So its around the 5 month mark since arriving in Uganda (2 ½ months at site) and I figured I better get a second blog post started. Now I am unsure how to approach this blog since its my first and I never really read them back stateside, so unless I get directional feedback from you the reader(s), I will continue to ramble along aimlessly. Here it goes:
Blog Post #2
Hello friends and foes, yes I’m still alive and kickin (despite the recent Kampala bombings). There is no need to worry about my safety as I am a good 300km from the capital in a small village, and no body cares about bombing the bush! While on the topic of my site, here’s a little update. The pad is coming along slowly, and will be host-worthy in about a month or so; that means now is the time to start looking for tickets! New additions are made monthly, and its beginning to look like a permanent residence, FINALLY. What to look forward to: dresser/armoire, floor cabinets, bigger & badder bed, chicken coop, patio (with mosquito netted "lounge" area), botanical gardens, and possibly thatch roof hut. And all constructed by yours truly; lets hope this goes better than the simple latrine door latch where my hammer introduced itself to my thumb, and quite rudely I might add. I’m hoping to be able to upload pics of the place around the middle of august, so keep your eyes peeled!
So, house done, moving on to job. This is also moving along very slowly (after being in Ug for some time, one discovers that time actually moves slower here; I think it has to do with being on the equator…) It doesn’t help that my counterpart is often MIA, and he is solely in charge of training me. Really cool guy, but also really busy (supposedly). Thus far we have mostly been doing “support supervision” of P1-P4 teachers (roughly kindergarten-third grade) who recently attended a teacher proficiency workshop. We are checking to see if these teachers are putting into practice the skills they were taught; basically teach like developed countries’ teachers (ie thematic curriculum, pupil interaction/participation, use of
instructional/teaching aids, attendance & performance registers, scheming & lesson planning, etc). Unfortunately, the ministry of education is demanding this of all teachers without considering individual circumstances. Example: most of the schools in my jurisdiction (rural village) have at least one class outside under a mango tree, with hacked up tree trunks for the students to sit on and a sorry excuse of a “chalkboard” being the only teacher’s aid. Sure the teachers could put more effort into teaching (to be honest, much much more), but with such overwhelming obstacles, I don’t blame them for getting so easily discouraged. Alright, enough ranting about crappy school system, what next…
FOOD! Always a popular topic here, although a touchy one since it inevitably turns into lamenting over delicacies lost. Now that I’m on my own, I can finally cook and eat what I want, and its great! I'm still doing the whole vegetarian thing, but its actually quite simple here. A typical day might start off with a breakfast of oatmeal with bananas, plus some passion fruit and oranges on the side. Lunch tends to be a more intricate dish of beans/lentils/peas, often served in a sauce comprised of a tomato base and any other veggies lying around (greens, carrots, onions, bell peppers, etc). This is almost always served with rice for two reasons: I love rice, and rice helps keep you solid, a very real and daily concern here. Lunch is also supplemented with passion fruit and oranges. Dinner, if eaten, is either leftovers from lunch or what the Ugandans would call a simple “tea”: milk tea with bread and bananas. However, due to irregular schedules and unforeseen events (along with pure laziness), the ordering of these meals is always variable; oatmeal tastes just as good at night, and those leftovers are screaming to be eaten in the morning before they go bad. Now, back to this milk; this isn’t your run-of-the-mill dairy! Its fresh whole milk, still warm from the cow’s tit and delivered nightly by a neighbor. Sure I have to boil it to kill all those nasty bacteria looking to wreak havoc on my digestive tract, but damn is it delicious (especially with a little honey)! Now you're asking why such a small dinner? Reason being, I go to bed so early here. The sun sets at 7pm, and since there is no electricity, the world around you slowly starts to shut down and your bed looks more and more intriguing (plus the mosquito net provides a safe haven from all those nasty mosquitoes).
Lastly, I have some updated contact info for those interested.
Address: Brennan Fay
PO Box 176
Soroti
Uganda
Cell Phone: +256703651398
If for some strange reason you miss the melodious sound of my voice, you can always hit me up via Skype or with a calling card. However, I'd recommend texts as they are fairly cheap and I’m usually pretty good about responding (just remember the time zone difference: I’m 10hrs ahead until daylight savings, then back to 11hrs).
This has far exceeded my promise of short posts, so I'll end here. Again, feel free to comment or ask questions, as this will actually help me with future blog posts.
Over and out peeps. Miss you all!
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Wow, sounds interesting and kinda depressing to hear about the schools, but I loved reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteDid you find a way to follow the world cup?
-Drew
Hey Bubba~
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your posts and learning more about Uganda. It's so cool to hear how you are serving the people in Uganda! I'm praying for you, the people you encounter and the school system . . . oh my goodness!
I can't wait to see the pictures of your home and I have to say I'm tempted to fly over there and go white water rafting! Hmmm . . . maybe I can convince Bryan. : )
May God bless you during this time!
~Nicole Silver
Brennan, so excited about reading your great blog/emails. u r always in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAmachie
Dear Brennan: It is so great to hear from you! It is fascinating all you are doing but also very scary, thus you keep me praying a lot!! Hope you can come home early because it will be so great to see you. Daniel is getting married so hope you can make it. Think of you often. Love Karen and Mike
ReplyDeleteBUBBA! Hey Cous! Great blog! Life sounds great even though it seems much different. I bet the simplistic style of living is awesome! With the hustle and bustle of life here, maybe I need to get a plane ticket there! ha ha
ReplyDeleteLove you dude. Stay safe. I sent a text, not sure if its gonna get there tho!
Love-THe bestestest cousing around, Dan Stokes
Brennan,
ReplyDeleteWhat you are doing is amazing. Your descriptions are great and very informative.
Glad to hear your health is better.
God bless,
Carol Palguta
So I know you don't really know me, but your mom talks about you all the time, and I've been so encouraged by your strength! We've all been praying for your health and well-being, and will continue to do so!
ReplyDeleteChristine
Hi, Brennan. Just want you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed your blog update. Thanks for taking the time to keep us all informed back in the USA. I pray for the success of your work there, as well as for your safety and health. I look forward to your next communication!
ReplyDeleteYour neighbor in Sand Canyon, Sally Clausen
Brennan!
ReplyDeleteYour mom has been a great source for keeping all of us updated with your where abouts....
think of you often, pray for you a lot, wonder what it would be like to live under those conditions, but most of all.....HOW'S THE FOOD?:)
heard you were sick, what kind of medical treatment do they have there? doctors? what kind and how accessible are they?
i am very proud of your mission and especially of you! you go guy:) tons of prayers are being sent your way
....Mrs. M (Nicole and Lauren's Mom....remember me?)
Brennan,
ReplyDeleteWe’re glad to hear you are feeling better. Reading about the food in your blogs makes our American food sound very good. We just want you to know that we enjoy your blogs and we are praying for you. Joe wants to know if they have standardized tests in Uganda’s schools.
Carla and Joe
Brennan,
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking a lot about you and your classes lately. I've been getting ready for the new school year and can't imagine working in your conditions. I'm planning on sharing your experiences with my class so keep the blog going,my class will love it as much as I do.
Love
Aunt Shannon
X,
ReplyDeleteI'm coming to visit near the end of September. Make sure to have the bed ready and lots of that plantain mush lying around. Seriously though, maybe. I will have a month off between jobs (Sept 10 - Oct 11). Miss you bud. Take care.
-Bryan
What an adventure you are creating (for yourself, those you teach, and all of us who live vicariously through you. sounds like you are put to the test everyday (and pass with flying colors). The blogs are great...all so interesting. Keep 'em coming. enjoy your time in Kampala - the BIG city! hehehehe
ReplyDeletelove and hugs, nancie
Hi Brennan!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy reading your blog - it's so interesting and so amazing what you are doing there! Wow! We have only the utmost admiration for you! Glad to hear that you get to eat a lot of rice and the milk sounds very tasty too!
Mackenzie and Kobe send you lots of golden hugs. Maverick just starred in a video with Mackenzie, Kobe and yes, this purple dinosaur named Barney. If you ever get a chance to download youtube, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZwikiUYEA8. Maverick is featured playing toss the Barney and catches him almost every time (well almost every time :)) You'll be so proud.
Looking forward to hearing more about your Ugandan adventure. We will be saying lots of prayers for you that everything continues to go well. Safe travels!
Your neighbors - Mackenzie, Kobe, Kami & Lance
Seriously though, what did you rent a cow for???
ReplyDeleteBrett
Brennan,
ReplyDeleteRent a cow? How do I get one for my garden!
Diane Benjamin
Neighbor on Saddleback
Brennan,
ReplyDeleteI am praying for your safe return everyday. When you come home, I promise to let you win at hell. Also, I will make a fresh batch of donuts for you.
Love you very much,
Donut Grandma
Brennan,
ReplyDeleteCan't believe you're now helping teachers of kindergartners! Did I teach you everything you need to know??? haha
We're all so proud of you! Hang in there!
Vi White and Woody, too
Brennan!
ReplyDeletePraying for you all the time! Hurry home before you don't recognize your mom!
Marina Scavone