Last post maybe

yes, this might be the last until i get to the states and finalize. We leave Gulu today and are going to some falls, then on a safari and white water rafting before we head home and I do not know if i will write or get to the internet but thank you all for reading and I will see you soon.

Ok here are photos from my last day in Atanga. I do not know the order but the one is obviously me teaching, yes I actually taught here. the picture of my class is awesome, that is how big one class is. The picture with the student is my boy Liboso Martin, he is great. I paid his school fees for the term so he better do well. The picture of the four of us is myself, my teacher Alfred, Otim john and David. The dude with a hat is Komakech, he is a teacher at Atanga and a funny guy and the last picture is the avsi people who became great friends and the woman on the far left is our sister Brenda, who cooked for us everyday up there. This was my life up there and it was amazing, I am happy to be coming home but I will miss these people dearly.

Last week in Atanga

Wednesday July 23, 2008

Today was a crazy day. The big event was David and I running a professional development for all the teachers at Atanga S.S. I was nervous as we wanted Alfred and John to play a major role in validating our teaching strategies. Also, how would the teachers react? I did not want them to think that we are forcing American ideas on them, but just trying to help pass along the fortunate situations we have been in.

Anyways, it was a success despite Alfred’s lack of preparation or desire to help. The teachers really seemed to take to the help and it was great to see that all the teachers really do seem to appreciate us being in Atanga. Anyways, mistake of the trip after that. David and I decided to go for a walk and literally got caught for 35 minutes in some of the hardest rain that I have ever been in. I was ridiculous and all the Ugandans laughed and watched from inside as we were the only ones on the road in the rain, but we definitely experienced Uganda.

Monday and Tuesday July 21 and 22, 2008

Well we are back in Atanga for our last week and I am excited. Monday was a very routine day up here as Alfred and I got into our final week of teaching together. Tuesday provided much more excitement as David and Otim John came to observe Alfred and I teach. It was as if a light finally turned on in Alfred’s head, as he finally got what it meant to team teach. I was so happy to see that I have had some impact on him as we end our adventure together. After school we had our boy Komakech take us around the IDP camp. We cannot move alone, as we would look like tourists, but we were with Komakech as guests and it was all good. The camp was so much larger than I expected it to be. On the south end of the camp people have seemed to settle and accept peace and have begun to rebuild, farm and create permanent residence here. On the north end it was the opposite, very close together and poor where people seem to still feel worried and unsafe. The experience was amazing and I was able to gain some greater insight into life after the war.

Saturday and Sunday July 19 and 20, 2008

Today we are heading to visit the rhino sanctuary. It was setup to release captive rhinos back into the wild, two came from Animal Kingdom at Disney. It was a long trip in the mutatus, about three hours. The mutatus scare the heck out of me because they are beat up vans that have roll bars in them and can flip at any moment because of the crazy roads. Anyways, we stopped on the way and people come sprinting up to the vehicles with food and other things and they jam them through the windows. Things like bad peanuts, amazing chapatti and of course hepatitis on a stick (pork that has been on the ground for days). Once we reached the park our accommodations were very nice. We had a whole house to ourselves and they cooked very westernized dishes for us, because very few Africans visit there (by the way the food jacked me up, enough said). Anyways, we went a couple kilometers deep into the sanctuary and popped out into this little savanna. Sitting there were five giant rhinos grazing in the open area. It was phenomenal. Usually that many are not together so we felt super lucky to be out there. I was able to get about 15 feet from them and they are massive but really mellow. They would trot around and bump each other, it was such a crazy experience. The rest of the time was just a chance to relax and get away as we prepare for our last week in Uganda. The drive back on Sunday was interesting, because within an hour of driving our tire blew out and we had to wait on the side of the road for a bit. I am sure all the passers by enjoyed seeing twenty plus muzungus chillin on the side of the road. Got back to Gulu and just went into town and enjoyed my last day there as I head back to Atanga tomorrow and then we begin our journey back to Kampala. Gulu is so unique, it is trying to modernize with a satellite here, an internet shop there, but then you go to the market and you step back a hundred years. It is changing and I hope the people there are ready for it.

Rhino Trip

Hey all,

Went to a rhino sanctuary this weekend, it was pretty cool, here is a pic from it. I cannot believe this is my last week teaching here. It has been such an amazing experience. (David and me at the Rhinos, we are freaken close to them!!!) I will post pictures from my school on Friday. Things have been hectic here but awesome. Africa is everything I imagined and more. Whether it is the nature, or people, or just being somewhere different in the world where you are not in your comfort zone is such a great feeling. Being an outsider gives perspective and I am so glad I had this opportunity. I have some great stories to tell when I get back. Also, some people have asked to get the blog so pass it on if you could.

Also, here are some blogs from the people that I am closest with here in Uganda. Take a look at them and see their perspective, here are the web addresses. www.teachinginvisiblechildren.blogspot.com (Alison),
caseyolson.blogspot.com (Casey),
mageeinuganda.blogspot.com (Papa bear Jon),
www.ugandaamatt.blogspot.com (Matt, oh yeah he graduated from STC in 1998, really weird)

HEALS dancers Sunday July 13, 2008

hey here is one picture to tide you over. Going on a rhino trip tomorrow and have a bunch of school pics to give you during my last week of teaching. Hope all is well.

Fort Petiko and week three at Atanga camp

Wednesday and Thursday July 16 and 17, 2008

Very normal days, almost routine but take a look at what else I have been up to below

Monday and Tuesday July 14 and 15, 2008

These past few days have been pretty frustrating ones for me. My main purpose for being in Northern Uganda is to teach and also to collaborate and guide with my partner teacher. I have collaborated and worked well with Alfred, but I have not been in the classroom yet this week because they do not follow their schedule at all here. Sometimes teachers do not show up so we have a lot of time to conduct class, sometimes we have only forty minutes, so it makes it really hard to plan for the day. Yesterday I did not teach because a group came to perform some skits on prevention for the new hepatitis that has emerged in Uganda. It is understandable but it was not made clear to me until I went to go in the room and they were there. Today I didn’t teach because the English teacher asked to have our time to test. It would be alright, except that Alfred still did not make arrangements to swap with that teacher. There is a lack of communication and accountability and it’s hard to hide my disappointment at times. Also, the students wonder and ask why I was not in the room and I feel like I let them down. The students complain everyday at morning assembly that the timetable is not followed by the teachers but it seems to be ignored.

Invisible Children is creating new footage of the schools to show people how the donations are being implemented. Today they came to our school and it was good to see the kids interact as they got the footage. Also, it was good to talk to some Americans who just came from the states and had a real fresh feeling about being here. I think because they were shooting today, the teachers really got into telling us about the war and the L.R.A. rebels. It is crazy to find out and hear their personal stories. They told us that most of the kids here in Atanga were abducted at one time or another by the L.R.A. and were forced to fight in the war. Many would escape and return home, some in a couple of days, others years. They told us how Atanga was or had the most L.R.A. activity and abductions because it is far away from any urban center. The leader of the L.R.A., Joseph Kony (google his name, his story is pretty amazing) once stayed in Atanga with his family. No one during the heavy fighting in the late 90’s and early 21^st century ever slept in their homes at night because the L.R.A. would come to take them to fight. They would sleep in open fields, where if they saw the L.R.A. they could run. David’s co-teacher Otim John told us how he heard the L.R.A. a hut or two away and took off his shirt so they could not grab him, put his blanket in water so they would not take it, hid his belt and sprinted out the door and was able to flee the L.R.A. These stories are so surreal sometimes. Many times, if captured, they would be forced to kill or they would be killed. Since the war has slowed, many of the former abducted have tried to become part of society again, but are shunned by their community for taking part in the conflict. Many have to move to a new place to get away from the stigma of being an L.R.A. member, despite the fact that many were forced into it. (Little disclaimer, the Ugandan army caused just as many atrocities as the L.R.A. and there is mistrust for both here in Northern Uganda)

It is ridiculous to think that that there has not been fighting since only 2006, but many still live in fear with no resolution so far. It is a very difficult thing to grasp, and I cannot imagine psychologically what these people have been through. Even today, nobody knows what Kony’s intentions are or even what he is doing. (He is believed to be in the Congo). He has not been in public for years. The people that speak for him contradict each other and that is what seems to be delaying the peace process, because Kony himself has not given his voice. It makes things difficult to stabilize , but these schools are a start, as many of these kids are reeducated and find some comfort at school.

Sunday July 13, 2008

Today we welcomed our teachers to the volunteer house for a good ole American themed picnic. The plan was to have theme experience a little bit of America by each of us making an American dish and playing some games. It was great, the teaches were trying the American food like mac and cheese, hot dogs, pasta salad, etc…, but there were many plates that still had a lot of food on them. They just do not like muzungu food too much, but we talked and played volleyball and it was a great success.

At about 5 the children from H.E.A.L.S. (after school program in Gulu) arrived to prepare for their performance for the Schools 4 Schools winners. The top high school students that raised the most money from the best schools are visiting Uganda for the next two weeks. It was such an amazing experience for a high school student to be a part of. I look forward to getting Schools 4 Schools started at Waubonsie. The performance was amazing and it definitely welcomed the American students to Uganda.

Saturday July 12, 2008

What an amazing day. We had a book talk which is getting tedious and old, but then we went into town for a couple of hours and had the best pork and cassava you can have. My stomach is still liking it so that is a major plus. We went to Fort Petiko today and it might have been the best day of the trip so far. It is an old Arab slave trading post that is about an hour away from Gulu. It was ended in 1872 when Sir Samuel Baker came and defeated the Arabs and liberated the people of the post. We took a historical tour which took about an hour and it was pretty informative, but then we went hiking up some of the great climbing areas that they had there. They had some great cliffs and rocks that came from old volcanic formations that were amazing and we in them and up them and I was able to take some amazing photos from it. It was such a great time to monkey around on the rocks and vines that they had there. The area looked like it was right out of The Lion King. We hiked around for a couple of hours and when we returned we had a great BBQ and watched a local soccer game. The day was fantastic to get out into the real nature of Africa. When we got back a group of us went out with Aliker David (Ugandan who is School coordinator for Invisible Children). We went to a place called DA PUB. We listened to him tell us why he cannot marry his kid’s mother yet. It seems that his wife is so highly educated (he paid for a lot of it) and she has a good job that the dowry he owes to her family is extremely high for those reasons. Also, since he does well for himself by Ugandan standards he has to pay more in order to show his worth. Until he does, the family does not recognize he exists and will not say hi to him if he sees them (we saw some in DA PUB and that is how the story started). He says an average dowry is eight cows, but his dowry is way above average and will cost a lot. I felt like buying him a cow right there. We ended the night leaving David and taking a crazy boda home, but the crazier they are the more fun I have on them, even though it is really dangerous at night, but so is walking as well.

Fort Petiko

Fort Petiko was amazing. It is an old slave trade sight that Sir Samuel Baker came and liberated in the late 19th century and now is a monument to that, but also an amazing place to go hiking. We hiked up into some of these old volcanic rifts and mounds and then had an amazing barbecue. It was a great day, here are some pics to look at. 2.5 weeks left, it is going so fast.

I really need to shave

Hey all just got back to Gulu and have a few minutes to converse. What a great week in Atanga. No time for pics, meetings tonight and then we are going to Fort Potico, an old slave trade site. Anyways, miss you all and cannot wait to see you all but am having an amazing experience.

July 4, 2008

Today was a very long but enjoyable day. We had our teacher conference with all the teachers from the states and the teachers from Uganda. The purpose of the conference is to introduce more strategies into Ugandan schools that are participatory, rather than the lecture based approach that many of them use. It is difficult with classrooms of one hundred plus students but none the less, it is an opportunity for all of us to think a little bit differently about how we teach. It was great as a lot of the activities were drama based, but I learned a ton of things to use in my classroom here in Uganda, as well as when I head back to Waubonsie in the fall. Our teachers from Atanga seemed a bit out of their element during the conference and my boy Alfred seemed very overwhelmed and was very quiet throughout the whole day. The conference was great and it lasted the majority of the day until about 5 and then we had an opportunity to chill for the day. After we ate it sunk in that it was the 4^th of July and a couple of us decided we needed to celebrate a little so we went into town and checked out the scene. We visited this place called DA PUB and they played a bunch of American music and we got a little dance party started as you saw by the pictures of me with the Ugandan soldier. It was nice to sit and chat with some people and just relax with everyone. That is the one thing I do not like about Atanga is that I am with just David and the interaction with a group is something I enjoy a lot. Anyways Happy Independence day everyone.

July 5, 2008

Today was our American celebration. We had the second day of the conference and it went well, but it wrapped up around 2 and then we went American on Gulu. All of the American teachers went back to the IC house and played volleyball all day. It was great to get away from Uganda a bit. No one really talked about school or the situation there, it was all about home and being at the compound was a little sanctuary from the real things going on outside the fences. The one Ugandan part of the day was I left to go into town and grab something to drink (twenty minute walk, not just around the corner) and a bunch of little Acholi children were outside the IC house because they heard us all messing around. The were all grabbing my arms and messing with the hair on my arms and laughing and yelling “Munu” to me as I walked into town. Being white in Gulu is like being the Pied Piper, the little Acholi kids will walk and follow you all the way into town and then they realize they do not know where they are and get all scared and run home. On that trip was one of the more heartwarming things for me so far on the trip. As I was walking into town all of a sudden I hear someone yell Joshua. Being in East Africa I do not expect someone to just randomly shout out my name. It was Alan, a boy I met last week and played football with. He was really excited to see me and I made plans to go play football (soccer) with him tomorrow. Those are the relationships I am trying to build here, but also be there to be a positive role model in these young Acholi lives.

Playing volleyball today brought me out of my shell a little, because it brought the competitive and athletic side out and it allowed me to stand out in a group that is full of so many dynamic people. It is easy to get lost in a group of so many wonderful, dedicated teachers and humanitarians and this was a good day for me. Anyways tomorrow is a free day and I am planning on doing my souvenir shopping tomorrow, so cross your fingers you are on the list people. Steph you definitely are, Happy Birthday. I know it is late, I tried to call but am having trouble. Dude, you’re thirty. Congratulations on making it. Also, Jill congratulations on having Grant, I cannot wait to see him and I wish all of you the best. Apwoyo tutwal!!!

Monday July 7, 2008

Back to Atanga! Actually I am super excited to be heading back, which is something that really surprises me. We were about to leave and all of a sudden I heard the water running again and I dropped my stuff and took my first shower in God knows when, and I knew that I was about to go a week without running water so it was a good start to the week. It is amazing what excites me now, an ice cold shower.

The road to Atanga is a difficult one, especially after the rain. Since it is dirt, the rain erodes and washes away most of the road and makes some areas almost impassible. So we got back to Atanga S.S. and Alfred and I tried some activities that he learned at the conference over the weekend. It is good to see him incorporate some new ideas and incorporate the students more into the class. As I teach and am in front of the class more and more, the students are becoming more and more comfortable with me and the teaching is a lot of fun. The problem today though is it rained really hard and the roof is made out of tin, and it became too loud for the students to hear and we had to stop teaching, that is part of the many problems to get around here in Uganda.

Anyways I have a new friend at Atanga. His name is Liboso Martin, a student of mine in s2b (freshman year). He is 17 and is a freshman because the war displaced him from learning for a while. He wants to help me with my lwo and I desperately need it. In return I am teaching him some American slang (he asked me, not my choice), but he also wants me to come out and play some football with him. I am excited to be able to kick it around with some of the students. As I got to know him, he told me his story and it is a common one in Northern Uganda. He lost both his father and mother when he was six due to the conflict. The only family he has left is his grandmother, who takes care of him. She is 68 and Martin is worried about when she dies that he will become an orphan and be alone. He constantly worries about going to university, but it is expensive here and there is little to no government assistance. He is a great kid and I am happy that I have created this connection with him, but it is already hard to hear about his life, but it is a story that is very common in Atanga and Northern Uganda.

Tuesday July 8, 2008

Today teaching was great. Alfred and I are working great together and the kids are treating me like I have been there all year. Besides that there is not too much interesting going on. I have had some time to think about how to raise awareness when I get home and I have some thoughts and some things planned so everyone be ready. For now if you want to help out go to invisiblechildren.com and look to donate through the bracelet campaign. The small donations go straight to the scholarships for the children of Northern Uganda. I have seen how much this money benefits the students and it gives so many of them hope. Most donations that have been given to Invisible Children have been of ten dollars or less and have been by students and young adults of the United States. Just check out the campaign and step up and make a difference.

After school got a little crazy. We went with some locals we met to go and play some volleyball outside the primary school in Atanga. We were playing for five minutes when the school let out and honestly about 1000 kids swarmed the court and outlined it to watch the muzungus play some volleyball. It was absolutely insane, this crowd was bigger than a lot of my soccer games at UIC. Many were shouting “MUNU!” (white) as we would hit the ball. I cannot tell what people mean when they say that word. The adults and the students at Atanga do not say it and the little children say it because they want us to say hi or chase them. But the 10-14 year olds seem to use it as a derogatory remark so that is a little different. It was a blast to play with the locals and have all the children watch. The more that David and I immerse ourselves and are out in the community the more they will get use to us and hopefully accept us.

Wednesday July 9, 2008

So yesterday our debate team did so well we are in the lead of the debate competition Invisible Children is running up in the Pader district of Northern Uganda. Today we host the second round of debates and if we do well we will be in the finals on Saturday. So because of this there really was no class in the morning, but instead the everyone is preparing for the debate. Students are sweeping and preparing classrooms and doing things like that. There was some Physical Education though. The students were outside slashing the grass with large slashers and digging walkways for the event. That is something I think P.E. teachers at Waubonsie could try if they want. J/k.

Anyways the debate was so backwards. They followed parliamentary procedure and all the debate was were the students continually interjecting and arguing without any real debate going on. It was pretty frustrating.

Here is the crazy sighting and weirdest part of the trip by far. So we were walking down the street in Atanga and all of a sudden we spotted another muzungu. Her name is Katie and she is from Minnesota and she actually lives up here in Atanga in the IDP camp. She came to Uganda a year ago on missionary work and found someone, got married and has lived in the camp for the past couple of months. Absolutely crazy. It was good to hear some American English and just converse on our situation here.

The night ended with a great conversation with Emmanuel. He works for avsi.org and is monitoring the movement of people at the IDP camp. He is Ugandan and very highly educated and because jobs are so limited, he is stuck with this one right now. He has a degree in Environmental management and definitely blames the United States for the climate and other environmental problems that face Uganda today. He make a great argument, but I am just so intrigued to get a perspective from somewhere else in the world that is so remote from the United States and the modern world.

Life in Atanga

Main street in Atanga, I will try to take pics of the camp but i do not know if I can legally take pictures there. On the right is David and my room. Not too luxurious but it works.

Happy 4th

Happy 4th of July from Gulu. I do not know any of these people but this UPDF (Ugandan Peoples Defense Force) man thanked me for being in his country and made me dance with him.

Atanga S.S.

My school Atanga now in 2008, and old classroom to the right in 2007 before Invisible Children came and built school building. It is for the Internally displaced people of Atanga camp.

Crazy things about Uganda

July 2, 2008

Got nothing good to write about so here are the crazy things I have noticed in Uganda so far:

· I am pretty much alright with being absolutely filthy.

· Pop here is awesome, because it is in a glass bottle and they use real sugar in it instead of corn syrup.

· I have a month to go and I am already tired of eating posha (crappy starch), odii (sim-sim paste) and beans.

· I am all about latrines (enough said).

· Illinois’ geography sucks, It is amazing here

· Ugandan beer is pretty good. (dark beer mostly)

· Thank you for washing machines and just electricity (there is none in Atanga)

· We can learn a lot from Ugandan hospitality.

· Gas is expensive everywhere

· I have found two phenomenal soccer players here and I want to bring them back.

· Life is really easy at home, no human deserves to live this way.

· Acts of random kindness make the world a better place.

· I love a place where the only real sports are soccer and volleyball.

· I am coming back with a wicked farmers tan (take that Bostick)

· Being the only white guy for hundreds of miles in Atanga makes me the most known person for a couple hundred miles, Holla!!!

This week has been crazy

June 29, 2008

Today was an amazing day. I finally got to sleep in for a bit and that was nice. We discussed asa whole the economic hit man novel. It has been nice here having some wonderful conversations with people that are passionate about education and topics like I am. The big event of the day was visiting St. Judes Center, which is part hospital, part orphanage. It was pretty heartbreaking to see these kids, buta also extremely inspiring to see their happiness and strength. I spent most of the time there playing football (soccer of course) with the kids. There was one phenomenal player there and any move I did, he emulated ( so only two moves, slow and slower) and he probably did it better. It is a shame to know his gift probably will never be shared with the world, because of his position at the home. They sang and danced for us and we took so many photos. I felt like we objectified them a bit and hope if we go again we all agree to not bring our cameras and just enjoy their company. I think we made their day and it was very humbling to see their struggle.

At night we all went to Kope Café for movie night. We watched Charlie Wilson’s War. It connects to our stay here well and the role Americans play in the world. I felt like I was back in the states, watching a flick with friends. After the movie, nine of us went to KSP, a local bar owned by the few Indians still there from Idi Amin’s rule, to watch the Euro final, Go Spain!!! It was filled with Ugandans all cheering for Spain (remember the Germans were huge colonizers in Africa). The highlight of the night was watching big 6 foot 11 inch Jon bust a chair and all the Ugandans cheer for him as he crashed to the ground. Jon and I walked it home and it is so ridiculously dark without any light on the streets. It was nice to get his perspective on things in Uganda as he was here last year. Now it is time for Atanga tomorrow, so I am pretty nervous, but super excited.

June 30, 2008

Well I am here in Atanga!!! We drove up this morning and the ride from Gulu to Atanga is very difficult, as there is no paved road and it was off road driving for over an hour. Getting into rural Uganda you really get to see the beauty of the country and landscape and it is amazing in the north. It is so raw and untouched with amazing savanna for miles. We are about thirty minutes from the Sudanese border and tension is still pretty high by most about the current situation without a peace agreement from the rebels and that is why many remain at the IDP (Internally Displaced Person) camp and have not returned to their homes. We got to the camp and it is a whole new world from Gulu. It is about 40,000 people living in huts very close together in order to protect themselves from the rebels and civil war, as many were slaughtered and the children were kidnapped and forced to fight during the civil war. It is Africa with real deal naked babies crossing the street without any guidance and cows and goats running a muck throughout the streets, it is outrageous.

Anyways we are staying at a lodging that is run by an NGO group that monitors and tracks the displaced people as some return home. It is pretty squalor. It is basically a storage shed with a window and door. It is between a bunch of huts and is basically a jail cell without electricity or running water. We met the lady that is going to make meals for us, her Christian name is Brenda and she will cook for us during our stay. We finally then set forth for Atanga senior secondary school where we are placed.

The school is pretty rugged. It has three buildings to teach in for 250 boys and about 50 girls. There are no female teachers at Atanga and the staff is interesting to say the least. After our introductions, Catherine and Oliker David left us and it really set in what I was in for up in Atanga. Anyways we had lunch and I got to meet the faculty, then my partner teacher Alfred and I went to plan his lesson. His facts and data of the world are way off, but I question does it matter and it is not his fault because most of his resources come from the 1990’s. I got to watch him teach and he was so excited to have me there and introduced me and the kids were very welcoming and definitely interested to see a white dude, because many have never witnessed one. I am excited to be a part of the class.

Finally David, his partner teacher Otim Jon and I biked it home and Jon took us around the camp. We got called Munu a lot and many kids came up to touch us and ran away scared from the evil white men. J We finally sat in front of a shop and chilled for a bit. Everyone in town know who David and I are, we stand out a little and a lot of people introduced themselves to us. Finally we ate at Brenda’s ( beans and rice). I am a little tired and feeling down a bit but am ready for bed and just want to be around people. It sucks feeling a little lonely here.

July 1, 2008 Are we Together?

So I am doing good again today. Last night was a little tough but it is all good. It finally rained and it was a very hard rain. Also, Amy called and that mellowed me out that we were not forgotten and the sox swept the cubs (at least that is what I am told) which made things o.k. I realized nothing really grosses me out or surprises me. Insects, sanitation, etc… has been ridiculously poor but we get by. No showers or mirrors/ sinks up here, just latrines and a jug to wash myself. The rain stopped and David and I were on our way to school. Its is about a 15 minute bike ride. It is not that far, just without paved roads and it just poured, it is a little difficult.

We got there for the everyday morning assembly outside. The head student basically tells the kids how much they have sucked it up recently, then they go to class. We got reintroduced again and the kids seem to enjoy my name, they call me “Joshuawww”. I watched Alfred’s class again. I noticed so many things that I can help him out with, which excites me and he seems very interested when I suggest ideas to engage the students more, because it is mostly straight lecture. It is funny, instead of saying “do you understand?” he asks them “ Are we together?”

It will be interesting trying to find things to do to fill my free time. Tomorrow I do not have to teach so I am screwed. Maybe I will finally shower. I have so much time to think here and it is a little worrisome sometimes. Life is very slow here, no one is ever on time or in a hurry. I question the desire for people to change? Are they content?

I had a great conversation with the teacher about saving money. Many Ugandans do not save because they feel they do not know if they will be there tomorrow. Also they believe savings leads to laziness, alcoholism and other bad things because if you have money you will use it poorly.

After school we went to Alfred’s home. I think the reality of where I am at really sat in. He shares a room with another teacher and the room could not be bigger than 8x8, one window, no electricity, no water or bathroom, no bed, just a rug and mosquito net. He is so well respected at the camp and he lives like that, and in all reality he is really happy. He continues to look at life in a positive way and enjoys what he is doing in this world. It is impossible not to be inspired by him.

We left Alfred and relaxed. Bathing is a chore here but I finally did it. I just use a big jug and go to a stall outside and go for it. We sat outside last night and relaxed as children caught flying white ants. The people here pluck the wings and cook them and eat them. They say it tastes like popcorn. I realize how hard Atanga is , but the people do not show it. They continue to fight on and live life to the fullest.

Free day in Gulu

No pictures, everything is too slow, maybe next week.

Yesterday was a very fulfilling day and I got to really do a lot of things that I have been wanting to do since I got up here. The plan was for everyone to spend the day with their cooperating teacher, but since my placement is so far away they could not stay and instead David and I had Alfred and John (David’s guy) over for breakfast. It is funny they came and laughed and how the place looked and food we ate because it was “muzungu” food. We sent them on their way and I look forward to getting up to Atanga on Monday. So I had the rest of the day to get things done and had time to myself as the rest of the people were with their teachers all day. We did not see half the group today, as they are staying somewhere else and it was a little weird to not see them. We have become a nice little family and it just felt like something was missing all day. In this environment you look for a little routine or familiarity and that was lost a little without some of the people that I have grown to be close with.

David and I went exploring in town and got a bunch of supplies for our journey up to Atanga. We are still really unsure what to expect and without a peace agreement, I am a little nervous to go up there, but it will also be an experience solely mine and something that is very different from everyone else who came to Uganda with me. You need to understand that Gulu is almost all dirt roads and is very tight and congested, but as David and I were in the market ( and I mean real deal open market, it is great), we saw an amazing parade. About two hundred people wearing Manchester United gear were dancing, marching and singing through the streets. I have video it is hilarious. Supposedly on the other side of town, there was an Arsenal one, this place is nuts. After that, I went out on my own and that has been something I have wanted to do for a while. I found a bunch of kids and brought out the Frisbee and many have never played with one before and I spent two hours running around with kids and throwing the Frisbee, it was cool to interact with them. They all ask to be my friend, it is pretty funny, but also extremely heartwarming. When they went in to take lunch, I met up with some people from the first group and went to a house called HEALS, which is a dance house, almost an after school program that promotes Acholi culture through song and dance. Our boy Norman got the kids ready and it was awesome. They warmed up by breakdancing and performing some hip hop dance, which is great. They have seen it on video and emulate it quite well. Then they performed four traditional dances for us. Two royal ones, one where the boys court the girls and one girl only dance for rain. It was unique and I was completely in awe.

That really wrapped up my day. We finally had a night to chill and relax and it was calm with only half the group around the IC house now. I spent a good hour telling them about this year of girls soccer at Waubonsie. They were so interested and amazed at what the girls accomplished this year. I felt very proud to tell them about it and I showed them pictures from state. Go Warriors!! I am looking forward to tomorrow going to St. Judes Hospital here and working with the kids that are stricken with terrible illnesses and diseases. This is my last contact for a week, so I will talk to you all next week.

Meeting my co teacher alfred

June 28, 2008

Yesterday was a very long and interesting day with a lot of things going on as we get ready to head to our placements. In the morning Jon grabbed me and we went searching for an internet café that we heard about. Searching in Gulu is not the easiest thing but we found it and I was able to download some of those pics so know I have to make sure to take better photos which I will be doing today. Jon is about 6’11” so watching him on a boda is hilarious. He constantly makes the driver pop wheelies and it sometimes he has to get off, but it is great. We had an early morning meeting with Huston, who is in charge of all the NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) coordination explained to us all the different groups that exist within Gulu. There are a lot of groups throughout the world providing aid to the people of Northern Uganda, but we are only one of two at secondary schools and I think we do a wonderful job employing the majority Ugandans to work for IC. It was interesting to hear about all of them, but also he talked to us about the current situation in Northern Uganda. The peace agreement still has not been signed, but there has been relative peace for almost two years now, which is a great sign. There are a lot of factors that are slowing the peace process from disconnection with the leader of the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) Joseph Kony and his negotiators and also constant antagonizing from the government of Uganda. Anyways some people are looking to move from the IDP camps and go home, but some still fear that the LRA will come back.

After that I took lunch at the Bomah café with some of the group. Amy (our leader), Catherine (asst. leader), Danielle, Jo, Bri and myself all went to this place which was super nice, because they had a satellite and I got a little American news. I took a boda home and made a small clip and will try to send it. After that we had meetings all day with Oliker David about the war and from Norman about Acholi song and dance. They were all very interesting as I continue to gain more perspective of the people of Northern Uganda. Many feel so disconnected from the government as President Musevani has continually ignored them in the north.

Finally, the big day came! We went to a place called Kope Café. It was created by people of the IC and all the proceeds go to a dance and music house called HEALS. At the café we met our co-teachers. My guy took a bus an hour and a half to see me, which was so humbling. His name is Alfred (Christian name, they all have Acholi and Christian names), he is 25 and has been teaching for two years. He is pretty funny and very humble. His English is decent and seems very excited and open to have me in the classroom. He is the youngest of all the Ugandan teachers in the exchange and is very excited to have me be a part of Atanga School. All of the teachers sat with their placement and got to know them and started talking about the classes. There will be about 55-60 kids in my classes, but guess what we are studying? North America!!! I’m a prop for the class, so Alfred is super excited. That is like me having a Ugandan to teach about East Africa, I am super excited. We ate and talked and it was a blast. We sent them off and after that created a little dance party at the Kope Café. The group is great and I am a little sad to be separated, but excited for my own opportunity and it will be extremely unique. We walked home in the dark. I would not advise on it, because there are not street lights in Gulu, so there was some tripping and falling going on, but it was a great day. Starting Monday, my blogs will be coming only on weekends because there are no internet places in Atanga. Alfred said he is ready to show this “muzungu” a different side of Uganda and I cannot wait.

"apwooyo tutwal" (thank you very much) to all who have looked at the beginning of a wonderful journey for me.

Bavubuka community center

Just trying to get out some pictures. Look back at the blog to see what I am talking about. This is us at the Bavubuka community center in Kampala. We are teaching them a bunch of getting to know people exercises and I learned a bunch of new things to use in the classroom. All the way to Uganda just to have some professional development.

Liburi school

Kids playing soccer on the campus of Liburi school in Kampala. It was awesome and the kids can play.

I got pics, none of me probably

Dubai ski hill folks, absolutely silly

Getting to know Gulu

June 27, 2008

Yesterday was a whole day of getting to know Gulu and preparing us for the classroom. I am sleeping 2^nd floor on a three level bunk, which is great. We had the P.R. director from Invisible Children meet with us to explain more about what IC is all about and to help make us more informed. It is great to hear that they are continually moving forward and looking for ways to continue to help and that they understand they need to continually progress forward in order to best help out the people of Gulu. It was great to hear that they are providing people with ways to manage money and create jobs. If you have not looked at the bracelet campaign on invisiblechildren.com I would do that, because that is where 100 percent of the scholarship money for the students comes from. After that, we had a lwo language lesson from Dennis and it was very helpful. The language is very fluid and is great. We had to sound so ridiculous to him, but trying to learn a language that we have no base for is so difficult. After that, we went into Gulu to eat and the first walk into town was outrageous. The kids and people definitely stare at you and why wouldn’t they, they rarely see white people and they definitely know when a larger group comes around. The kids are so friendly and when you ask “How are you?”, they all respond “I am fine!” It is pretty funny. I tried to speak a little to them saying words like “apwooyo” (hello), and “kope di?” (How are you?). They respond but all laugh. Lunch was good, but then we got to hear a speech on colonialism in Uganda and the classroom. It was interesting to get a very different point of view.

Finally we got to wonder around town and that was amazing. We went to the market, which has an open food market, tailors, and imported goods like Man U. and Chelsea jerseys. We kind of wandered the streets just getting acclimated, but was great. I did not take any pictures as I try to establish myself a little bit here, and not be a tourist. I will get you some pictures soon on the town. I found an internet café and was able to update the blog and that will be where I come on the weekends. The way home was amazing, because I got to experience my first boda boda ride. The best and most abundant mode of transportation is to ride on the back of a small motorcycle through the dirt roads of Gulu. It is awesome. They are flying in and out of other bodas and cars and are dodging potholes. I will definitely video myself on one, it is hilarious.

Later we ate and talked with each other, which was nice to just kind of detox from all the things that we have been seeing and doing. You really start to forge some relationships with people as you get to know them and that has been a great part of the whole experience as you begin to create some good friendships. Anyways miss you all, take care.

First days in Gulu

Internet is slow, so pictures will come later. Walked through Gulu today, the red dirt really jacks up your clothes and feet, but a reason to be dirty. The beard is growing in nice right now, but here is what has happened so far. Oh yeah, treat all this like a story and characters will be introduced along the way. I am mentioning people like you know them and I am sorry, but whatever this is my blog.

We woke up and went to the Bavubuka community center in Kampala. It is run by the best rapper in Uganda called Bataka. He is in the states half the year and in Uganda the other half. The center was unbelievable. We got to hear what the center was all about and how they are pushing a very positive message and a conscience message about the problems in Uganda. They educate the kids in dance, rap, reading, writing and just seem to provide an unbelievable environment for the kids. Their house was one of the better places I saw in Kampala and while we were there, we taught them a bunch of activities to get the kids to know each other, and I use so many of them as bell ringers in the classroom. It was a great experience and got some wonderful pictures that I will post as soon as I can. They have a website that I would like you guys to look at and I will get it to you soon.

The trip to Gulu was an experience. To say the roads are inadequate is an understatement. To make a normal 4 hour trip takes about six hours because you are constantly stopping, swerving, going on the side of the road to avoid to gigantic potholes that exist on the only real way to get to Gulu. It was a bumpy ride, but we got to see the wonderful geography of Uganda. It is so lush and green and absolutely gorgeous. There are constant huts and small shacks along the way, with a few major villages built in between. The little children along the way are so friendly, waving to us as we went by. As we got close to Gulu, we crossed the Nile, it was absolutely breathtaking. We cross were there are some falls and it was just so surreal to see it. The trip took about a total of six hours and was not that bad at all.

I sat between Jon and Alison and was just cracking up at them the whole time. Jon is constantly doing something to be funny and being almost 7 feet tall, most motions inside a small bus are hilarious. Alison and I were just playing would you rather as we figured out about our different regions of the U.S.

As we arrived to Gulu, I got to see what an IDP camp looked like. We passed two on the way into Gulu. It is pretty strange to see huts so close together, but they did that in order to be safe and not to spread themselves out. While many people are returning to their homes, there are still large populations to not return to their original home. In some cases, the parents return to their original home and the kids stay in the IDP camp, because that is where the school has relocated and that is where they can receive an education. That can cause problems, as the informal foster family can exploit the kids, especially the women.

The IC house is pretty cool. As we rolled up, the place is fenced in and out of the main drag of the city a little bit. We were greeted by group 1 and the interns that have been here for a while and it was nice to be greeted by a good group of people. It has a main house and a room quarters. There is a cook here that created the most amazing little Mexican fiesta for us last night. I will get some pictures right away of the IC house to send out, because it is cool. We got to meet the man, Jamie, who runs the show at the IC house. He lives here year round and that has to be interesting, getting new roommates every couple of weeks. After we ate, we had to send off half the group to the nunnery, as there are only so many rooms here and many are teaching right over there. It was kind of sad, because there has been so much bonding and then these people are gone and it is uncertain how much we will all see each other. Also, the people that I see to get along with the most, Matt A., Alison, Casey and Jo are all staying there. Anyways we will see them today but still it would be nice to be close to everyone. Anyways worn out, I sat around and talked with the group 1 people and there are only six of them, compared to the 21 of us, so there were all at the IC house and it was nice to talk to them a little, as they asked us about what was going on in the states and we started asking about Gulu. Finally, I headed off to bed, having the middle spot on the three level bunk bed with big Matt and Dave. I fell asleep listening to Germany and Turkey play their Euro semifinal, and fell asleep at halftime tied up 1 to 1. I am getting a little nervous about being so remote in Atanga, but everyone seems so excited for myself and Dave. Maybe they are a little nervous for us too and want to keep our spirits high.

Last day in Kampala

This is the last chance I think to blog for a couple of days. The picture solution is working its way out but basically I have to cut down my pics to get them sent properly. Anyways the U.S. embassy was a crazy experience. First as we drove through Kampala, the driving is my style. Only five lights in the whole city, so it works the bigger car/ boda boda (bike taxi) or person gets the right of way. At the embassy we talked with the someone with the education advisor and she kept it pretty real about the problems facing the people in Northern Uganda.

Basically, there is little to invest into it at times, because few see incentives of it, especially for women. Why pay for education of a girl that you will lose when she marries into another family or clan? Along with that, since the civil war in the north, there has been so much displacement it makes things difficult. Schools relocated and buildings were torn down, so it makes it difficult. Many went to IDP (Internally displaced people) camps, and it changed the school structure. This is where I will be teaching. Now many are returning and schools are changing. They stressed the idea of accountability among teachers, parents, and students, something that is also sometimes a problem in the states.

Anways after that went to one of the top schools in Uganda, the Libiri school. It was so large, 3000 kids but the size of a small college campus. I took a bunch of pics and we got to see classes and talk to kids. At their break, they all got out on the soccer pitch and I was aching to get out there, but was in a hurry. I heard there will be plenty of opportunities at the IDP camp so I cannot wait.

Anyways love and miss you all, but this is already way beyond my wildest dreams.

June 24, 2008

So the deal is that you might only get posts on the weekend, because my teaching placement is away from the city of Gulu, about two hours. It is only me and my boy Dave. They drop us off out there on Monday and pick us up on Friday. It is pretty crazy, because everyone else is located at the IC compound together in Gulu. I figure might as well go big or go home so we will see. But will write during the week because we have a generator for a couple of hours out there and when I get to Gulu I will send it out. I will talk more about the school when I get more of a chance later.

So last night we spent the night in a hostel in the capital city Kampala called backpackers. It was pretty nice as far as a hostel goes with quality food and a bar which is always nice. It was interesting to see how many westerners were in the hostel. We met up at Entebbe airport with our leader, Amy. We drove through Entebbe to Kampala with mutatu’s, basically big old vans. First seeing Uganda you see the beauty of it as we drove around Lake Victoria. The lake was absolutely amazing. To see the beauty of Africa is ridiculous. As we drove, there were numerous roadside setups of shops. Mostly shacks with no front to them, you immediately see the state of Uganda. It is really raw, not poor, but raw. The lifestyle is different here. People are used to this lifestyle and many seem to flourish in it. That immediately makes me question at times why we are here, meaning what purpose do westerners have in the country. Things like electricity are something that is a luxury here but does everybody need it? Within Uganda they do a 26 hour electricity on, 22 hours off in order to conserve the limited energy they have here.

I was able to shower this morning, which was nice. I was getting super funky, but that will only get worse as the time goes on, but everyone is that way so it is cool. I continue to talk to people and learn more and more about all the wonderful people that I am with. There seems to be a drive in each one of these individuals to learn and do some good in this world and that is a wonderful thing. I just hope to meet their expectations. I feel a little out of place with the group, but also have been fairly quiet as I try to get a grasp on the fact that I am in Uganda. Today we are still in Kampala. We are going to visit the U.S. embassy here and exchange some money and get prepared for the trip to Gulu. I know I am rambling, but I am just trying to get all my thoughts down, it is such a crazy experience and as I am taking it all in, it is a little hard to process that I AM IN AFRICA!!! Anyways I love you all and will talk again soon.

Oh yeah, we were sitting on the picnic tables outside the hostel and a monkey was throwing poo and nuts down on us, pretty hilarious. I figured some of you all would like that.

Dubai is awesome

Pictures to come. I made it to Dubai and the flight was crazy. Took Emirates Airlines and it was about twelve hours to Dubai. There was a t.v. for each seat and watched some family guy and national treasure 2. I met the group. Different people from all over the country but all really laid back and cool. We got to Dubai and went out right away to the mall of the Emirates. I went snowboarding in the middle of the desert at the indoor snowboard park. I have pictures, it is crazy hilarious. I talked about that place so much with the kids and I got to do it. It was pretty cool. Right now, just sitting in the airport waiting to fly to Entebbe and get to Uganda. This is all so exciting and a whirlwind. Have not slept yet really but i have so much energy. Dubai is really westernized, as they continue to build 30% of all the cranes in the world are in Dubai and you can tell as they just keep building. Saw the Burj al Arab hotel where Tiger Woods drove balls off the helipad. This is all so surreal but great. I will post the pictures soon and get into it all more when I get to Uganda but just wanting to get one in on the run.

For the less geographically knowledgable, here is where I am going to in Africa.  I will actually be in Atanga, near Gulu, which is just above the G of Uganda on the map.

Hey all. This is the first of many blogs that I hope you guys will take a look at as I travel to Africa this summer and experience all that there is to offer in Uganda. For those that do not know I will be going to Uganda this summer with Invisiblechildren.com as part of their teacher exchange program. I applied for the position in November and went through an interview process and was lucky enough to be one of roughly thirty people chosen to be a part of the program. The program is in the second year and looks to be an experience that I will never forget.

The website for the group is www.invisiblechildren.com. To give you a little insight, I will be teaching geography in the northern part of Uganda, outside the city of Gulu. For years there has been war and violence throughout the region, where the people of the region have been displaced into refugee camps and in some instances, the children have been force to fight in the conflict. Recent attempts at peace have allowed the opportunity for myself to go to the region and help educate the children of Northern Uganda as they attempt to bring back some normalcy to their lives.

I am super excited and I will add to this as much as possible with pictures and some words to try to explain this amazing experience that I will have. Before I even get going I want to thank all the people that allowed me to have this experience. Of course my dad and Deb for giving me the character to see the bigger picture in the world, my friends for being excited and telling me that I can do some good in this world, the people of Waubonsie for their monetary and emotional support ( you guys are my second family), and finally the kids I teach everyday. They are my inspiration and guiding light that drive me to educate and take an active role in the world.

I am sorry this is a long post but I needed to leave a foundation for what should be an amazing adventure. June 21 is getting close, and I will get back to you all then.