FOOLED YOU

Who would have thought ,ten years ago, that I would be on the back of a boda boda,travelling through the poverty of Namuwongo, up to the comparative peace and quiet of our hotel, after the last day. We gave treats to the kids: healthy cereal, dried banana, pineapple, and raisins. We invited the Ruby 11. James, the co director of the Peace club, a teacher, came by with a gift for Bob and I. Another gift from the wonderful sect of the school. Although it is tough to say goodbye to the children, and now the older children, Olivia, our teacher, and the Peace Club, I find this length perfect. We accomplished what we set out to do. I still , truly, find it amazing that I am here and have done this. Amazing. I wish... no. I wish too much, and not for me. Bye now. J

AN ADMISSION

The kids have porridge at 10,and break at 10:30. They come back to class at 11. Olivia, the real teacher went to see her sister who is going back to their village. She came back at 11:06. There was CHAOS! Charles was running around poking others wit a big stick. Mutebi and Jimmy were fighting. Two were under the teacher's desk, three were crying. I ran around trying to put out fires, but to no avail!!! I gasped a sigh of relief when O came back in, and, although I refused to read Hop on Pop, as I had tried to we had a phonics lesson and Words In Colour without the colour. THEN I started Hop on Pop. Bob and I bought books over the weekend, and Peter, the Headmaster, promised to add more. I feel Bob and I have had a successful time here with the project, and, hope that L. O. V.E. chooses to continue what we introduced. Its hot today...We bought treats for tomorrow, our last morning. Fare thee well,and love from us.

May be the last one till Sweden?

Bob says we will be too rushed to write Monday or Tuesday, which will be hectic. Tomorrow we leave at 7:15, work till noon, come back, rest a bit, and go back to help Gadafi with his multiplication tables and meet with the Peace and Justice Club, which is comprised of 8- 13 or so year olds. Some have already taken photos of: "things that are happy and things that are sad in my life". We already created a tradition! At the end of each meeting we cross link arms and sing: "step by step the longest march can be done,,," it is hard not to cry. As for our babies, Ruby wanted a report on her 11, and I can say that one of hers, Veronica, is screaming less, and crying less. We will give the NLP and Ruby's 11 a special treat on Tuesday, when we will work 8-10:30..... shlep back across Namuwongo, up a hill that resembles a dusty, rutted Ridgewood,....come back tired, and be picked up at 2:00 p.m. to go to Entebbe,.....then Addis Ababa, then Rome, then Sweden. Love to all our friends from Bob and Judy

GRAVELY INSULTED

WHY? Because "people" seem to prefer Bob's blogs to mine! Woe is me. I was quite sick yesterday and did not go to work. The teacher, Olivia, had brought her daughter for me to meet, and, of course, I was not able to....Bob says the teaching went well. After work Bob walked over to the IN NEED HOME, our previous headquarters, and was warmly greeted by Anny and Lilian. My only report of the day is that I ate only a quarter of a slice of toast all day, and I was serenaded by loud cries of ecstacy emanating from a room whose occupants were obviously taking drugs and having sex. As for the party the night before, our guests seemed happy. We had Mr.Okoth and his wife, Ronah and Joyce, and Esther Watts' neice,Casey.This was the 4th and best attempt to have grilled chicken, and approached what I wanted. Today I have revived and we are off to find the 1000 Cups Coffee Shop , with no address available. We leave Tuesday morning! J

TOWARD THE END

The executive are the wonderful children who run the Peace and Justice Club of St, Henry"s School. We met with them yesterday and they printed some of their photos as well as wrote some stories(we are bringing them back with us and I think you will find them quite interesting). Today, I spent some time teaching the students the sounds that some of the letters make as well as spelling for some simple words. The thrill that they showed made the effort worthwhile. How tired I now feel. These young children wear me out more than the older children I once taught. But it was worth it. The picture of us: Get up and have breakfast around six forty-five. Then we begin our half and hour journey on the red soil that finds itself on the side of a roadway. Red roofed houses shelter behind red or white walls as speeding boda bodas (motorcyclists with relaxed passengers barely holding on) fly by. Then another roadway at right angles appears. We move to the right. The red line now become a blotch and we move more leisurely on it except where trucks block our way then we try to walk gingerly around them. Then suddenly a dull orange roadway appears we move up it. The climb is gradual and we meet many people coming and going. We move to the left passed a pub and then our climb begins. A small mountain appears,orange and rutted,with occasional trucks,boda bodas,cars speeding upward. Then it appears: St.Henrys. We have done it! We arrive at 8 and leave about noon and then we walk back. Four hours with these wonderful children and then the hike back. And I will miss it all: the screaming children,the kindly overworked teachers,the red roadways,the palm trees.... Bob

Party Day

Bob will post a blog today, too, but I wanted to say how nice it is to read your comments. Also, working at the JGH will be a cinch after this. Its humbling...We took photos thanking the 4 schools that raised $ for us via Howard.
Evie, the Chinese restaurant sells the eggplant hui sing! Maybe the gang can come here after the Saturday film. Rochelle, is Doreen reading this blog? Bob and I are fine. I just bought 2 pineapples for tonight. I had previously bought ground nuts and compained to Bob that they wern't as good as ones I previously ate, and then found out they had to be roasted! We switched from the Chez Johnson. It's nicer, and less expensive. Moishe and Roz , keep commenting! We love your comments, everyone! Love J.

GUNS and ROSES

I believe the word is ubiquitous...everywhere there are guns. Police, soldiers, guards...In Namuwongo one can't walk 20 paces without guns. We are used to it and don't bat an eyelash. Yesterday, the kids in the Peace and Justice group broke in to 2, and I went to the Soweto section of Namuwongo. It was not pleasant, but it is where some of the kids live their lives. Maybe they will do better.... Our little literacy project is doing well. I had one today who put sounds together to make words. Of course I was mad with pleasure.There was 1 girl, Veronica who screamed and cried constantly, but was switched to Ruby's class. Now she comes in to say Hello teacha Judy, and sings. She never did when she was with us. Tomorrow we are hosting a party! We tried the grilled chicken 3 times and it has not been what I want!!!!(sound familiar, Kavita and Ruby) I hope it is good tomorrow......Invitees: Mr. Okoth, headmaster of St. Henry's,and his wife, Ronah and Joyce, teachers of our kids lasst year, and Esther Watts' niece, who has been working here for a year. We will serve wine! Back to the important stuff: the project at St Henry's goes well. We want to expand, but maybe we must wait till the kids have been there longer. I already see 2 kids who should be sponsored to real school, but that is for 1 of you to decide! These kids steal your hearts, but after 40 plus years of teaching, I quiver if Olivia, the real 'teacha', leaves for more than 10 minutes! Chaos in needle park! love to all.

New News

Exciting Times: Taught a class where the students had to count pencils and give me the exact number I asked for. They did very well. Judy and I met with members of the Executive and they took pictures of sad and happy things. Will meet again with them on Wed (tomorrow) to see how everything worked out. One day going home noticed some kids behind me trying to see if they could beat me. I then challenged them to a walking race. Again, walking with members of the Executive, I challenged them for the honor of Canada to beat me. I am proud to say Canada won. The members of the Executive I was with could not think of any happy things in their lives; one wanted a picture of himself before a picture of his dead mother. I wait to see what these students have to say about their lives. Bob

ANOTHER WONDERFUL DAY

at least WE think it's wonderful.....To begin,we had an appointment with a pineapple vendor for before 8. We wanted to bring pineapples for the teachers at St. Henry's. We waited till 8:20,and went to check the next vendor who wasn't there either, so we had to go to an expensive store to get the pineapples and were late to school. I hope they enjoyed the fruit. Our classroom has too many kids in it, a long story, and just about no materials. I believe things will get better.The kids are wonderful, though there is one who should be in Eva's class at the JGH. Im trying to get the teacher to add a smile to a face with eyes and a nose only, when she, for half a second, does what the teacher asks. Mostly she cries. I thought a cute kid Maureen was trying to teach me the acholi word for pencil, but she was saying 'colahred'. It took time till it dawned. I taught them a song using the words Muyenga and Namuwongo, and ued the song for reading. Olivia, the teacher, was interested. We are totally beat after each day, BUT last night we went to a chinese restaurant near us, and it was delicious..I wish all of you could see the whole place. The smog, traffic,a poor but proud school, and kids that you would love to know..I hate being on the computer, but I want to SHARE all this! Love, Judy

MEETING THE EXECUTIVE

I know that everyone wants to find out what happened when we met the executive and tried to get them interested in photo-journalism but I know that good photo-journalists must try to keep their readers interested in what they are writing and one of the best ways of doing this is not to give away the punchline so I will talk about other things until you just can't take it anymore and then I will tell you the answer. I feel high being in Africa. I love to walk along a roadway(there are no sidewalks only 'sidewalks' where red dirt has creeped on the roadway creating a differentiation of color. This is our pathway and we--hundreds of us---walk along it while motor cyclists shoot by with passengers calmly sitting on the back of motorcycles. Sometimes they stray onto our pathways; sometimes accidentally,sometimes,or so it seems,to show their macho ways. And thus we journey on our way toward St. Henri School and thus we journey back. And I,crazy Bob. love it. I move into the masses,becoming one with them. And feeling one with them I love it. And , crazy as it is, no one walking on this pretend roadway with craazy motorcyclists skooting passed us is afraid. None is afraid, No one. Now will you stop it and tell us about your meeting. What are you going to say about the roadway? I really only care about the meeting with the executive. Oh well, okay, I'll tell us. They accepted what we mentioned. Tomorrow, they begin to photograph. The executive is fantastic. Eight wonderful kids. Bbob

A Full Day

Its been a full day. First, the hotel did not give us a wake up call at six,which we had asked for. Thank goodness I decided to stay up when I awakened at four A.M. We must be at the NLP by 7 :45. The morning is long with 30 kids at many different levels, kids who have no school preparation . Olivia, the teacher, Bob, and I did some reading,writing,and shading (working with crayons). We spoke with the headmaster at recess. He was interested in our suggestions re: Leave Out Violence. By the afternoon we met with the two teachers who are now at the "Social Justice Club", and tomorrow we will meet with the 8 children who form the executive. We gave the teachers each a LOVE camera and will go out with the executive 4-5 times to take photos of good things and difficult things in their lives. Finally each will choose photos and write journals. On the way home we heard drummings and asked to watch an amazing group of teenagers. Practicing "tribal dances" just like in Fire Danced (an excellent film). Judy

OUR FIRST DAY!!!!!!

The trip was, thankfully uneventful. We followed Terry McEchern's sage advice and spent the lst night in Entebbe. In the morning we took a private hire to the Chez Johnson hotel, booked in and followed Mr. Okoth's directions to the St, Henry School;. Olivia has "our class." The walk from Chez Johnson to St. Henry takes about 20 minutes. A good part is through Namuwongo (very familiar to us,now). Our classroom is quite bare and shabby. Put aside all pictures you may have of private Catholic school.... Hardly any books or toys.... The best,most anticipated,happiest moments came from meeting with children we taught last year. They swarmed and milled. Truly amazing. And when asked to, broke into "Miss Mary Mack". They remembered the words better than we do. We ate with the other teachers posh (gruel) and beans and looked forward to the Italian Grocery Store. On our way there we met up with Ronah and exchanged news. The ice cream was wonderful. Now we have to prepare lessons for tomorrow. Bob and Judy

TROUBLE?

In the comparative comfort of home, I forgot the user name I need for this blog. Then,the password.Trusted Howard put me back on track!!! This morning I had to change CDN for US funds,remembering that in Uganda, the banks eschew any bills that are either/and /or old ,crumpled. They check carefully,even crisp bills. In return, for Ugandan shillings, par]per money one gets old,used,and decidedly un crisp bills. But mission accomplished: money for Sophia(never met), Ronah, and the In Need Home. Each will be pleased to get money for the beads we sold for them.I find it hard to believe that in a few days, Bob and I will ,hopefully,be at the Chez(pronounced Ches)Johnson budget hotel in Muyenga.We will sorely miss Kavita, Ruby,and Howard,and wish there were volunteers coming with us!A la prochaine, Judy

THE TIME APPROACHES

Writing a blog here in Montreal is totally unlike doing it in Africa...so Im practicing here,where the electricity won't go out and it's calm and peaceful.Just had a phone call from a recent McGill Education grad who sounds interested in volunteering. On Friday, im meeting with Doreen who hasnt signed in blood,but is a possible? likely volunteer. My blood races and I get excited thinking and talking.We may be building a connection with a wonderful organization called Leave Out Violence. More about that another time... Bob and I fly to Entebbe and will stay at a B&B one night. We take a "hire" to Kampala,and will stay at the budget Chez Johnson hotel,which is within walking distance to our fledgling class of 15 kids,who will learn to READ, WRITE and do basic MATHS,because of our work and your support!

GETTING READY TO GO!

We will be leaving Montreal on June 28,for Uganda. The adventure starts again. We will post a blog every night. Bob and I are so....excited! Howard may not be able to go as planned,as he has a terrible reaction to Malarone,and wont take larium...imagine that ,he's worried about a little thing like hallucinations!Judy

Kavita & Ruby's final blog!

Today was the day we were dreading since we got here - the day we had to say goodbye to the NLP kids. We wanted it to be a special day fr them, so we started out with giving them some peanut butter on their morning chapati snack :) Can't even describe how cute it was to see Winnie beaming with peanut butter all over her face! Friday's curriculum had a bit of a twist in it because we wanted them to have a really fun time with both Group A & B combined. We started out with sharing songs and boy were they really giving everything they had!.. After about 5 rounds of music, storytime began. We did our best to entertain and then it was tie to review what we had taught the children since our arrival one month ago. We were so impressed as they reflected on the different themes - Simon the Elephant, The Life Stages of a Butterfly, Different ways to name and express emotions and Animals native to Uganda. Their knowledge and efforts made us so proud.
Later after the break we had a special edition of PE (just because it was so much fun the last time, we couldn't resist!). The kids danced and played games in a circle and then we introduced them to hopscotch relays. We drew out 6 boards on the concrete and had them race in teams of 5. It was group A vs B, girls vs boys, no holds barred! Before we knew it, it was time for a delicious meal of posho and split peas. Afterwards, tired and full, they a lay down for a nap. When the break ended, it was time to start our goodbyes. The children went first, thanking us for coming, for reading them stories, and for teaching them songs. Some also raised their hands and told us they loved us, asked us to come back again, and to greet Teachas Howard, Tania, Judy, and Bob for them. We promised we'd pass it along. We held back our tears as the teachers said a few words, and then it was left to us to tell the kids how much they meant to us. It's a wonder that the waterworks didn't begin right then and there! We told them how happy we were to have made 30 new friends in Uganda, and although we can't say when, we promised we will back. Hopefully, by then we will be visiting most of them at school!
We had 2 final surprises for the kids before the end of the day: each was given two items of clothing, and a bag of food (rice and beans) for them to take home and share with their families. Many of them wear the same ripped, stained, and over sized or too small clothes every single day so you can imagine how excited they were at the sight of their new threads. :) It was also really important to us to give them something that wasn't just for them, but for their families as well. They went totally silent as we distributed the bags of food, and then to proceeded to carry them on their heads. Very cute. After some closing prayers, lead by Annet Fiona and Winnie,we walked them down the road one last time and said our final goodbyes.
We miss the kids already, and are getting ready to leave Africa with the knowledge that they have taught us more than we could ever teach them in a month's time. We will never forget them, and we look forward to our return to Uganda!

Love from Uganda,
Kavita & Ruby

--- Judy, we forgot to mention that Headmaster Peter told us that Gadafi hasn't missed a day of school since your visit. Phew!

2 days left with the kids...

It's so hard to believe we are in our final days with the kids, where did the time go? Yesterday we visited Headmaster Peter at St. Henry's Primary School to bring himsomemedical supplies and ask some questions about sponsorship of the kids. We were really excited when he showed us around the construction site behind the school which is soon to become a boarding area for students. His goal is to get as many children as possible out of the slums - completely. We were inspired by his ambition and jolly disposition, (and we vowed to get him on video - he's quite the character!). After our meeting we made our way back to the In Need Home where Rona's class was working on irregular plurals and Joyce's class was making progress with addition.

We were happy to see that almost all of the kids had brought their new raincoats to school (funny because it was a beautiful sunny day!). They were excited,even more so when when IT STARTED TO RAIN!!! They went crazy, they all wanted to run outside and test out their new jackets! We were so happy to see their beautiful smiling faces :)

Today Rona's group worked on constructing sentences and learning about "Good Behavior". We had so much fun having the children act out different scenarios where they had to exercise good behavior and manners!

Ruby was with Joyce's class and they continued with addition,letter writing ad lots of songs. Before we knew it it was time for PE, we had relay races and games, but the highlight was when the children did demonstrations of their traditional Lugandan and Acholi tribal dances accompanied by Joyce who was singing and playing drums on an empty bucket! It was unforgettable.

The day came to an end, but not before we gave them all a special surprise. Beautiful, soft warm blankets! We felt that it was important to give them something that they could share with their families - especial after having seen where and how some of these children live. It will be nice to know they're sleeping cosy and warm under a special blanket given to them with so much love.

More to come tomorrow!

Take good care,

Kavita and Ruby :)

xo

Raincoats and shoes for everyone!

Today was a beautiful day weather-wise and at the NLP. We were so relieved (and grateful) when our friend Daniel agreed to give us a lift to school this morning because we would have seriously struggled if we’d walked with those heavy bags of jackets and shoes. It was also great that Daniel finally got to see where we work and meet the kids. The children welcomed him by screaming with excitement and hugging him- it was as if he was a returning volunteer. Think he was a little overwhelmed but nonetheless said he’s be back for another visit tomorrow.
When the teachers and Annie saw what we’d bought for the kids, they were shocked and excited. They seemed even more impressed by the fact that we’d ventured out into Owino market on our own and bargained like local Ugandans. We are hard core!
After lunch, we had a meeting with Annie and Lilianne to elucidate the process of sponsorship that allows the children to go to primary school. We really hope that these children get sponsored and are doing all that we can while we are here to ensure that the process is a simple one so that people at home can donate easily. We also questioned Annie and Lilianne about the fact that there are only 28 kids at present at the NLP. As of tomorrow, the Namuwongo Literacy Project will be at capacity and we will have a jacket, shoes, and a blanket for each new student! YES!
After lunch we pulled the kids out of class one-by-one and fitted them with jackets and shoes. Hard to say who was more excited- us or them! We were pretty overwhelmed seeing them in their shiny coats down to their knees (they will grow into them!) and knowing that the next time it rains, they will stay dry, and they will be able to come to school. No excuses!  Among the jackets was a vintage navy Montreal Expos raincoat, now proudly worn by little Devino. If only he knew how much he could get for that jacket back home!
We have lots more to do this week and time is running out… We are determined to do as much as we can for the kids and the community over the next few days. Keep you posted!

Looking forward to tomorrow!

Lots of love,
Ruby & Kavita

The excitement never ends :)

What a great weekend! Yesterday we took the drive to Jinga to see the river Nile, what an adventure. We were happily on our way when all of a sudden the traffic started to slow and eventually came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. Our driver , looking ahead told us that there had been an accident and he went to check out exactly what had happened. After a few minutes he came back with the report : no one had died (this was the good news!), but a huge beer truck had flipped over and crashed in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision. There was broken glass everywhere. What a mess! We asked if we could help and ran to the scene of the accident with the medical supplies we had. We spent the next hour or so taking car of the driver and his partner who were still in shock. They had a few gashes, and with the help of Miss Ruby (Super Assistant #1), I did my best to clean and patch them up. After that ordeal, we hopped back in the car and continued on to the Nile. When we got there we couldn't believe that we were actually looking at the Nile! It exceeded our expectations and it was so exciting to dip out fingers into the water :). Then it was off to the Bujugali Falls - they were stunning! Tired from a long day we made our way back to "Chez Johnson", or should I say, home sweet home.

We spent the day today shopping for the children. After the first rainfall we knew we had to get them all raincoats, it was terrible to see them coming to school soaking wet and cold. We jumped on a Mutatu and went to Owino Market (which sells just abut anything and everything you can imagine - chickens, shoes, whatever!). The sun was hot, and the market was rocking! We ended up getting raincoats and shoes for all the kids for a great deal. The man we bought the coats from (Fred) was so nice, he even explained to us how we were supposed to be bargaining, and then accepted our offer. It felt nice to be able to give him the money and support his earnings. We told him what they were for and he was so happy that we had come all the way from Canada to help the children of Uganda. Then he took us to another stall and got us a great price on the shoes! I can;t wait to give the children their raincoats tomorrow, the only question is - How are we going to get them all there!?!?

All in all it was a great week-end. Every day, Ruby and I are asking ourselves how did the time fly by so quickly, how are we ever going to say goodbye - and then we pretend like we're staying forever because it feels like home. (Don't worry, we're still coming back next Monday!)

Lots of Love,
Kavita
xxoxx

1 week left!

Ronah had an appointment this morning so Kavita and I were alone with her class until about 10:30. We reviewed the life stages of a butterfly and were so impressed with how much they remembered! Then we had them sing some songs to wake them up (they are still getting used to the 8am start time), while we laughed hysterically at the sight of them dancing “calypso” with so much rhythm and attitude! So adorable! This was followed by Math, and we continue to teach multiplication as Ronah had started earlier. Barbara, Bosco, and Julius K were among some of the children who finished their work correctly and quickly and asked for more work once theirs was done! We couldn’t say no, of course, so we gave them more work (and more difficult, too!) which they completed effortlessly!

Just before the morning break it started to rain so we ushered all the kids into Joyce’s small classroom. Ronah arrived and organized a “battle” between group A and B. It was a riot! The two groups stood facing each other in a back and forth song and dance competition that had us in stitches. One group sang “shake, shake, the mango tree”, and the other would respond with “Baby beluga”, etc.. This went on for about 15 minutes.
Then it was story time, but for a change the kids were the ones to tell the tales. Immaculate Julius K. sat in front of their classmates and quietly took turns telling Ugandan legends in their native Lugandan. Ronah had the kids translate the stories into English afterwards.
Today’s lunch was delicious split peas and posho. The children sit in circle and eat their lunch so quietly. For those who are used to getting just one meal a day, and are now receiving 3, it is a real treat! We decided today that they need some time rest after lunch instead of running wildly around the compound on full stomachs as they have been doing. Winnie threw up all over the floor after just 5 minutes of play time. Little Sharon, who looks like she is 4 years old but is about 6, gave her friend hand and cleaned it up with a mop and bucket like she was looking after her own child.

the afternoon, Ronah asked the kids what kinds of things they do in their homes to which many replied, “wash the clothes” “take care of baby for mommy” “fetch water” etc. The responsibilities they have at such a young age are unbelievable. Winnie replied, “make poopoo in the toilet”. The class was hysterical. I can’t believe we are leaving in a week. I miss these kids already.

Off to Jinga tomorrow to see the source of the Nile!

Xo
Ruby

Thursday's post.

We didn’t post yesterday because the power went out before we could post online. Luckily, we were working in a word doc that saved. Here is yesterday’s blog:

Today was our first day without Judy and Bob… Despite the fact that we missed them terribly, was a really great day at the NLP. Ronah and Joyce let us take over quite a bit more than usual and we loved it! In the morning, we taught a lesson on insects (Ronah's class), and did some reading and writing from the blackboard. We were so impressed with how well the older group can read, and how hard they try to sound out the words they don't recognize. Some, however, don't even have to try that hard! Bosco, a charming boy in the older group, has been moved to the back of the class to give his classmates a chance because he knows the answer to everything. Today blew us away by reading "termites" and "caterpillar" off the board. At times he appears bored and understimulated, emphasizing the fact that it is “criminal” (in Judy’s words) that he is not in school.
In the afternoon, we combined classes and taught a lesson on the life stages of the butterfly, while introducing some new vocabulary. Then the kids coloured and decorated paper butterflies that we cut out from construction paper. They had a blast! We told them that since butterflies fly away, they had to give theirs to a friend. Most gave theirs to us and the teachers... We are going to plan more group science and art activities to do next week since today was such a success. :)

Love,
R & K

JUDY & BOB'S LAST NIGHT

I can't believe this is my last night in Kampala. The second experience was as exciting as the first! Those kids are truly wonderful. I 'know' 29 of the 35 quite well already, each with interesting features: Winnie, so tiny, so smart...... yesterday her ripped dress was falling off; Bosco, who cries at the drop of a hat, but is probably the top pupil; Annet, who grumps when she doesn't get the longest pencil; Julius who always looks sick; and Stella, who shoots the teachers dirty looks.
When they have any food, a usually rambunctious group is suddenly silent. It breaks ones heart. We have loved working at N.L.P.
Bob got a bit sick but is stalwart. The 2 volunteers are AMAZING. clap, clap, clap etc. for YOU!, Ruby and Kavita.....I am sad to leave these kids.
Please support them in what ever way you are able. I have some nice necklaces. Love to all. I am too immersed to really miss anyone, but once in Holland.........
Love to all. Farewell Namuwongo,...... disrupted, difficult lives,....... children with no future.... Judy

July 21st 2008 (the halfway point!)

So today marks the halfway point of our journey, the time is flying as Ruby and I only have two more weeks here in Uganda. This past weekend we made the long journey to Queen Elizabeth Park for an amazing Safari. Luck was on our side as we had the opportunity to see baboons, elephants, Ugandan Kob, waterbuck, buffalo, Nile crocodiles, warthogs, hippos and a whole bunch of beautiful birds we can't remember the names of! The 8 hour drive (that's right, 8 hours) was unforgettable. This country is stunning. We saw lush fields of tea, thousands of banana trees, misty mountains and beautiful people dressed in vibrant colours. It was nice to head out of the city and experience another side of life in Uganda. We arrived at the Chez Johnson yesterday evening, excited to see Judy and Bob, and even more excited to see the children!

Today was a big day for everyone - our first full day of school! We arrived at the In Need Home at 7:45am and were surprised to see that almost all of the children were already there! It was a very special day in that today was the first time the children were served a full meal! As you can imagine, they were ecstatic! It was a very full day, not to mention hectic - looks like the new schedule will take some getting used to (by all of us!), but we're happy and looking forward to spending as much time as we can with the kids!

Lots of Love,
Kavita and Ruby :)