Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve posted an update. I haven’t been to the internet café all week, and they discourage us from using websites other that our emails during work hours. But it’s Saturday, and I’m at the office getting some work done, so it’s okay for me to post this now! :)
It’s so weird thinking I’ve been here two weeks. In some ways it feels like it’s flown by, the days seem to blur together in a Technicolor mix of new experiences, new faces, new places… but in other ways it seems like much longer than two weeks. It’s hard for me to believe that it was only two weeks ago today that I was getting on a little propeller plane in San Diego on my way to Gulu. Time is such a funny thing, I don’t think I’ll ever quiet understand it.
One of my absolutely favorite days so far was this past Thursday. Kristen and I had the opportunity to do a “Mentor Follow,” where we spent the day with a VCSP Mentor as they visited the homes and schools of the students within our scholarship program. I spent the day with Patricia, as she did a few home visits. For those of you who are unfamiliar with IC’s programming, each of the 519 students that have their school fees covered by IC are given a mentor. The mentor meets with the student at least once a month, and meets with their parent/guardian once a month as well. He/she encourages the student to pursue excellence within his/her studies, as well as helps them in any other way the mentor is able…
It was neat getting to meet the parent’s of the students, but it was really great spending the day with Patricia. I got to learn about her family, her friends, her studies… I feel like I’ve made my first new friend here in Uganda. We walked everywhere, so we had a lot of time to talk. I loved it. :)
Thursday night, after the mentor follow, some of the Ugandan IC staff came over for dinner, and to talk about their experiences during the war. (So a few years from now, I remember… a guest list: Geoffrey (the lead mentor), Benna (Bracelet Maker Coordinator), Peter Paul (S4S Procurement Officer), Peter (IC Driver), Jolie (Country Director) and Patricia)
It’s crazy what the human spirit can with stand. The experiences people can live through and still come out smiling and happy, with hope for their futures. Walking home the other day, I was telling Jamie how sometimes people will share stories with me that seem to be movie plots… that it’s hard for me to comprehend someone purposefully harming another human being in that way. But they do; it happens… and all I can do (well, not all, since it’s rather big), is hit my knees and pray for the ones left behind…
(An Abrupt Subject Change)
Things I love about Uganda (so far… and this is not a complete list)
I love walking at dust. There are so many beautiful places here in Gulu, and as the sunsets they seem to shimmer. I love the tea Annette makes each morning. I love that I drink tea every morning. I love listening to Doreen’s country music in the morning; the strange idea that country music, which seems to epitomize America to me, can be found pumping through the speakers at so many bars in town.
I love the kids that giggle at my attempts at Luo. The free air conditioning afforded by a boda boda. The girls at the office who admire all my jewelry and look at me in shock when I tell them I can’t cook. I love the hospitality of warm cokes in the afternoon and meat samosas when you truly can’t eat another bite. The sound of the choir across the street waking me up Sunday mornings.
The list goes on. I love it here. :) Today we’re going to a graduation party for an IC employee. Patricia is the MC, and she’s told me she is going to teach me how to dance. Tomorrow we’re heading over to Awer (pronounced “away”) IDP camp in the morning. Then we’re heading over to Lacor Seminary to show them the IC movie (for those of you who have seen the rough cut, that’s the seminary that suffered the LRA attack and is highlighted with the film… they’ve never seen it). That evening we’re going to Boma, a restaurant in town, to celebrate Valerie’s last night with us (she was the former intern coordinator/house manager). It’ll be a busy couple of days.
Hope you’re all having fabulous weeks. I love and miss you all. And if you ever have time, email me at bcurtis2006@gmail.com. It’s really nice to hear everything that’s going on back home, I feel a bit disconnected at times.
you're in my thoughts and prayers.
betsy
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
A quick stop at the blog
Its amazing to me that we only left san diego on week ago tomorrow... we have already learned so much and experienced so many different things. I know, however, that there is a LOT more to learn (My very, very tenuous grasp on the Lao language leaves much to be desired and can be a bit frustrating at times)
yesterday Kristin and I took a 2 hour car ride to visit the Awere Secondary School site... Aware is a displaced school that has been renting land in Gulu town since 1996, and they are hoping to move back to Adek, their original town, next year. Construction in Uganda is so different... no hard hats or electric tools, just brick layers, saws and tons of sweat. However, it is astounding how quickly the buildings go up! It may be attributed to the lack of insulation and electric wiring that must occur, but building a classroom block with 3 rooms will only take around 2.5 months! crazy! Even running "behind schedule" we were still impressed by the swiftness of which the Schools for Schools projects are being completed!
We have also experienced what I like to call "the allure of the muzungu." Being white here has made us targets for marriage proposals more times than I find truly comfortable, and it has only been 4 days... I think we shall have to start a tally and see how many hearts we "break" within the next few months. ;)
Today we are visting another school, St. Mary's School in Lacor (pronounced Lachor, if you were curious... in lao all c's are pronounced like chs's). We're taking pictures and writing bios for 10 different students to feature on the S4S website, as well as doing a write up on the progress of the construction there... it should be really fun, I'm looking forward to my first interaction with Ugandan youth.
thank you all for your comments and prayers. I miss all of you, and i love to hear how you're doing!
yesterday Kristin and I took a 2 hour car ride to visit the Awere Secondary School site... Aware is a displaced school that has been renting land in Gulu town since 1996, and they are hoping to move back to Adek, their original town, next year. Construction in Uganda is so different... no hard hats or electric tools, just brick layers, saws and tons of sweat. However, it is astounding how quickly the buildings go up! It may be attributed to the lack of insulation and electric wiring that must occur, but building a classroom block with 3 rooms will only take around 2.5 months! crazy! Even running "behind schedule" we were still impressed by the swiftness of which the Schools for Schools projects are being completed!
We have also experienced what I like to call "the allure of the muzungu." Being white here has made us targets for marriage proposals more times than I find truly comfortable, and it has only been 4 days... I think we shall have to start a tally and see how many hearts we "break" within the next few months. ;)
Today we are visting another school, St. Mary's School in Lacor (pronounced Lachor, if you were curious... in lao all c's are pronounced like chs's). We're taking pictures and writing bios for 10 different students to feature on the S4S website, as well as doing a write up on the progress of the construction there... it should be really fun, I'm looking forward to my first interaction with Ugandan youth.
thank you all for your comments and prayers. I miss all of you, and i love to hear how you're doing!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Uganda thoughts and Acholi Dreams
sitting in an internet cafe in Uganda reminds me so much of my time in ghana that my heart smiles as thoughts of jaden, ama, the kids at FCBC, and all the wonderful people on our team fly through my head.
It's so hard to capture in words all that I am thinking and feeling and experiencing. Is it odd that a place you've never been can feel like home, even admist lack of power, boda boda adventures and a language that contains sounds my mouth just can't seem to produce correctly?
Uganda is beautiful. It's like every photograph you've ever seen of sweeping landscapes, mud huts and children with smiles so wide they split their face in two. The people of Invisible children. Muzungu (white people) and Acholi alike have been so welcoming... from laughing and then gently correcting me when I say "Irri Maber" *(Good afternoon/evening) at 8:00 in the morning, to being patient when we don't quiet know which way to go, to cooking the most wonderful meals (Doreen is amazing... she and Loretta would get along well!) They've made our first 2 days here fabulous.
Seriously, though, I can't believe I've only been in Gulu for 2 days... we've done so much already... Taken a tour of the town, visited the home of our new friend Teresa, Kristin milked a cow, we've worked in the office, visited a displaced school, had the opportunity to taste many of the different local foods... and that's just the beginning!
Our first assignment as interns is a "duo project" for Kristin and I. She is going to be taking pictures of all the different Schools for Schools sites, and I will do write ups of the progress that is going on. Tomorrow, we're going to travel to Awere Secondary school (about 2 hours away). I'm really excited. This weekend we're planning on visiting an IDP camp, which should be a good learning experience.
I love you all. thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement, I really appreciate them. :)
It's so hard to capture in words all that I am thinking and feeling and experiencing. Is it odd that a place you've never been can feel like home, even admist lack of power, boda boda adventures and a language that contains sounds my mouth just can't seem to produce correctly?
Uganda is beautiful. It's like every photograph you've ever seen of sweeping landscapes, mud huts and children with smiles so wide they split their face in two. The people of Invisible children. Muzungu (white people) and Acholi alike have been so welcoming... from laughing and then gently correcting me when I say "Irri Maber" *(Good afternoon/evening) at 8:00 in the morning, to being patient when we don't quiet know which way to go, to cooking the most wonderful meals (Doreen is amazing... she and Loretta would get along well!) They've made our first 2 days here fabulous.
Seriously, though, I can't believe I've only been in Gulu for 2 days... we've done so much already... Taken a tour of the town, visited the home of our new friend Teresa, Kristin milked a cow, we've worked in the office, visited a displaced school, had the opportunity to taste many of the different local foods... and that's just the beginning!
Our first assignment as interns is a "duo project" for Kristin and I. She is going to be taking pictures of all the different Schools for Schools sites, and I will do write ups of the progress that is going on. Tomorrow, we're going to travel to Awere Secondary school (about 2 hours away). I'm really excited. This weekend we're planning on visiting an IDP camp, which should be a good learning experience.
I love you all. thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement, I really appreciate them. :)
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Little Boda Boda that could
this is just a quick note to let you know i've arrived safe and sound in Uganda. Getting in and out of the airport was an experience that I'll definately have to tell you about. We stayed in Kampala last night, in a youth hostel. Lying under the mosquito nets in the pitch black dark (the power went out suddenly as Kristin and I went into the bathroom to brush our teeth. I'm going to need to remember to bring my headlamp with me everything) was a surreal experience... i'm so glad I'm here.
We're currently at "Garden City" the closest thing to a mall in Uganda... we got to ride bota botas (motorcycle taxis) to get here... it was fun weaving in and out of traffic, not nearly as scary as I assumed it would be. Kristin and I were smashed together on a seat built for one... when we were going up some of the steeper hills, I kept chanting "I think we can, I think we can" under my breath... lending some support for the motorcycle. :) We got some supplies this morning for Kope, a coffee shop IC is trying to have up and running in Gulu come November. One of the priorities of the Gulu staff is providing as many employment producing/money making opportunities for the people of Uganda as possible, so this is one of their newest ventures. After were done at the cafe (I have like 10 minutes left... ) we're going to go pick up malaria pills, meet up with Jolie, go buy coffee mugs for Kope and then head up north to Gulu town... about 5-6 hours away. This afternoon/evening Jolie's father is going to give us culture instructions, which we're all really excited about (Jamie, the intern coordinator, wants to sit in on them too. :) )
you're all in my thoughts and prayers. hope your Mondays (it's already 12:02pm here) go FANTASTICALLY! :)
love,
Betsy
We're currently at "Garden City" the closest thing to a mall in Uganda... we got to ride bota botas (motorcycle taxis) to get here... it was fun weaving in and out of traffic, not nearly as scary as I assumed it would be. Kristin and I were smashed together on a seat built for one... when we were going up some of the steeper hills, I kept chanting "I think we can, I think we can" under my breath... lending some support for the motorcycle. :) We got some supplies this morning for Kope, a coffee shop IC is trying to have up and running in Gulu come November. One of the priorities of the Gulu staff is providing as many employment producing/money making opportunities for the people of Uganda as possible, so this is one of their newest ventures. After were done at the cafe (I have like 10 minutes left... ) we're going to go pick up malaria pills, meet up with Jolie, go buy coffee mugs for Kope and then head up north to Gulu town... about 5-6 hours away. This afternoon/evening Jolie's father is going to give us culture instructions, which we're all really excited about (Jamie, the intern coordinator, wants to sit in on them too. :) )
you're all in my thoughts and prayers. hope your Mondays (it's already 12:02pm here) go FANTASTICALLY! :)
love,
Betsy
Friday, September 14, 2007
it's happening. it's here. and I still can't believe it.
I'm ready, I suppose. Or as ready as I'm going to be with a plane ticket for 8:00am tomorrow morning, a passport and a rather worn copy of Irresistible Revolution.
I'll admit that right now my emotions are in turmoil. I'm a crazy mixture of excitednervousscaredhappysleepy. My brain can't slow down enough for me to capture an entire thought--just fragments of dreams, wishes and hopes.
I love you all. And I'm still in awe of the fact that I have this amazing opportunity to love on people halfway around the globe. I'm astounded by the fact that my little admin skills can be used to help students gain an education, that my meager knowledge of photoshop will be useful in helping generate PR to help end a war. It's crazy to me, how God can use every little bit of us... even the parts we aren't so sure about.
keep me in your prayers. for courage to go where God calls me, and humbleness to follow where he leads. for sensitivity to the needs of others and strength to help them well. for endurance, for patience, for boldness... for moments of peace and quiet to just listen to the whisper of God's love in the wind. I know I'll need it all. And know that I'll be praying this all for you (+ even more)
I feel so blessed to know you all and to live this life God has given me.
-betsy
I'll admit that right now my emotions are in turmoil. I'm a crazy mixture of excitednervousscaredhappysleepy. My brain can't slow down enough for me to capture an entire thought--just fragments of dreams, wishes and hopes.
I love you all. And I'm still in awe of the fact that I have this amazing opportunity to love on people halfway around the globe. I'm astounded by the fact that my little admin skills can be used to help students gain an education, that my meager knowledge of photoshop will be useful in helping generate PR to help end a war. It's crazy to me, how God can use every little bit of us... even the parts we aren't so sure about.
keep me in your prayers. for courage to go where God calls me, and humbleness to follow where he leads. for sensitivity to the needs of others and strength to help them well. for endurance, for patience, for boldness... for moments of peace and quiet to just listen to the whisper of God's love in the wind. I know I'll need it all. And know that I'll be praying this all for you (+ even more)
I feel so blessed to know you all and to live this life God has given me.
-betsy
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
settlin' in
So Kristin and I went into the office for the first time today (we went in yesterday, but the person who is to train us, Katie, just got back from Uganda on Sunday, so she wasn't in. We ended up going to Barnes and Noble, and to the movies. It was a tough day ;)). We started off by watching a few of the IC videos (Innocent, Emmy, Grace and Sunday, for those of you who were curious)and then went to lunch with Katie and Sarah, who was the GO photography intern this past summer. It was great, getting to talk with them about their experiences. We were able to ask all the important questions like, "How bad is the food" (they had some positives to say about it, which was nice) and "how many people will be living in the house with us?" (while living with 30 people has been a way more positive experience than I ever thought it could be, I do miss having a bed and the option to take a shower without someone walking through... apparently since we're going in the fall, the house is way quieter than during the summer)
After lunch, I had the opportunity to learn how to work their phone system (I kept having to stop myself from answering "Flipside Office"... that may have confused a few people) and write thank you cards to people who have sent money to IC (one was to a group of kids who raised money to build a well by recycling water bottles. It's so great to see kiddos affecting the world in such a positive way so early in life. It inspires so much hope for the future).
Tonight was a goodbye dinner for the roadies. They begin their "staggered exodus" Thursday and the last group leaves Sunday. So we got to watch some new media (a video their showing after their screening of the Emmy movie, a video from the first roadie trip, and one from the most recent national tour), and then hear from Bobby and Laren (2 of the original founders of IC). It was a trip meeting Bobby, I'm not gonna lie. I don't get "star struck" really easily, but I was just a bit when I met him. (I got over it pretty quick. but during those first few initial moments it took me a few extra seconds to formulate correct responses to simple questions).
I've loved my experience so much thus far. I realize these brief summaries don't even begin to capture how amazing it's been. Everyone I've met has been so kind and caring. We (kristin and I) were talking with one of the roadies tonight, Will, who has been volunteering with IC a long time now, and he put it so well. (I think he was quoting Laren, though). Normally when you meet someone, you get to know little bits about them, and it's like getting to know their toes and fingers, their elbows. But here, you get to know their heart so quickly, because it beats to the same rhythm as yours.
To be surrounded by so many beautiful hearts has been the biggest blessing. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support that have enabled me to be here now. I don't even know how to repay you all.
After lunch, I had the opportunity to learn how to work their phone system (I kept having to stop myself from answering "Flipside Office"... that may have confused a few people) and write thank you cards to people who have sent money to IC (one was to a group of kids who raised money to build a well by recycling water bottles. It's so great to see kiddos affecting the world in such a positive way so early in life. It inspires so much hope for the future).
Tonight was a goodbye dinner for the roadies. They begin their "staggered exodus" Thursday and the last group leaves Sunday. So we got to watch some new media (a video their showing after their screening of the Emmy movie, a video from the first roadie trip, and one from the most recent national tour), and then hear from Bobby and Laren (2 of the original founders of IC). It was a trip meeting Bobby, I'm not gonna lie. I don't get "star struck" really easily, but I was just a bit when I met him. (I got over it pretty quick. but during those first few initial moments it took me a few extra seconds to formulate correct responses to simple questions).
I've loved my experience so much thus far. I realize these brief summaries don't even begin to capture how amazing it's been. Everyone I've met has been so kind and caring. We (kristin and I) were talking with one of the roadies tonight, Will, who has been volunteering with IC a long time now, and he put it so well. (I think he was quoting Laren, though). Normally when you meet someone, you get to know little bits about them, and it's like getting to know their toes and fingers, their elbows. But here, you get to know their heart so quickly, because it beats to the same rhythm as yours.
To be surrounded by so many beautiful hearts has been the biggest blessing. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support that have enabled me to be here now. I don't even know how to repay you all.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
"Welcome to the Shire"
So, I'm sitting in the living room of the intern/roadie house here in San Diego. There's 30 people... which equals 30 names... which equals me wishing that everyone in the world wore a nametag 24/7... or at least the hours they were awake (although, name tags would be helpful when it comes to waking people up).
It's already been a little crazy. Apparently, no one at the house was even aware of the fact that we were coming, so I didn't know where I was coming until around 1:00pm, and the other intern, Kristin, was left waiting at the airport (I got a phone call from her a little after 7... we were both thankful that I had given her my number earlier in the week.) I'm not exactly sure where will be sleeping, yet. I think there is an open spot on a couch, if not, I'm sure I can grab some floor.
I'm not gonna write too much... I feel a bit anti-social... but I'll "talk" to y'all soon!
It's already been a little crazy. Apparently, no one at the house was even aware of the fact that we were coming, so I didn't know where I was coming until around 1:00pm, and the other intern, Kristin, was left waiting at the airport (I got a phone call from her a little after 7... we were both thankful that I had given her my number earlier in the week.) I'm not exactly sure where will be sleeping, yet. I think there is an open spot on a couch, if not, I'm sure I can grab some floor.
I'm not gonna write too much... I feel a bit anti-social... but I'll "talk" to y'all soon!
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