August 4, 2009
I know its been awhile. At this point, no one is probably reading my blog anymore. They know I’m back safe and sound. I’ve already seen or visited with many of my faithful readers. Yet, I feel like another post is necessary.
Living was momentous and deserves documentation like all the other days of my trip. I may have waited so long to write this, because I don’t won’t the memories to fade. And, I’m wondering if once I write them down and finish off my trip if they’ll begin to fade away. As much as I am excited about another school year at Clover. Beginning it means, the summer ends and I think that’s why I’ve been in no rush and in ways avoided getting back into that routine.
Friday before I left was spent running last minute errands and packing up. I made my final tailored market purchase and was very pleased to have that summer dress and it was ready for Friday night. Though Friday was one of the hottest days I had in Gulu, packing proved to be much easier than expected (esp. when I realized later at Backpackers using Amy’s scale that I was under the weight limit).
Matt organized a final group dinner together at Bamboo for Friday night. We dressed up once again, except this time in clothes we had gotten made and it reminded me of preparing for our meet the teacher dinner.
We left Gulu on Saturday. Lisa, Kate, Lindsey, and myself claimed the back row of the mutatu. What lovely ladies to be surrounded by on our last long trip. However, I was the lucky one who got the jump seat. I sat and propped on pillows and laid on Lindsay and Lisa but never could get comfortable. I decide to not try to sleep instead of trying to sleep and getting irritated when I couldn’t. We made a quick stop in the Kampala craft market and then headed on to Jinga.
Jinga is noted as the source of the Nile River and is a wonderful place to enjoy nature by relaxing and exciting adventure activities. Sunday morning a few folks bungee jumped. I so glad they did and enjoyed it. I never did and completely enjoyed being photographer. I think if you listen to some of the film footage you can hear me squealing and yelling and I wasn’t even the one jumping. Then our group split some to raft and some to jet boat. I jet boated. It is this little speed boat, ran similarly to a jet ski. So for almost an hour, those of us on the jet boat, spinned, bounced, and whirled our way through a section of the Nile. It was a blast and then I had the rest of the day to shower, relax, read, and hangout with the other jet boaters. All the while the rest of our group was rafting their class 5 rapids and experiencing Catherine dislocating her shoulder. When they returned we had a few more to bungee jump, then we made our way back to Kampala for a late supper at Sam’s. All the while knowing our moments together are coming to a quick end and so in a sense a felt that a kind sober somberness existed.
Monday morning, we left Uganda.
All the time changes occurred. We stopped in London and again in JFK. Lisa and I spent the night (and by night I mean like 2 hours of awakeness and 3 hours of sleep or some combination of the sort) in a hotel, along with Jon, Michael, and Tammy. At that point, I was ready for the traveling part of travel to be over. Yet, I was glad for the refreshing shower, even though the journey would be over so soon. Lisa and I fell asleep on our beds with Michael and Tammy in our rooms using the internet, unknowing when they left.
My hardest moments, the moments of definitive realization that I was leaving, the most emotional moments:
-My boda ride back from Bamboo on Friday night.
-Reading my “Share the Love” letters on my bed Friday night after I returned from Bamboo.
-The plane landing in London.
-Leaving Ryan in London.
-Getting through customs in JFK and leaving the bulk of the group at the airport.
-Leaving Lisa in Charlotte.
-Meeting my MoM in baggage claim.
I love you, Gulu. I love you, Group 2.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Departing
July 24
Yesterday was my last day at Sir Samuel Baker. Though I experienced many frustrations while I was there, I realized when I left how much it meant to me. It really had become a place of community for me. The hardest things about leaving were knowing that it’s a good chance I’ll never see this place again and knowing the likelihood of communication with my partner teacher Christine is unlikely. I could come again next summer but I’m not at a point where I can make that decision yet. As far as communication, email and snail mail are the most likely because phone calls are expensive. Email seems unlikely because Christine rarely (the last time was three months ago) checks her email. It does require traveling into town and paying for internet usage. Snail mail seems the most likely option, but it is such a slow method of communication.
I’ll spend today packing up and doing last minute errands.
The departure plan:
Leave Gulu tomorrow morning. Stop in Kampala for the craft market before arriving in Jinga. Hangout in Jinga.
Sunday, rafting or speed boating on the Nile. Sunday night we had back to Kampala.
Monday morning we leave Uganda. Because of time change. I’ll end up spending the night in New York on Monday night. I’ll arrive in Charlotte at 12 noon on Tuesday – just in time for lunch.
Much Love and See You Soon!
Yesterday was my last day at Sir Samuel Baker. Though I experienced many frustrations while I was there, I realized when I left how much it meant to me. It really had become a place of community for me. The hardest things about leaving were knowing that it’s a good chance I’ll never see this place again and knowing the likelihood of communication with my partner teacher Christine is unlikely. I could come again next summer but I’m not at a point where I can make that decision yet. As far as communication, email and snail mail are the most likely because phone calls are expensive. Email seems unlikely because Christine rarely (the last time was three months ago) checks her email. It does require traveling into town and paying for internet usage. Snail mail seems the most likely option, but it is such a slow method of communication.
I’ll spend today packing up and doing last minute errands.
The departure plan:
Leave Gulu tomorrow morning. Stop in Kampala for the craft market before arriving in Jinga. Hangout in Jinga.
Sunday, rafting or speed boating on the Nile. Sunday night we had back to Kampala.
Monday morning we leave Uganda. Because of time change. I’ll end up spending the night in New York on Monday night. I’ll arrive in Charlotte at 12 noon on Tuesday – just in time for lunch.
Much Love and See You Soon!
Wrapping Up
July 22
Tomorrow is my last day at Sir Samuel Baker. We leave Gulu on Saturday morning. I’ll arrive back in the States on Tuesday. I’ve been wrapping things up here. Today, I planned by last activity. The students are to act out the reasons for the development of new industries in New England. I finished my Teacher Handbook which is a handwritten list of all the activities I planned and a list of suggestions for my partner teacher to keep as a reference. I also finished writing my ‘Share the Love’ letters. Everyone is writing a positive comment/favorite memory about each person in our group and we’re giving them to each other on Friday. I also got together a gift for Christine, which included writing a letter in the journal and putting a picture of us in the picture frame. I also had a trip into the market that was quite exciting. Its fascinating getting clothes tailored just for your body. I love all the various colored prints and fabrics that bombard me during every market trip.
Tomorrow is my last day at Sir Samuel Baker. We leave Gulu on Saturday morning. I’ll arrive back in the States on Tuesday. I’ve been wrapping things up here. Today, I planned by last activity. The students are to act out the reasons for the development of new industries in New England. I finished my Teacher Handbook which is a handwritten list of all the activities I planned and a list of suggestions for my partner teacher to keep as a reference. I also finished writing my ‘Share the Love’ letters. Everyone is writing a positive comment/favorite memory about each person in our group and we’re giving them to each other on Friday. I also got together a gift for Christine, which included writing a letter in the journal and putting a picture of us in the picture frame. I also had a trip into the market that was quite exciting. Its fascinating getting clothes tailored just for your body. I love all the various colored prints and fabrics that bombard me during every market trip.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Responding
I was asked “How do you reconcile the great disparity you see there with what we have here?” I really think this will be a question I’ll really begin to process when I get home and am bombarded with the materialistic/overconsumption cultural that dominates life in the United States. My experience here will shape lifestyle and purchasing choices that I make. Obviously, living here makes me realize that I can get by on so much less than what I use in the States. But, its implementing a living less lifestyle that becomes much more of a challenge.
Coming here as a part of a program with a purpose (teacher exchange) really helps me feel much more positive about my experience. For example, if I were simply a tourist and not being active in empowering those around me, I’m sure the above mentioned concerns would bother me more, but I know that I’m doing something about it (regardless, of the effectiveness of what I’m doing).
It is hard to see the poverty and the effects of war, but I don’t feel depressed or hopeless. I do see hopeful moments and people acting with vision that helps keep me from feeling depressed or hopeless. But more than that is having faith and hoping in spite of what I see or don’t see. And, knowing that I won’t stop being an advocate and seeking to empower (even though I don’t know the shape that will take in the future) is probably what is the most helpful. I can be compassion and I have a life to live out that doesn’t have to be all for me, I can use it to think for others. I know I can’t eliminate all the effects of 23 years of war by the LRA . But, wherever I am and whatever I’m doing I can choose good and I can choose love (in whatever shape that may take).
_____________________
My aunt made a comment to me that some teachers in the States focus on EOCs, not student needs, and that lets to a pass-the-test mentality and rote learning would be their game plan. I agree with that in the States. I think here that’s the case because it’s the system and so ingrained in teachers and they don’t know anything different. Also, I think much of it comes from the circumstances of people. For example, for many (and I can’t generalize) teaching is a job, not a passion. This idea is apparent in other aspects of life here. Because of the poverty that exists and the war with the LRA for so long, life has just been about surviving and existing.
Coming here as a part of a program with a purpose (teacher exchange) really helps me feel much more positive about my experience. For example, if I were simply a tourist and not being active in empowering those around me, I’m sure the above mentioned concerns would bother me more, but I know that I’m doing something about it (regardless, of the effectiveness of what I’m doing).
It is hard to see the poverty and the effects of war, but I don’t feel depressed or hopeless. I do see hopeful moments and people acting with vision that helps keep me from feeling depressed or hopeless. But more than that is having faith and hoping in spite of what I see or don’t see. And, knowing that I won’t stop being an advocate and seeking to empower (even though I don’t know the shape that will take in the future) is probably what is the most helpful. I can be compassion and I have a life to live out that doesn’t have to be all for me, I can use it to think for others. I know I can’t eliminate all the effects of 23 years of war by the LRA . But, wherever I am and whatever I’m doing I can choose good and I can choose love (in whatever shape that may take).
_____________________
My aunt made a comment to me that some teachers in the States focus on EOCs, not student needs, and that lets to a pass-the-test mentality and rote learning would be their game plan. I agree with that in the States. I think here that’s the case because it’s the system and so ingrained in teachers and they don’t know anything different. Also, I think much of it comes from the circumstances of people. For example, for many (and I can’t generalize) teaching is a job, not a passion. This idea is apparent in other aspects of life here. Because of the poverty that exists and the war with the LRA for so long, life has just been about surviving and existing.
Fort Patiko!
July 18, 2009
Today, we invited our partner teachers and families to join us at Fort Patiko. My teacher was able to join which I was excited that she had the opportunity. I really enjoyed the day. On first glance, Fort Patiko just looks like a bunch of rocks. But, it has interesting history and it is a hiking spot. At Fort Patiko, Arabs traded African slaves. Samuel Baker came there and ended the slave trade. I’d really like to read more about him, esp. because my partner school is named after him. Initially, I had though oh this is just some British explorer and naming the school after him is a remnant of the colonial system in Uganda. Hearing this about Samuel Baker adds an interesting, more positive element to this man whom my school is named after.
Upon arrival, we wandered around and then begin preparing lunch. Lunch was potluck style and though the chicken was gone by the time I went through the line, because I served sweets in the line, it was really good. The guacamole was definitely my favorite. Then, we cleaned up a bit before heading out on a hike, while others took a tour. My past history of hikes in Africa (all from my experience in South Africa) have always included some sketchy aspect or some element that has really added an adventurous aspect to the hike. It never is easy breezy or what I expect. We set out on this hike without a clearly marked path or official tour guide. We were following path, but didn’t know if it was the right one. Then, some local children joined us and essentially became our guides. I was really wondering if we were doing the right thing as we walked through field/garden of corn and cabbage and through the bush (more pathless bush than I’ve done before) as we made our way to the mountain/rock hill. There was no actually hiking going on for most of this hike, it was rock scaling/walking/climbing all over most of the way. At times it was a bit challenging and I’ve got the scraps to prove as much of the time I was on my hands and knees climbing over rock. In the end and at the top, the view was totally worth it. I felt like the way down was easier than the way up. I’m sure a lot at that point was mind over matter, and getting used to balancing without fear and just doing. I love that feeling of accomplishment as well as the great view from on top. Beautiful!
Today, we invited our partner teachers and families to join us at Fort Patiko. My teacher was able to join which I was excited that she had the opportunity. I really enjoyed the day. On first glance, Fort Patiko just looks like a bunch of rocks. But, it has interesting history and it is a hiking spot. At Fort Patiko, Arabs traded African slaves. Samuel Baker came there and ended the slave trade. I’d really like to read more about him, esp. because my partner school is named after him. Initially, I had though oh this is just some British explorer and naming the school after him is a remnant of the colonial system in Uganda. Hearing this about Samuel Baker adds an interesting, more positive element to this man whom my school is named after.
Upon arrival, we wandered around and then begin preparing lunch. Lunch was potluck style and though the chicken was gone by the time I went through the line, because I served sweets in the line, it was really good. The guacamole was definitely my favorite. Then, we cleaned up a bit before heading out on a hike, while others took a tour. My past history of hikes in Africa (all from my experience in South Africa) have always included some sketchy aspect or some element that has really added an adventurous aspect to the hike. It never is easy breezy or what I expect. We set out on this hike without a clearly marked path or official tour guide. We were following path, but didn’t know if it was the right one. Then, some local children joined us and essentially became our guides. I was really wondering if we were doing the right thing as we walked through field/garden of corn and cabbage and through the bush (more pathless bush than I’ve done before) as we made our way to the mountain/rock hill. There was no actually hiking going on for most of this hike, it was rock scaling/walking/climbing all over most of the way. At times it was a bit challenging and I’ve got the scraps to prove as much of the time I was on my hands and knees climbing over rock. In the end and at the top, the view was totally worth it. I felt like the way down was easier than the way up. I’m sure a lot at that point was mind over matter, and getting used to balancing without fear and just doing. I love that feeling of accomplishment as well as the great view from on top. Beautiful!
In Role
On Thursday, Christine and I have three classes. Christine wanted to give the students notes (ie: dictate to them the textbook). That took up much of the classtime, but she allowed me the first part of two periods time to do a review activity. In S2, I had the students create an acrostic for New York. I wouldn’t consider that so successful, because I felt like it ended up being 30 or so of more or less the same words and phrases used. However, in S5 we had a review that turned out awesome. First, we complete a graphic organizer on the types of rocks. The students didn’t have to explain how the types formed which would have made it much more challenging, but it was good for a quick summary. After that, the students were given roles (eight different roles, which made then groups of 4 or 3). For example, road builder, irrigation expert, farmer, worker at hydroelectric power station. As these roles, they had to explain the economic importance of rocks to that particular role or identity. The students worked well in the groups. Then one person from each group presented to the class. They really went into role and elaborated on how rocks impact lives. As soon as one person finished presenting another would come up, I didn’t even have to ask. I was most pleased with how the students “went into role” and how they elaborate on the importance of rocks to that role, making the content more meaningful and relevant. After class, I told Christine that that activity was my favorite activity we have done so far with all of the classes.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
School Happys
After discussing many frustrations I feel with the school system in Northern Uganda, I felt it necessary to discuss some things that I have enjoyed and have made me feel hopeful and good about my experience. I know I haven’t made a dent in the changing the school system of Northern Uganda, but I have developed a relationship with Christine, my partner teacher.
Christine suggested putting students into groups to revise notes and then present their revisions.
I suggested a review game. At first, Christine seemed a bit apprehensive. Once the game was implemented and afterwards, Christine was very positive. She felt like the students enjoyed it and were engaged and she also recognized that she was able to identify what students knew and didn’t know. Even after the game, she addressed and clarified some information that was brought to her attention during the game.
During week five, I asked Christine how she would like to develop the lesson. She responded that we only have a little time left and I should tell her what I think because she wants to learn as much from me as possible before I leave.
Christine suggested putting students into groups to revise notes and then present their revisions.
I suggested a review game. At first, Christine seemed a bit apprehensive. Once the game was implemented and afterwards, Christine was very positive. She felt like the students enjoyed it and were engaged and she also recognized that she was able to identify what students knew and didn’t know. Even after the game, she addressed and clarified some information that was brought to her attention during the game.
During week five, I asked Christine how she would like to develop the lesson. She responded that we only have a little time left and I should tell her what I think because she wants to learn as much from me as possible before I leave.
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