One picture--two boys

      Hopefully the picture uploaded to the right. I spent an hour trying to upload it in Diana Gardens. A bar and restaurant that has moved up the street a bit since my first trip to Gulu. In my first week 8 years ago, it was my friend Aliker David who loudly told the crowd of teachers and Ugandans that he wanted to walk behind big John so he could watch me "defend my mass".

     Anyway, I am sitting at Diana Gardens enjoying a 1.5 liter of cold water and watching the Internet wheel spin and spin with no pages loading. My attention goes to the World Cup soccer where they are showing a "feel good" story about how the World Cup is helping brazilians. It helps the people of the ghetto, because they are on a hill and can see one of the stadiums from their corrugated metal shantytown. Are you kidding me? Food, health care and a path to education are not needed if you can see a stadium from your shack.

     I think you can see a picture of 4 boys holding a flag. Today, I had lunch with two of them. One is a young man whose only family is an elderly grandfather he rarely sees. He has essentially found a way to put himself through school all of the way up until Senior 6. In Ugandan schools you have to pass a test at the end of the fourth year of school to move on to the last two years at Advanced level. He did this, but at the end of Senior 6, his marks were very poor and he cannot go on to the University. What he would like to do is either repeat his Senior 6 year or more probably have to repeat Senior 5 and 6, and there is no guarantee that his results will be better. I am going to try to tap into a network of Ugandan friends to help him, but many, many prayers are needed. I wish I had the resources to make his life better, but sometimes, actually quite often poverty sucks. And I literally mean sucks here as it takes away the passion and the dreams of great, bright kids.

       The second boy has always been amazingly friendly to me. He somehow got to know several of my teacher friends in past years and then I got to know him as well. He is always helpful, always working hard, and on at least 3 occasions did me a big favor to create a special memory for my friends. Two years ago, he was the head boy of a small school here. The head boy and head girl are amazing students...think Student Council president on steroids. Even as head boy, he had been sent home from his school and told not to come back without paying school fees. On that trip I was out of money and had already committed money to other students. I made one phone call home and Jack Magee made sure enough money was in my account and Julius was back in school that week. I am happy to report that Julius graduated from Senior 6 and will start at Gulu University in mid August. He actually went to a bank and convinced them to give him a loan to pay off his high school debt. So financial struggles are not over for Julius, but he has a job working with Favor of God church and they have even lent him a motorbike to make doing his job easier. So the day ended when Julius gave me a ride home. He is now my all-time favorite boda boda driver.
   

Looking at Stars --One at a time

     One child at a time. It seems so simple, that we sometimes look past its simplicity. Over the last few years, I have had the great fortune to work with one child at a time. These alleged "struggling" students were able to shine quite brightly when they worked by themselves. Parents have gushed over my abilities to help their daughters, but I think anyone who committed to spend the time and learn and listen to the student could have done the same thing. It is a challenge for teachers to teacher students one at a time when you have over 100, but it is possible. And needs to be done. And all it takes...is to simple care. And then what a joy it can be to sit back and see these amazing students shine, and how they do shine!

      "I see in my students what they do not see in themselves, until they do." Quote stolen from Father Boyle. Today, I started to work with a young man in Gulu. His name is Isaac. And in him I already see kindness, and diligence, and a smile, and if I listen closely I can start to hear his dreams. Isaac is preparing to move across the world and learn in a high school in Oregon. He is going because Educate for Change a.k.a. Kristine and Laura simply care. The amazing thing is I am now watching World Cup in the northern Uganda night.

       And to my right, I can see Isaac is watching the World Cup with a smiling, hardworking crew of high school kids from Oregon. Surprise, surprise a group of high school students is working above expectations in helping others. Several of the students will be classmates with Isaac in Oregon. They are talking and laughing, and one of the Oregon students had her 18th birthday tonight. So many memories, for all these young people. I usually can look into the Gulu sky and see so many amazing stars.

        The Ugandan night is breathtaking with its plethora of stars. I am outside watching World Cup and look up and see no stars. Is it too cloudy? Or am I just looking in the wrong place. There are many, many stars here tonight.

Friendship along the way

    On my way home this afternoon, I met a young man named Malcolm along the way. He immediately walked towards me with a smile and greeted me like we were long lost friends. There are so many students that I have taught over the years, and the remember me because of my height. It turns out that this young man, Malcolm was none of these. Malcolm told me almost immediately that his father told him before he died, "Make friends along the way, introduce yourselves to strangers, because often friendships can happen."

     What a tragedy that young man was not with his father, but what remarkable advice his father had left him. We need to be intentional in our dealings with others. The 9 new people I met in Biloxi all left me with something. their wisdom and their kindness along with their willingness to listen made this trip one of the best ever. How do you become friends with someone in a week. first, you have to step through some comfort zones and what is normal in our culture. You have to ask questions and then listen to their answers. but then as my friend Malcolm says maybe, just maybe we have friendship along the way.

      I saw Robert today who lived on Murdoch for a month and taught at SLUH. He told me that he now has three children and the older two were growing up fast. He inquired about the health and welfare of my mom and dad. We have made plans to get together for dinner with the whole family. Lunch today at Alulululu was a great start to the summer. Tomorrow I have lunch with a young man at a crossroads in his life, so there will be two of tomorrow eating pork that can greatly benefit from your prayers.

       Especially prayers from my new friends Dan and Mike and of course the wonderful Mais Agua de Fria, the always smiling Digger Girl, the courageous Rattlesnake, the always helpful Scooter, the compassionate H.I.T.T., the amazing Kate, and the ever ready Scout.

Waiting for Big John

    Get out and see the world and when you do talk to people along the way. Open up your mouth and introduce yourself to strangers. So many smiles will happen.

       My first trip to the continent of Europe was not that successful I deplaned in Amsterdam and rushed immediately to my Entebbe plane. We then sat on the plane on the Tarmac for almost two hours before they told us we needed a new plane and walked to the other side of the airport to do this.

        So my friend Kristine had arranged for me to be greeted by a driver at EBB. He was there at 10:25 PM, I arrived there at 2:10 a.m. Robert, the driver, acted like I was the poor one doing him a favor. His attention to detail and to my happiness was amazing.

         How many of us would have reacted to someone over 3 hours late with such helpfulness and grace.

          Time to go to check in to my room at the Cosmo guest house. Oteka

A Rebel, a knight, a marker, an angel, a red knight, a saint, and a bear

“Scripture scholars contend that the original language of the Beatitudes should not be rendered as "Blessed are the single-hearted" or "Blessed are the peacemakers" or "Blessed are those who struggle for justice." Greater precision in translation would say, "You're in the right place if...you are single-hearted or work for peace." The Beatitudes is not a spirituality, after all. It's a geography. It tells us where to stand.” ― Gregory Boyle, Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.

     So tomorrow, I start the journey again. I believe He has told me again to stand in Uganda. That is the geography I see. I join my good friends Kristine and Laura who have now committed their lives to the sharing of knowledge wrapped in love. And I join Ronald and Geoffrey and Julius and Collins and so many students who have amazed me with their determination. I stand with them in kinship. I go with the support of so many, and I vow to live simply so more of your dollars help our friends in Uganda. You, my friends, know I can not do what I do without you. Each gift of $20 or the really big ones fills me with pride and is so amazing to me. I hope someday I can return your gifts in some way. Humbly, you may still contribute as the miracle of the Internet will allow these funds to find me in Uganda. Www.gofundme/mageeinuganda And most importantly I go with all of you, my feet will be on the ground, but all of you are with me.

     My wonderful mom and dad who have inspired me with how they live the Gospel. My students...my students. Do you know how much you have inspired me? You are so amazing and each day I taught you I learned something new. You have taught me more kindness, more dilligence, more laughter, more compassion, and most of all you taught me how to love. Better, stronger love that can only come when we listen to each other.

 So if you are a Rebel, a Knight or a Marker.
 An Angel, A Red Knight or a Bear.
If you are a Saint (or even a sinner)
You are THE ONE who opens my heart
 And teaches me to care.

 oteka John

Last Night in Uganda

There are so many stories of courage and perserverance that have rushed to my eyese this trip and now run around inside of my head and will always be nestled warmly in my heart. This time and for the last few times it starts with Kwoyelo Ronald. "Kwoyelo" means troubled life. It was the name his parents gave him at birth, and has aptly described the obstacles that Ronald has fought and won. He is a determined and serious student who greeted me each time I met him wearing a shirt and tie. He will be taking his Senior 6 exams in November which will be the sole determination of whether he goes to the University level and what kind of education he will be allowed to attain. Ronald sees in his current classmates the educational experiences he would have loved to have had. And he knows his first 11 years of education in a small village have not prepared him, but he just puts his head down and works harder. His mother and Uncle greeted me in my last hour in Lacekocot and wanted to join me in a feast they had prepared for me. Due to time, I regretfully had to explain why I had to turn down their generosity. As I looked into the weathered face of Ronald's mom, I saw his smile and his quiet determination in her eyes. I know Ronald well, but not nearly as well I would know my Nerinx students. I do know that there are many students both young men and young women with similar stories, and someone told me last night that it was not fair to help just one. She may be right, but it is not possible for me to sit back. I have not had a teaching job for a year, because I cannot be silent when I see injustice.------------------live simply, so others may simply live-------------------------My assets are small and the bank of Magee makes Greece look stable, but I have walked around Ugandan often carrying the equivalent of two months pay for many Ugandans. It is simply unfathomable to try to understand these differences. My young friend, Geoffrey, who has been on his own since he was 7, was about to be kicked out of the room he lets when he is not boarding at the school. He has never asked me for anything but a pen and a few sheets of paper. He told me this story. He needed one month for back rent and one month's rent. The total cost was less than what I am going to pay for King Edward's chicken in my first meal in St. Louis. I had one final meal with Geoffrey and Julius before I left. There was a photo studio (Glamour Fotos) along the way and we stopped to get our photo taken. On the way home from the Pork Joint we picked up the photos. As I said goodbye to the two boys, Geoffrey reached out and hugged me. I realized or realised as they spell here, that what Geoffrey has missed all of these years the most was not food or shelter, but hugs. There is nothing quite like the constant hugs of family. It is the fuel for the heart, and if our heart is full we are capable of anything. And if our heart is empty....... Both Geoffrey and Julius showed up for my traditional salute to the leaving teachers. In the hectic end to packing and loading the bus, and trying to organize the bus. I forgot to hug Geoffrey. ........(go to Facebook for pictures of Geoffrey and Julius)

In homage of Memento.... Sort of

I am now siting at the Acholi Inn for about the fourth time in two days. I got here through the rain and the mud. We had a brief downpour which really messes with the roads and the ability to walk. Gulu is also on one big hill so all of the water from the whole town flows towards Uchumi store and the bottom of the hill. But I managed with the help of a crafty boda boda driver. I just left Ronald at the bus station, he has completed his second term and now heads back to Lacekocot for a much deserved rest. Ronald, of course, showed up in a tie, and his green sweater vest from Sir Samuel Baker School. We talked some, ate at my favorite place, Alulululu Pork joint, and we talked a little. Ronald is such an amazing young man, and several of us have pushed him along the way with some fees paid here and there. It tears me up that I cannot help every student, but we are trying for Ronald to be the one starfish we choose to throw back in this ocean. I will have to write more of his story later, his is the big story of this trip and I have to think longer to give it justice. ............ But there has been so much WONDER in these days that I have to keep writing. ---> http://simplyliveit.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/simply-believe-in-wonder/ ..............I met Ronald after I took a boda boda on the hilliest ride back from Sacred Heart. The motorcycle was whining on several occasions as moving the large American proved difficult for this bike. I had not seen Sacred Heart in several years, the students have always been amazing, but now the landscape and buildings were also. Some were built by the Japanese government, but the large three story building was built by Invisible Children. I had just visited thanks to an invitation from Ashley, who charges through life smiling and laughing along the way. No teacher college or training tells you how to develop the spirit or the kindness of this one. Each moment she was on campus, students walked towards her with a curiosity and an inquisitiveness. I think it might be impossible for a young girl at an all girls' school not to learn or be moved by Ashley's smile or her openness. I watched as one student approached her and gave her a necklace that she had made for her wonderful teacher. Rachel and Meegan, the proud Canadian, joined Ashley and I on my tour of Sacred Heart. I once said that everyone wants to be tall, curly-haired and left handed. Rachel rocks 2 out of 3 of those and laughs out loud about every 11 minutes. In her free time, she is amazing science teacher in Ohio. Meegan charges through life like she is going to mountain bike from Vancouver to Alaska(and after reading this she might just try). They are joined at Sacred Heart by Debbie. If you want to know more about the amazing students of Sacred Heart scroll down to a post in July 2009. (Those 10 and this school remains lodged in my awesome memories) Wonderful students in uniform who smile while they walk and are amazing learners. I thought for a moment in one Sacred Heart student, I saw the smile of Claire Minnick, and I thought definitely I heard the laughter of Amy Welin in another, and then I saw one quickly move for building to building very serious about completing the next task--did she really have the walk of Hayley Kuehner? And then I realized the uniforms were red and I saw a skinny girl laugh out loud exactly like Chaley Poth. I wanted to take so many pictures, but I decided to take a picture of the three teachers at the base of a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It seemed like such a good place to start. ..................... And then I turned, "Is that the Chapel?". "Yes it is, there is almost always girls in there praying." said one of my friends. But I did not really hear, I walked towards the Chapel. I saw the most wonderful sign in the center of the Chapel (see Facebook) and moved inside. There was a lone student at the front right of the place, holding a large bass drum of some sorts and playing both sides of it as she sang. Her voice was soft and amazing. Songs to God have such a beauty to them, but this one was better. [TIME OUT-- You all should really read Sarah Allen's wonderful blog above]. My best wish for all of you is that I you are in awe when you see wonder. The school bell for the next class rang and the young girl stopped the drum and sang the last verses a Capella. I had planned to kneel in this Chapel and say a Hail Mary for my parents, but instead I just knelt and thanked God for this blessing, hearing this song was amazing................................. Down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere in the northern part of Uganda, I heard an Angel sing. You may never know, Sarah Girl, where you will see wonder, sometimes it comes from accepting an invitation from a very small animal.