulu. I started to take a wide berth, when the man from the top of the truck said, "Hi, John." It was Patrick Munduga, the head of Invisible Children's Schools 4 Schools program... in some way my boss. And then I remembered that he had talked about his church community was going to do service to the Gulu area, by spending a whole day picking up trash. Trash is sometimes burned and sometimes just thrown into the gutters to wash to the bottom of the city. These gutters can be nasty, and getting involved in picking up the worst of the city is truly a service. I think it is maybe the most humbling experience one can do.

So looking forward to a great dinner, have had cold beers, and right now an ice cold 500 mL Orange Fanta. You forget how much you miss cold drinks until you have one. Revisiting St. Jude's on Sunday before heading back for the final days at Popavissa.

Click on the title for the story of more wonderful Ugandans coming to America

John

Weasel -- by Tim Hart

2010-07-30T08:32:00.002-05:00

This has been another great summer meeting fantastic people. I think I have reached people as they have obviously reached me.

But you don't defeat 20 years of war, you don't defeat poverty, and you don't win all of the battles for children who have lived horrible lives.

Clicking on the title of this article will bring you to Tim's Story

to read a story about one young man named Weasel...

This story is a great story, it is interesting, it is real, and it shows the reality of a war torn region. It will still tear me up years from now. Although I have not met Weasel, I know him.

I actually liked that a student did not want to leave the exam room. I respect the passion in his make-up and his fight against his situation. I know after I read this story, it just makes me want to work harder-- do more. And I am going to need some committed young people to join me in this quest.

If the story is too tough, I have added funny pictures to the right.

John

Good Dinner -- Short Post

2010-07-30T02:23:00.000-05:00

Last Night we went across "the street" to our fellow teachers's house. We enjoyed a dinner of great chicken, potatoes, casaba -- kind of like potatoes--, sliced tomatoes, carrots, and of course, a big bowl of roasted white ants.

My knee has recovered nicely, so I am not limping through the school buildings. This blog is tough to write, as I am using Father's Italian computer which is just a bit different... We go back to Gulu in a couple of hours, then back to Pope Paul for just a few days...

Good pictures coming...

Random (of course they are not random!!!) thoughts

2010-07-28T14:05:00.000-05:00

The pig picture at left was taken, by me holding my computer open in a slight drizzle to capture a 250 lb. pig that suddenly was next to my house, I left my camera in Gulu...but I wanted this picture...

The best picture of the day, which I may get a chance to upload tomorrow is me next to a R.O.U.S.

A good night, with an impromptu exam review session for S.1. students....

Of course, I twisted my knee like 5 times in the last week or so, so I am walking around school grounds like I am 75 years old...

I may lose internet (mobile internet) in an hour, so there may only be blogs on the weekends soon.

John

Old Man Take a look at yourself.....

2010-07-27T15:53:00.000-05:00

It started out pretty good, Kelley talked me into walking up to see the Priests mid-afternoon, we got lunch, although I have not been feeling right for a day or two. Then after lunch, when I saw Father Leonsyo's stash of bamboo. I asked him if I could have a small piece. He called his carpentry guy, and soon Patrick and I were cutting a 112 cm bamboo stick. I had tennis balls, I had bought in Gulu, and I was going to hit fungo (fly balls) to the students. Father asked how I played it, so I picked up a small piece of fruit, smaller than a golfball, and expected to hit it out of the yard. It did not happen, I think I missed 4 times in a row, how can I not hit fungo? On one of the misses, I twisted my knee (retwisted it actually).... so I was left with my pride and my knee hurting a bit.

But fungo went well, with me hitting tennis balls to Pope Paul students (about 4 of them) as about 55 people watched. Soon they had picked up another stick, not near as my bamboo custom made bat, and they tried. I walked to their side of the field to help them hit a ball by throwing it into the air. One of the studentts pantomimed golf, and asked if I knew that game. I said yes. He then said, "You should play that sport, sir, it is a good sport for fat men."

Got home for dinner, the students have organized study halls from 7-10 pm, most nights. I went into one of the Senior 3 rooms, and spent 2 hours teaching them mathematics.....

That is all, my internet solution may not work, but don't worry worst case, I will be in touch Friday morning for most of you.

John

China --- the New World Power

2010-07-27T01:59:00.000-05:00

An interesting phenomenon is happening here..... Satellite TV....but not just Satellite TV, but China TV. The school, Pope Paul VI, did a good thing by getting satellite TV for the World Cup. They broadcast it so students could see it. It was a great opportunity for the students, and also a way to bring students and teachers together, but here is the fallout:

Most Northern Ugandans have not seen TV, they have some video huts that pop up occasionally, and you would pay a small fee to walk in the hut and watch, usually only Nigerian soap operas, English soccer, or Music videos.

So now, Ugandans are getting hit with TVs with hundreds of channels, and it is very tempting to watch. Teachers who have not seen this much TV before sit in the staff room and watch TV-- no matter what it is.

Since the World Cup is over, the school is no longer paying for the package, so they only get 3 channels--for free I think. They are all Chinese channels whose commercials paint China like a combination of Paris, Rome, Hawaii, and Disneyland complete with giant cartoon characters. The news is all produced by China, but often has english speaking Anglos delivering the news.

We just spent an hour watching three morning show hosts yuk it up talking about China. The one guy had a polo with the collar popped, a young attractive woman, and another guy.

So is China sneaking into the hearts and minds of the third world through free TV? We drink Chinese bottled water here (no problems), but many of the other goods are made in China and very cheaply made. Just ask any of us what we think about Chinese toilet paper after 6 weeks....

Students have started exams and school is winding down for the second term....looks like I will see many of you soon....with the Cardinals having a 6 game lead in the standings...

Got it,

John

Shoes

2010-07-26T08:40:00.000-05:00

My black shoes are split from mid-foot to almost the little toe, I am hoping they will last my final 8 days of teaching. Those shoes have been with me for all 4 years, I remember buying them at Shoe Carnival cheap in 2007, so I could just leave them behind. Somehow they have lasted. They marked up the dance floor at Tim and Terri's anniversary party, before I knew how bad they would leave marks. They started at Awere SS, and have been my school shoes at Gulu SS, and through the mud and dust at Atanga SS, to make their final appearance this year at Pope Paul VI. I tried to fix them a week ago, with a piece of gray duct tape, that I meticulously colored black with a Sharpie....only to see that method fail one short trip through the school grounds.

The black shoes are the Yin to the Yang of my Crocs, also 4 year veterans. The Crocs are so worn down that I slip on them constantly on any kind of wet surface. I took a big header when we were walking in the dark to Okot Jolly's house and the other teachers were quite amused. I had put myself as the favorite to fall first with odds of 3-1 much like Spain's World Cup odds. I bought another pair of Crocs for the trip, but I am such a slave to tradition that they got left behind.

So many of our students are working hard to reuse and recycle and not waste in America. If you want to really see recycling, come to a country much like Uganda. There is almost no trash, everything is reused. The plastic water bottles we give to students will soon be sold in town for 40 shillings to hold a small amount of gasoline or kerosene. The other day, a man had their mimeograph machine apart into several dozen pieces. He was taking a hack saw and cutting down one of the rollers to make it run smoother. I do not see a lot of people fixing things in America, but here almost everyone is handy in some way. The bicycle repairmen can probably fix the transmission on a Toyota, or at least get a few hundred more kilometers out of the vehicle. Students have sandals made out of old tires, and children play with a wide variety of once useful parts of something as toys.

Today, Kelley and I saw two little boys, maybe they were 4, work together to get water out of the well. The boy was not tall enough or strong enough to work the handle so instead of lifting it 3 feet, he went back and forth raising it an inch or two in a rapid motion. It would have been probably the 5 cutest pictures I have taken in Africa, but unfortunately neither one of us had a camera. As they walked away with their half-gallon containers, both boys raised them to their head, and started practicing how to carry the water.

Last night was movie night and we watched Millions. If you have never seen that movie rent it now. I have a copy that I somehow left behind, so I took 3 weeks here to slowly but surely download it on iTunes. Not much else, except think about you have the ability to reuse or overuse in your life, and try it. Some say that my black shoes look nice (by the way I am still looking for that some, so comment at the end if you believe that)....

John

Update: My friend Daneen Leidig (T/EX 2009) is trying to help a young man go to the University to help repair medical equipment. There may be only 3 people in the country who know how to repair medical equipment. A statistic I believe after the cord fiasco with little man, Samuel. Anyway I contributed, and if you would like the email or want to contact Daneen... Here is her email daneenleidig@gmail.com

Atanga SS Yes!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-25T01:58:00.000-05:00

After talking with Ocwa Alfred and Obonyo Sam, I knew I needed to visit Atanga SS---no matter what. To recap a little, there was some problems with the Head Teacher and the students felt that their one chance at an education was being compromised. So they reacted in the wrong way with violence. So the head teacher is gone, after recovering from the beating in the hospital, and the students and teachers are left to pick up the pieces. Some students took this opportunity to give up and leave school, some teachers are noticeably absent, but that I think just leaves the students and the teachers behind even more resolute to succeed.

At first, my visit looked in trouble. I was not able to convince our leaders about this trip. Since the bombing in Kampala, IC is being very, very cautious and travelling to Atanga in a non-IC vehicle was not allowed. But after the tragedy of last Sunday, I think everyone realised (bonus Ugandan spelling) that I was going.

As Group 1 left, I was able to give them my new traditional good-bye (John Magee and 5 little ones, saluting them behind a Ugandan flag). Next Group 2 left for Safari, and it was just me. Sunday (that is his name) soon came in a vehicle, we stopped on the way out of town to pick up a case of Fanta Orange for the students and we began the journey. It is always a 2 person operation in driving you somewhere, so Sunday had to do something (or maybe just did not relish 4 hours on an awful road) and he replaced himself with a guy named Bongo Man. Bongo Man was friendly and got in to the vehicle with a heavy shirt with the American flag printed on the pocket.

I was so anxious to get there, but a rib-shaker, butt crusing, head banging of a bump made me realise the uncertainty of any journey in Uganda. I cranked out a couple of Hail Marys and sure enough, five minutes later the vehicle came to a complete stop. The driver reached behind his seat, right at my feet, and reconnected a battery cable to the battery and we drove on. It had rained this morning so the road was in awful shape....sure enough the vehicle stopped again after a half hour....All in all, we stopped 5 times to reconnect the battery. Since the road was bad, a journey that takes 70 minutes (not counting my ride with the Norwegian refugee Council when they did it in 46) was pushing 2 hours. When I saw the familiar town center of Lakecokoyot, I was pumped. Waiting at the sign post of Atanga SS were 2 students, who waved and followed us into the school. I was hoping there was going to be students on a Saturday, but I did not know....Knowing there were 2 waiting at the gate, 500 meters from the school made me SMILE, SMILE, SMILE.

I had told Alfred and Sam, I was going to come, and they gave the message to the students. I was excited as we pulled in and started to walk towards the faculty lounge (a large Mango tree), we were soon being followed by 80 to 100 students. I beckoned them to join us, and soon I was sitting in a chair, and talking to so many of my old friends and familiar faces. It was weird, as I was telling them how happy I was to be back, every time I took a breath they applauded. Kwolyero Ronald, is now the head boy (YEAH!!!--think of my happiness when Emily Done and Haley Hunter won the Father Nerinckx Award) and he got up to speak.

I think Ronald was upset and disappointed with himself that he was not able to control the students more during the student uprising. I know he should not be; I am sure he did all he could, but boy do I know the feeling of wanting a Ugandan redo. He gave a very good speech. I responded to his words by telling him and the rest of the gatehered that I am so, so proud of my students when they graduate from Nerinx (pat yourself on the back '10ers and '09ers, etc.), but I cannot even imagine how proud they should be of themselves at Atanga. The students who pass the S.4. exams have overcome so much poverty, so much violence, and so much war--the fact that they kept their eyes on the prize and triumphed amidst other students not being able to continue is amazing.

I handed them a new soccer ball, and a new wiffle ball set....I then realized I also had on me, about 150 silly bands that I was going to save for small children, but these ones....These ones are MY students....so all of the silly bands were distributed. It was a short trip probably only staying for 90 minutes, but a really wonderful trip. The teachers invited me for some food, and it was good beef...The cost and difficulty in finding beef like that I know was an amazing and impossible task in Atanga. But they did it -- for me. And some people still wonder why I keep coming back. How can I not? I am constantly flabbergasted by the kindness and generosity of the Acholi people. Alfred even handed me 5000/= shillings on my way out of town to buy water.

So hopefully Jen, Michelle, Colleen, Kelley, and the others saw Lions and Hippos and wonderful scenes that cannot be replaced in their lifetime sitting on Mattresses on top of the vehicles. I hope they saw baby elephants, graceful giraffes, and hippos and crocodiles. For me, my animals came much smaller--colorful silly bands on a wonderful group of students: Students who have struggled so much just to learn and succeed, and their caring teachers who have not given up the fight. They need your prayers because the struggle continues of limited resources and limited funds, but they also deserve your admiration. I think my view sitting under a Mango tree was unrepeatable. At the end of a long, bumpy road in Northern Uganda are students of character, students of strength, students of humility, students of kindness....they are my students

John Magee
Teacher
Atanga SS

Back of a Mitsubishi Truck and more adventures......

2010-07-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

Thursday night ended with a spirited game of Uno with 5 Ugandans and 5 Americans... Eventually we ran out of cards, and so we played for about 30 minutes reshuffling discards. Father Leonsyo, told us all that he was a man of peace, right before playing a wild draw 4 on his Deacon. We finally gave up on the game, and walked home around midnight. It was a good time and a great dinner with both old and new friends. We had Kob (look it up, it is a kind of antelope I think), it tasted fantastic.

It was tough getting up for Mass at 6 am, but luckily I woke up at 5:22 and was awake enough to fumble sleeplessness and confusion when Colleen (Smiles) came into my room to grab the internet stick.. Colleen was getting up early to lesson plan and try to create something real special for her students and her class, she is such a fantastic presence here. Such a wonderfully goofy and kind person, who has probably cared about the world and others since she was 8. (She actually told me how she organized an anti-fur petition drive in the Second Grade and mailed it to the Ohio Attorney General). Mass was good, but just a little bit delayed (apparently the Uno game went to long...LOL)...

I then walked to school with Father Marten and Deacon James, we arrived in the middle of morning assembly. Father Marten had joked with the Pope Paul VI students about not walking with the Priests or they would be late. As I walked up to the assembly there was a student reading news from a page. It was hard for me to understand his accent until he said, "A Senior 2 Girl had an extreme gas problem. When asked to comment a fly responded, "I thought she was already dead." It apparently is something the students do....they have fake news, the students loved it, and were laughing uproariously on more than one occasion.

Deacon James gave a great speech about starting now in secondary school to pursue your dreams. It was well done, and I believe was well received by the students. Then the headmaster, gave another good speech, and its tone was to get the job done. I then realized that the assembly was past 8 and I was worried about missing my ride with Father Leonsyo.

Found Kelley and we walked to the parish together. Since Kelley and Father were doing something productive, and I was just hitching a ride, I hopped in the back of the truck. First I had to throw all the sugar cane that was left behind out....so it was just me, my new bag, and an old tire.... Soon it was off down a bumpy rode, and me holding on the to top of the metal framework. It was a bumpy, bumpy ride, and I had to keep switching positions to make myself comfortable. I counted I was airborne (meaning my butt off the ground) 18 times including the rare double air. Father had a tarp over the front of the bed, so it was interesting when we went by people walking and cycling saw a big white man holding onto the truck dressed in a shirt and tie.

They waved and laughed and many of the small children enjoyed with pointing, laughing, and waving....Okay so Group 1 is leaving and I have to say good-bye...
so will finish later

Acholi Secondary Sub Region Mock Math Examination WITH A NEW ENDING

2010-07-21T14:48:00.000-05:00

A quick refresher on the Ugandan school system.... They have 7 primary grades where after they complete take the PLE exam. If they do not pass this exam, they are sent back to repeat P7 for another year. Most who flunk try a different school or drop out entirely. They then have 4 years of Secondary School, where at the end they take another test, that may or may not let them finish their secondary school education in P5 and P6. Got it... okay

Today, I proctored a 5 hour math examination in 2 parts to our Senior 4 classes. Senior 4 is in three streams, Red, White, and Green. Today, I spent most of my time with Senior 4 White. The Ugandan school system does not currently do to much for the bottom students, they are not particularly encouraging, and the students who struggle often find ways to ditch class. Since about 15 to 20 ditch every day from a stream of 63....it is easy to get lost. It is only at examination time, when the classes are full.

On the other hand, the tough love, and harshness for failure turn the top 1/3 of each section into pretty amazing students. The exam they take at the end of S4 will greatly affect their future, as Universities are not open to all, just the very elitc academically. There are copies of past exams that the students use to study that are hoarded by students. Getting a copy of a past UNEB test (which is legal, they sell books in the store with them) is like getting a Mickey Mantle rookie card.

They really want to succeed and their doggedness and determination is amazing. (Right now it is about 1100 pm and 2 cows are mooing right outside my window), I just wish I can find a way to take 4 or 5 of these marvelous students and put them into an American high school for a year. Their quest for knowledge, resources, and help in educating themselves would be sated in a more fully stocked school....

So occasionally, I get a comment that the education system in Uganda must lag substantially behind the American system. When I tell this specific group of people this, there is an almost, "Really, what math are the Ugandans learning?" You would be amazed at the problems these students tackle. There is some frustration on my part, because sometimes the way students are taught here is overly complicated in mathematics, and I fail to see the point....but still these students soldier on, they want to succeed, they want to do well... So that is what I want to tell you, the American education system is some years ahead of the Ugandan system. But the drive, determination, and diligence of the students of Ugandan students match or maybe exceed the drive of American students. I would say definitely succeed, but I have taught some wonderful students in my Nerinx classes the last few years, and I would put the drive of Meaghan or Mary or Emily or (you get the picture...I teach great kids) against the best of the Ugandans. What a wonderful life I lead that I get to compare great kids to great kids.

The word of Samuel's Death reached Father Tom Poth in Nicaragua and he shared these words.... I hope he does not mind me sharing them. Father Tom has a distinct link with my Ugandan travels, as he so wonderfully summarized what Invisible Children was about in a morning Mass in New York after last summer.

"Unfortunately there are too many sad stories and usually the children are the victims. John ..... is in a world so very different from what we all grew up with in STL. Living in a 3rd world is not always beautiful. But the faith and hope that people have is always amazing to me and many times very sobering…especially when I want to quit and return to the States..... Tell John we will celebrate mass for Samuel tomorrow here in Nicaragua."

Thanks Father Tom for more great words, and I do see the faith, hope and kindness of the people of the Acholi region in Uganda. But I am teacher so more often I see students who will do anything to learn.....And that is why I keep coming back.

John Magee

Mathematics-- A Night Game UPDATED

2010-07-20T14:31:00.000-05:00

Pope Paul VI has a boys' dorm and a girls' dorm. Last might the girls spent most of the evening, praying and singing. They believed one of the girls in the dorm was set onto by a demon, or an evil spirit. I do not know if the student has some form of seizure disorder, post traumatic stress disease, or a mental health problem, but her fellow classmates were doing all they could to heal her.

But tonight was all about mathematics. Each night, the boarders and I think some from town, sit in the classrooms from after dinner to sometimes late at night (think 10 pm). I decided I was going to take advantage of this captive audience and review some mathematics. I think 2 of the teachers watching over the students were surprised when I showed up, but after understanding what I was trying to do, went out of their way to get me supplies.

I walked into Senior 4 Red (which consists of one third of the S.4. class). I started a problem about length of tangents and area of a triangle less a circle, and students poured into the class from the white and green sections. I think at the end, I had over 100 students asking questions and preparing for the math mock exam ( a practice test to get them ready for the real one in December0... It was an absolutely fantastic night... We discussed problems (the real S4 exam is cumulative over the first four years of their secondary schooling) that they did not know how to do and also some they were struggling with....

After awhile, students started writing problems on pieces of paper and giving them to me to do next. I kind of felt like I was a piano player at an Airport Hilton getting requests to play "Piano Man" or "Candle in the wind." The students are much quieter in this situation than Nerinx girls, but some of that is because of my American accent and American ways.

OH, I ALMOST FORGOT.....One of the problems was a Venn diagram problem similar to one we might attempt in the states. You have to find 3 different sets, and figure out how many are in the overlapping circles...and then maybe find out how many are in none of the sets. At Nerinx, I do this problem with soccer, field hockey, and theater for instance. The problem last night, said this.....In a church group of 125, 80 people are loving, 55 people are giving, 62 people are caring, 15 people are loving and caring, etc. We solved the problem the answer to none of these 3 would have been just as mathematically possible with any number in the neither set...even 0. So not only is the problem funny, but in the end we calculated and found in a church group of 125 people....20 people were not caring, loving, or giving.....too funny.....After calculating that number I commented that maybe those 20 need more church....The joke did not commmunicate well and not one of the 100 students laughed.... Oh well, 12 hours later I STILL THINK THE WHOLE PROBLEM IS FUNNY.

About two problems in, I saw a kid in the back of the room wearing a Mizzou Tigers sweatshirt.... I, of course, singled him out for praise. At the end, I told the students that "I love mathematics."

Truly I do.

still just a big tall math geek,

John

Exchange Rates

2010-07-19T13:59:00.000-05:00

Right now 2254 Ugandan Shilling = 1 U.S. Dollar

A smile from a Ugandan Child going to school = Gold, baby, Pure Gold...

Today on my walks through town, I smiled and talked to every kid I could find...As they would sometimes rush to shake my hand, today I rushed to them.

I took their smiles and their hand shakes, and their "How are yous?" and put them straight into my heart.....

There was a small child, the son of one of our staff kicking a soccer ball in the back yard. I called him over and just held him for a minute.

The Hardest Post I Have Written in 4 years..... with a Coda

2010-07-18T15:52:00.001-05:00

This is a tough story, but it is a true story. You need to be ready for these words. So take a minute, and decide...

So today, I got up a little late. We had a great night last night with the teachers playing cards across the road, playing spoons with bottle caps. A whole group wanted to play cards, and a couple of teachers did not know trick games, so we played spoons which I had just learned in Mississippi with my Nerinx people. It was an amazingly spirited game, with a great group of people.

I told myself that I was going to get up for 10 am Mass at Gulu High, one of my favorite Ugandan experiences. But when I woke up, I was lazy and although I pride myself on always making Mass, today I did not... (5 hours later, I would regret this decision).

So I went into town with a great group, Kelley and I, Joe and Pablo, and later Mandy, Andy, and Julie joined later. We were at Kope Cafe, and a good breakfast, during the breakfast the power came on, and I realized I could get a hair cut........

I know now I am rambling, but I know the end of this story....and I am not sure I am ready to go there.

So many errands later, I got home in time for Group 2's visit to St. Jude's Orphanage. An amazing place, run by a great woman named Filda, and some amazing "moms" who each watch 8 to 10 kids. We took an Invisible Children vehicle, and I was able to get out first, because I was in the passenger seat up front. A few kids I recognized came up and said hi. And then a little one was walking up warily, and I beckoned him to come join me. He grabbed my index finger and my pinky, and I picked him up, and spun him around. He laughed and giggled and just wanted more....so much joy....

Then I saw another kid kicking a soccer ball toward Danielle, yelling "Munu, Munu.. He ran to the netball (kind of like basketball) and took a shot at the rim. He missed so I picked him up and got him close to the rim, but he still was not close.... It was starting to be such a great day, of little kids laughing and so much luaghter.

Then we heard, people yelling and saying stuff like a kid has fallen, and a kid fell in a well. I now remember chasing Tim and Smiles to the back of a building. They were about 8 to 10 of the older girls, doubled over crying and wailing. I could not discern right away what was happening....but an older Ugandan man was trying to put a metal ladder in a hole... The hole was made of concrete and square, and I could clearly see that the ladder could not fit in the hole. I thought I looked in the hole, but my perception was tragically wrong. It looked to me like the whole was 20 inches deep, and the child who had fallen might have crawled away from the opening.

After watching the man try to put this ladder into the hole, 4 or 5 times. I had enough. I still thought the child might be down a tunnel somewhere, and I was thinking if he could see a hand, he would crawl to it. I pushed the man out of the way, and laid on my belly, and reached into the hole. To my surprise and horror I realized that what I thought was the bottom of the hole, was just a bunch of stagnant water, full of shit, and sewage. Now reaching into this putrid water, I realized, there might be a child in it. I reached further and felt what first felt like a water soaked bag of bread or trash. I was about to toss it away to get deeper, when I felt the leg of a child, as I realized this, the child start to slip away from my grasp, I reached with my other hand, and pulled the child from this sewage. We put him on the ground, he was unconscious, and we started with chest compressions. Sewage and bile, and food stuff started coming out of his mouth. I started screaming that I do not know what to do, surely one of us was better trained than I!

Colleen was there soon, and I had my hand down the child's mouth pulling gunk and garbage out. She told me I had to go deeper, and she reached further than I pulling out more. We continued with chest compressions, and Colleen starting screaming, "How long has this kid been here?" "How long has he been in there?" The Ugandans started taking off of his soiled clothes, and trying to wash him as we tried feebly at more CPR. Min was now here, and she told me I had to breath into his mouth, but he seemed so fragile that I was afraid, I was going to break this young body. So I started trying to blow or breathe into his mouth, and then I would have to spit into the well, as everything around his mouth was full of food or crap or sewage, it was hard to tell, but I kept thinking that this kid could make it. I pushed back his eyelid, but as I stared into his eye, I realized I had no idea what I was looking for. I tried to get a neck pulse, but did not feel a pulse, but kind of thought I was doing it wrong.

We then started screaming, we need to get this kid to a hospital. "Can we take him to a hospital?" There was so much confusion, no one really knew what to do...and there was no answer. We finally decided we were taking him to the hospital, and a young mother from the orphanage, Colleen, Min, and I along with the child jumped into the back of the Range Rover. I remember Min telling me, we had to keep trying to resuscitate him on the way to the hospital. So as our driver, Cristof, did a superb job of moving with haste down a bumpy road, the 3 of us, tried to resuscitate him.... More sewage, and stuff was coming out of him, so Colleen and Min took turns, trying to breathe life into our young friend. They took turns also spitting out shit,(and that might be literal), that they had inhaled. I held his foot, and said Hail Marys as fast as I could. Cristof was honking constantly, and I could see people and cars jumping out of our way.

We got to Lacor Hospital, and I thought great we are here, and we had a chance. We were screaming at people, where is the Emergency Room, but there really was not a response from dozens of people. I do not know why? Was this tragedy, a too often occurance, or did 3 white people running through the hospital just shock and confuse people. The mother who was caring the child, ran out of energy and steam 100 yards into her sprint, so Colleen doubled back, and started carrying the lifeless child. We finally found a place, and a doctor. The doctor worked on the the child on the end of a bed, that already contained 2 children getting treatment, with their mother. In this small room, there were probably 7 beds, 10 moms, and maybe 14 children.

The doctors worked to find the right equipment and the right tools. They intubated him, and worked to clear his air passage.. At one time, they were going to use another machine, but it needed power and did not have the right power cord. I remember thinking, are you kidding me? My first experience with a hospital in a developing country, was not a good one. Too many people and not enough medicine and staff, but this is just the way it is. And I have talked to wonderful people who do their best at these hospitals. And I am not blaming anyone, but the first person who crabs about our health care system when I get home, I might punch them...

We had left our house at 2:01 pm, probably got to the orphanage, at 2:15, and it was still around 3 at this time...As I look back, I am amazed at how much happened in such a short time. I did not really look at the woman from the orphanage who got in the vehicle with us, and as I looked at a room of crying, concerned women, I did not even know who was with us... I was troubled by this lack of understanding and compassion by myself.

I then saw a tall woman, dressed in her Sunday Best with a head wrap to match her dress. I looked into her face, and recognized her as Filda, who runs St. Jude's. She is such an amazing woman, and she always remembers me and greets me warmly, each year I see her. I introduced myself, and she looked barely aware that I was talking to her. The doctors continued to resuscitate and try different stuff. Filda overcome with grief dropped to her knees, I thought she was praying, so I knelt alongside her, grabbed her hand and started saying Hail Marys, Colleen was soon next to me, holding my hand, and Min was next to her. Somewhere in here, I remember thinking about not going to Mass, and thinking I did not have time for God this morning...what makes me think he has time for me now? (I know this is not a good thought, but it is the one I had.)

I had seen this seen so many times on TV, this kid was going to cough twice, and start crying and we would all hug each other. That is when I noticed, the Doctor hooked his stethoscope onto the bed frame, and did not do it without a real urgency, and I knew. They tried different things, but I already knew. I went to Filda, and asked his name. She said Samuel, and said he was 2 and a half. The doctors stopped their efforts and looked at us and said, "We are sorry." I looked at my phone, for some reason I had to know the time. Sweet Baby Samuel had passed at 3:06 p.m. Filda reached over to the blanket he was on, and very gently and very lovingly started folding the blanket around him. Min cried to me, "John we have to pray, we have to pray before they take him away!"....I stumbled out some words, and said a Hail Mary...I remember saying "Godspeed, Samuel, Godspeed...."

This day, hit all of us so, so hard. The 11 or so that were there at St. Jude's and the other teachers that soon heard the awful news. So many of these wonderful teachers and friend, hugged, cried, and talked to each other... It was an odd, yet I guess later when I look back... a very faithful experience. I can't look back yet, not right now.... I have the very real tactile memory, of realizing, in this muck and crap, I had hold of a child's leg....I have so many memories, and I have the absolute regret of not pushing that stupid ladder away sooner, and getting into that hole....When I talk to the others, I tell them he was there too long, and despite our efforts the story was over before we stared our efforts, but for me......I want that time back so, so badly....I want that 2 minutes or 40 seconds or whatever it was that I felt I could have acted sooner....It will take awhile, and do not worry, I have great friends alongside me.....but I want it all back,......I want one more chance to save little Samuel.

I have now slept for 4 hours, and woke up to revisit this terribly sad story. I realize the last couple of sentences are too self-centered and I do not like them. This is not my story after all it is all of ours (the teachers), but most important this is Samuel's story....And right now, I am just real sad, and I can feel tears in my eyes for my young friend who I never saw play, I never saw laugh, and I never grabbed his hand and swung him around.

"Godspeed, little man, Sweet Dreams, little man"..

1+1=3

2010-07-16T16:17:00.000-05:00

It is amazing to talk to people. I mean really, really talk to people. I knew like 5 of these people before I got to this country, Americans at least--- each year the number of Ugandans I know grows.....

but I wish all of you, could journey into the unknown, meet total strangers, and talk about your dreams and your fears. It is an amazing experience.

We are staying close to home, more to not put extra worry into the IC hearts that have had a very tough week.. I really believe Gulu is safer now than at any time I have been here. So after dinner and talking with 30 people, Tim, Pablo, and I walked across the street to the Ethiopian restaurant for a beer or a water, but mostly just to trade stories. Tim is a bartender--restauranteur turned teacher from New York, who has a veteran's simplicity to the world. I feel when I am gone a week, I need a few minutes to check in with Tim to get a feel of what has happened since I have been gone. Pablo is one of those skinny guys who can do more on the dance floor than myself (which is definitely saying something), he has a good ear, and a good judge of people....He has a gentleness and a kindness that the women on this trip picked up quickly.

We were joined at the bar, Julie, Lisa, Lindsey, and Kristen.... Julie was a boarding school soccer player, who has a great sense of humor, and rocks those preppy plaid shorts. She played soccer in college, and I think the reason, I love her so much is that I could easily see her playing soccer at Nerinx (and let's face it Nerinx girls you are the best and my most favorite people in the world).... It was especially neat tonight when Julie stopped to praise Kristen in front of the whole group for doing amazing work at St. Jude's with the disable children there. When she recanted the story to our small group, she told us how the soccer playing at St. Jude's did not go well, as it was one against all, but then she stepped over and saw the amazing things Kristen was doing and got sucked into Kristen and her love and talent working with the disabled.

Lindsay and Lisa were with me last year, and their pragmatism, along with Lindsey's ever present smile, and Lisa putting her southern pragmatism into a well placed cutting remark, make me feel so comfortable when I come back to Gulu. Aaaaaahhh, a smart ass who does not put up with bullshit (now I am home....)
A great conversation with a special group of people....

As I walked home, I stopped by our porch between the two sections of our house to greet Mandy and Andy.....Yes, young ones, they are now a couple, and as my students would say, "are so cute together." Mandy is going with me tomorrow as a former hair stylist to see what a Ugandan haircut is about, and she is a sweetheart and a very caring person. Mandy has already taken chances and risks in her life to follow her own path and her own heart..and I admire her greatly for following her own voice. Andy has emerged as the clever, comedic voice of the first group (don't worry I am still funny, but not around during the week) PLUS the dude is kind of funny. We talked about concerns and worries of the week that led into a discussion of AMDG (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam--for the greater glory of God) and a couple other wonderful topics. The interesting part was we were in front of a Kerosene lamp as the winged White Ants converged on us.... So as we were talking, sharing dreams and secrets, I would grab a white ant by the wing, and throw it to the ground (they might be the easiest bugs in the world to catch).. I am not normally a red wine drinker, but Mandy kept pouring, the conversation kept flowing, and some stupid ants kept interrupting only to be sent hurdling to the ground with a flick of the wrist. I cannot tell you how many great conversations I have had in the African night with amazing people...Each of them a bit different, but all of them here to share their diverse talents with the people of Northern Uganda. The conversation ended when my alarm went off at 11:59 pm, meaning it was time to call St. Louis.

A fairly amazing man had died, and I wanted to call St. Louis, and let his daughter Claudia know that I was thinking about her and her family. Earlier this morning when I went to Mass entirely in Lwo, I prayed for them. Even from Uganda, it is actually fairly simple to reach out to others and let them know they matter, and you are so happy to have them in your life.

As I walked inside, I ran into Kelley who has been away from Anaka and our little group as she travelled the country with Father Leonsyo. She told me that she wanted to share and talk about her last 3 days and we should plan some time tomorrow to do that.

So you see, I have come to Africa to have wonderful conversations with total strangers that become close friends almost instantly after one great conversation, and after listening, really listening to what they are saying.....but I can now tell you that these conversations could happen anywhere.... it takes an openness, it takes a certain amount of risk.....

but they could happen in Webster Groves or Shrewsbury as easily as Gulu and Anaka.

I am so, so grateful for the old friends that have sent me here, and the new friends who pour me red wine as the white ants attack....

Thanks to the old, thanks to the new, and thanks to those I have not yet met....

always your friend,

John

Silly Bands and Silly Kids

2010-07-15T01:28:00.000-05:00

Another small child walked into Mass this morning and knelt in the pew in front of me. He was wearing a school uniform shirt, a white shirt with a blue collar, and the same blue trim at the end of his short sleeves. He was also wearing faded Hulk sweatpants and like all youngsters here -- no shoes. His shirt was dirty, but then I was thinking how is an 8 year olds' shirt ever clean. They play everywhere, and everywhere has the red dust that flies up from the earth as little feet laugh and play on it. I would like to see that commercial from the 70s where housewives argue what is the toughest dirt to remove. It would be real funny I think to place in the middle of the middle class conversation, an Anakan mom who washes the dirty clothes of their children by hand .

I remember at Priory, we were encouraged to see Christ in all human beings, that was quite easy today, as my young friend smiled at me during the Sign of Peace, and then looked back several times in the next minute to smile again. It was almost as if he thought I might be a dream, and if he did not check up on me, I would be gone.

After Mass, I handed out 3 or 4 Silly Bands that I brought for just this occasion to the small children. I also hand them out to the 3 high school students that were with me. Mickey and Agnes (two young girls that I had met yesterday) and Dennis (whom I had met earlier when Father Leonsyo arrived home) and I walked to school together. They asked me about farming in America, (I really need a better answer for that question, it gets asked every year), they asked me about Sunday in America. I told them about our traditions of many who eat a big meal (breakfast) after Church on Sundays. I told them I loved breakfast and I loved food. I also told about family meals of 17 on Sundays. They asked me about this, and I told them, "My mom is the best cook in America, that is why I am so big, I always eat her food."

They laughed and asked where not my friends big too, because they would have eaten my mother's food also. I then told them how tall Erin and Kurt are...

John

Random Thoughts

2010-07-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

Made it to 6:30 am Mass this morning, I was planning on going every day, but yesterday our grill work was padlocked and the girls had the key in their room. I was kind of tired, so I cannot say I minded too much.....

Today, Mass was again in the dark, but the people are so dedicated and kind. Walked to school with two girls who go to Mass, it was a great walk and a great start to the day.

Saw the flag-raising ceremony today at the Morning Parade (assembly), it was kind of cool as they send the flags bundled to the top, then they yank the rope, and the flag unfurls at the top of the pole. They have an honor guard, who really understand their role. Today, one of the kids told the adults that they should not be addressing the students from the front of the flag stand, as you should never place your back to the flags.....

A couple of good classes, today, we lost our middle class, but then got in back (the timetable is not consistent...LOL), but we were able to get it back and worked hard to get the content to the students....

A couple of more one on one help sessions....and then home....

Brought the wiffle ball and bat up to the field behind the schools and we played wiffle ball for an hour....

Came home and was disappointed that my tennis racket shaped, battery powered bug zapper was not making loud zaps, as the bugs were killed. Mosquitoes are still winning....

John

Tuesday at Pope Paul VI

2010-07-13T12:47:00.000-05:00

Today was a day filled with promise, starting with a good lesson and ending with playing Frisbee with about 8 of the high school boys, and about 5 primary school kids. The one primary school kid, Jacob, was great as he shagged all errant throws back to me. I almost did not even bend over while playing Frisbee. It might have been a bad idea during dinner, as the students (the boarders) get served dinner on plastic plates. I looked once behind me, and there were 9 different dinner plates sailing through the air.

Today, Patrick Munduga (spelling) and Denielle from Invisible Children came up to ask the Head Teacher and the teachers how IC is doing, and what they can be doing better. After several exchanges of thank yous, (IC has done quite a bit at PoPaViSSA) and deserves the accolades with many new buildings. 2 school buildings last year, have turned into 10 this year. The head teacher asked for one more comment, and then told the gathering, we will let John give the final speech. The formality in the Ugandan class room is very specific, and there are many speeches at a faculty meeting like this.

This being Africa, I am starting to be ready for impromptu speeches....(SIDE NOTE: I HAVE JUST RETREATED TO THE SAFETY OF MY BED, AS THE MOSQUITOES WERE TAKING MORE BLOOD FROM ME THAN THE RED CROSS ALLOWS!!)

Here to the best of my recollection is that speech. "First of all, I want to thank everyone in this room for the kindness that has been extended to me and my fellow teachers over the last 24 hours. In a short time you have treated us like family and we appreciate your kindness.

Our colleague that died in the bombing, worked hard to spread the message of your students and your schools to American students. Because, he and his colleagues were so successful, we can see in the new buildings and the classrooms the real extent of their efforts.

Most of us in Invisible Children have joined this organization because we detest violence. It is not an answer, and not a solution. We are teachers, so we teach kindness, and love and understanding. And that is what we have seen from our Ugandan counterparts. You have shown us a great kindness and a great gentleness. Here, I speak for myself, but I think my fellow teachers will agree that this attack of violence does not weaken our resolve, but it strengthens us. I want to do even more now, because I do not want to live in a world, where violence wins. We are teachers and we will continue to do what we do best-- we will teach. We will teach kindness and love and understanding. It is knowledge of the world and others that breaks down hate, and in the end, I believe we will win.. This battle will not be won by soldiers it will be won by teachers.

I also want to say that when I see the Pope Paul VI students that they have the same determination and drive that American students have. They pursue...they pursue knowledge and dream about their future. So it is our duty, that we MUST not let this determination and drive be wasted. We must do our very best for these students. This is the path we have chosen, everyone in this room is a teacher, and we must continue on this path.

I am so impressed with these students, that I will end this way. In 2030, I expect to turn on the NBC Nightly News and hear that they have just elected a new president in Uganda and I will say, "Hey, I taught her when she was a student at Pope Paul VI in Anaka."

So today was a good day, I had two different help sessions with only a handful of students each time. I really felt I was helping those students with their mathematics.

John

Answering Hate with Love, Answering Intolerance with Education.

2010-07-12T05:47:00.000-05:00

This morning 2 bombs were set off in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. I am in a remote village, 6 hours away, and all the teachers are safe and will continue to be safe. The gentleness and kindness we have received from the people in Anaka and Pope Paul VI school has been amazing. 64 people were killed in these bombings...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/11/AR2010071102834.html

Included in the deceased was a young man, Nate Henn, who I do not believe I had the pleasure of meeting. He was a dedicated roadie for Invisible Children. The roadies are amazing people who put their lives on hold for 3 months, 6 months, or sometimes more than a year to spread the word about how Americans and American high school students can help the students of northern Uganda. Becky Dale, Nerinx Hall alum, is one of those amazing people. I found out later today that Becky had known Nathan and they were friends and believers in the same dream.

Nate had made such good friends with Ugandans that he had met while touring America that he had come to Uganda early to reconnect with those friends. It was doing what friends do, watching the World Cup, that put Nate in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is also tragically ironic that Nate who worked hard to end the violence and hate in Northern Uganda was killed by a different group of violence and hate. If you want to read who Nate was....here is a link to the Invisible children site.

http://blog.invisiblechildren.com/2010/07/in-loving-memory-of-nate-oteka-henn/

I also ask your prayers for the other 60 plus people who died in this senseless act of violence. It may be easy when we see such destruction and mayhem that we give up or become pessimistic about our world.

I also ask your prayers for all those inside the Invisible Children organization, this is a tightly knit community, and my fellow teacher, Colleen Dougherty, knew Nate, and was close friends with his sister, and many of his friends. I have nicknamed Colleen, Sunshine and Smiles, because that is exactly who she is Sunshine and Smiles---she is a wonderful teacher that brings energy and love to everyone she encounters. I cannot tell you how many times she has made me smile or laugh. It is literally over 100 in a short two weeks. It saddens me that one so giving and loving is sad today.

.....
But today my day begin entirely different than the violence and mayhem of the city of Kampala. My day began with 8 villagers of Anaka in a small, beautiful church at 630 am Mass. The Mass was concelebrated by Father Leonsyo and Father Martin, my 2 new friends, and they were joined on the altar by Deacon James who will be ordained the day we leave Anaka. The Mass started a little late, as the World Cup did not end until after midnight here, and even the Priests are fans. LOL! A few minutes into the Mass, a small boy of about 6 came into church by himself. He dutifully blessed himself with Holy Water and found a space in the church. He, like most under the age of 13, had no shoes, and was clad in a simple shirt and shorts, his primary school uniform.

Mass was in Lwo, so it is sometimes hard to follow, but Father Leonsyo's voice, his peace, his calm, and his LOVE come out loud in any language. The other night, his cell phone rang as he was with Kelley Moneymaker and myself. "Can I Love this one he asked?", to Kelley and I. "To answer, and to listen is to LOVE, is it not?" He said.

Today, I will pray some more and pray a lot. And I will pray that the world will see the future in the 3 generations I saw today. I do not know who each of you will identify with the small boy, Colleen who so much wants to give good to the world, or the gentle Love of a Parish priest. But one or maybe all of those three will continue the work of Nate Henn, and I remain convinced that LOVE in the end will triumph.

How can it not?

John

p.s. Do not worry about me, I will see you all in August. and know that I love each of you so, so much. I am a teacher, and I am here teaching.....

2 Shining Stars....

2010-07-09T15:15:00.000-05:00

Some of you may remember how disappointed I was when I heard that due to a student strike that we were not going to be sending teachers to Atanga SS. Today, we had a conference of all the schools, specifically to talk about KOBS. KOBS is an emotional literacy class that all Invisible Children schools are in various stages of implementing. When the speaker of the seminar showed a slide that showed a not insignificant percentage of the students surveyed had seen houses set afire with people in them, then maybe something else has to happen in the lives of these students before we can teach them how to simplify the square root of 8.

The KOBS program seems to be a step in the right direction. I believe any student cannot learn without feeling good about themselves, and understanding how truly remarkable they are. The KOBS program works to get traumatized students understanding what has happened in their lives and how to understand and manage the pain, but still move on.

Later in the day, when I saw Jacob from the Rough Cut on the street, he again turned his Reds cap backwards, so the big C was not obvious. If so much can happen in Jacob's life to move him in such a powerful direction, and he is such a smiling and happy young man, then there is hope for all of the students affected by the conflict.

-----

In the early morning beginning of the conference, I was greeted by two warm handshakes and two familiar voices. Ocwa Alfred Jackson and Obonyo Sam had come down to the conference from Atanga. They were crushed and terribly disappointed that Atanga was not getting American teachers this year. They had both worked so hard for their students and both worked so hard to suppport Invisible that I feel in some way, I have let them down. In the wave of the violence at the school, and thinking of the safety concerns for our teachers. I think the decision not to send to Atanga SS this year was probably the correct one.....Yet from their voices I heard two men talk about their school, imploring me that the school was never shut down...that there were working hard to make sure that students were continuing to study throughout all the chaos.

I am not sure what exactly has happened at Atanga, or at least I am not going to share it on record, but the bottom line is this...maybe one man let the school down.

What would you do, as a young student who saw your one shot at a future drift away due to the actions of an adult who should know better. Reacting with violence is never the answer, but then again what happens to a dream destroyed? what happens to a dream deferred?

And through it all, these two teachers Sam and Alfred were doing their very best for their students. Making sure that the school did not close, and making sure students who showed up were given instruction, were given knowledge, study sessions for their placement exams continued......

And what about the students who did not participate in the violence, who just want to move forward and conquer each year, and each subject in stride, what happens to them? I know some of my words here might be confusing to you, and I will have to fill in more details when I get home.....but it is amazing how many good people here are doing their very best to triumph through all these adversities and obstacles......

The bottom line is that there are no Teacher Exchange Teachers at Atanga SS, this year and this hurts everyone. The students and teachers of Atanga, who are doing amazing work, the American teachers that did not get a chance to see Atanga SS, and my two friends Alfred and Sam who care so much....

I have decided I am skipping the Safari to visit the teachers and students at Atanga SS....Hopefully, I can let them all know that they are not forgotten and there is still hope....

Mass, God, and god

2010-07-08T01:22:00.000-05:00

Kelley and I got up at 6 am to walk up for Mass with Father Leonsyo. It was wonderful, we walked through the dark to get to Mass, and saw small children with remnants of down coats to ward off the morning chill.

Mass was entirely in Lwo, and there were all generations there, and music was provided by the small home made harp. I have pictures, but right now very little battery time left. So I will flush this out later.

After Mass, we went to Morning Parade (Assembly) where the students stand and listen to the several teachers talk about how the school and their school life could be better. I looked at a few things in the staff room, came home to a broken toilet where I had to implement a flushing system, then lit an old Post-Dispatch on fire to cover the smell...

Our wash was done, but it still was a little damp, so I start rehanging it on the line. I was soon greeted by the sound on the other side of our house of about 60 students slashing the grass by hand. This was not punishment, but rather a way to welcome the Americans, but I would much rather see tall grass and students in classes. As the student teacher was calling students names to stop, because he felt they were working, a small feisty student questioned his authority. The student teacher replied, "I am God." The student replied, "You are god with a small g."

I am going to have to get to know this student. His impatience with the task at hand, and his feistiness, makes me believe that there is a lot there.....

John

Father Leonsyo

2010-07-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

A real significant reason, I came back this year was to visit the village of Anaka. I had heard such amazing stories about the parish Priests that the 5 teachers had stayed with last year. Kelley had even told me more as we prepared to become teachers at Pope Paul VI in Anaka.

Both priests were out of town, so we did not get to meet them until.....

Kelley was antsy all night, as she could not wait until her friend from last year, Father Leonsyo would be returning to Anaka from Gulu via Italy for 3 months. She kept checking her phone for messages and the time, and after dinner questioned how long the drive from Gulu to Anaka would take.

Finally, I suggested we just walk up to the parish anyway. The start was interesting as I had not walked to the Church in the dark yet. Kelley, the warrior, plowed ahead, and I was just keeping up, doing my best to pay attention in case I had to find my way back for some reason. As we walked, we past about 20 students and villagers, while we had the latest in lights and headlamps all of the locals managed this path with ease in the dark.

We got to the parish center, and soon found Father Leonsyo sitting on a chair in the dark with a large group of people around him. Of course, we were given the chairs right next to Father Leonsyo. I accepted, but wondered how this could be right. Why should I be seated next to the Priest, when so many had known him for so much longer, and had made a special trip to greet him home, after his extended stay in Italy.

Immediately, in front of me, I could see that there was a group of children probably 30 or 40, almost all less than 10... smiling at the Priest. It was amazing just to sit in this gathering. In that moment, I was in a place of such grace. After I made some waving, greeting hand gestures at the boys, one young man of about 5 years old, came up from the third row, approached me and shook my hand. The boy showed great courage, while the other young boys stared at the large white man. I felt so blessed to be in this gentle, quiet place with the people of Anaka.

I will write more about Father Leonsyo later, but I will end with his words, "Isn't that what Love is, to be humble to others, to put others before you."

Today I sat amongst Saints,

John

There is a Chicken in My Goal--UPDATED

2010-07-07T05:49:00.000-05:00

Kelley, Colleen, and I took a long walk after school through town. We saw the parish, but Kelley's friends the priests are both away. We saw a beautiful, little church where I am hoping to go Mass next week. We walked into town, and searched the market for yarn for Colleen's school project. She finally found rope, as yarn was not there. We then hurried back for the big Football match between the students and the faculty. There was no reason to hurry as the big match scheduled for 4:00 pm did not start until after 5:30 T.I.A. (This Is Africa). The match was being taken a little more seriously then I thought as the faculty start handing out uniforms. There were several jokes that I would be the keeper, but I kept saying probably not. Since wash day had not happened, I showed up for the game in a Nerinx polo, shorts with a belt, and my D Wade converse basketball shoes.

We walked through town, this time joined by several students that Kelley had taught last year, by the time we got to the pitch, we were being followed by about 30 people. And I got the unfortunate news that I was the starting keeper. This year, I made a couple of saves, got the ball a couple of times, and once fell over on a somewhat routine ball back to me...(the D Wades let me done---or I probably should have had spikes)....There was soon going to be a breakaway, but Colleen's teacher Geoffrey tackled the student from behind. PENALTY SHOT! I was ready as the young kids behind me, started to laugh at my focus for the shot...Oh I forgot by this time the game had grown to about 1100 of different people with many small children.

The shot was off. I quickly tried to be the hero, by flinging my left arm at the incoming ball, but only got 1/2 a forearm on the ball. I made contact, but not enough to stop the ball. The half ended with a few more chances, but at half time the score was 1-1. I felt vindicated from my last pathetic performance as a keeper 3 years ago. And I got the good news, there would be a substitute for me in the second half.

During one of the big chances, I was getting ready for the save as the yellow clad students made an attack on my goal. As I steadied myself and checked my position in the goal, I noticed a chicken was strutting around by the left goal post. So I thought sure the chicken would mess me up, I quickly chased the chicken out of my goal, as the attack came towards me.

Many of the children laughed at the large white man chasing a chicken as the game progressed. We left the game 2 minutes early as we had to get back for dinner, but we travelled down a path, with 2 little girls, clad in torn blue jumpers, laughing and hugging 12 feet ahead of us.

Another student told us, she thought the white teachers had come from Heaven to help this town. I wish I had pictures as we walked with a group of 400 back to town, all of them a little curious about the 3 white teachers.

At 9:30....I am rushing as almost no time left on battery.....

We were going to watch the World Cup inside as they broadcast it outside with a projector.... The screen was not there, so we moved the 27 inch TV outside, the teachers sat on chairs (maybe 20) as 300 students crowded into every space inside and around us. Okay, I am typing this late at night, after Kelley and I got back from seeing Father Leonsyo. I am underneath my mosquito net with a flashlight in my mouth. But I needed to add that at half time, the teachers start flipping channel for so many this month is the first they have seen of satellite tv. At half-time of the World Cup, we watched in order: the closing credits of Monsters, Inc., 3 and a half minutes of Wuthering Heights (some British version ???), then Pit Bulls and Parolees for a good 8 minutes....Just kind of funny as everyone was enthralled with something they had not seen before.

Not a bad full day in the little town of Anaka.

First Night in Anaka

2010-07-05T11:06:00.001-05:00

Well, we have settled in for our first night at Atanga. We are actually in a 3 bedroom house with Jacob, from the Peace Corps, our new friend. Jacob and first worked at drilling a hole in his ceiling for his mosquito net. That actually failed and I jerryrigged, a screw from a lock assembly, duct taped to a string that I shoved through the hole that I had made. We assembled beds and Mosquito Nets and have started to call this home. Maureen, our cook, is working over a charcoal stove in the kitchen preparing us our first meal.

Kelley Moneymaker has been appointed Chairwoman of Money, I am the Chairmen of Fixing Things and Toilet Problems, Colleen Dougherty is Chairwomen of Sunshine and Smiles, and Min Dusanj has been appointed Chairwomen of World Culture and is also the Canadian Liasion Officer for our little community. The internet appears to work up here, so our new limitation is battery power, but hopefully we can prevail on the Priests in the village to hook us up with Faith, Communion, and a little 220 power.

The Scouts, cut bamboo for the girls' rooms to prop up their mosquito nets. I shared with them 3 silly bands-- a gorilla, a giraffe, and an elephant. About 15 different excited students helped us move in, and I think so many were excited to see us. My friend Odong Collins Otika has already stopped in to say Hi!....I have learned that the school fees at Pope Paul VI are a little more affordable than some of the schools in Gulu.

Hopefully we can begin tomorrow by making impact as teachers, all things look promising.

John....

A cou

Jacob, New York, and that Free Willie Song....

2010-07-03T17:09:00.000-05:00

Half a world away, I sometimes find my mind racing in the middle of an activity.
Tonight, we had a party for the Teacher Exchange teachers and their partner teachers with a few selected extra guests.

I made it my mission to get ice, so we could have cold beer. It was a long process with 4 of us, Tim H., Kelley M., and Joe D. from Group 1 going to a store that sells refurbished refrigerators and freezers. I think to prove to new customers that his freezers work, he makes ice. Kelley and I had gone earlier in the day, and I thought I had talked my new friend Juma into selling me all the ice he had made today, but their was a local woman who took my first batch for some fish (I did not feel chilling beer was more honorable than her cause--so I demurred). When Kelley arrived, Juma said, "Your friend George is coming back with a bucket." Tim laughed quite a bit about me being George. Juma's freezers did not quite work well enough so we gathered large chunks of half done ice and headed back to the party.

Old friends Odong Robert, Okaali John, and Aliker David Martin showed up early, so I started out by talking and sharing great stories with them. A great picture of these 2 to the right. A good start....

now skip some time...

I am now dancing with new friends and old friends in the middle of the front yard of our rental house and my mind starts to race.

On March 1, 2007 Shona Clarkson introduced me to the story of the Invisible Children. If you have not seen "The Rough Cut" let me know and we can watch it when I get back. In the middle of that movie we see the incredible moving story of a young boy named Jacob whose life has been turned upside down by the conflict in Northern Uganda.

and now I am back....Jumping up and down and dancing with Jacob who had the most wonderful smile on his face, trying his best to dance higher than I am tall, and laughing all the way (tonight in this night, I can even forgive that he was wearing a Cincinnati Reds cap). His laughter, and his triumph in school is amazing. Jacob will be going to university next year is amazing.

So I guess that is what hope looks like... and it is amazing to see it....

A little while longer we heard Empire State of Mind ( by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys) and when Alicia sings New York...New York with such power and amazement...

My mind raced again to 6 Ugandan teachers landing at JFK and beginning such an adventure in January that would touch so many of our lives. When I saw Okaali, and Robert, and Alex dancing to that song....it was almost too much...How I am so blessed to have seen so much in the last four years...to see hard work overcome violence...to see the smile and dedication of dedicated teachers end so promisingly in the classroom of Jean Fry at Nerinx and Eric LaBoube at SLUH.... to see so many of my Ugandan friends with such big smiles.

Robert and John never stopped laughing or smiling the whole night.

and then the African DJ said no more songs, it was time to go, but made a mistake and actually cued up the beginning bars of that Free Willy song,....somehow he continued to make mistakes and we heard the song about 2 and a half times.. there are 22 of my students who went to Biloxi in 2006 who will ever be intertwined with that song in my head....That trip and those 22 will always have a special place in my heart.....

and so that must be it for now, as my computer shows that I have 7 minutes left, and the other 26 teachers have gone to bed....

me I am kind of wishing this night never ended, but tonight I have my i-pod and will crank up a few good songs before I go to sleep....

and so in the words of Okaali John, "Aaaaaaaaaah! tic. tic. tic. tic. tic.

Geoffrey Alii and Ashley

2010-07-02T06:51:00.000-05:00

Geoffrey Alii is a wonderful teacher at Pabo SS. I say he is a wonderful man, because he has worked very hard over the last 3 years to become a better teacher. When this program, Invisible Children, started for him he was set in so many of his ways. He began to listen to some of what the Teacher Exchange is designed to do...To open up communication and learn from others. I have learned so much from my Ugandan friends, and yesterday Geoffrey told us what he had learned from Americans. He learned to be more open in his thoughts and his emotions. He talked about Americans always crying when they come to his school and embrace his students. He talked about a young American high school student, opening up a building that had been paid for by donations from maybe some of you. He talked about Justine crying when she thought about what she could do for the students of Pabo. Geoffrey talked about learning how to hug more, and he said Americans are always hugging each other. He talked about hugging his granddaughter, and how she welcomes these new hugs from her Grandpa.

Yesterday, I learned that a student Ashley Tapperson had died. Ashley had such a wonderful smile. She was quiet and a little shy in my class, so it was not every day that I saw that smile out of Ashley. But when I did it made my day. Ashley was a diver, coached wonderfully by her dad. Her dad is always smiling and playful when I see him, quick with a kind word and a warm handshake. I could see his smile in Ashley's smile. Ashley had the most wonderful notebook, I have ever seen. It was neat, it was organized, it often had color in it. It looked like it was made by Prentice-Hall to accompany a textbook. I told her she should be a professional note taker in college (the job exists to help some students who cannot take notes). Ashley was a flip thrower in soccer. If you have never seen that it is an amazing talent! Ashley was a wonderful young women who will be missed by many.

So I want all of you reading this to spend today, hugging everyone you know. Let's be those Americans today that Geoffrey spoke about. Let's live in the moment and hug: good friends and total strangers. Let's hug 2 year olds we know and hug the Ashleys we know in our life.

Thanks Ashley, I saw so much life and wonderful talent in you. I saw smiles and greatness. ... and in Uganda half a world away, I want to hug you one more time. So today I will hug Kelley, my friend and fellow teacher.

No Atanga SS for Invisible Children Teacher Exchange in 2010

2010-06-30T14:59:00.000-05:00

I was like a proud father on the way to Gulu... Telling my old friend Michelle and 2 new teacher exchange participants how much they would like Atanga SS and its students. I just found out tonight that this is not going to happen...

Details are sketchy, but their has been violence between students and the faculy... It is with a heavy heart that I ate dinner tonight.....I so wanted my colleagues to experience the wonders of Atanga.

So many bright 16 and 17 year olds throughout the world, are so close to being something ( bright young man and bright young woman). And are just a small step from greatness and then anger and passion negate rational thought and realistic plans about their future...

John

First Night, First Day in Gulu

2010-06-30T09:59:00.000-05:00

I cannot tell you how exciting arriving in Gulu is.... Imagine a whole lot of your friends hang out in the same place, the place you have laughed with them (Da Pub) is there, and total strangers sometimes yell John or Magee as you pass by.

Now imagine that it takes 3 different planes, 3 different continents and a 5 hour ride to reach these friends. You can imagine my excitement upon arriving here. My new friends in Group I and of course, Lisa and Lindsay, were waiting inside a metal gate as we arrived. There were cheering and carrying on, when one of them saw half of my body through the gate and said, "Here comes big John!" It was a special time. I have only talked briefly with the Group 1 teachers, but they seem like incredible and kind people. So good news there.

When our business was over last night...Money, Jen, Raysa, Colleen, and I walked all the way into town.... Due to bad rumors Da Pub was open !!! The Nile Special a pint of super African business cost 2000/= or in American dollars about 88 cents. We had two beers and then began the long walk home. We decided that Colleen's first boda boda ride should not be in the dark. ON the walk home, a motor bike came up on us, and the driver said, "I want the large white man." Approximately 1.5 seconds later I heard the distinctive laughter of my friend Aliker David Martin whom I have known since 2007 and the first trip...

A great start....

feel free to comment.

What if it is only 1, and not the other 51???

2010-06-29T00:06:00.001-05:00

What if imagination and art are not frosting at all, but the fountainhead of human experience? (Rollo May)

I am trying to think about where I first saw this quote? I think it might have been at a little club watching a women singing Edith Piaf songs in French...only Frank and Mary Hellwig could have found this place.

Also, I went to River City Casino with my brother, Tom, who stated the obvious about a game called Let It Ride, "This game you just try to break even until you hit one big hand."

What if our lives are like that, what if we are not judged on 51 weeks of the year, but instead just judged on the best week of each year? It is an interesting premise to contemplate.

I will be forever grateful to Father Christopher for an incredible act of kindness and understanding. He found me wandering between the school and the church on the morning that Matt Espiritu died. I was lost, looking for answers when there were none. What are the answers for a young man dying from an

awful disease? Maybe just a part of all tragedies, is to see beauty and kindness better. I saw it from Father Christoper that one day, in that one hour....and I remember it today.

So, I had the incredible experience of facilitating a trip to Biloxi for 97 wonderful young women. There were great moms, great dads, and great friends on this trip, but this entry is not about them. It is about Livia, and Sam and Megan, and Haley, and Emily, and Kate, and Brittany ....

If these 97 are to be judged in 2010, not by the sum of their existence, but the beauty and the kindness that the spread to the people of Mississippi and especially the residents of the Back Bay, then they have shined. They have really shined. (They hit that straight flush for Let It Ride fans). And in each of the 97 cases they used their talents in slightly different ways to be amazing. For Livia, the sophomore, her greatness was framed by just an untireless effort to the mundane awful work in front of her -- pulling weeds, but not just weeds, bamboo. For Sam and Megan, the college students, it was their wonderful way of tirelessly cooking for 126 people and adding special extra touches to every bite of food (only read this parenthetical thought, if you are not Sam and Megan -- the cooking is not really important, being a living example of humility with their lives, is what they really gave to the younger students. For a whole week, it was about giving before the received, loving before they received love in return, and it is always these small acts of humility that raise us all as a group of 126, or a community of 650 +).

Of course, I could write about all 97, and I will in a different time and a different place. But if Annie Gerker and Emily Marshall are judged by their week, their always smiling guidance and patience were always there. If you are a Nerinx student who was touched by these 2 or others, remember a simple facebook shoutout is always a great idea.

Kate, and Haley, and Jaime, and Brittany, and Lauren I will remember for their commitment to laughter and to being dorks. How can others not want to look up to such wonderfully goofy people and how can you not think of these 4 and not smile. The goofiness they share with so many is not their only story. There is never a time where they are not also doing the work of painting and scraping and building. So if these students are to be judged by this week, they receive a perfect score and of course they answered the bonus question correctly.

For Diablo, Baba, and Blampf!! that bonus question was an hour visit where age and distance melted away, and became just the conversation between 4 old friends. Proving in the laughter, the tears and the hugs, ( and watching Toby Keith chase after a ball) that we always have something to share with others. And strangers are always friends that we have just not met.

For Amelia, an amazing young woman who endures more Mr. Magee humor than any mortal should be allowed to suffer through...(I don't know who wrote that last line, I am funny)...she shined in her week by always being there when I needed help, when I needed organization.....

and for other 90+, you were never a footnote...although you are today...at 7:30 am after 3 hours of sleep, in the middle of Uganda, the names above had their own stories...if I had slept 15 more minutes... I would have stories about 10 others.. I would have talked about Maggie Hummel always smiling or Anna Chott being the master builder, or the pride and unique style in which Emily Horner took over a bathroom and refused to leave......

and so you see this story is actually about all of you... and half a world away my eyes fill with tears, because I am truly blessed to be your teacher, and your amazing talents and kindness for our world tell me that all good things are possible .... with effort, with laughter, and with 107.1 the Monkey playing in the background.

Technology Half a World Away...

2010-06-28T13:34:00.000-05:00

So I think I now have a dial-up modem (shhh....don't jinx it, so I will be able to blog
from anywhere in the country).....

and as soon as I got this 2 year problems solved.....

I cannot hear from my phone, so.........

Not much to report yet, so hopefully will write some more interesting news
soon....

All is well in Kampala, if you do not mind your phone not working....

John

Soccer Hooligans and Kampala

2010-06-28T02:36:00.000-05:00

This won't be long, as I need a shower, and breakfast will soon be here....and I have not really slept for 2 days....although some say I was snoring right next to Traflagar square.

It is so good to see, friends again in Uganda, James the taxi man--and my small young smiley women at Backpackers...

Everyone reached safe and sound, although at one time we thought we lost a passport, and a bag...
All is well.

Saw the mini-changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace....tried to get into a pub to see England-Germany, but could only get in an Italian restaurant... It looked like there was going to be some mayhem in the streets...

with the boys singing....

There were 10 German bombers in the air
There were 10 German bombers in the air
There were 10 German bombers
10 German bombers
10 German bombers in the air

And the RAF From England shot one down
And the RAF From England shot one down
And the RAF From England.
RAF From England
The RAF From England shot one down

There were 9 German bombers in the air......

And so on.

you get the drift.

"Making the invisible, visible in your hearts" or A perfect end to a great tri

2009-08-11T14:06:00.001-05:00

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

Time in Uganda OR Why Tom Magee's Head would explode.

2009-08-07T03:18:00.000-05:00

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

4 New Pictures

2009-08-06T01:36:00.001-05:00

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.

Grace in Gulu

2009-08-05T02:18:00.000-05:00

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

Opiyo Charles and Oketayot John

2009-08-04T04:57:00.000-05:00

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

2 small children and photocopying

2009-08-03T03:05:00.000-05:00

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

Lazy Saturday in Gulu

2009-08-02T04:22:00.000-05:00

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

Last full saturday in Gulu

2009-08-01T02:23:00.000-05:00

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

Talking to People

2009-07-31T04:19:00.000-05:00

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.

Amelia and Allison

2009-07-30T03:50:00.000-05:00

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.

Nerinx Student Dedicating a Year to Invisible Children

2009-07-29T06:25:00.000-05:00

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

http://roadiefall09.blogspot.com/

A Tale of Two Grandpas

2009-07-29T01:37:00.000-05:00

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

The Cost of Love--Current Exchange Rates

2009-07-28T01:26:00.000-05:00

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

Goodbye for Just a Little While and Sizzling Prawns-Ouch!

2009-07-27T03:55:00.000-05:00

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

Rain, Rain, Thank God for rain.

2009-07-24T06:30:00.001-05:00

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

62 Lbs.

2009-07-23T21:28:00.000-05:00

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?

Time to Go To Subway

2009-07-22T06:33:00.000-05:00

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.

ISAAC

2009-07-21T21:00:00.000-05:00

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.

Thanks to sweetie --- NEW PICTURES

2009-07-19T08:13:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-19T03:41:00.000-05:00

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

Just Chillin'

2009-07-18T01:36:00.001-05:00

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

Visiting with two friends

2009-07-17T09:57:00.000-05:00

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

Where there is despair, Lord, let me sew hope

2009-07-17T06:49:00.000-05:00

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

TEXT BLOG

2009-07-14T15:17:00.000-05:00

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.

Rain Tuesday morning.

2009-07-13T22:21:00.001-05:00

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

2009-07-13T00:28:00.000-05:00

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

Rainy Sunday Morning

2009-07-12T02:02:00.001-05:00

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

Two weeks of teaching left.

2009-07-11T03:43:00.001-05:00

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.)

I travel 26 hours in a plane to meet great people

2009-07-10T01:37:00.000-05:00

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

Bumpy Ride Back to Gulu

2009-07-09T07:36:00.000-05:00

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

Butterflies and Bullets

2009-07-09T07:30:00.001-05:00

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.

It all comes down to teaching

2009-07-07T11:51:00.000-05:00

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.

4th of July- Acholi Style

2009-07-05T07:41:00.000-05:00

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

Coach Magee and the Sacred Heart Basketball Team

2009-07-04T07:05:00.000-05:00

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

More good times at Bambu

2009-07-03T09:12:00.000-05:00

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.

Walking with Hope

2009-07-02T07:59:00.000-05:00

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

Heat, Sweating profusely, and the Chicken Man

2009-07-02T07:45:00.001-05:00

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

Remembering What is Important (Even when I don't want to)

2009-07-02T07:34:00.000-05:00

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

Tuesday, June 30 Text Massage

2009-06-30T16:07:00.000-05:00

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.

Too Little Time Today

2009-06-28T08:35:00.000-05:00

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

Hey!!!

2009-06-26T05:08:00.001-05:00

3 new posts----5 new pictures

Why We Teach

2009-06-26T04:18:00.001-05:00

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.

Tuesday-- They Won't Let Me Change the Channel

2009-06-26T04:16:00.000-05:00

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

Atanga--Monday Night

2009-06-26T04:15:00.000-05:00

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

Only a particial message.

2009-06-25T16:17:00.000-05:00

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)

June 24 by cell phone text.

2009-06-24T11:42:00.000-05:00

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.

Jack Magee offers.

2009-06-23T10:13:00.000-05:00

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/

Text Massage from John Tuesday morning in Uganda

2009-06-23T08:13:00.000-05:00

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?"

Funny, funny, and funny

2009-06-21T05:39:00.001-05:00

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

Lisa Swetman is Amazing and so much more!!!!

2009-06-20T02:11:00.000-05:00

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

Group 1, Birthdays and funny guys.

2009-06-17T15:51:00.000-05:00

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.

1st Day in Gulu, 1st Day of Training, Henry has a motorbike

2009-06-17T08:34:00.000-05:00

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

Today's Hero and Little Kindnesses

2009-06-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

Her bio says she is a lifeguard and a swim coach. I have already given her trouble for being a fan of the Brewers. I am not sure who Tammy Ecklund is or who she will become in the next 20 years, but today she escalated herself for a slightly oversized tall guy. After 3 different battles, it looked like I would be sitting in an aisle row, but not the more coveted bulkhead. It was going to be an uncomfortable 8.5 hours, but I figure I could stand for that long, and I had to remember the big prize. This trip was not about JFK--Heathrow or Heathrow--Entebbe, it was going to be about what I could bring to fellow teachers and students of Northern Uganda.

Immediately upon seeing that her seat was the most coveted John Magee seat, Tammy stood up and asked if I wanted to switch. Those seats are more comfortable for almost everyone, but Tammy was willing to give it up in less than 10 seconds. TAMMY ECKLUND you are my hero. The more I know about Tammy the more I like her, but nothing this whole trip can be greater than giving me a seat I could be okay with. When I thanked her later, she told me it was not that big of deal, she considered it a small favor. To Me it was HHHHHuggge!

So what a great way to start this trip, do you ever wonder how often small acts of kindness have great impacts on other lives. In fact, I think we should all think about this---the time you let someone go ahead of you in line in the grocery store. Could it have been that she was tired, harried, and frustrated, and near the end of her rope, when you gave her that small act of kindness that got her through that tough time.

So today, startb thinking about a small sacrifice you can undertake to make someone's life (often a lot diffferent from you) a lot easier. You do it in America, I will enedavor to do it in Africa. Thanks to Tammy Ecklund who did it for me today. And keep me in your thoughts and good prayers, Gulu is tomorrow. Soon after the days at Atanga will start.

thanks Tammy,

John

Year 3 Begins

2009-06-13T20:11:00.001-05:00

So somewhere last night around 930 pm....I realized I was way behind schedule. Luckily , I have a true friend in Frank Hellwig, who helped me clean up my house and organize materials for packing. Frank and I worked diligently like I always do when I clean, (some of us were just born with the neatness gene).. I finally started packing around 1 am...I was delayed a little by two well wishers named Rusty and Rader. But eventually it was time to pack, I brought to my parents 130 lbs. worth of different sundry items, only 61.2 lbs. would make the cut. Which cost me $50 in St. Louis, but nothing at JFK, as I did my best to schmooze and tell the agent that most of my bag was going to end up with the children of Africa. New items this year, a wiffle ball and since I am at a camp, I brought along a portable shower (okay a five gallon black bag and a nozzle), but still it is something. Packing would have been easy but the Jane and Jack Magee house lost power about 2 am, right when I was hitting my stride. So this trip began with a real Africa moment, packing by candlelight, just like in Gulu. Unfortunately, there were many chairs in my way, before I found the candles and so Jesus and a couple of the saints were extolled to help my path through the darkness. Some might argue with my inflection when I yelled, "Jesus.", but I assure you it was a plaintive cry for help.

A couple of plain rides later I found myself arguing baseball with my friend from last year Matt. He is a Cubs fan so it is not really an argument. Soon Lisa and Sharon and Kate were here. Tammy, a sweet young women, with an amazing propensity to laugh at silly things, she has some Wisconsin ties, so I talked slower and dumbed down my vocabulary. Kate is much more trouble than Tammy, so I felt right at home as Matt and I were soon surrounded by intelligent, committed females.... much like Biloxi last week. Soon, less than a hour, I will be on a plane, with some great old friends, and some great new ones.

Although the challenges this year might be tougher, I am ready. I am ready because I have an amazing family and some really amazing friends, thanks for the shower fix Tim and Terri. But most of all, I am ready because I spent the first week of June with an incredible 62 young women. Who showed me that kindness can win, compassion and laughing are not mutually exclusive, who showed me that when we think of our world with hope and have the courage to ACT, lives can be changed. Maybe just a little bit, maybe a lot, but I will do more in Uganda this year, because it is impossible to leave Biloxi and our group and not feel the energy of the Class of 2009, 2010, and 2011 (shout out DePolo and Jole Blon). Any time, one of you old farts starts talking pessimistic or are blind to the possibilites of our world. Give me a call, because I have seen the future and you need to see it too.

You will enjoy it.

So now it is time for me to shift suddenly, an see the promise of an African nation, and the kindness they welcome me with, and the friendliness of each and every Acholi person I meet. Because I have been blessed to see the commonalities and the talents of young girls from Webster Groves, and soon will see the talents of our Atanga students. Young girls and boys that have had so much despair thrown in their paths, yet wake up every morning ready to work, ready to learn, ready to grow.

Humbled and Honored that I can be known as your son, your friend, your teacher, your brother,

John Magee

Rescue -- St. Louis Style

2009-04-27T14:16:00.000-05:00

I just want to thank all the young people I spent the night with under the Arch. You are truly amazing, and the words of encouragement I shared with you seemed more superfluous over the weekend as your amazing talents and personalities become more evident. Keep fighting for the smallest, the unheard, and the unseen. It is in our combined humanity to these forgotten folk that I think measures as a society and a generation.

I have high hopes for your generation, because each morning from Monday through Friday I am blessed to see your intelligence, kindness, and compassion. So share your kindness with the world and do not listen to the words of our cynics.

New Favorite Bumper Sticker: "Those who have abandoned their dreams, will discourage yours."

or a little Shel Silverstein,

Listen to the Mustn’ts

Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child,
Listen to the DON’TS
Listen to the SHOULDN’TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES.
Then listen close to me -
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.

-Shel Silverstein

p.s. It might be more enjoyable to read this blog, by going back to 2007 and reading it chronologically.

Info for New IC Teachers

2009-01-01T15:20:00.001-06:00

My name is John Magee, I will be going to Gulu for the third straight summer. This is a blog I started two summers ago. If you are a new teacher, it might be more informative to go back to 2007 and start reading from the beginning.

These blogs are a nice way to keep everyone you leave behind informed. They are free, and can be updated somewhat easily.

My email address is johnmagee412@yahoo.com and I can be reached at 314-503-0147 and I will not tire about talking about Uganda or answering questions about Uganda.

Casino Simba and the Nile

2008-07-29T10:32:00.001-05:00

First, remember last year when I bragged about not getting tossed into the Nile. Well, this year the Nile kicked my butt. We had 8 people on our boat, and ended up with 17 people in the drink. I got tossed two times, including a massive spill where onlookers said our raft looked like a popcorn maker, with all of us being tossed in the air separately. The first spill, I think Trish P. who was four rows behind me on the raft, sailed above me to exit the boat over my head. Everyone is fine, but I am still a little banged up. One of the raft guides was an Aussie, and when he heard me tell someone about my trip said from the comfort of the outhouse, "The river has a soul and remembers, and she is a woman."

Much better today, I worked hard to get a good seat on Emirates, I also purposely got a big Cubs fan next to me, what was I thinking.

We stopped at Garden City to exchange money, I had nothing left to buy, so I wandered up to Casino Simba. I think I was the only one there, the table games were all locked up, so I sat down to play at a 16-player electronic roulette table with real ball and wheel. There was no place to put money in so an attendant came over and took my 50000/= shilling bill. I figured, worse case, that is a hard bill to break so if I lost 20000/= or 3000/= at least I had change. I lost a lot of my credits early when I wanted to bet 5 credits on black and mistakenly put 50 credits, but soon I hit 3 straight numbers and walked out of the Casino Simba with 250000/=..... you will have to look that up to see how much I won.....

Tomorrow morning, we go to Chimp Island, and then begin the journey home......

Can't wait to see you all,

John

Congrats to a Biloxi girl who just e-mailed me to tell me she rocked a 4 on the AP Stats Exam......Way to go Z-b0ne

Last Day in Gulu

2008-07-26T01:25:00.001-05:00

It has once again, been a good trip, just a little bit different than last year. CSC member Ben Bocher sent me an e-mail that said, "There is no one you could not love, if you knew their story." So as I told the Gulu SS teachers the other night, I am gathering more stories.

This morning woke up to a Rooster at 7 am, on the day we could all sleep in. I staggered to the bathroom, and of course, Obibi the goat had pooped in 3 different locations. This morning is the last day, I will ever have to sweep up goat poop. I cannot wait until I have heard news back from Gulu, that Obibi the goat, is now sitting comfortably next to ample servings of rice and potatoes on a dinner platter. I can also sympathesize with all parents who allowed their kids to buy a pet, and then never took the responsibility for cleaning up after the pet.

Odong Collins Otika, the S2 student from Awere, showed up at the gate this morning with a clean Awere SS shirt, and a nice tie. He was off to take his English midterm or final early this morning. I hope that he can have a successful end of this term, and end the year in style. I wonder if I do come back next year will he be in the same city I am. The transient nature of small friendships makes those so few minutes great. But it also forces us to be better friends and better people, because we have to work at making these short times work.

Collins was worried that he might not see me as I left Gulu. I tried to explain to him that I believe life is a movie and not a snapshot. It does not matter if we missed the last opportunity for a picture, it is the movie we have created over the years. If I took time to lament missing the last snapshot of seeing my friend at Mardi Gras this year, I would not be watching the movie of our great times together, and the incredible friendship that he gave me over the past 9 years.

I will probably write something reflective next week, but again I may not post again until I hit New York (of course there is a chance that I will post 3 more times)....

John