On Wednesday morning, two girls from HELP and I did a 30-minute presentation on HIV and AIDS at Lugazi West Primary School. The 700 elementary students were already assembled for morning exercises. We listened to a preacher for a few minutes first. (It's crazy how strong the Evangelical movement is out here.) Our presentation went pretty well, I think. We may do more of them in the future.
We spent Thursday at Broadway Bakery, which is owned by the branch president. Taylor is trying to help them straighten out their finances. It was a long day, but I think we helped out a lot.
I think the most exciting thing is that after a business class today, a big group of volunteers are heading for Rwanda for the weekend. We are excited to tour some of the genocide sites and monuments. Genocide is so horrible, but I think it's so important to learn about it. We will also attend the tiny branch in Rwanda. It's held in a member's house. Actually, some cool news is that Elder Holland is coming out to Uganda and Rwanda in August, and he's going to dedicate Rwanda for preaching the gospel. It will be part of the Ugandan mission. I think that's so cool. I'm sad we won't be here when it happens.
Anyway, things are still going well. Taylor's feeling better. He was only a little sick for a day or two. I have (very luckily) been completely healthy so far. Let's hope it stays that way.
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Town Center
This is the center of Lugazi. The top left office is the "Youth Outreach Program" It consists of about 15 ugandan college students. They were born in Lugazi, and were able to earn enough money to go to college in Kampala. They have decided to return to Lugazi and build up the community by starting a non-profit group that focuses on orphans, street children, and widows. They are an amazing group of people. I want to be more like them. I am currently working closely with them to write a business plan, and letters to governmental agencies and NGO's to help them raise enough funds for their projects. It's amazing how a little money can do so much good. We are hoping to raise $5,000 to build a carpentry shop and bakery to teach the children viable skills. I hope I can help them succeed.
Village Hut
Mandy went into the rural jungle villages to deliver baby kits to new mothers. Entire families live in this small huts. Sometimes 10+ people per hut.
Our Room
After sewing several mosquito nets together we managed to cocoon our bed in the safety of mesh. We sleep comfortably and the geckos, spiders and roaches thankfully stay on the floor and the walls.
Not Exactly the Marriott but it's Home Sweet Home
This is our room in the back of the main house. We are the middle door. The left door is the charcoal room, the right door is Sam's room, our day time guard
The Well
This is where we get our water. (Drinking water comes from a bottling company) We use this water to clean, shower, laundry and dishes. We add bleach and soap to kill the algae
My Best Invention So Far
I managed to rig a spout to a jerry can and attach a tube to the end. There were a few bricks lying around which makes for a perfect stand and "tiled floor". Now we can stand up, shower, and rinse. Who needs indoor plumbing?
Our walk home
We walk this street everyday to get home. The children run out of their houses, yelling and laughing.; They grab your arms and hug your legs. They have nothing, but are so happy. I want to take them all home.
Boda Driver Wanna Be
These are the "Boda Boda" Taxis. We pile on 1, 2, 3, maybe 4 people. I have seen 4 people and 2 chairs strapped to the back going down the highway. Classic
This is a typical store front.
Businesses here are extremely small. Most of them sell the same things and have way too much inventory. I am teaching a series of business classes to various groups to help them with book keeping and inventory management.
Mandy Sleeping in the Airport Next to Her Friend Ronald
Fortunately we were able to catch some shut eye in the Amsterdam airport. Mandy was able to fall asleep knowing that she was being watched by the family guardian
Mandy In Amsterdam
On our flight over here we were able to spend a day in Amsterdam. Neither of us had ever been there so it was fun to figure things out. Here we are in the subway station heading out into the city. I love subways
HOLY COW! I love the pictures and the different comments--but I must say you guys are the bravest couple in the world. The spiders and the "shower" alone would keep me away! :) I am quite touched by the way you are blessing and helping the people though--it's a wonderful things to see that your talents are so desperately needed and that you are making such a big difference. I am a bit jealous (except of the above-mentioned;)). Love ya! Nik
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome you're going to Rwanda. Are you planning on going to Lake Victoria while you're there? I've been meaning to ask but I keep forgetting.
ReplyDeleteI finally figured out that I have to scroll down past the pictures Tay posted to see your new blog entries. I was sad every day when I went to your blog and thought that there was nothing new added. But, today I figured it out! I'm so happy! I'll get this blog thing all figured out by the time you get home. Glad you had such a memorable and humbling experience in Rwanda. I hope you took lots of pictures to share with us. I'm glad to hear that the illness passed quickly. Mother's prayers do work.
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