Back to School

We decided that the first day of school would be a fun time to visit one of the schools so off we headed on the back path to Dame's school in the country - 2 miles away. It was a great walk with little villages and groupings of homes. At the school we learned that since it was market day and the first day few kids actually come. Only 50 of the 500 showed up. Six teachers also didn't make it as they had to find accommodation in town and were probably still working on that. We wandered back and then tried to take on the market, busy as ever and lots of hustle and bustle. We had to walk to Kasana to get some money from the ATM so another few hours was killed. During supper Madeline/Shalan and I discussed putting one of the girls through the next year of school. Silvie (13 years) is very bright and one of the top in her class.She had just received her exam results back and she has qualified for high school (grade 8) but her sponsor cannot afford to send her to high school. Once again our pooled resources and came up with the cost - $65 / term - 3 terms per year. Another very grateful young woman who has the ability and thankful by such a small gesture.

Madeline and Shalan  found out the girls didn't even have a mirror (I didn't notice) so they went mirror shopping in town. The were able to get a full length mirror installed for $15 and once again the things we take for granted made their day.

On Monday we decided to walk to Kasana to pick up some gifts along the way I stopped at a cabinetmaker and tried with Sue to get some wood to build work stations for the computers. By the time we finished bargaining we had 2 - 40"x24" tables out of a very hard wood for $40 to be delivered on  Saturday for an extra $2. I want to see the bicycle that delivers them as I am sure it will only  be one bike loaded in a unique way. My bike at home is so underutilized!

Tuesday is Madelines and Shalans last day so we are getting all their stuff ready and we will head with Jackson to the Rotary meeting while he delivers them to the airport then returns to get us after the meeting. We are sure this will be an interesting meeting as our container is being held in "Local Taxation" and they have decided that we should pay tax on the donated sports equipment. I have not been able to confirm my return flight as we are waiting to touch the container.

Small Projects

Once again I am amazed by the gratitude shown by the girls for the simplest projects. A $15 change room from scrounged wood and 6 girls ensure they come and thank us each individually. 

We are trying to finish up little projects before Madeline and Shalan leave. They have a different way of looking at things and I have to admit are more "tuned in" to the girls need than I am. Today we obtained and hung mosquito nets for each of the beds. Kayanja has returned from the hospital after the first treatment for malaria didn't work so we had to solve this problem. Yesterday a friend of group came by with a little girl who was an "albino" and she was burnt red. Her mom couldn't afford and I am not sure you could get sun screen here, so we collected our bottles and they will be going to her. We will recover if we get burnt, I don't use the stuff anymore anyways as I have acclimatized quite well, she was a very sad sight yet still a happy little kid. I wish I had brought a suitcase of kids clothes as well as there are way too many running around in ripped and very old items.  

Kayanja, Ibram, Madeline, Shalan and I spent the morning hoeing the garden and picking out rocks. It is definitely not screened top soil but things grow. We then installed the trellises and planted tomatoes (called money makers here) Swiss chard and the beans. Lattice work was constructed from wire and we stood back and admired the start of something quite unique. Luckily Sue's sister Sarah is quite a gardener and even supplies restaurant with her products so she will be a great resource for the project.

We still haven't been able to confirm if the container will be released from bond on Monday but we remain optimistic.

Jan 28th - the shower "et al"

The placement of the new water tank are has removed a work area from the facility and the girls bath in one of the stalls of the pit toilet. Last night as we all chatted we decided that the girls needed to have a shower area that was private but not in the toilet area. On our way this morning we picked up some rope to use a as shower curtain rod. Once we arrived we noticed that the building behind was being renovated. This was accomplished by setting fire to the roof. These renovations included removing the tying location of one end of the clothesline so we now had to deal with this issue. We created a raising and lowering unit using rope and a coke bottle as the top "pulley" that the rope would slide over. This worked quite well and also gets the laundry up from everyone walking through it. Next on to the shower. Speaking to the girls they wanted a small enclosure nothing what we had envisioned so we sent Moses off to by the wood (better prices when the locals go) he and Steve came back with 2x4s that were heavier than any Canadian wood and also were so wet that they dripped when nailed. Nailing was interesting as the only hammer we could get (I have 3 in the container) had a handle 4" long and the face had been hit and worn for so long that it was level with the handle. Our saw had a broken handle and only 10" of teeth were still on it but the middle ones were worn almost flat.(I have an electric saw in the container) Removing nails from old wood we scavenged was accomplished by using my multi-tool (thanks my son Chris) and leveraging with another piece of wood. (I have screws and nails in the container). The stall was built and Madeline and Shalan went shopping for material for the walls.  It looks quite remarkable but I do miss my tools. Did you notice or ongoing theme - everything we need is in the container.

As we removed the wood from our garden we saw that bean  plants were sprouting almost 4" high so we built trellises and put a new wall around the compost. Madeline and Shalan are off looking for seeds - tomatoes , Swiss chard and another vine plant as we have 3 trellises since the neighbour came bye and picked up their old bed and left the trellises. I can only wait so long.

The container remains elusive. It is in Kampala and I want to go and at least take a picture. We had delivery for Saturday but as I write at 5 pm it has not arrived and not likely to. The next delivery day is Monday but that is market day in Luweero so trucks cannot get through the closed streets which means Tuesday at the earliest. I was scheduled to leave on Thursday but I will have to stay on as I need a week at least to complete the set up.

I am now rescheduling work commitments and trying to get flights changed - Sorry to all who are effected.

At the rate the beans are growing I may eat a bean from my plant before I leave!

Networking

I decided to go with Madeline and Shalan as they continued their interviewing process. Yesterday (Thursday) they had been interviewing the local boys school's headmaster. This school had 1003 students and 26 teachers quite a ratio! The headmaster advised them to go and speak to a doctor at the local hospital so off we went. Once we located him, he provided a very interesting overview of the issues being faced here. Luweero was the main conflict area during the last government overturn. Many family members were killed as they fought or became casualties of the war. Families were all of a sudden being headed by teenagers who tried to keep it all together. On top of this the AIDS and HIV infections are reeking havoc. When a child's parent die of aids the kids are not told they are just shipped away to a relative or orphanage. The kids are told their parents left - what a guilt trip to place on young children (including some at Maama Watali who showed up with no relatives to ground them). Further to this is the cycle of poverty that has continued. Girls believe that their only escape is to get married and boys believe having more kids is the answer. So we have large families who cannot afford to send a child to school continuing to have more kids who do not have an education and are taught their escape is more children.

In the lives of the more educated they have recognized the problem and are reducing the sizes of their families. The hospital attempts to provide education on family planning and STDs but these workshops are held at the hospital and the young kids are afraid to come as they are likely to bump into a relative. The doctor was not aware of any  other organization in town doing what Maama Watali is providing and when we asked if he would be interested in providing the kids info in a setting like a "community centre" he was very pleased to have the opportunity.

Off to the next contact - a few kilometers farther away so pick p some water and off we walk. Of course we couldn't find it but we did locate a maker of African drums. We dropped in at another guest house and began speaking to the receptionist. A man on the couch said he new where the place was and Shalan just making conversation asked what he did? He worked for the Ministry of Health - Community Outreach. An appointment was booked to speak to him Monday!

Next off to the District Community Development officer. She wasn't in her office as it was 5 on Friday, but her assistant was - a newly graduated university student who jumped at the chance to get involved. It is amazing the resources that can be tapped once the contacts are made and the right people point you.

I have learned that the residential program offered by Maama Watali is unique, desperately needed and begins to fill a void that is very deep. Our library and community centre although not coming together as planned is an integral part of the master plan and hopefully will change a few lives through the opportunity to provide  information and the opportunity for information to be provided through targeted presentations.

Not enough crossed fingers

Received a call Friday morning that the container is not being delivered today. Apparently the trucker was to bring it directly to Luweero but he ended up in the Kampala freight yard instead? Now our Makindye Rotary contact is trying to get it out without having to pay too much extra (probably money that will never see the inside of a receipt book)

Shalan and I went to speak to the director of the Catholic guest house about the lack of water and "mistruths" we were told. The author of the misinformation remained with us in the room which was a bit awkward but at least she heard it first hand. Apparently, they have been without water for a month and there is a conflict with the town council on supplying them water. The council's reason is that the need 2 generators to supply water, one to pump from well and the other to pump out of the tank. One of the generators is broken so they pump into the tank during the night and move the generator over to pump out after. Something doesn't quite add up but he was very apologetic for the misinformation and they trucked our luggage back to the Anglican house.

I would still recommend the Catholic house as it has better amenities when they work so you would have to ask the right question!!!

This will be another day of wandering and speaking to different community leaders and services which will help understand the culture - I hope 

Ask the right question

Our return from the holiday was the start of our stay at the Catholic Guest house. We had seen it before and it was recommended and a lot less money. Once we checked in we were given a tour of our rooms and then it was mentioned that we had 2 jerry cans of water in the room. We found out that have toilets and showers but only when there is water which they were in short supply of. The right question was not "do you have showers and toilets" but "is there water to run them?"
The beds were very comfortable but how soon we remembered the town crier - a few too many quiet nights had removed the memory! Up at 7 and we went off to meet a man about some land he had for sale. We walked on dusty roads for a mile but he didn't show up - even  though confirmed when we left to start the walk. After breakfast we headed to Maam Watali to greet Glen and Ellen from Glenergy - our solar electricity system providers. Social and business talk and then fresh fruit and they were back to Kampala. Sue is going in tomorrow to pick up some more products to start another business adventure hopefully for the girls to take with them as "franchises"  when they move on.

The Container - the saga continues, Sue had to register and register tons of paper to get it out of Mombasa as now they are saying sports equipment is not a charitable product. Apparently it did leave the port on Monday and is on its way - Thursday is a national holiday so we have lost another day. We are hoping for a Friday delivery and the Makidye Club is planning to arrive en mass Saturday - We might still meet the timetable..

The Holiday

Sunday was the start of our 4 day " holiday " Sue stayed behind to troubleshoot a few items as Madeline, Shalan,Chris and I jumped in our tour guide's 4 wheel drive Toyota Van. Martin was to lead us on an incredible journey for the next 4 days. After we returned to get someone's essential of travel (Blackberry) we were off about 9:40 am. Heading north we stopped at the Rhino Game reserve. Many years ago the Rhino population was reduced to 1 after the wars and slaughter. At this park they are trying to bring the heard back and have made it to 12. After picking up our guide with his AK47 - this is for protection form poachers not the animals apparently, we were able to get up close to 3 that were lounging under a tree. These guys had been kicked out of the group as the mom had just delivered a new calf. It was interesting to see these guys especially since they were white Rhino's and were hopefully the start of something great. Off to lunch in Masindi then to the Boomu women's cooperative. A group of women had received a grant and set up this spot next to the village for travelers to stay prior to entering the Country's park. We walked around until supper enjoying the scenery and then a traditional supper of rice, potatoes, goat and fruit. We slept in individual, traditional thatched roof huts, but the stars were bright and beautiful. A quick shower under the barrel and breakfast we headed off on a guided tour of the village. We saw the construction methods of the mud huts, crops that were being grown and then to the blacksmith. He was 78 years old and had been trained by his father when he was 26. His tools consisted of 2 pots that he put skins over that acted as the bellows and a small sledge hammer. He made everything from arrows to axes. He was in the process of training his 10 year old son. The blacksmith has to approved the person who will takeover his job and culture has it that if a new person was to try and start up a competing business that person would die. The blacksmith also has special healing abilities with the ashes from his fire.

Next to a home where the mother explained how a birth is conducted. When the woman is ready to give birth the father has to go and find his sister-in-law to assist - Run through the fields as no phones here. Once the baby is born if it is a boy he must stay in the room for 3 days and a daughter 4 days. The father marks the birth with arrows and a spear so passer byes will stop and pay to see the newborn. Life is very poor in these families but they all seemed happy. The eldest son 13 years had just built is own house as it was time for him to leave the family home. One of the problems with this community is the number of young women (kids) having babies. There was one girl that looked about 10-11 7 months pregnant. Of course the "black and white" in me felt the solution would be to stop letting 13 year old boys have their own houses. (Simple solution) off we headed into the park. Martin was determined to have us across the park boundary by 11:30. Apparently 11:30 is the start of the day - who would have thought. Soon after crossing the gate we came across large birds, baboons and lots of landscape. We kept wanting to stop and take pictures but Martin had a plan. 45 km of washboard and potholed roads we arrived at a restaurant. The girls were directed to get a take out lunch and I stayed to go with Martin and pay some tour fees. Returning to get the girls then off to the Nile river, Martin arrived in time for us to gather our lunch and get on the river boat (double decked). We started to eat and noticed the herd of elephants across from us. The boat headed out and we started up the river towards Murchison Falls. Hippos, Elephants, Warthogs, Crocks, birds and beautiful scenery for 3 hours. You will have to wait for the pictures to see the "awe" of it.  We stopped downstream from the falls and stared at the beauty.  We returned through the same scenery and were dropped off at the other side as Martin had a plan to improve our game drive experience the next day. Martin picked us up and off we went to a gorgeous 5 star hotel overlooking the Nile. A drink on the patio and then a buffet supper of traditional meals then we were off to our night's lodging - a student hostel - bit of a shock from the restaurant but it was only to rest our heads as we were up at 5 to be on the way at 6. We picked up another AK47 toting game warden - this time for the lions- and off we went. We were the first on the trail and came across a pride of lions, cubs playing with each other and jumping on the parents. There was even a 3 legged male lion watching over the events. We were off and advised that this was the reason we were up so early as the lions were on their way to the woods and would not be seen for the rest of the day. Once again you can only imagine the Savanna as the sun rose and and we watched the herds of antelopes (4 kids) African Buffalo, Elephants, warthogs Hyenas (very rare) and yes, giraffes grazing and moving through the fields.

We dropped off the warden and stopped for breakfast with a wonderment of what we had just seen. Once again Martin had a plan and we were off to the top of Murchinson Falls. This was a beautiful area of the park and interesting to look down upon the same location we had seen the previous day. Next to the Buongo Forrest where we decided to stay the night at a facility reminiscent  of a provincial park except they had dorms. We went on a guided walk through the forest where we heard lots of wildlife and saw trees such as a 450 year old Mahogany. Strangler figs that grew up the outside of a host tree then killed it off. Dinner on the porch in the woods still talking about it all then off to the dorm. Madeline and I were up sitting watching the stars at 3:30 but an hour later and a few too many growls and movement in the bushes took away a bit of courage so back to our beds.

Wednesday morning we were up to head out on a chimpanzee trek  through the forest. We were briefed by the first female park ranger who was hired 17 years ago then off we went. The chimps are acclimatized to the presence of humans as the rangers have to do a shift in the park everyday to keep them used to us. We walked on a trail for 1.5 km then into the bush to follow them. Walking slowly we listen for the sounds of them banging on trees to talk to one another and imagine walking through the bird filled quiet of the forest then to hear the sudden screams of the chimps as they called out. We saw several sitting or moving quietly through the forest, occasionally they would jump and run or climb a tree. We were standing for 1/2 hour watching them in the trees lounging and grooming and when it was time to go we turned around to see an older male chimp on a log watching us. He was less than 10 feet away and probably wondering what we were doing as we could have just watched him..  The trip was exciting and once again Martin stressed to keep us on schedule - the one he knew - off through the bumpy roads of the park and to the gate where he had arranged for our exit fees.  The trip home after lunch in Masindi was a highway ride allowing us to catchup on our sleep.

A big thanks to our travel books and Madeline for taking the time to work with Martin and get this trip as awesome as could ever be imagined. We have Martin's number if anyone wants to experience Uganda with an excellent guide

Sat Jan 21 - The Govenor's visit

Our Rotary District governor, Bill Gray, and two others one a Rotarian and the other a photo Journalist dropped in as they are on a tour of Rotary initiatives in Uganda. We arrived before them and the construction was done the Place was cleaned and my garden was full of dirt and only a few bags of garbage. Still a work in progress! Bill and his team arrived for morning African tea, fresh pineapple and sugar cane.  A quick tour - we area still awaiting the container- many words of encouragement and Bills experiences in Uganda - he has overseen many projects here and we were saying our goodbyes as they head north.  Today I hope to get the girls moved into their new bedrooms so they will have a space that we are not walking through all the time. Sue is hoping to get them back to work and also ready for school that starts on the 30th. 

Off to the Safari

Jan 20 - Correction

Sue had arranged for us to interview a group of people in a different area of Uganda who were using the micro credit grants to improve their lives and that of the village. We started with Jackson driving us to Kampala and then we took an intercity bus towards Jinja. The bus is a 14 passenger van that you get at the taxi park downtown. The park is totally congested with 100 vans all looking the same and only have a wood sign under their windshield wiper to show where they are going. Bus schedules are "when the bus is full it leaves" and while you wait vendors are trying to sell everything from drinks and food to razors and shaving cream. Once we were full, off we went - we actually had to wait till the "taxi" behind decided to leave and we could try to get out around the vendors and everyone else. Our 14 passenger van had 14 adults 2 kids and 1 live chicken, but the trip was actually uneventful. We drove through the tea and sugarcane producing areas and through lush greenery of forests and fields. As always we just sit and when Sue says were out of here we get out trying to unload around the remaining 9 people 2 kids and a live chicken.

We were met on the side of the road by Sue's sister Becca, and off we went in a fairly new Toyota with padded seats not the metal rod that I had been sitting on for the last 1 1/2 hours. As we turned the last corner we heard drummers and singing and realized that this was a reception in our honour. A local women's group, all dressed up, were under tents to greet us. The drummers continued as we were met the leaders and were shown to our seats a the front. We were given an overview of the group who act as paralegals and push for equal rights for women and coordinate the providing of micro credit loans from US Aid. After a welcome speech by the chair we all introduced ourselves and were entertained by traditional dancers  and drummers. Madeline and Shalen headed off to interview the elders of the group and we sat there neither group knowing what we were supposed to do between the sets of music. I asked if they would like me to say something - I think they all needed something to do so as Sue translated I spoke about my experiences as a police officer and how the Community Based Policing initiative was the same as one of their goals to get the community involved. We then spoke about the Library and Rotary ending with questions. Remember we area 120 miles from Luweero so the first statement was - " A library is a great start but we need technical schools to train our youth." the next - " when do you intend to bring a library to us so we can have the same benefits?" I explained we area a Club of 13 and told them about the other things we support.

Once Madeline and Shalen were finished we had some more entertainment then off to lunch. It is amazing the things they cook steamed in banana leaves.

More entertainment including a person on stilts made of cows legs in a Halloween mask who was a great hit with the kids - imagine being chased by a 10 foot monster when you are 2 feet tall.

We were so impressed by this group and the way we were treated, we pooled our money and came up with enough for 2 grants to augment the 9 they had already. These grants are good for 1 year before they have to be paid back with an interest rate of 2%. The elder of the group called up the next 2 who were in line and who would have had to wait one year to improve their farms and lives they are now one year ahead of their life plans. Now imagine standing there to have a 40 year old woman drop to her knees in tears thanking you for this "hand up". I will probably have a different feeling the next time the family drives through "McDonalds" .

I could think of no nicer way of ending such an event but the host family advised us that we were only 18 km from the "Source of the Nile" and we should go there. Off we went in Becca's car, this is the industrial area of Uganda and we saw many large factories and plants. We also noticed a group dressed in grass skirts who were a different tribe ( The Nile is the home of a different tribe from the Kampala area) Apparently they were heading to a circumcision ritual 14 year old as a sign of his entering manhood. There will be lots of dancing and song by all - except the honored one old I would imagine.

The Nile was impressive with a major power dam right at the head of it a few pictures later and off we headed to Kampala. This was the worst drive of our stay, imagine being in the smoke from your campfire for 21/2 hours with no way to escape then add trucks, buses, pedestrians, bikes many pot holes (should be called pot canyons) and the ever present Boda Bodas. Kampala was at a standstill and even when we finally met Jackson for the final leg the roads were clogged. He tried a short cut but the road was so bad we had to crawl as the "speed bumps" were scrapping the underside of his car. Finally home we decided that we earned a beer and just sat at the guest house having a beer and eating snacks.

On Sunday morning we are headed to the Murchison Falls area in the north to go on a safari and tour the Nile on a river boat. Our guide picks us up at the guest house and he will be us the whole time. We hope to stay in tree houses and other unique areas. I doubt there will be Internet so I will be back on the computer on Wednesday or Thursday next week.

Thursday

We arrived at Maama Watali with construction in full swing. Everyone is looking forward to the end of it (even the workers I suspect - they haven't been home in a week) In speaking with John it was decided that we should fill in the centre drain trench since we have repaired the eaves there won't be a reason to keep it and it will be much safer for everyone. I agreed but he had to use the aggregate from the garden as I really want the garden cleaned - theme here. I arranged to borrow the ladder from the carpenter and off I went up on the roof to repair the sign. I finished the Rotary Sign and started on the Maama Watali but I ran out of tape for the letters and I had to walk to the next town to get some as the hardware stores in Luweero didn't have any.  It was getting late when I returned as I stopped and spoke to a few people and the carpenter also wanted to finish up and go.

I want to share a few of the comments from the girls in the house so show the impact of what is happening here.
When asked about the construction and disruption one said " I used to say I lived across from the theatre but now I tell people that I  live in the prettiest house on the street."
When asked about living at Maama Watali  another said " I came here and now I am safe and I can dream".
Another has been praying -apparently harder than me- that the container will arrive as she wants to have a chemistry book.
To say that this place changes you is a very big understatement.

The girls have also put their craft making on hold due to the upheaval so their source of income has been disrupted. All of us have ordered items  to ensure they get a few "sure sales" before we leave.

Canadian Sponsored Maternity / Birthing Centre

Since the carpenter was using the only ladder to hang the eaves trough and fascia I decided to go for a walk in a different area. I ended up in the area where the merchants from main street live- it is middle class with nice houses with grass and fairly clean streets.I located another movie theatre and a local pub called the Freedom Bar - I didn't stop in though.  New area of town so more kids calling out to me.

We decided that we would go to a Canadian sponsored Birthing/maternity centre. It was located about 10km from us in the country. It was a very nice location where the Canadians had trained some local midwives and they in tern were providing info and help to expectant mothers. They have also expanded to give general health talks to the women and teenagers of the community. The centre also does HIV and STD testing for the mothers and advises them on precautions.  We maybe able to cultivate a partnership with them, giving them some books and other stuff in return for them coming to do a presentation/info session at the library weekly. There are so many opportunities that time / money / language can bridge. They have a garden and all the plants are identified and their medicinal properties are listed which is quite interesting as you walk about the grounds. We also learned that the Canadians stay in a different guest house from ours so we headed there Thursday morning to find that it was almost 1/2 the price so we will be changing as soon as our time at the present one is over.

Last night there was a disco in town. Apparently these travel about the country and it was Luweero's turn. We didn't stay in town for the action as it didn't start till 10pm (we are at the house by 9 most nights). We could hear it though till 4am. We also figure the "town crier" was also there as he did not start at 6 today....

Kyanja is feeling better and apparently missing his "English friends" so Sue is hoping to bring him back from town today. Yes she did have to go back in to complete the TIN process!

We are hoping the contractor will be finished today and the girls can have some rest before we start the library building next week (I am hopeful)

 

The frustration continues

Wednesday morning started with a phone call from Rotarian Robert,who is trying to get the shipment out of Mombassa. We have had 2 stories on the delay - one the conjestion  (Canadian Shipper) missing tax number (Mobassa Shipper) Now Robert advises that we require forms that the Canadian Arm stated we did not. Thankfully the Internet allowed me to search my old files and I found a copy. (No matter how slow it is here it is still quicker than the mail or gong home to get it...

Sue had to return to Kampala to work on the tax number as she couldn't get the computer to work for her yesterday - deep down we must be related.  She is having more luck today.

Yesterday Sue had to take Kyanja ( 6 year old) and his mom to the clinic in Kampala as he has contracted Malaria. Unfortunately they do not sleep under nets here but we will be leaving our nets when we go so they will have a few extra for the kids.

The carpenter arrived to start the eaves work and repairs to the rafters. They use 6" eavestrough because of the heavy rains and each is 3 meters long. We felt that since the carpenter dropped all the wood in the middle of the commn area and the masons are still mixing cement there we should give the girls a break and eat elsewhere. This was one of our worst mistakes and the foor at the guest house was terrible. The meat only tasted of salt and the cabbage tasted like diesel exhaust fumes - probably from the charcol fires they use. The girls never have this problem as their food is excellent and varied. Live and learn.

We walked to the next town and went into a supermarket for some supplies and the owner was very informative. Her grandparents arrived here from Rwanda in the 50's to escape the war and she was born in Uganda. She also advised that there was a Canadian medical centre near here so we are going to try and find out where it is and visit.

Today the masons have dug up the hole for the new rain tank. I decided to go ahead with the base since it is much cheaper to build it while the guys are here than to have them come back. We also have most of the supplies here but they would disappear over time requiring them to be repurchased. They have had to dig a 3 foot deep hole 6 feet around beside the pit toilet to get to ground that is stable so they can build up the base. We are preparing for a 6000 litre tank but we will have to get funding for that in the future as it is another $1500 USD.

The glass man has arrived to measure for the window and door glass which comes from Egypt so this will be another long process.if he doesn't have it in stock. I am hopefull that since they are small pieces he will fnd them locally.

The hair cut

I decided that it was a little hot with my hair length so it was time to solve the problem. Sue's "son", Moses 1, took me to the local barber and he negotiated as I watched the kids get their head shaved with the clippers. The barber didn't speak English but short is the norm here. (actually hairless is the norm) He dug far and deep in his drawer to get the clipper parts for me and off he went. He kept having to fluff my hair as he cut but in the end it looked quite good they tell me. It sure is a lot cooler with the breeze flowing through everywhere and not just the bald spot on top.

Tuesday morning I walked up to the hardware store to get a few more brushes and masking tape to finish the Rotary sign. I taped off the cogs and went to work painting the outlines of all 26 of them. I then went to get the "apricot paint" that was left , however, when I opened the can I found that it was the wrong colour, the painter had put the wrong lid on it. Luckily Sue had to go to Kampala again to register Mamma Watali for a tax number so we can get the container released from Mombassa. Even more luckily the guy in charge of the government section that deals withthese numbers is a Rotarian and he is trying to speed the process to get us going. On her way back she is coing to check a few places as the colour we require is only sold in 3 gallon jerry cans in Luweero and I need 3 tablespoons!

Our town crier is on a roll this week as he is advertizing the different schools for people to send their kids. He starts the morning, 6am or earlier, with basically "good morning everyone who is awake - if your not up yet why?" then he is off describing the attributes of the different schools.

The power has been out more than normal, and their is a continual smell of burning stuff in the air. Last night as even worse as it was market day so the number of cooknig fires doubled. This is not a place for people with Asthma or sore eyes.

Monday - Kampala

We headed to town today to get money and see a bit more of the City. The protesters have given the president 5 days to start working on the problem and show some action. The president is blaming the ministers. With the shops closed in Kampala they say that 40 billion shillings were lost to the economy over the 5 days.

I was able to get money via the post office - a great resource as an option. Chris went fabric shopping with Sue's sister to get material for the windows in the renovated rooms. Shalen, Madeline and I toured part of the City checking out craft and book stores. I was impressed we didn't get lost, but we did stop at the Independence Monument to check our map and were promptly met by 2 armed police officers moving us along. There was a sign "No Loitering" which was a bit ironic. We have also learned how to cross the streets like the locals and miss the Boda Bodas. Traffic in town was moving less than 2 km/hr on some of the street due to cars and trucks having to stop for pot holes. (really big pots and small cars would be lost in some of them) We watched an ambulance try to get through the traffic he was given a Boda Boda escort as they thought it would be a great way to get through.

Homeward bound we stopped for fresh fruit and cold water, arriving in Luweero as the market was slowly closing down.  

Sunday - con't

We got started on the sign after lunch the wind died down and the Sun was blocked by a building. Imagine a 3 foot circle cut in the Rotary Logo being taped onto the side of a heavy stucco building. It took 3 of us, 2 to hold each section and one (me ) to dab the paint onto the stucco. We all had blue hands - of course it was oil based paint! We enjoyed ourselves with lots of laughs and we were photographed by several people and provided entertainment to others. Unfortunately the paint ran down the side of a few of the "stucco hills" so the sign needs a few touch ups.

The masons have finished the parging of the house and walls to protect the bricks and fill in some holes. The clay bricks here are very soft and do not stand up to the rain with being covered.

The others had a good time at church but they did see alot of people who look ill and poorly fed. There is alot that can be done here but it is hard to know where to start. We hope that the library and sports equipment will help feed their minds and give them a few other options to enjoy their lives.  

Sunday Jan 15

We were planning on painting the Rotary sign today so I put on my work clothes and off we started to town. The winds have really picked up and the dust is blowing so the painting plan is on hold. The construction works are starting on the parging today - they just stay on site since they are from Kampala and don't want to go back and forth to town. Their cement work is excellent, the floor looks like has been polished and they only used a shovel and wood trowel.

We were sitting having our morning pineapple discussing the compost pile which the girls are now using when a neighbour's kid came in with a sack. We watched as he removed the pineapple husk from the compost and carried it way. We were all dumbfound and didn't know what to say - even Sue! We hope that the word about the compost has gotten out and he was trying to get some "good dirt".  Sue has been assigned to try and figure out what he was up to.

Shalen has started a dictionary ( I should have done this 2 weeks ago) so I can now catch my spelling mistakes or at least see the word which will make it easier to pronounce

Sue, Jackson, Madeline, Shalen and Chris decided to go to church  I was in my grubs so figured I would pass on this one - there is always next week. The Internet location is just down the block from the church and the whole place is rockin from the music so it is just like being there. The Internet is much faster today with fewr people here. (a bonus)

Saturday - Rotary Visit

Today we arrived at Maama Watali. Madeline and Shalen were an immediate hit with the kids as I had never seen so many stop by. They all enjoyed their picture being taken so I think the word is out and they come for the fun.  Shalen finished cutting out the Rotary sign template which was a challenge with all the kids running about.The Makindye Rotary members arrived (Sue now gives directions to people coming to just come into town and ask where the Muzumba (I spelled it wrong on a previous post) are staying and they find us quickly). The Club president (Hilda) Organizing chair (Tabley) and member Robert who is arranging the transport were given a tour and we discussed various upgrades they thought would be good. Robert is optimistic on the delivery he took all the forms and information and was going to work with the shipper to ensure he used the right TIN number to get the best deal for charity status.

The construction workers have finished the floor, door and windows in the new sleeping quarters which will house 6 and they should be painted and moved in by the end of the week. There are a few items left (parging walls and reinforcing the roof but the most disruptive is finished). Tabley though the grass area beside the house would be an excellent and safe play area for the kids to keep them away from the street and feel more like their own. He is right except the goats and steers that are there may be a little put out. We would have to remove lots of garbage and construction materials some f which would be used with the new rain collection system if we can fund this rather expensive option. We do not want to remove the construction aggregate and rocks in case we need it as that would add to the expense by having to truck in new rocks. Like the compost everything is time sensitive and we are off by a week for just about everything.

After a nice lunch cooked by the girls the girls the Club members headed out. We sat around for a bit discussing their ideas with the contractor and then Madeline/ Shalen and I decided we should go for a walk. Jackson took us down the highway to the next trading market where the hardware store was and Madeline bought a paint brush. We walked around that town looking a school and we saw the home owned by the local MP. WE have driven this road many time but it quite different to walk and take in the sights. We found the district soccer pitch - just missing the practice- one of the kids took time to tell me about the league, there are 6 teams in the town over 18 and they have one group that plays against other teams in the district. We took some picture of beautiful hibiscus trees and other schools.

We walked back to town and stopped to have a beer at a local  "pub" it was very nice to have a cold one under shade as this is the hottest time of the year for them. back to watch the kids at Maama Watali and a light supper before we headed back to the guest house. The one positive thing about no electricity is the stars are so clear and numerous with the view unobstructed. 

Friday 13th - the banks

Thursday evening we sat on the front "porch" of Maama Watali and watched the kids go by. They would run with an old bike tire up and down hills trying to keep it upright. A mother took her 2 year old to the water tap to buy a "baggie" of water, hard to imagine that we would just turn on the tap. Chris was continuing her quilting lessons as I watched a steer with 3' horns come towards us. He was just meandering and I have a great picture of it walking a few feet behind Chris and her oblivious.

Friday Jackson Sue and I headed to Entebbe to pick up Madeline and Shalen (the Ottawa U researchers) . On the radio they were announcing that elecricity rates were to climb 35% and the government was being attacked for subsidizing major corporations. The gov't defended it saying that they were creating jobs and helping the poor. However, the opposition stated that only 12% of Ugandans use electricity. Our solar panels are an even bigger hit - if they arrive.

I was figuring out construction costs with John and the cost are basically the same except the materials are way more expensive and labour is cheaper.  This is a bit of a strin on the budget as our renovation project is the same as Canada - start one thing and the next thing you know something else has to be repaird!

We stopped in Kamapla to get money and none of the ATM's would work we found out that the banks had been order not to give out money as the protest was extending and people had threatened to remove all their money so the government just stopped them!  Luckily we have a plan B.

The shipping company in Mombassa has contacted me so things are looking up except I received the message at 7 on Friday night and theyae a Mon- Fri office..

Our drive to get Madeline and Shalen was nice as we got to see Entebbe and Lake Victoria in the daylight. There was a lot of  new building and less poverty around (I'm sure it is hidden somewhere outside the main roads)

On the way back we stopped at a vocational school to get an idea of what is required. They have space for lectures and classrooms for sewing, electronic repair and software classes. The equipment and material for the electrical class was all stored in a cupboard 2' high 3' wide and 1'deep. The electronics repair materials reminded me of a discard pile at an electronics repair shop. They did have 2 computer labs with desktops that appeard to be 2 years old and there were about 40 in total. The sewing glasses were working on "treddle machine" and they had 8 of them. The school had 600 students and they had 2 shifts days and evenings. Tuition is about $600/ year . I spoke to the principle and he said that the school was 6 years old and they were still building but costs were high as the government does put property taxes on schools and his back up generator (gas) was working more than the regular electricity. Solar is expensive here and they usually get on only the "cheap stuff" from China.

We are preparing for the Makindye Club members coming on Saturday - we have to buy chairs as we don't have enough. We have negotiated the plastic outdoor cheapies to about $8.50 each.

I checked on the garden this morning (Sat) and the construction guys have thrown all the stuff from the rooms they are working on ontop of the plants etc. so we will have to give up on that till the construction is done.

Shalen is busy preparing the template for our Rotary sign and I have to go find a paint brush to paint with .

 

Thursday - the garden

Today I started the garden. I forgot to take a "before picture" but it was rather daunting. I started removing the tin and old wheels and tires. Kyanja (age 6) and Ibrame (age 2) were very interested and wanted to help so off we went carrying anything that we could. Old desks, metal, plastic, tires, boulders anything you could think of was there. I found some corn stalks, an orange tree, avocado tree and an aloa plant as I dug and cleared so I saved them to replant. We took most of the garbage out to the side of the house to be sorted later and put in a garbage truck that passes by. 1/2 hour later the metal was being picked up b a guy on a bicycle and it was gone. I continued to dig using a borrowed spade, which makes the oldest shovel I have ever used look new. (I have a really nice long handled shovel and rake in the container) The residents of Stittsville will be hay to know that there are more rocks here than in Stittsville. Every shovel full was a combination of old bricks, rocks, and plastic water bottles. Everytime I dig my garden at home I wonder where the rocks come from as I just dug it all last year. Here it was everytime I shoveled I wondered where the plastic bottles came from. I beat the pile down and built a 2 section compose using the bricks I found. I hope they will be big enough (about 20 cu feet each) I figured with a constant temperature of above 25 and water from veg cleaning dumped on them they should decompose quickly. Any advise from gardeners would be appreciated. I has to stop  when I reached just a pile of aggregate as it may be required for the cement pad under the second water tank but this will depend on our budget once we get the container delivered. I did replant the avocado, and aloa plants and I have to try and get rid of some shite stuff on the underside of the orange tree leaves. I figure the soap used for cleaning thrown on it might help - more gardening help needed please.

I sent an email to the shipper trying the "Rotary Card" that we would really appreciate their assistance on this humanitarian mission - hopefully it will work as I doubt Sue and kids would like me to send more time here to make sure it gets done.

The guys are installing the doors and windows today. I had to pay up front or they wouldn't do it apparently.  They started to chip away at the hole as the size was out (quite a bit from where I was standing) Chip away is appropriate as they used a hammer and big nail (no chisel here) To square the windows they use a plumb line and any old piece of wood for a shim. Once everything is secured they make cement to fill in the "large" gaps. All windows and doors are done at the same time as cement is very expensive. ( I had to pay extra up front for cement also).

The next step is to have a cement floor installed and then we have to get the glass for the windows as it is not a standard part of the window. I guess if you don't have to worry about freezing and there is no such thing as airconditioning who needs glass!

I was speaking to one of the teachers at a local school and asked what her #1 priority would be and she thought for a bit and said glass in the windows as all the books ( she has about 200 for 300 kids) get dirty from the dust. (We sure take certain things for granted)

I climb up on the roof today to check out the area for our new sign, I will probably have to paint it myself, as the painter wanted to use plywood for a template and I advised that it wasn't in the budget.  Our sign will be on the false front on the concrete section ( no metal roofs for me to walk on dear wife).