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
Walk to Atanga SS
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Group 1, Birthdays and funny guys.
So the mini-blog may have worked. Here is the expanded version.
After a long dinner and several delayed meetings, we finally got to go out and release a little steam. We joined Group 1 at KSP (where I broke the chair last year) for a few refreshments. My fellow teachers encouraged me to have something they called beer. Not a bad taste, for my first time. It was a good time, my shyness was not a problem as I let others take the lead. Mostly I just sat back and observed. Group 1 was celebrating Joanna's birthday so we joined in with a few jokes and a few stories. I let Ryan, and Wild Bill Shilling lead the way, but for some reason when it came to her birthday dance, Joanna chose me. Well, I don't think I knew anything about dancing, but I gave it a try and Joanna was teaching me all kind of new steps. We were going to sing a special happy birthday, but our Theeeeeaaaaaaattttterrrrr people got cold feet. (AQ that is you). I also reacquainted myself with Lauren, an STLer, and Abby, and Runita, and Daneen. Phil went home because he did not want to hear more stories about his Tigers losing to our Cardinals. Lisa, who teaches at a Catholic school in Louisiana, kept telling jokes, but I eventually had to warn her that a lot of her jokes offended my sensibilities. Once we got over that hurdle, things were great. They ordered me a second beer, but I was unable to finish it. But it was a great time had by all. My Atanga partners Shilling Shilling Bill and Kevin (no nickname yet) liked the evening and we ended up in Ryan's room in a small space telling stories. Ryan and Mike have a larger room with a full kitchen, so it is easier to congregate there. A good night, all around.
Earlier in the day, one of the people on the trip, was having a series of misfortunes, and so I, John Magee, walked with her to the market and helped her find a dress. Yes, I know finally a chance to put my expertise in women's fashion into play.
by the way, I told them I was 50 years old, and they believed me.
Having fun before work starts,
John
p.s. I saw Odong Collins Otika today, so hopefully the schedule will allow me to play some basketball with him this weekend.
After a long dinner and several delayed meetings, we finally got to go out and release a little steam. We joined Group 1 at KSP (where I broke the chair last year) for a few refreshments. My fellow teachers encouraged me to have something they called beer. Not a bad taste, for my first time. It was a good time, my shyness was not a problem as I let others take the lead. Mostly I just sat back and observed. Group 1 was celebrating Joanna's birthday so we joined in with a few jokes and a few stories. I let Ryan, and Wild Bill Shilling lead the way, but for some reason when it came to her birthday dance, Joanna chose me. Well, I don't think I knew anything about dancing, but I gave it a try and Joanna was teaching me all kind of new steps. We were going to sing a special happy birthday, but our Theeeeeaaaaaaattttterrrrr people got cold feet. (AQ that is you). I also reacquainted myself with Lauren, an STLer, and Abby, and Runita, and Daneen. Phil went home because he did not want to hear more stories about his Tigers losing to our Cardinals. Lisa, who teaches at a Catholic school in Louisiana, kept telling jokes, but I eventually had to warn her that a lot of her jokes offended my sensibilities. Once we got over that hurdle, things were great. They ordered me a second beer, but I was unable to finish it. But it was a great time had by all. My Atanga partners Shilling Shilling Bill and Kevin (no nickname yet) liked the evening and we ended up in Ryan's room in a small space telling stories. Ryan and Mike have a larger room with a full kitchen, so it is easier to congregate there. A good night, all around.
Earlier in the day, one of the people on the trip, was having a series of misfortunes, and so I, John Magee, walked with her to the market and helped her find a dress. Yes, I know finally a chance to put my expertise in women's fashion into play.
by the way, I told them I was 50 years old, and they believed me.
Having fun before work starts,
John
p.s. I saw Odong Collins Otika today, so hopefully the schedule will allow me to play some basketball with him this weekend.
1st Day in Gulu, 1st Day of Training, Henry has a motorbike
So today was our first day of training, this looks like it could be one of the best groups I have been a part of. Sorry Class of 2008, okay you guys were cooler, but I am excited about the new blood and teacher talent.
I will be going to Atanga with Kevin Brehm and Bill Yukstas, hopefully I spelled both of those right. They were roommates at Penn State, so they have a good friendship, and seem really eager for the challenge at Atanga. I like there energy and commitment, and I am looking forward to working with these 2 new teachers at Atanga. Hopefully, we can continue the legacy of David Heimeck and Josh Robinson, two great teachers from last year. We are living this year in a hotel, Caterina Hotel, for those of you veterans it is in town, but a block east of Kope Cafe. I am in a new internet cafe, run by an American named Justin that has chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
After our meetings, I walked through the market (open-air is not quite right as it has a roof). The married couple, Lance and Justine and Anne Quigley who went with us to the Yankees game were with me. For some reason I was a big attraction in the fish market, as my presence caused quite a ruckus. But I rushed down to here to give everyone some idea of what was going on.
It looks like I am only going to be able to post on the weekends. Although, I did spend two different trips to the Garden City mall to correct that problem. If only I had Michael Coffey here I could have been connected, but Perez the MTN guy, and myself did not possess the knowledge to connect.
Dad, I might try sending you a long message tonight on your phone, kind of as a sample mini-blog post. You should count the words you receive---and try to post them.
Okay, the great moment of the day was as we were walking past the market. Henry, my teaching partner, rode by on his motorbike. A step up from the Budweiser bike he had last year. I was really happy to see him, and I think he was excited about the process of exchanging a year's worth of stories with him.
What should I tell him? The continual insanity of the basketball situation? No, I think this is a time for positives and superlatives. So I will tell him about the wonderful group that just went to Biloxi with me, and how young people can and will change our world. Maybe I will talk to him about the incredible friendship that Frank Hellwig showed me on my final night in America or the Gaffneys fixing my plumbing problem. Or mom and dad once again, covering my disorganization and allowing me to give to so many.
Apwoyo bene,
John
I will be going to Atanga with Kevin Brehm and Bill Yukstas, hopefully I spelled both of those right. They were roommates at Penn State, so they have a good friendship, and seem really eager for the challenge at Atanga. I like there energy and commitment, and I am looking forward to working with these 2 new teachers at Atanga. Hopefully, we can continue the legacy of David Heimeck and Josh Robinson, two great teachers from last year. We are living this year in a hotel, Caterina Hotel, for those of you veterans it is in town, but a block east of Kope Cafe. I am in a new internet cafe, run by an American named Justin that has chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
After our meetings, I walked through the market (open-air is not quite right as it has a roof). The married couple, Lance and Justine and Anne Quigley who went with us to the Yankees game were with me. For some reason I was a big attraction in the fish market, as my presence caused quite a ruckus. But I rushed down to here to give everyone some idea of what was going on.
It looks like I am only going to be able to post on the weekends. Although, I did spend two different trips to the Garden City mall to correct that problem. If only I had Michael Coffey here I could have been connected, but Perez the MTN guy, and myself did not possess the knowledge to connect.
Dad, I might try sending you a long message tonight on your phone, kind of as a sample mini-blog post. You should count the words you receive---and try to post them.
Okay, the great moment of the day was as we were walking past the market. Henry, my teaching partner, rode by on his motorbike. A step up from the Budweiser bike he had last year. I was really happy to see him, and I think he was excited about the process of exchanging a year's worth of stories with him.
What should I tell him? The continual insanity of the basketball situation? No, I think this is a time for positives and superlatives. So I will tell him about the wonderful group that just went to Biloxi with me, and how young people can and will change our world. Maybe I will talk to him about the incredible friendship that Frank Hellwig showed me on my final night in America or the Gaffneys fixing my plumbing problem. Or mom and dad once again, covering my disorganization and allowing me to give to so many.
Apwoyo bene,
John
Monday, June 15, 2009
Today's Hero and Little Kindnesses
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
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
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Year 3 Begins
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
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
Monday, April 27, 2009
Rescue -- St. Louis Style
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,
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
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Info for New IC Teachers
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.
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.
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