At a recent ladies retreat from my church, we had as our theme song one that has stuck in our minds and calls us to the best things...
Open up the sky, fall down like rain,
We don't want blessings, we want You.
Open up the sky, fall down like fire
We don't want anything but You.
Now if I could really order my life to reflect that every moment, I would be further on my spiritual journey than I am. Thanks be to God, that S/He loves me as I am anyway.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
How do you sharpen your knives??
Many people use electric knife sharpeners for kitchen knives. Some may even use a whetstone. This is what we use here for sharpening knives, pangas and slashers. (These last 2 are gardening tools.)
This man charged us about $2 to sharpen 4 kitchen knives and the garden tools. What a great deal.
This man charged us about $2 to sharpen 4 kitchen knives and the garden tools. What a great deal.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Siraf
In med December when Siraf came to live here, he was the size of Sophie, our cat.
3 months on he is more than ½ the size of Tiger, my female dog.
He loves to play, eat and sleep, not necessarily in that order.
Gracious friends brought toys for him so that our shoes, garden/yard tools and clothes on the line are not toys for him.
On Good Friday, all 3 dogs took off, through an open gate. Simba was caught within an hour, as he couldn't resist stopping for some trash by the edge of the road. Tiger returned on her own about 5 hours later, much the worse for wear – wet to the skin, wounded in her rear leg and moving very carefully and slowly. Siraf was no place to be found.
We hunted, sent out messages to local boda drivers, offering a small reward. Jackson and Ali walked in all the areas where they thought he might have gone. We were heart sick. There are many people here who fear dogs and think nothing of hurting or killing them. There are a few others who really like dogs and feel free to take strays home to their villages.
We prayed and worried for 3 days. On Easter Sunday morning, Samuel called me to say he had found Siraf. He'd spotted a man walking along our road, with a dog following behind. He ran down to the road, called Siraf's name. The puppy came running to him. Samuel brought him home, gave him water. There was much rejoicing, amongst all of us and the big dogs too.
I'm thinking of changing his name to Siraf Ressurection. Or maybe Siraf Prodigal. What do you think?
Here is a today photo of him.
3 months on he is more than ½ the size of Tiger, my female dog.
He loves to play, eat and sleep, not necessarily in that order.
Gracious friends brought toys for him so that our shoes, garden/yard tools and clothes on the line are not toys for him.
On Good Friday, all 3 dogs took off, through an open gate. Simba was caught within an hour, as he couldn't resist stopping for some trash by the edge of the road. Tiger returned on her own about 5 hours later, much the worse for wear – wet to the skin, wounded in her rear leg and moving very carefully and slowly. Siraf was no place to be found.
We hunted, sent out messages to local boda drivers, offering a small reward. Jackson and Ali walked in all the areas where they thought he might have gone. We were heart sick. There are many people here who fear dogs and think nothing of hurting or killing them. There are a few others who really like dogs and feel free to take strays home to their villages.
We prayed and worried for 3 days. On Easter Sunday morning, Samuel called me to say he had found Siraf. He'd spotted a man walking along our road, with a dog following behind. He ran down to the road, called Siraf's name. The puppy came running to him. Samuel brought him home, gave him water. There was much rejoicing, amongst all of us and the big dogs too.
I'm thinking of changing his name to Siraf Ressurection. Or maybe Siraf Prodigal. What do you think?
Here is a today photo of him.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Retreat
Attended an awesome all Church retreat last weekend. It was fun, connecting, powerful, restful, enlighting and, did I say, fun.
Florence and I had gone on women's retreat just 3 weekends before and that one was inspiring as well. It was hard to imagine that another retreat, so soon, could be as good.
But, although different, this one was good for us too. I am discovering that I can speak words of blessing over others that give comfort and encouragement. This coupled with neck and shoulder massages kept me busy and learning in the free time options.
Can hardly wait for the next one.
Florence and I had gone on women's retreat just 3 weekends before and that one was inspiring as well. It was hard to imagine that another retreat, so soon, could be as good.
But, although different, this one was good for us too. I am discovering that I can speak words of blessing over others that give comfort and encouragement. This coupled with neck and shoulder massages kept me busy and learning in the free time options.
Can hardly wait for the next one.
Easter Dinner 2011
This Easter we had a Christian version of the Seder, a Jewish ritual that commemorates the escape from slavery to freedom for God's people. Alan and Cheryl, from the UK, led the service, providing explanation of the symbolic foods, background information on how we were different from a traditional Seder.
The table was set for 9 people, plus a seat for Elijah (who didn't come btw). It was great fun and educational for all of us too.
Around the table from left, clockwise were: Florence Melody, Rachel, Alan, Cheryl, Donna, Miriam, Deline and me (behind the camera). We ate almost ¾ of a roasted goat, plus salad, greens and dessert, along with the matzah, the charoset, horseradish, hard-boiled eggs and parsley. Sweet red wine or Mirinda fruity were the beverages to choose from. The passion fruit pie and the mango-pawpaw pie left a lot to be desired.
Next year, I'll go back to my traditional buffet with open invitations for all looking for a party.
The table was set for 9 people, plus a seat for Elijah (who didn't come btw). It was great fun and educational for all of us too.
Around the table from left, clockwise were: Florence Melody, Rachel, Alan, Cheryl, Donna, Miriam, Deline and me (behind the camera). We ate almost ¾ of a roasted goat, plus salad, greens and dessert, along with the matzah, the charoset, horseradish, hard-boiled eggs and parsley. Sweet red wine or Mirinda fruity were the beverages to choose from. The passion fruit pie and the mango-pawpaw pie left a lot to be desired.
Next year, I'll go back to my traditional buffet with open invitations for all looking for a party.
Monday, February 21, 2011
There is a new family next door to us. Robert, Heather and Caleb Donahue are here for a year with eMi EA. The parents are architects and 5 year old Caleb is full of energy, ideas and creativity, with a passion for the Dukes of Hazard, especially the car known as the General Lee.
It is great fun seeing this family with a heart for service come here, learn about this Ugandan culture, food, and people, while they sort out how to make the house into their home. Heather was born in France to American missionaries who brought their baby to Zaire, now DR Congo, for 2 years. Her mom and sister are coming this summer for a visit and to celebrate Caleb turning 6.
Robert has been to Africa several times on eMi project trips and has seen more countries here than I will likely ever see. His interest in the people and being culturally sensitive are an inspiration to me to keep learning. Heather, who loves to cook, is finding that many of their favorite foods are here, either at local markets, at the supermarkets or perhaps even downtown. She has already had company for dinner....and here less than 30 days. (I think I was here several months before I invited anyone to come and eat with me.)
This family of 3 came with 6 tubs and 3 carry-on bags to begin a life here. What do you bring to a country to make a home? One tub was full of toys, books and schooling supplies for Caleb. That left all the rest for clothes, books, work tools, personal care items, computers, camera, batteries, favorite snack foods, holiday decorations, future gifts, presents, etc. It doesn't take long to reach weight and volume limits for the air travel.
Unpacking and finding a place to store things when the house has very limited closet and cupboard space is a huge challenge. The master bedroom (about 12x14 ft) has one small, shallow closet, with a cupboard over that requires a step stool to reach and one drawer. The only other storage in the house are the 8 running feet of cupboards in the kitchen under the counter/sink. That's it. Well, the garage has some shelves in place, but not a lot and no doors, just open shelves. So the creativity begins.
They have great patience with the changes they are experiencing, including all the different night noises. Their compound wall fronts on two busy streets. The nights are full of the barking of dogs, my 3 inside their compound and others outside. All this in addition to some election campaign trucks passing with music at full volume at any hour of the day and even as late at midnight. Thank goodness the election is almost finished. That part of the noise over-load with go away.
They are adjusting well and seem to be loving most of the experiences. Please add them to your prayers so that they settle in well and that their supporters continue with both spiritual and financial supports.
It is great fun seeing this family with a heart for service come here, learn about this Ugandan culture, food, and people, while they sort out how to make the house into their home. Heather was born in France to American missionaries who brought their baby to Zaire, now DR Congo, for 2 years. Her mom and sister are coming this summer for a visit and to celebrate Caleb turning 6.
Robert has been to Africa several times on eMi project trips and has seen more countries here than I will likely ever see. His interest in the people and being culturally sensitive are an inspiration to me to keep learning. Heather, who loves to cook, is finding that many of their favorite foods are here, either at local markets, at the supermarkets or perhaps even downtown. She has already had company for dinner....and here less than 30 days. (I think I was here several months before I invited anyone to come and eat with me.)
This family of 3 came with 6 tubs and 3 carry-on bags to begin a life here. What do you bring to a country to make a home? One tub was full of toys, books and schooling supplies for Caleb. That left all the rest for clothes, books, work tools, personal care items, computers, camera, batteries, favorite snack foods, holiday decorations, future gifts, presents, etc. It doesn't take long to reach weight and volume limits for the air travel.
Unpacking and finding a place to store things when the house has very limited closet and cupboard space is a huge challenge. The master bedroom (about 12x14 ft) has one small, shallow closet, with a cupboard over that requires a step stool to reach and one drawer. The only other storage in the house are the 8 running feet of cupboards in the kitchen under the counter/sink. That's it. Well, the garage has some shelves in place, but not a lot and no doors, just open shelves. So the creativity begins.
They have great patience with the changes they are experiencing, including all the different night noises. Their compound wall fronts on two busy streets. The nights are full of the barking of dogs, my 3 inside their compound and others outside. All this in addition to some election campaign trucks passing with music at full volume at any hour of the day and even as late at midnight. Thank goodness the election is almost finished. That part of the noise over-load with go away.
They are adjusting well and seem to be loving most of the experiences. Please add them to your prayers so that they settle in well and that their supporters continue with both spiritual and financial supports.
Eulogy
The sun rises and the sun sets....another new day comes. Yet it is not the same as the one before.
This miracle of new beginnings is hidden behind the newspaper headlines of the day and the ads seen in all the media around. How can such important changes not catch everyone up in at least one moment of wonder and thankfulness.
In the last 30 days both my mother, who was almost 89, and my sister, soon to turn 59, passed away...at home and in their sleep. Both were women of strength, courage in the facing of daily pain and discomfort and a focus on making life better for those around them. This mother-daughter team worked and lived well throughout their lives, related by more than blood and world views.
Terry had many medical treatments, and traumas because of them, by the time she was 12. Betty had good health until an injury when she was 38 set a new course for her life. These two were friends, companions, care-givers for each other over 55 years.
God is so good to us. Terry came as an unexpected pregnancy after all thoughts of having any other children had passed. Yet this youngest child helped the parents learn more medical information, processes and persistence than they ever thought possible. As life turned out, Terry followed closely in her parents footsteps, becoming a Psychiatric Technician and working at Sonoma Developmental Center. While her parents were in one of the first of the classes for this position, Terry was in one of the last ones.
All of her nursing training was put to excellent use in the work she did and at home looking after parents with complex medical ailments, multiple medications and numerous doctor visits. Terry provided all the supports they needed, while juggling her own chronic health needs.
Terry, and thousands of others like her, are the truly un-sung heroes of our day. They do what needs to be done, each day, every day, and sacrifice the "good life" to care for others. This is the miracle of love, with all its ripple effects, that is new each morning. A chosen path of service not self-centeredness.
This woman, Terry Ruth McNeill Ryan, daughter of Betty, mother of Elizabeth, served with all her heart and made the lives of many others better than it would have been without her. May God reward her mightily for all that she has done.
This miracle of new beginnings is hidden behind the newspaper headlines of the day and the ads seen in all the media around. How can such important changes not catch everyone up in at least one moment of wonder and thankfulness.
In the last 30 days both my mother, who was almost 89, and my sister, soon to turn 59, passed away...at home and in their sleep. Both were women of strength, courage in the facing of daily pain and discomfort and a focus on making life better for those around them. This mother-daughter team worked and lived well throughout their lives, related by more than blood and world views.
Terry had many medical treatments, and traumas because of them, by the time she was 12. Betty had good health until an injury when she was 38 set a new course for her life. These two were friends, companions, care-givers for each other over 55 years.
God is so good to us. Terry came as an unexpected pregnancy after all thoughts of having any other children had passed. Yet this youngest child helped the parents learn more medical information, processes and persistence than they ever thought possible. As life turned out, Terry followed closely in her parents footsteps, becoming a Psychiatric Technician and working at Sonoma Developmental Center. While her parents were in one of the first of the classes for this position, Terry was in one of the last ones.
All of her nursing training was put to excellent use in the work she did and at home looking after parents with complex medical ailments, multiple medications and numerous doctor visits. Terry provided all the supports they needed, while juggling her own chronic health needs.
Terry, and thousands of others like her, are the truly un-sung heroes of our day. They do what needs to be done, each day, every day, and sacrifice the "good life" to care for others. This is the miracle of love, with all its ripple effects, that is new each morning. A chosen path of service not self-centeredness.
This woman, Terry Ruth McNeill Ryan, daughter of Betty, mother of Elizabeth, served with all her heart and made the lives of many others better than it would have been without her. May God reward her mightily for all that she has done.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Life Changes
Betty Jane Mustard McNeill, born Apri 13, 1922, died January 2011, beloved wife of William E. McNeill, 2nd daughter of Laurence T. Mustard and Evangeline Ruth Wattenburg, mother of Terry, Michael and Margaret, bringer of laughter and games and decor into dreary places and hearts.......you will be a light to loved ones gone on before. I have no doubt that she has joined in the eternal pinochle game with dad and Thelma and others.
Mom lived a life of serving others, at work and within the family. She would forego things for herself in order to take care of her kids, her husband and others whom she loved. After working 9 hours a day, from 6 to 3 at the local mental hospital she'd come home and fix dinner, nudge us about our homework, help with projects like science fair, encourage growth of new skills or what ever was the passion of the moment.
Mom had studied nursing during World War 2 but then had to earn money to support herself as dad was in the merchant marine, which didn't pay much at all. Seems like she was always working, whether we lived in town or on a farm somewhere.
When she was injured at work in 1959 or so, she finally went off on disability. Her treatment was to sit for hours each day in a traction devise that held her straight in a chair. With forced inactivity she began to sketch and then to paint again, a skill she'd begun in high school. She watched the art classes on TV that showed early in the mornings. She borrowed and later bought books to learn techniques of painting, mostly landscapes. She attempted portraits and still lifes as well, but enjoyed painting the world around her, whether at the cabin in the hills west of Ukiah, on the Trinity River or in the deserts of Arizona.
She lost her mother when she was 42 years old and lived longer than her older sister.
Her love of people, willingness to serve others live on in each of her 3 children. The youngest, Terry, has been in the nursing field her entire life, in spite of chronic pain and disability; working first at Sonoma Developmental Center and then taking care of our aging parents full time. The second born, a son, trained, worked and taught in law enforcement until his medical retirement, when he discovered the joy of cooking for the Elks and entered community service in a very different way from catching criminals. The oldest was a social worker for over 30 years, then retired to Africa.
Mom lived a life of serving others, at work and within the family. She would forego things for herself in order to take care of her kids, her husband and others whom she loved. After working 9 hours a day, from 6 to 3 at the local mental hospital she'd come home and fix dinner, nudge us about our homework, help with projects like science fair, encourage growth of new skills or what ever was the passion of the moment.
Mom had studied nursing during World War 2 but then had to earn money to support herself as dad was in the merchant marine, which didn't pay much at all. Seems like she was always working, whether we lived in town or on a farm somewhere.
When she was injured at work in 1959 or so, she finally went off on disability. Her treatment was to sit for hours each day in a traction devise that held her straight in a chair. With forced inactivity she began to sketch and then to paint again, a skill she'd begun in high school. She watched the art classes on TV that showed early in the mornings. She borrowed and later bought books to learn techniques of painting, mostly landscapes. She attempted portraits and still lifes as well, but enjoyed painting the world around her, whether at the cabin in the hills west of Ukiah, on the Trinity River or in the deserts of Arizona.
She lost her mother when she was 42 years old and lived longer than her older sister.
Her love of people, willingness to serve others live on in each of her 3 children. The youngest, Terry, has been in the nursing field her entire life, in spite of chronic pain and disability; working first at Sonoma Developmental Center and then taking care of our aging parents full time. The second born, a son, trained, worked and taught in law enforcement until his medical retirement, when he discovered the joy of cooking for the Elks and entered community service in a very different way from catching criminals. The oldest was a social worker for over 30 years, then retired to Africa.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Gifts
Two friends who live in Eureka send gifts of clothing, toys, candy, etc each year to Ali, a father of 4 children. Cindy and Dyann shop for new or nearly new items to match the current sizes of the two girls and two boys in Ali's household. They also find wonderful, colorful clothes for Takia, their mom and for Ali as well.
Each year they mail the boxes out in August or Sept timing the arrival here by the end of October. Ali loves to open the boxes and examines each item, thinking about which of the children it should go to. He is so excited to see these things from America, especially when items such as Strawberry jam or powdered milk are included.
Ali finds a way to carry all these things home to his family, where they immediately begin their Christmas.
Here in Uganda at Christmas time, the biggest focus for each person is having new clothes to wear on Christmas day. Wives have been known to leave their husbands if they aren't provided with new clothes to wear to church and to be seen in. The cost of outfitting each family member with a set of clothes is huge.
This blessing from America and from people Ali has never met is just one of the Christmas miracles that he likes to talk about.
Thanks and blessings to each of you who reach beyond friends and family to make a stranger's heart warmer this season.
Each year they mail the boxes out in August or Sept timing the arrival here by the end of October. Ali loves to open the boxes and examines each item, thinking about which of the children it should go to. He is so excited to see these things from America, especially when items such as Strawberry jam or powdered milk are included.
Ali finds a way to carry all these things home to his family, where they immediately begin their Christmas.
Here in Uganda at Christmas time, the biggest focus for each person is having new clothes to wear on Christmas day. Wives have been known to leave their husbands if they aren't provided with new clothes to wear to church and to be seen in. The cost of outfitting each family member with a set of clothes is huge.
This blessing from America and from people Ali has never met is just one of the Christmas miracles that he likes to talk about.
Thanks and blessings to each of you who reach beyond friends and family to make a stranger's heart warmer this season.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Christmas gift
Sounds of crying from a young animal and sounds of beating filled the air. Grabbing my shoes I hurried down the road to intervene. By the time I'd reached the spot, the young men had gone back to work, laughing. In a corner, huddled down, was a small golden brown puppy, about 3 months old. There were spots of blood on his coat and he growled as I moved nearer. With soft word and time, he let me pick him up and we went back to my place.
After a little food and water, and one small encounter with the cat, he seemed less fearful and willing to explore. The two big dogs, Simaba and Tiger were tied up at their house. Taking Tiger with her chain to the front porch, we began the introduction process of this baby to a new auntie. After a few hours, it was clear that Tiger could manage him and he was willing to obey her. Simba wasn't quite so sure about this new addition and barked every time he saw this little intruder in our yard. (Today he is much quieter about it all.)
Here is shot of Tiger, coming to see what I'm doing.
Here is Siraf dozing in a corner at the back door.
I know I don't need 3 dogs, especially since this little guy might grow to be bigger than Simba. But for the time being, he is gift to us for Christmas. By the way, he has some Rhodesian Ridgeback genes, evidenced in the fur strip along his spine. These were the dogs used to hunt lions in southern Africa.
Hence his name, Siraf, meaning fearless.
After a little food and water, and one small encounter with the cat, he seemed less fearful and willing to explore. The two big dogs, Simaba and Tiger were tied up at their house. Taking Tiger with her chain to the front porch, we began the introduction process of this baby to a new auntie. After a few hours, it was clear that Tiger could manage him and he was willing to obey her. Simba wasn't quite so sure about this new addition and barked every time he saw this little intruder in our yard. (Today he is much quieter about it all.)
Here is shot of Tiger, coming to see what I'm doing.
Here is Siraf dozing in a corner at the back door.
I know I don't need 3 dogs, especially since this little guy might grow to be bigger than Simba. But for the time being, he is gift to us for Christmas. By the way, he has some Rhodesian Ridgeback genes, evidenced in the fur strip along his spine. These were the dogs used to hunt lions in southern Africa.
Hence his name, Siraf, meaning fearless.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
It used to be, here in Uganda, that mail was "delivered" by people tossing the letters or parcels into the round-about at the center of the town. People near by would collect and give to the addressee when next seen.
Currently, in Uganda, mail is hand delivered through friends, bus drivers going to the destination or through the post system. Many people have post office boxes, and any business of any size has one too. In Kampala there are two post offices, one downtown and one nearer to where I stay.
There is no home delivery, and no junk mail!! Since living here I have received mail in each of the following ways:
-delivered by interns or staff coming to eMi EA
-from the eMi EA post office box
-from my own PO box
-from Heritage School
It still takes 3 weeks to receive a letter posted from the US to here, and about the same for the return. Good thing there is email and the fb chat and blogs to keep us well connected.
Next time you are at the Post Office or see you mail carrier, be sure to thank them for the good work they do. I certainly appreciate the staff at Clock Tower Post Office where I have my box.
Currently, in Uganda, mail is hand delivered through friends, bus drivers going to the destination or through the post system. Many people have post office boxes, and any business of any size has one too. In Kampala there are two post offices, one downtown and one nearer to where I stay.
There is no home delivery, and no junk mail!! Since living here I have received mail in each of the following ways:
-delivered by interns or staff coming to eMi EA
-from the eMi EA post office box
-from my own PO box
-from Heritage School
It still takes 3 weeks to receive a letter posted from the US to here, and about the same for the return. Good thing there is email and the fb chat and blogs to keep us well connected.
Next time you are at the Post Office or see you mail carrier, be sure to thank them for the good work they do. I certainly appreciate the staff at Clock Tower Post Office where I have my box.
Friday, December 17, 2010
School staff
Florence had 5 of the students present gifts to each of the volunteers and teachers too.
Kara, wife of an eMi EA staff, volunteers twice a week, to read, teach and play with the students. Her daughter, Leah, sometimes comes along.
Brittany, an eMi EA intern for this past 9 months, has been teaching one morning a week for the past 4 months. She will return to Uganda in March, hopefully on staff.
Frances, wife of the American Embassy's Head of Maintenance, has come on Friday mornings for the entire year. An experienced foster mom, she has a heart for kids as strong as Florence's.
Miriam teaches the middle group of students and works with them on the letters and numbers. (She is studying accounting!)
Rachel has charge of the "baby" class, the 3-4 year olds. But one of them can already read!
Each child had a gift bag containing: a pencil, eraser, exercise book, 8-10 pieces of candy, 2 candy canes and 2 toys. Every one went home very happy.
Kara, wife of an eMi EA staff, volunteers twice a week, to read, teach and play with the students. Her daughter, Leah, sometimes comes along.
Brittany, an eMi EA intern for this past 9 months, has been teaching one morning a week for the past 4 months. She will return to Uganda in March, hopefully on staff.
Frances, wife of the American Embassy's Head of Maintenance, has come on Friday mornings for the entire year. An experienced foster mom, she has a heart for kids as strong as Florence's.
Miriam teaches the middle group of students and works with them on the letters and numbers. (She is studying accounting!)
Rachel has charge of the "baby" class, the 3-4 year olds. But one of them can already read!
Each child had a gift bag containing: a pencil, eraser, exercise book, 8-10 pieces of candy, 2 candy canes and 2 toys. Every one went home very happy.
King of Kings - Florence's School
Florence is a teacher with a loving heart to teach children: about letters and numbers, about Jesus, about tying shoes and washing hands and sharing toys. She and her two daughters, Miriam, 24, and Rachel, 23, work hard to make schooling interesting and fun for these children, ages 3 to 6. Sometimes they share their frustrations with me.
Some of the kids have health issues that haven't been recognized, i.e. one girl who finally had surgery to remove a piece of metal that was in her lung or a youngster with a serious ear infection. Some children are sent only intermittently by their families, especially when there is no money to pay the fees. There have been times when the child has no snack for mid-morning or even juice, so the teachers share out whatever they have brought.
This one room school, with a latrine behind, is full of kids having fun learning and playing. There is room outside for running around and kicking balls, or riding small bikes, when the tires work.
At the end of November, the end of last term for the year, there was a wonderful Christmas party for the children. Volunteers who have worked for the past 4 months brought pencils, exercise books, candy, and erasers. Another volunteer made carry bags to put things into. Because of generous donations from friends in the States, there were small toys for each child and foods to eat that they had only heard about but never eaten: pasta, sausage, watermelon, apples and ice cream.
Some of the kids have health issues that haven't been recognized, i.e. one girl who finally had surgery to remove a piece of metal that was in her lung or a youngster with a serious ear infection. Some children are sent only intermittently by their families, especially when there is no money to pay the fees. There have been times when the child has no snack for mid-morning or even juice, so the teachers share out whatever they have brought.
This one room school, with a latrine behind, is full of kids having fun learning and playing. There is room outside for running around and kicking balls, or riding small bikes, when the tires work.
At the end of November, the end of last term for the year, there was a wonderful Christmas party for the children. Volunteers who have worked for the past 4 months brought pencils, exercise books, candy, and erasers. Another volunteer made carry bags to put things into. Because of generous donations from friends in the States, there were small toys for each child and foods to eat that they had only heard about but never eaten: pasta, sausage, watermelon, apples and ice cream.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wow
Oh My Gosh,
It is almost the end of the year! Where has the time gone??
Since Sept's blog, I've been to CA for 3 fun-filled weeks, hosted Tony v here coming and going from his trips to western Uganda, completed teaching the SAT preparation course at Heritage International School for a class of 11 students, and committed to continue the class with 1 hour a week beginning in Jan.
Recently it has been cookie making time. This is one of the Christmas traditions I really like, making a sharing fancy cookies with others. I've tried making some simple candy, but what a mess that usually comes out to be! That's one skill/talent that hasn't improved with age.
My friends from Ukiah United Methodist and from Redwood Coast Regional Center blessed my housemate Florence abundantly by buying the potholders, and other items that I "hawked" when we were hanging out together. Florence used all the raised funds to buy more teaching materials for her school, provide a great Christmas party (with the help of some of her volunteers here) and has enough savings to expand her school building to 2 rooms for the next term. God is very good, all the time.
This entry is more like a Christmas letter, as it brings my heartfelt wonder at what miracles still happen when we let God run our lives, all parts of our life, and the blessings that can be poured out for the good of others.
May this season and your next year be full of blessings, so that you can continue to bless others.
Shalom
It is almost the end of the year! Where has the time gone??
Since Sept's blog, I've been to CA for 3 fun-filled weeks, hosted Tony v here coming and going from his trips to western Uganda, completed teaching the SAT preparation course at Heritage International School for a class of 11 students, and committed to continue the class with 1 hour a week beginning in Jan.
Recently it has been cookie making time. This is one of the Christmas traditions I really like, making a sharing fancy cookies with others. I've tried making some simple candy, but what a mess that usually comes out to be! That's one skill/talent that hasn't improved with age.
My friends from Ukiah United Methodist and from Redwood Coast Regional Center blessed my housemate Florence abundantly by buying the potholders, and other items that I "hawked" when we were hanging out together. Florence used all the raised funds to buy more teaching materials for her school, provide a great Christmas party (with the help of some of her volunteers here) and has enough savings to expand her school building to 2 rooms for the next term. God is very good, all the time.
This entry is more like a Christmas letter, as it brings my heartfelt wonder at what miracles still happen when we let God run our lives, all parts of our life, and the blessings that can be poured out for the good of others.
May this season and your next year be full of blessings, so that you can continue to bless others.
Shalom
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
termination
That has such a final sound to it, doesn't it?
A few weeks ago, I declared one of my staff “redundant” a phrase used here to describe that the position is no longer needed. After giving the notice letter, paying out benefits and providing a reference letter, what more was there to do?
Speaking the truth, with love. This one is, like me, imperfect, a beloved child of God, and in need of healing and forgiveness. So surrounded by prayer, seeking God's heart, I opened to this one, the need for honesty in all parts of working, of serving faithfully and not giving in to temptation. The model we live is copied by our children, no words needed. If this one wants children to grow up, ethically and spiritually strong, then the daily life is the teaching tool.
After some time, it was clear that the surprise at being “caught” was replaced by wonder at forgiveness and finding a ready welcome to return for a visit or conversation. I do pray that a soft heart, ready to change into a more honest, trustworthy employee comes into being. This employee is smart, caring and loving. A great person, in need of continued growth and nurture....just like all of us. May God walk close and whisper frequently, showing the way to go.
A few weeks ago, I declared one of my staff “redundant” a phrase used here to describe that the position is no longer needed. After giving the notice letter, paying out benefits and providing a reference letter, what more was there to do?
Speaking the truth, with love. This one is, like me, imperfect, a beloved child of God, and in need of healing and forgiveness. So surrounded by prayer, seeking God's heart, I opened to this one, the need for honesty in all parts of working, of serving faithfully and not giving in to temptation. The model we live is copied by our children, no words needed. If this one wants children to grow up, ethically and spiritually strong, then the daily life is the teaching tool.
After some time, it was clear that the surprise at being “caught” was replaced by wonder at forgiveness and finding a ready welcome to return for a visit or conversation. I do pray that a soft heart, ready to change into a more honest, trustworthy employee comes into being. This employee is smart, caring and loving. A great person, in need of continued growth and nurture....just like all of us. May God walk close and whisper frequently, showing the way to go.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Next generation in Tiika
As we sat on the veranda one evening sheltered a bit from the wind and the showers, 3 teen girls passed by the side of the house, very surprised to find us there. One of the 3 greeted me in English, while the others greeted in the local language. As they moved away, Josephine and her niece, Daisylanda, chided them on their rudeness. Finally all three came and greeted “properly”. With some encouragement they began to talk with me answering my questions carefully.
I had to slow my speech and improve my enunciation of each letter in a word to be more readily understood. One girl hopes to study the raising of cattle, another, maize and the third, trees. They are all in P7, the last year of elementary school, although they were about 15 or 16 years of age. Whether they can continue will depend upon their families' ability to raise the required school fees.
I had to slow my speech and improve my enunciation of each letter in a word to be more readily understood. One girl hopes to study the raising of cattle, another, maize and the third, trees. They are all in P7, the last year of elementary school, although they were about 15 or 16 years of age. Whether they can continue will depend upon their families' ability to raise the required school fees.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Gold Mining III
Once the dirt is removed the sand is washed with powdered white mercury.
The mercury adheres to gold dust and is also heavier than the sand or water, so all the stirring moves this to the bottom of the basin. When all the sand is washed away, only the gold and mercury are left.
This mixture is placed into a cloth and wrung out tightly, forcing most of the mercury thru the cloth, leaving the gold dust and some mercury behind.
These small balls are carefully gathered up and collected for sale to brokers in Busia.
The sand is collected and taken back for re-pounding to attempt to retrieve more gold dust.
The work would go easier if they had some equipment, like a pump for removing the ground water from the caves and a gold metal detector to trace the ore veins. But in the meantime, they do what they can do and work very hard at it.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Gold Mining II
The rock pieces are bagged and carried by back or bicycle to a pounding place. There, with lead weighted metal poles the rocks are pulverized into fine sand, which is placed into large basins.
These basins are taken to the nearby “river”, actually a small stream this time of year, with pools of water. The basins are wetted with water, held just below the surface and the dirt is washed away. Gold particles and the sand it adheres to are heavier than the dust and dirt and water.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Gold Mining I
One labor intensive industry that supports some families in the “off” season from agriculture is digging for gold. The process here is detailed with pictures as it is very different from what was initially used in CA 170 years back.
Rock is dug out of the ground by pick and hammer, sometimes creating 15' deep caves/tunnels. This cavern was made over a 2 year period. It curves to follow the band of rock containing the gold.
The ground water that comes in is removed by buckets or basins. The same containers are used to lift out the ore and rocks broken loose by the miners.
Rock is dug out of the ground by pick and hammer, sometimes creating 15' deep caves/tunnels. This cavern was made over a 2 year period. It curves to follow the band of rock containing the gold.
The ground water that comes in is removed by buckets or basins. The same containers are used to lift out the ore and rocks broken loose by the miners.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Family History
Josephine, 58, and her brother Moses, 81, are the surviving children from a family that had only 4 kids. Their father was very progressive in that he gave land to his daughters as well as his sons. Moses has had 4 different wives, with 15 children altogether. His last wife left him with 4 kids and ran off to another man. The youngest and next youngest are with him. The 5 year old is very independent and has abilities beyond his age, able to make a fire and cook porridge. The 12 year old is learning to drive a boda-boda and makes 2-4,000/= a day when there is work.
Josephine has 3 daughters, one in the US, one in Norway and one in Uganda. She lives in Kampala, fairly near to the former eMi office, but her heart is clearly in this village and with her family here.
Josephine has 3 daughters, one in the US, one in Norway and one in Uganda. She lives in Kampala, fairly near to the former eMi office, but her heart is clearly in this village and with her family here.
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