Friday, June 27, 2008

Tuesday through Friday

Tuesday 6/24

"Don't be alarmed if you hear gunshots in the night…they're just scaring away the elephants."

This was the last comment many of us heard last night as we went to bed, but let's go back to the beginning. Tuesday morning began with an early breakfast and a quick toss-up and tie-down of our bags atop the van roof. In two vans we set off with a wave good-bye to our gracious Boma Guest House hosts at 7:00 a.m. and headed north to Kampala, then due west toward Fort Portal. We were continuously struck along the way by both the beauty and the struggle of life for Ugandans: the choking smog in the city was offset by the beautiful smile and tenderness of a two year old at a fruit stand. Cars rule the road, and pedestrians must yield or pay the consequences. More than once we saw people on foot scrambling off the road into a ditch to avoid a motorist! On the other hand, as we entered and left each village, we were obligated to slow to a crawl due to speed bumps - the idea has some merit!

The second part of the trip was beautiful! Deep green tea plantations colored the landscape, lush vegetation everywhere, all at a temperature of about 80 degrees with very little humidity. Even in the rural areas, miles from the next village, the road was dotted with walkers and bikers, many of the latter weighed down by wide loads. We arrived in Fort Portal for an elegant lunch and some phone calls home. Pulling into the Makerere University Biological Field Station at 4:00, we were met by the Welcome Uganda crew, that is, those same teachers that visited us last year. What an incredible scene! There were long embraces, some tears, and much rejoice at promises kept - we had made it to Uganda! Accomodations are quite comfortable with two to a room and plenty of space. Dinner with the Ugandan team was so much fun as we reminisced about their visit last spring and what lay in store for us this visit.


Wednesday 6/25

Each day is more spectacular than the next! Our first official function as the Welcome Weston team was at the Kasiisi School. We were paraded into the Kasiisi School compound surrounded and cheered on by hundreds of students. We were treated to a quick tour of the school grounds - the recently constructed classrooms, the nursery school and dormitories under construction, and then a viewing of the new brick-making machine in action. Next we stood while a brass band play three anthems: the Ugandan, the regional Otooran, and the American. Next, we were seated under large umbrellas reserved for local, regional, and national dignitaries (international also if you count us J) and graced by a wonderful program of greetings, thanks, music, dance, song, and poetry. Our own Barbara Stevens and Elizabeth Ross did us all proud with fine speeches which were, incredibly enough, rendered in large part in the local Rutooro language! The Ugandans were touched by this as a gesture of profound interest in their culture, but were further grateful since many in attendance did not undertsand English. We were in turn touched by our hosts' concern for our colleague Cheryl Maloney (who lost both parents this month) as they asked for a moment of silence - a request respected by every one of the thousands in attendance. Without a doubt, one of the moments we will all remember and cherish was when the parents of children at Kasiisi were invited to come forward and personally thank the visitors as representatives of the Weston community. It must have been how Lindbergh felt as he tried to climb out of the Spirit of St. Louis once safely aground in Paris. A throng of parents came forth with no hesitation to thank each of us, many with misty eyes, all with expressions of deep earnestness and appreciation. Those of you who are reading this blog that have sponsored a child or have offered housing to the visitors or who have in some other way contributed to the program, please know that there is deep-felt gratitude for your generosity.

We made it back to camp at approximately 5:00 p.m., had a nice dinner (the food here is great by the way), and were all in bed by 9:00, physically and emotionally spent by our day at Kasiisi.


Thursday 6/26

Today we made the rounds to the five primary schools: Kiiko, Kigerama, Kanyawara, Rweteera, and Kasiisi to meet with the principals, observe classes, and learn about their curriculum. The children are fascinated by us, have a poignant admiration for teachers and other elders, and are so respectful of the learning process. Wide beaming smiles and applause greeted us as we entered each classroom. The best moments were when we were invited to circulate and interact with the kids. They loved showing us their work - a sign of pride which of course is a principal building block to high academic achievement. Given a chance, these kids would go far. Is there a cure for cancer among these minds? The discovery of a cheap, renewable energy source? We are all looking forward to our return next week to these schools.

Cindy Mahr, Kate Brewer, Steve Shaw, and Cort Mathers decided to walk back to camp and were rewarded several times over. Half of the five mile trip we were accompanied by three sisters on their way to Grandmother's house (no, they were not wearing red riding hoods) who helped us with our Rutooro speaking, the other half we were mobbed like the Beatles everytime we trooped by a house with children. The best part however was encountering a family of baboons as we approached camp. Mothers with babies remained on the edge of the forest while the males foraged in the grass just off the compound. We drew within 100 feet of the males who took notice of us and were wary but otherwise undeterred. What an experience! Anxious to inform our colleagues who had ridden the bus, we rushed back and proudly related our experience. As it turns out, they too had seen them as they got off the bus. We walkers feel that our viewing was more in line with the spirit of the trip, whereas theirs was more like getting off the tour bus at the zoo. Let us know what you think by providing a comment on the blog. :)

Friday 6/27

Another day of pomp and circumstance! We arrived at the Fort Portal political headquarters, sort of the equivalent of the State House, and were welcomed out front by the brass band which played the Ugandan and the Otooran National Anthems. Then we were asked to sing a capella our National Anthem! After this stirring rendition, we were invited to "inspect the honor guard," which we did to a rhythmical beat provided by the band. Future visitors to Uganda be forewarned: it is not unusual for the host to ask you to speak before a large audience with merely 30 seconds notice. Cort was asked to provide opening comments and obliged, and Barbara has on at least two occasions come through for us. Dear readers, when you come to Uganda, bring several versions of a prepared speech and be ready to deliver! :)

Next we were ushered into the vice-chairman's office to sign the visitor's book (this is an exercise we are asked to do a half dozen times a day) and listen to his review of the morning agenda. Then down into the chambers to listen to a fabulous chorus, various speakers and very high officials. We know how Wayne and Garth feel when they say "We are not worthy!" We boarded the bus and were off to the King's palace - yes that's right, the King. Although we did not meet his Majesty (who is only 16 years old), we toured the grounds which were atop the highest point in Fort Portal - what a view! The final leg of our trip was to one of the two secondary schools - St Maria Goretti where our friend Richard who visited us last year is the headmaster. We first had lunch and then toured the school. After some ceremony with school officials and the all-girl student body, we "interacted" as the Ugandans say, diving into the mass of students and chatting. So much fun.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

WOW! This is an experience of a lifetime and we have to agree that the five mile walk and discovery of the baboons was the more adventurous of the discoveries.....although, it seems that we have heard that male baboons can be quite agressive - so, pleeeease be careful! We are not certain you can outrun a baboon. Lots of love and hugs to everyone from Carolyn and Bill Stutt (parents - Kate Brewer)

Unknown said...

oh, and about the baboons - they have VERY BIG TEETH!!!

Christie Wyman said...

I identify with the walking group very much. It reminded me of the time my husband and I climbed Mt. Cadillac in Acadia National Park only to run into the throngs who drove up to the summit in their cars. Definitely take the road "less traveled" whenever possible (safety first!), especially during once in a lifetime trips like this. It's those unplanned-for moments that make lasting memories.

Be safe, all.

Christie

susan said...

How wonderful to hear of your adventures. Whether you chose to walk or ride....what an experience to encounter baboons! I am happy to hear that you are being celebrated in Uganda. We begin each summer workshop with conversations about our brave colleagues.

Travel well,
Susan

Unknown said...

I'm proud of you for walking and having that experiance Cindy. You rock!-A

Patti said...

So great to hear about the amazing experiences you are having! This will be so wonderful to share with our kids in the fall!!

Enjoy.
Patti Jurinski

Kimberly said...

Maisha Marefu, adventurers!! Reading your blog brings back so many memories of the heart of Africa. I like the sound of your summer workshop days!! [About the bus/walk controversy: walkers have my vote, but I know that's not for everyone.] Please deliver some hellos and hugs to the teachers we met here (and some to each other), and have a few samoosas for me! Be well Kwa Heri!

Afnaan & Daanish Qureshi said...

Thank you for sharing these adventures with us! Afnaan and Daanish love to hear about their classmates in Uganda, they asked me if they like to play "cricket" or soccer. What outdoor activities do the children play?

Have Fun! Enjoy Great Food!
Be Safe!

-Qureshi Family

Beth Harrington said...

You are each wonderful ambassadors. Your experiences are moving me from tears to smiles. I am picturing the children and their parents...hearing their happy voices... and feeling your hearts 'very warmed and humbled'. Taking it 'ALL IN' will no doubt take you a lifetime :):)

Looking forward to MORE when you return.

Safety and blessings.. Beth Harrington