Volunteers from Xavier University in Ohio prepare to leave the US in June for 7 weeks of work in Lukaya, Uganda. From left Tiffany Hawley, Katie Gray, RPU Executive Director, Elaine Griswold, Andrew Patton, and Ashley Patrick.
Volunteers
paint over wooden building. Left to right: Andrew Patton, Katie Gray,
Ashley Patrick, Tiffany Hawley. Bosa, the MSA maintenance man pours
paint.
New paint job! The white building to the right was painted by our volunteers. It awaits decorating like the one to the left.
Tiffany,
Tesia (Gettysburg College volunteer), Ashley, David Bakeine, and Katie
enjoy a weekend day at Lake Nabugabo near Lukaya.
Andrew and Tiffany teach new physical education activity during Saturday program classes
Sample blogs from the trip:
I am a Ugandan
priest working at St.Thomas Church in Brigantine. I sincerely thank the
Presbyterian community here, Joe and Elaine and these young heroes who
have just returned home from showing love to my people. May God reward
you for all you are doing for his underprivilegded people. Next time if you have a chance, venture into Northern Uganda where I come from.
Alfred Mungujakisa on9/14/2009
Hello all! (I thought the blog page could use a little color so....)
We
have just returned from our fabulous safari which was arranged by David
and have entered our final week. It is difficult to think that our time
here is up (has it really been almost 7 weeks!?). We are using these
last few days to squeeze in as many new activities as possible as well
as reviewing old ideas and lessons.
Ashley
had her brain cranking this morning when she developed an interactive
way for students to compose a composition with assistance from the head
master and teacher James. The story turned out extremely creative and
humorous as laughter could be heard throughout the school.
The
MSA football (soccer) team participated in its first tournament this
weekend and performed quiet well. Every year Lukaya hosts an athletic
tournament for the primary schools which includes football, netball,
and volleyball. Andrew and I couldn't help but laugh when the kids
took the field in the over sized jerseys. However we rolled up the
shorts and sent them to the pitch were they proudly represented the
MSA. Our team only had three official practices before the tournament
so we were a little shaky in the first half of the game but with each
half we played ( we played 2 games) the team looked better. It was
rewarding to watch the team put together some of the skills we had
touched on in practice. Mustard seed had the biggest fan base at the
tournament because their classmates were permitted to watch and cheer
on their school. Despite losing both games we were proud of our team
and had pineapple waiting as a treat for their hard work. The once
bright white uniforms where covered in dirt which conveyed the effort
put forth by the team. Andrew and I are excited for the future of the
program as we leave it in the very capable hands of the teachers. We
hope to win a few matches later this year as well as enter a netball
team into the tournament next year. We took a few short videos of the
match which I hope to post on the website soon.
We
have been working hard and putting in a lot of hours to piece together
the profiles on the students. It has been entertaining to listen to the
kids talk about their likes and dislikes as well as saddening to hear
how many of them have lost parents and siblings. No matter the home
situation the kids come to school happy and eager to learn which makes
our contribution to the school all the more purpose driven and
rewarding. It is amazing to play with the students during their breaks,
but one quickly realizes that you need to be an octopus to hold all
their hands. Some days we leave the school feeling like we been through
a workout when actually we were throwing and swinging as many kids as
possible and enjoying their pure joy and laughter.
This
week we have been making bracelets with the beads sent by Joe and
Elaine. Each child picked out the colors for the beads and the string
and the four of us assembled the bracelets. Even the teachers and
headmaster wanted bracelets to match the students. We also helped the
students draw pictures this week using crayons. For some of the younger
students a little instruction was needed but the older students knew
just what to do with the assortment of colors. Overall the art classes
were very well received and we thoroughly enjoyed examining the
creations.
Andrew
and I conducted a science lesson about leaves. During the lesson the
children found and identified the different types of leaves as well as
examine them under a magnifying glass. Excitement filled the children
as we showed them how to create leaf rubbings using crayons in their
books.
Katie
and Ashley are pushing forward with the music program and I expect to
see a final performance in these last few days. As we walk through town
it is common for us to run into students from MSA, and they frequently
begin singing the songs they have learned.
We have made yet again one more muzungu friend on our trip! Patrick will be a senior at Wisconsin university
and is helping at another school in Lukaya. We will be venturing over
to his school before we leave so that we can compare it to The Mustard
Seed. Patrick has been here about as long as we have but we just now
found him after Andrew was mistaken for him at the market a few times
( funny because Patrick has blonde hair while Andrew has dark hair).
Anyway he is making our stay all the more enjoyable and we have been
sharing our success with him in hopes of helping his school.
We
are all looking forward to coming home but at the same time it will be
sad to leave and impossible to imagine not seeing these children
everyday. They have truly made an impact on each of us.
Katie, Tiffany, Andrew and Ashley
COUNT DOWN: 5 Days till we leave lukaya
Tiffany Hawley July 23, 2009
Greetings from Lukaya! Hope this letter finds you and Joe well, and
continuing the good work you're doing there. Having dropped in on
"The Four," as David + i have taken to calling them, at Mustard Seed
sometimes, ive really been impressed and realized what good work you're doing. the school is so much better organized, the kids
brighter, the classrooms nicer, the teachers more satisfied, than any other school i've been to in Uganda. i'm especially impressed with the
poultry program you're starting, and wish we had something like that at our center. Good ideas and good influences for us!
The
Four. they've been great! as time has gone on, we've all gotten closer,
having them over for American Night at our place (where
we concentrated a full 9 americans into one room!)(and made mac+cheese,
spaghetti, potatoes au gratin, guacamole + brownies!), visiting them
there and showing them the local foods you don't notice right away
(rolex, chikomando, butunda juice), having them up to the
center, spending a morning going around the classes at MSA introducing ourselves, etc.
it's
their last week now and we really wish they were staying! i just wanted
to say that on the ground it looks theyve been doing some good work, as
the kids all love them, know them by name, have learned lots of songs
and games, etc. i dont know all the work that you had lined up for
them, but in terms of internationalizing the school and the kids'
educational experience, they've been a success.
and i think for them personally, there's no one who hasn't really enjoyed their time (which is good, because volunteers can get
disappointed/not enjoy themselves here!).
for me and David (and our 1-month
visitor/volunteer, 16-year-old Sam) having them around has been
great. Hope you find another bunch for next year/winter holidays!
Levi Jacobs, 7/21/09, American Volunteer at Hope DCC, another charity in Lukaya
OliOtya!
Our
incredible time here has continued to fly by, and we're proud of the
accomplishments we've made and happy to share those experiences with
all of you.
We've
definitely settled into our daily routine at the Mustard Seed and our
roles as teachers. Continuing with the English lessons, we've made use
of the books we brought by reading a couple of them aloud to the
classes and inviting students to read a page, as well. Headmaster John
Robert has quite a knack for character voices, so we plan to use his
talent to further liven up story time. We've also introduced board
races with spelling words and have done more compositions, touching on
topics like favorite color and animal and job aspirations. The
compositions have greatly helped us to get to know the students better,
and we're succeeding in knowing more of their names each day. As far
as math goes, Tiffany made multiplication flash cards and taught the
students how to play Around-the-World. The teachers loved the idea,
and they frequently have the students use them all on their own now.
We also helped grade midterm examinations, which the students took over
the course of two days. The grading system here is a ranking scale
that involves assigning each student a number based on his or her
overall progress on the exams. The teachers are very pleased with the
progress that their students have made, and it is certainly a
testament to the passion that they put into every lesson. I know we've
all really enjoyed observing the teachers in their classes and try to
teach with as much excitement as they do.
The
sports and music programs are also progressing. Along with kickball,
red rover, red light/green light, and freeze tag, we showed the
students how to play duck, duck, goose, which was a huge hit and has
quickly become their favorite game. Watching the little tikes in Baby
Class attempt to run around the circle just about had us rolling on the
floor with laughter! It's nice when we show up at the school or field
to find the students already playing one of our games. Tiffany and
Andrew have been working on football fundamentals and drills with the
boys, and yesterday, they split up into two teams and played a very
eventful game, in which even the teachers participated. A match with
another school is in the works, too. Katie and I have kept up with
teaching songs, and almost all the classes have at least one of those
songs and its hand motions down really well. Our hope is to have the
entire school perform it before we leave. Katie is now teaching both
the Headmaster and David how to play the guitar, and although
John-Robert complains that his fingers are in a bit of pain, word is
that he's picking it up really well.
As
Katie mentioned in our previous blog, we've put together a felt board
for each class. We've cut up several sets of letters, numbers, and
figures for stories and are actually having a workshop with the
teachers on how to make use of it all this afternoon. The room
intended for the library is coming along, as the bookshelves have been
built and look good. After bringing over all the books and other
materials, we labeled every shelf and organized them accordingly. Each
of the six classes now has a shelf dedicated especially to it, and I
imagine that will be of great help. Thanks to Andrew's help, an
irrigation system has also been set up in the school's garden that
will contribute to some of the students' meals.
In order to compare and contrast health facilities in the area, Tiffany and Andrew have worked at the Lukaya Health Clinic, in addition to the Kalungi
Center. They've helped fill prescriptions and even got the opportunity
to observe a maternity class and baby check-ups. It has been
interesting to hear them discuss their experiences at both places.
The four of us have been lucky to be a part of several ceremonious events in Lukaya,
including attending this morning's mass with George at his Catholic
Church. On Friday, I accompanied some of our students to Maria Mosque
and was fortunate enough to sit and talk with the imam and sign their
visitors' book. We were also invited to a fundraising dinner for the
upcoming wedding of our new friends Lydia and Morris, which included
traditional song and dance. I even had the somewhat nervewrecking
duty of getting up and introducing our group to the guests. This small
town is absolutely rich in culture, and we've appreciated the chance to
soak up all that we can.
Speaking of newfound friends, Lukaya is currently overflowing with mzungus. At a going away party for Sam, a high school junior who spent a month here helping out Levi and David at the Hope DCC
computer center and orphanage, there were a whopping nine of us
together! We believe it to be a town record. Through Levi and David,
we've been introduced to awesome locals, as well as an awesome street
food called rolex that becomes available at sunset.
In
our ongoing attempt to learn more about the students, we took a walk
with George this past weekend to visit some of their homes. A few of
the families invited us in, and while all were memorable, one
particularly struck me. As we removed our shoes and walked into a blue
room adorned with family pictures, one of the oldest women we've met
here greeted us with a warm smile and loving handshake. George later
told us that the woman's work was that of a traditional healer, and
although she can now barely move from her mat on the floor, she, in the
absence of parents, has undertaken the role of guardian for the few
students who live there. We've realized that here, the bond of family
is emphasized above all else, and for us, that woman serves to
epitomize the strength of that familial spirit. As Levi once put it,
one of the most impression-leaving aspects about life in Lukaya is the intensity with which people place their focus of others rather than possessions.
Well, that's our latest update, and we will continue to make the very most of each lunakululungi
(beautiful day) that we have left...and hopefully the Ludanda lessons
from our friends Ziadah and Tamale will continue to pay off!
Mwelaba,
Katie, Tiffany, Andrew & Ashley
Ashley Patrick, 7/12/09
Elaine and Joe,
I know you are probably surprised to be hearing from us via
computer! We've had the worst possible luck with internet (the modem
you ordered is still in Kampala, David's modem doesn't work on Andrew's
computer, Lukaya had a few power outages, and the internet cafe in
Masaka was closed the first time we went). We couldn't get the blog to
open today, so we got crafty and decided to send you an e-mail that you
can post. Here goes!
Hello to everyone who has anxiously been awaiting an update!
Rest assured, Andrew, Tiffany, Ashley, and I are all alive, well, and
absolutely loving Uganda! We just finished our third week here in
Lukaya and are on our way to being well adjusted to the slow-paced life
of Africa and well versed in Lugandan. And by well versed, I mean that
we know about 5 words, the most important of which is "Mzungu." Elaine,
Joe, and Jackie warned us that we would hear this word a lot, and how
right they were! Everywhere we go, children shout "Bye Mzungu!"
Depending on the day, we feel either like rock stars or animals in the
zoo, but the phrase never fails to make us smile.
David and George have both been outstanding in showing us the ropes
in Uganda; they were faithfully waiting for us at the airport after
standing in line for visas for an hour behind a huge church youth
group. The next day, they took us into Kampala where we exchanged money
(we got very lucky - the exchange rate is great now). We arrived in
Lukaya that afternoon, after a ride through lush rolling hills and
millions of green banana trees (which resemble palm trees). Its much
greener than I expected. We are staying at the Bismilah Hotel, which
has become our home away from home over the past 3 weeks. We've fallen
in love with both Frank (the 20 year old who works there) and their
chai tea! Now onto our progress at the school and Kalungi Health
Center...
Since our arrival, we have been working at the Mustard Seed Academy.
The kids are absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful... everytime we walk
into a room, they stand up and say "you are welcome our vistas
(visitors)!" Although the children speak English pretty well, there is
definitely a barrier... they have such a hard time understanding our
accents. We taught a few science classes at first, but over the past
two weeks, we have been entrusted with music and english lessons. We've
taught the classes 2 songs, started profiles of the children by having
them answer questions in an english composition, and introduced games
like freeze tag, duck duck goose, and twister (which we drew on the
parachute... we were proud of our creativity). Tiffany and Andrew have
also begun futball coaching, while Ashley and I stick to the music. The
teachers at the school are amazing, especially the headmaster, who has
started his guitar lessons. About a week ago, Tiffany tapped into her
inner artist and drew some amazing pictures on the side of the baby and
top class building. The rest of us helped paint, and we are very
pleased with the finished product; the teachers seem to be pleased as
well. Andrew put the Mustard Seed signs up (with David and George's
help, I think), the felt board construction is well underway, and all
the supplies have been delivered to a very grateful Dr. Peter. Andrew
and Tiffany have been to Kalungi a few times, and will return to help
teach the nurses under Dr. Peter's instruction.
Last weekend we went to a wedding in Kampala... it was a Catholic
wedding, so we felt very at home, but the music was very traditional.
At the reception, there was a traditional dance group and tons of food.
The next day we went to the town of Masaka to Lake Nabugabu to soak up
the African sun. We met up with another college student named Tesia who
is in Masaka for two months through her college... I think we will be
meeting up with her and the students she is with in weeks to come.
While all of the children have completely captured are hearts, I must
tell you about one in particular. If you are up to date on Real
Partners Uganda happenings and frequently read the news letters, you
will remember a story about Kiggundu Frank. If you are unfamiliar with
this little ball of joy, I'll give the short version; he was left in
the bush when he was two and was taken in by George, one of the men who
works for Tree of Life Ministries. He is now a healthy six year old who
has the most infectious laugh and the cutest run. He has singlehandedly
been responsible for the majority of humor on our trip thus far, and we
stay awake at night plotting ways to smuggle him back into the US
because we don't think we can bear to leave him. So when a giggling
suitcase arrives at baggage claim, you'll know whose it is :)
Thank you all for the support you have given us and the faith that you
have in us. I want to assure you all that this trip is everything we
thought it would be.
Katie, Ashley, Tiffany, and Andrew
Katie Gray, 7/6/09
I
spoke with Katie yesterday...she (and the others) are so excited..she
said it was the best day.. meeting the students and visiting the
clinic..it did not take much for Katie to make me cry as she shared
that the students sang for them and also seeing the sick children at
the clinic...she said everyone is so so nice and their smiles are
beyond awesome...and uganda is so green with palm trees!!!
Betty Gray 6/11/09
Posted
by Kevin Patton-Andrew's dad on6/10/2009at4:11:17 PMEST.
Subject: Thanks and Best Wishes
Elaine and Joe, and everyone at RPU,
thanks for your many months of work to prepare for this project. It's
great to know that Andrew and his friends are now engaged in a
community that you love and trust.
David, ASANTE SANA for
assisting and guiding our travelers. Please encourage them to also
take a few days later on to go out exploring the bush, eh?
Andrew, Katie, Tiffany, and Ashley, my
thoughts and prayers are going along with you on your new adventure.
This experience begins a new chapter in your lives . . . cherish each
moment.
Hey Andrew, Luke wants to hear stories from you in Africa . . . so write them down, ok?
Posted
by Ashley (via Elaine) on6/9/2009at5:57:54 PMEST.
Subject: Ashley checks in 11pm from Uganda
Hello
Elaine! We've arrived safely in Entebbe and are getting ready for bed
at Sophie's. David and George are terrific. We'll keep in touch!
Posted
by David Bakeine (via Elaine Griswold) on6/9/2009at5:53:45 PMEST.
Subject: Arrival
Hi,
They arrrived safely. No problem at all. We had a chat at Sophie's and
they checked in. We meet for breakfast tomorrow at 8:30. Greetings.
David (Bakeine)
Posted
by Elaine Griswold on6/9/2009at3:07:37 PMEST.
Subject: Plane arrived
We
have heard that the plane from Amsterdam to Entebbe has arrived on
time! Soon we expect to get a text message saying that the volunteers
have met up with the leaders from Tree of Life Ministries who are
waiting for them just outside the airport. Everyone is so excited!
Posted
by Joe Griswold on6/9/2009at2:54:06 PMEST.
Subject: The Journey Begins
The Journey Begins
A seven-week long journey in the East African country of Uganda has
begun for four college students from Xavier University of Cincinnati.
Serving as volunteers for Real Partners Uganda and the Ugandan NGO
“Tree of Life Ministries,” the students will live in the town of Lukaya
and work at the Mustard Seed Academy Model School and in a nearby
village at Kalungi Health Clinic. We had the pleasure during the past
day to host the four, brief them for their work, and take them to the
airport at Newark NJ for the flight yesterday. Today they arrived
about 1:15pm our time, and 8:15 pm Uganda time. By the time they lay
their heads down for a nights sleep they will have traveled for more
than 24 hours since leaving our home in Brigantine, NJ on the ocean
shore.
We collected all four up Sunday June 7th at the Philadelphia airport
and after a fast food stop drove the hour to Brigantine where we
stopped first for a walk on the beach and a chance to wade in the
Atlantic Ocean. They move into our home and shortly thereafter we
began a series of briefings on a variety of important topics related to
their journey. We talked about budgets and handling money, food and
water, housing, security, people and the goals of their work over the
seven weeks. We hope the four will be taking a safari break during
summer as well. They had a host of good questions, and we know that
our discussion just scratched the surface because there is so much for
them to discover!
We had a pub dinner with RPU board member Jackie Sarner who had plenty
of materials and good ideas for the travelers, and afterward, headed
back to go over the four 50-lb suitcases we had packed with materials,
tools, books and many other things for the project. Our volunteers
followed it all using inventory sheets so they can distribute the
contents when they arrive.
Monday morning started with a scrambled egg breakfast that was followed
quickly by the final packing frenzy. Each bag has to be packed to
weigh no more than 50 lb and our scale had a lot of work. Each student
took two of the large bags plus carry on pieces that loaded the van up
with more than 500 lb of gear. Finally, we enjoyed a lunch of pizza
and hoagies before driving north. Following one stop along the way we
drove into Newark International Airport more than 2.5 hours before
departure time. Executive Director Elaine Griswold went in with the
travelers to make sure all the bags were accepted, and most weighed in
at 49.5 pounds or so. After hugs all around, the students headed for
the security line and we headed back to South Jersey.
The ride home, much of in the rain, was a time of celebration for
Elaine and me. First we had finished the tasked that had spread over
many weeks, but most importantly we believe the four volunteers, Ashley
Patrick, Tiffany Hawley, Katie Gray, and Andrew Patton are great young
adults who will represent RPU and the United States very well in
Uganda. They are lively, smart, energetic, and have a great
combination of skills that will help them do well with Tree of Life
Ministries. We are very grateful that their parents have supported
them in their determination to serve a poverty-stricken people, and to
gain this life-changing experience in one of the poorest countries on
earth.
We will remain in touch through their commentary on this blog and hope
others will keep track and support them here as well. Our prayers and
thoughts go with you four. Have a wonderful time! Joe
.
Four volunteers return to the Newark Airport after 7 weeks of service
and learning in Uganda at Mustard Seed Academy. From left: Tiffany
Hawley, Ashley Patrick, Joe Griswold, RPU President, Elaine Griswold,
RPU Executive Director, Katie Gray, and Andrew Patton. (Photo by Betty Gray)
Andrew Patton's Memoirs: Sept.15, 2009
So it has been a little over a
month since we returned to the United States, and Uganda is still on my mind.
Everyday when my alarm goes off I lay in bed and run through the things I need
to accomplish that day.Inevitably
my mind wanders to thoughts of what I might be planning for a day in Lukaya.
I
picture the people at the Bismillah first, remembering in a “somewhat fond”
fashion the call to prayer waking me early in the morning. Franc and Joseph
serving breakfast to the patrons, the women doing laundry and cooking, all
while the children get ready to venture off to school, or “help out” around the
restaurant during the day.
Then
I see the hustle and bustle of a busy morning in town. Coming out of the
Bismillah, you face the main road from Kampala to Masaka and thus witness the
traffic of a new day starting up: Mothers carrying their children on their
backs as well as balancing a large basket on their head, men driving by on
boda-bodas with 2, 3, and sometimes 4 people riding along with them, vendors cooking
chapatti for later that day, and of course the children walking to school.
That
brings me to Mustard Seed Academy.As soon as you come down the road leading to the school you can hear
Teacher James starting his lessons with his unparalleled enthusiasm and passion
for the students.Undoubtedly, as
you enter the school yard the singing voices of Top class or Primary One can be
heard, most likely practicing one of the new songs taught to them by Ashley and
Katie. Head Master John Robert is the first to greet us outside the teachers’
room.After the welcome, a nod and
smile to the women cooking breakfast is sufficient for our non-English speaking
friends.
After
a day teaching, playing, and laughing with the children and teachers alike, the
walk home brings a close to the school day.The sun is unbelievably intense and making to the room is a
relief, with Franc waiting with a cold Coke, or Stoney as I prefer, waiting for
us upon our return. After some journaling/reading we make plans for dinner. A
text to Levi, Kimuli, and Patrick usually determines whether we get kikomando
(chick-o-mando), rolex, or stop by a restaurant for something to eat. After a
great meal, great company, and reflections on the fun, interesting, and
sometimes odd experiences of the day we head back to Bismillah for our daily
dose of chai.
A
drink with David and George was always a treat after dinner as well. We would
ask for help with our Luganda skills, tips for daily living and interactions,
and discuss any and every topic. This usually resulted in all of us telling
David all the fun things we would do with him when he comes to visit America.
The excitement in our voices and his was always palpable, as we look forward to
someday repaying his extraordinary hospitality on his journey to the States,
which we all hope is soon!
Summing
up, as cliché as it may sound, our experiences and interactions will stay with
us forever, and we can only pray that through our blogs and reflections we can
include others and hopefully encourage some to make their own by visiting our
African home of Lukaya. The main thing I tell people was the biggest difference
between being home and in Uganda was one word; priorities.What we consider to be a priority in
our day is usually many shades different than the priorities of a typical
Ugandan. And that isn’t in a negative way necessarily, in many cases it can be
much better than what we concern ourselves with here.
My
final note is a little fact I heard from Ashley while she was reading a book
during the trip. She said most if not all of the languages in Africa do not
have a word for “depressed” or “depression” in the emotional sense. They are
happy and optimistic people. This is easy to see and feel immediately upon
arrival and carries on through till you have to reluctantly leave. If I could
take one thing from this whole adventure, it would be a slice of that attitude.
