Last night we went to bed and were able to sleep to the amazing sound of rain. Today we woke up to the same. It has been raining heavily for the past 15 hours and for someone who hasn't heard the sound much in the past six months it is heavenly. It kept the rooster from crowing early this morning and we can hear the birds in the distance. It is a very peaceful and still morning! The downside is I'm not sure we will get to do much with the kiddos today. I certainly don't want to take them to the market to look for shoes. I don't want them to get soaked (and then sick) and the grounds were a muddy mess yesterday, I can only imagine what they will look like today! The weather is significantly cooler. We've dropped from the high 80's to 71 and as can be expected I'm wrapped up in my blanket. It's 11 am here and Liz and I are the only things moving. So who knows where this day will lead us...
As I got in bed last night my brain would not turn off. I couldn't help thinking about all the differences between where we live and here. Here, in Uganda, the poverty is rampant, although in their eyes I'm not sure they see it that way. This is just the way they live and have always lived. On our drive back from the airport we stopped by to visit Kenneth who last year lived with Phil (Susan's brother) and helped with the kids. Kenneth is now at University and studying to be a social worker. Needless to say, I am so proud of him. He is a great guy and I am so glad to see him going to school. As I said we stopped at his "home" to visit. I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't what I saw. We drove into an area where the road was almost impassable. Narrow, dirt, and filled with massive potholes. They looked very much like our typical storage unit with metal doors. I think his room was maybe 10x10. It had cement walls and ceiling, one very high window and NO ventilation. Although when there was power (which we didn't have when we first arrived) he does have electricity. His bed is on one side of the room with a small table and a few chairs. His clothes hang on hooks on the wall. He does have a computer (an old one of Phil's and of course a cell phone (I think everyone here in Iganga has a cell phone). His school is close by so he walks to his classes of which he is taking seven. As I read back on this it doesn't sound all bad but it was. The paths between the houses were all mud. Families with children were living in these same units, goats were milling around and there were children playing. Nothing appeared sanitary. And then I had to stop and realize that Kenneth was proud to bring us into his home. He went to the store and bought us all drinks to welcome us. And it was great to see him. He still wears that wonderful smile.
Then as we drove to Iganga I was reminded that there really are no road rules. There is an occasional sign reminding you to stay "Left" but other than that nothing. And so you drive at your own risk. Yet, the people are friendly drivers. There doesn't appear to be any road rage. There is a great deal of courtesy on the roads. If someone passes you and a truck is headed in their direction you kindly slow down and let them in. It is not unusual for three or four cars to pass at once on a hill. Cars honk at motorcycles and bicycles to let them know they are there so no one gets hurt. I said it was a courteous country I didn't mention anything about it being quiet. And so everything moves pretty smoothly which is surprising considering cars are swerving left and right to avoid potholes. Again, once you leave the major cities of Kampala and Entebbe all the roads are red dirt.
We've been to the market (which is downtown Iganga) twice now. The wares they sell for the most part are sold on the street. There are a few stores but most people set up shop on the ground. They sell fruits and vegetables, platanos (big, green bananas), meats, shoes (mostly sandals), bar-b-qued corn, and whatever else they have. The shops from what I could see mostly sell cell phones and minutes and clothing, although a lot of the clothing is laid out on the ground as well. As you walk deep into the market (behind the street) the aisles of passage are narrow and muddy and the vendors are right on top of each other. In fact, as an outsider I had no idea that part of the market even existed. You really can't see it from the street. The way of life is so different from anything we are use to. And yet, it is their way of life. I guess for me I keep coming back to the same question and that is why am I so blessed. And yet, I'm not sure they don't see themselves the same way and ask the same question.
LIz and I both feel that the atmosphere this year is much more subdued. We are not seeing the same smiles on the faces of the kids. Even the first day when we get out of the car we were greeted warmly by some of the kids but others held back. We are not sure why the change but it is something we are going to be looking into. It may just be that we are not as large a group and therefore not as overwhelming. It may also be that they have major exams next week that for some last the whole month. Good thing I didn't have such intense exams or I'd still be working my way through high school! Not sure what it is though we both sensed it! There is just a different feel.
This has been a much rougher trip as far as amenities go. We've lost our power every day, taken cold showers (I know at least we have water to do such things... especially Liz (who I can hear yelping from my bed every morning!), And let me share that she yelps loud! Oh, to be a fly on that wall. I can just see her jumping up and down as the cold water pelts her head. She keeps telling me she can hardly breathe through the shivering! I must say that being the sympathetic person I am, I lie in bed laughing hysterically. Until it's my turn...Then I can see the glee in Liz's eye as she watches me take the death walk...
And then there are the mosquito nets... I spent a lot of time last night trying to figure out why we are using them. First of all, we spend all day at the mercy of the mosquitos. We don't walk around with a net around us. And the nets have holes. So what is the point. That is not to say we are not using them. We are semi-rule followers so we wrap them around our beds and turn off the lights. Personally, I feel a little like I am sleeping in a tomb. The net is so close to my head I feel I am breathing it in and out. And if nothing else they are providing a lot of humorous moments. I've decided that Liz is a lot like my daughter. Laughs easily, talks a lot, and harasses me even more. Guess that is why I love her so much!
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who came to the airport to send us off. I am sorry for the complications with the luggage as I didn't get to spend as much time with you all as I hoped to. I also very much appreciate the letters from each of you who wrote them. They filled my heart with so much happiness. The thing that amazed me the most was those of you who called me "brave" for coming. I have to say that that word never once entered my mind. Passionate for the people - yes. Brave - no! Being brave has nothing to do with this trip because there is nothing to be brave about. We did meet two gentlemen on the plane that were headed to New Guinea to a remote area that has never been visited by missionaries before. One of the men had just returned from Pakistan where he had to move safe houses four or five times a day for safety reasons. When he spoke he had to have police with machine guns protecting him. Now that takes a brave person. What Liz and I are doing does NOT take bravery. It does take passion, but everyone is passionate about something. Any of you who have children know how loving kids can be. So loving on them is not hard. It is a great privilege to be here and give to them. Because we really take home much more than we will ever be able to give.
So now we know that today will bring little to do. Phil is sick. Susan is suffering from Typhoid and is currently on an IV drip. She will be coming here for rounds two and three. The rain has finally stopped (at least for the present time) so I am about to head out and wander the neighborhood to take pictures.
Janet, your daughter is amazing. She has such a huge heart and has been a tremendous help to me (when she's not laughing at me). It's good to travel with someone so young who can help with computers and still has a memory!
To my family I love you all very much and miss you. Steve-o, give Maddie a big scrunch behind the ears. May God bless you all.
No comments:
Post a Comment