This is one of the pictures from our Safari. I saw so many giraffes, they were close enough to touch at some points in the trip. It was amazing to watch all of these animals in their natural habitats.
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
BENJAMIN!!
This is Benjamin! He is one of the students I met at Sure Prospects! He couldn't speak but he was absolutely fantastic! I was very close to bringing him back to the United States with me. He gave me a bracelet with his name on it to keep :) I miss Benjamin a lot!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Lions, and Hippos, and Warthogs... OH MY!!
For the past two nights we have been off the grid at Murchinson Falls National Park. We experienced a completely new level of darkness, an entirely new environment and a lot of different animals. The campgrounds itself were a very interesting sight. Upon our arrival, there were wart hogs to greet us. That is when it dawned on most of us that we were in the middle of nowhere. Once everybody settled in, we sat around the lawn looking up at the stars and were awestruck by how vivid they were. The next day, we woke up bright and early for the sunrise and to cross the Nile to experience an African safari! The safari was phenomenal! We sat on top of our safari vans and snapped thousands of pictures of the wildlife that we encountered. After a tiring 4 hours of the safari, we experienced a 3 hour boat ride down the River Nile to view Murchinson Falls. The day was near perfect with the views and the magnificent Ugandan weather.
Words really can't describe my experience at the park. The animals, the sights we saw, everything was just.... breath-taking! I can't wait to upload pictures when I get home!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Words really can't describe my experience at the park. The animals, the sights we saw, everything was just.... breath-taking! I can't wait to upload pictures when I get home!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Sure Prospects
HELLO EVERYONE!!
The other day, we spent an exciting play filled day at Sure Prospects Institute. Sure Prospects is a school for both children with special needs and those with out special needs. After an hour on the bus we were split up into four teams to cheer on the students during the game day. We walked out on to the field and were greeted by cheers and smiles. The children, ranging from preschool to their last year of primary school, were watching and taking part in the games (relay race activities). It was interesting to see that many of the children were given spoonfuls of sugar during the games. Once we finished the games and giving the children many hugs and pictures we headed back to the school. Many of us sang songs (head shoulders knees and toes, and the hokey pokey) with the kids and danced.
Our group was lucky to meet the head master Francis and find out more about the school. The school has 320 students and 32 teachers. The average class size was 25 students with the exception of P1which had 50 students! I don’t know about you guys but I cant imagine being in a first grade class of 50 students. Another fact that Francis shared with us was the ratio of students with out disabilities to those with disabilities was 3 to 1. The students have a range of different disabilities from autism to learning disabilities to physical handicaps. However, teaching a variety of children is not seen as a challenge at this school but an opportunity to help teachers and students alike grow. Francis spoke of many of the children acting as supports for their fellow classmates. The school unites every student. This “buddy system” benefits all of the children. The school also provides additional support for all students. The motto of the school is to teach to the individual not the classes. Thus there are one on one aids available, specialized classes, and other accommodations available. Francis talked about having teachers sit in on other teacher’s classes to help evaluate and supervise each other.
Lastly, Francis talked about the challenges the school and teachers face. The school depends on donations and selling crops as sources of funding. Also receiving accommodations for students with special needs to take their exams to leave primary schools has been a struggle. Francis hopes to work with the Uganda National Institution Board to create a certificate of merit for students who can’t test in “traditional ways”. Discrimination towards children and workers who have disabilities has been a struggle for the students and the school.
Overall it was another eye-opening day. The institute as well as all of the children taught me so much. It was truly an incredible day!!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
"The Law is Male"
Today, each of us awoke in our personal suites at Kingfisher Resort. After a buffet breakfast, we rounded a corner to find ourselves in a conference hall with Judge David Batema, who had come to give us a lecture on gender equality in Uganda.
His Worship David Batema graduated from Makerere University Law School in 1989 only to realize that the laws in Uganda had male standards and came from male perspectives. He learned and determined that Uganda's laws are "male". The laws are made to cater toward men, their ideals, wants, and perspectives. He began preaching gender equality to magistrates before he even became one. He lives with the belief that “All human beings are born free and equal,” and he continues to spread this message to anyone who will listen, as well as some people who try not to.
To us, he stressed the difference between “sex” and “gender,” stating that sex is biological and natural while gender is the social construction of the differences between man and woman. These differences are created in our minds and often have to do with how we were brought up. These differences in upbringing became apparent when students from MUBS and Drake were posed with a simple question: “Whose daughter are you?” Students from MUBS replied with only one name, that of their father, while Drake students included the names of both parents. Mom, you are just as much as my parent as Dad and I would never think it as any different.
His Worship David Batema also commented on the religious aspect that leads some people to justify patriarchy. He explained that in the Bible, God created man first and gave him the Universe, which is why many believe that God gave all of the power to man. However, woman was not created until after this happened, which would mean man’s rule does not go as far as to include woman. I found this to be an extremely profound interpretation of the Bible’s teachings. Christianity is prominent in the Ugandan culture, and often leads people to believe things just because it says so in the Bible and without any additional education on the subject. I am glad that there are people who are forward-thinking enough to analyze the Bible and find the messages within rather than taking everything at face value.
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Kingfisher Resort
Hello from Jinja, Uganda!
Today we traveled from Kampala to Jinja. We spent the day at the rural village where we met with the people and discussed the new clinic we would like to build for them. Drake University, and the funds we make will be used for the building of the desperately needed clinic in this village. Also, we have paired up with a non- for- profit organization that has offered to help and match whatever we end up fundraising.
When our professors went to go meet with the "elders" the students broke off and went to play with the children. I chose to play soccer with a group of the guys and girls. Let's just say I am more than out of practice. But it did make me miss playing all the time when I was growing up. Dad, I am not opposed to getting a ball and going to pass around at the park, like old times, when I get back. But these kids were outstanding! They were so quick and had no problem to come right up behind you and slide tackle you for the ball. I had a great time!
After the long day, we got back on the bus and headed to Kingfisher Resort, also in Jinja. We are here for two nights, really just to relax and enjoy the days. We have a great pool and service, and amazing food. The room that we stay in are shaped like huts that are really cute and pretty cozy. The resort is right on Lake Victoria, which is absolutely gorgeous! A group of us is waking up at around 5:30 in the morning tomorrow to watch the sun rise over the lake. Then we are going to have a presentation about the different cultures and learn how to basket weave. We will have a pretty early afternoon just to relax and hangout by the pool. I can't wait, especially because we have been so busy the past few days.
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Today we traveled from Kampala to Jinja. We spent the day at the rural village where we met with the people and discussed the new clinic we would like to build for them. Drake University, and the funds we make will be used for the building of the desperately needed clinic in this village. Also, we have paired up with a non- for- profit organization that has offered to help and match whatever we end up fundraising.
When our professors went to go meet with the "elders" the students broke off and went to play with the children. I chose to play soccer with a group of the guys and girls. Let's just say I am more than out of practice. But it did make me miss playing all the time when I was growing up. Dad, I am not opposed to getting a ball and going to pass around at the park, like old times, when I get back. But these kids were outstanding! They were so quick and had no problem to come right up behind you and slide tackle you for the ball. I had a great time!
After the long day, we got back on the bus and headed to Kingfisher Resort, also in Jinja. We are here for two nights, really just to relax and enjoy the days. We have a great pool and service, and amazing food. The room that we stay in are shaped like huts that are really cute and pretty cozy. The resort is right on Lake Victoria, which is absolutely gorgeous! A group of us is waking up at around 5:30 in the morning tomorrow to watch the sun rise over the lake. Then we are going to have a presentation about the different cultures and learn how to basket weave. We will have a pretty early afternoon just to relax and hangout by the pool. I can't wait, especially because we have been so busy the past few days.
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Candy!
Here is one of the pictures that I got from today's rural visit. I ended up passing out some candy to the children, they were extremely excited!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Life Goes On?
Hello Family and Friends!
Hope everything is going well for everyone! I can't express enough how happy I am to be here. Mom and Dad honestly thank you is not enough to tell you how grateful I am to be here. The past two days have been the most impacting yet.
We went to The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) which is the largest indigenous AIDS related NGO in Uganda. It has provided support to over 200,000 clients since 1987. The organization works to provide drugs to HIV positive people and also counsels their clients on how to overcome the social stigma associated with being HIV positive. We had the chance to tour the organization and see a lot of the clients.
This experience overall was really eye- opening, inspirational, sobering, and I have really learned a lot. We learn about HIV/AIDS in the United States in what I feel is a way too casual way. We depend on the social stigma and movies to tell us on how we should react and treat people who are positive. Personally, my perspective has changed after going to TASO. We toured the facility and met with many counselors who help patients to cope with their disease. All around us people sat waiting outside, in the halls, everywhere. Everyone was able to see the other people waiting to go in, it was as if no one had any privacy. After we went to the counseling offices we went to the labs where we went with doctors and they explained how people are tested and how HIV/AIDS really affects the body.
After that, we went outside and went to see the Children's Centre. This is where affected mother's and children, including infants, go during the day while they are waiting to meet with the doctors. It was so incredibly sad to see this. The children looked so sad, helpless, and sick. It actually hit my friend Mary pretty hard and she ended up passing out. It was really scary, but she is doing much better now. But we ended the day at TASO by listening to a few of the employees who are also HIV positive sing songs about the hope and fight against AIDS, that there will someday be a cure. It was very inspirational and moving. I truly wish the best to all of the employees and patients of TASO and hope they stay strong and continue to fight.
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Hope everything is going well for everyone! I can't express enough how happy I am to be here. Mom and Dad honestly thank you is not enough to tell you how grateful I am to be here. The past two days have been the most impacting yet.
We went to The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) which is the largest indigenous AIDS related NGO in Uganda. It has provided support to over 200,000 clients since 1987. The organization works to provide drugs to HIV positive people and also counsels their clients on how to overcome the social stigma associated with being HIV positive. We had the chance to tour the organization and see a lot of the clients.
This experience overall was really eye- opening, inspirational, sobering, and I have really learned a lot. We learn about HIV/AIDS in the United States in what I feel is a way too casual way. We depend on the social stigma and movies to tell us on how we should react and treat people who are positive. Personally, my perspective has changed after going to TASO. We toured the facility and met with many counselors who help patients to cope with their disease. All around us people sat waiting outside, in the halls, everywhere. Everyone was able to see the other people waiting to go in, it was as if no one had any privacy. After we went to the counseling offices we went to the labs where we went with doctors and they explained how people are tested and how HIV/AIDS really affects the body.
After that, we went outside and went to see the Children's Centre. This is where affected mother's and children, including infants, go during the day while they are waiting to meet with the doctors. It was so incredibly sad to see this. The children looked so sad, helpless, and sick. It actually hit my friend Mary pretty hard and she ended up passing out. It was really scary, but she is doing much better now. But we ended the day at TASO by listening to a few of the employees who are also HIV positive sing songs about the hope and fight against AIDS, that there will someday be a cure. It was very inspirational and moving. I truly wish the best to all of the employees and patients of TASO and hope they stay strong and continue to fight.
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Oh Uganda Food...
Uh Oh!
Yesterday was not my day... I am trying so many new foods and really trying to be as open as possible with the Ugandan food. I have found some meals that I like and some.... well I could do without. But I made a promise to myself to take at least a bite of everything. I guess it is fair to say that I took the wrong bite of something. I unfortunately missed the trip to the Secondary School, which is the Middle/High School. But it was great to catch up on some sleep and really relax because we have had so many busy days in a row.
Please don't worry tho Mom and Dad! I am feeling a lot better and went made it out with our group today. I can easily say that I am ready for some good home cooked American food when I get back :) hint hint
Hopefully I have given all of you enough to catch up on but please feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments! I would love to hear from family and friends! I miss you all so much!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Yesterday was not my day... I am trying so many new foods and really trying to be as open as possible with the Ugandan food. I have found some meals that I like and some.... well I could do without. But I made a promise to myself to take at least a bite of everything. I guess it is fair to say that I took the wrong bite of something. I unfortunately missed the trip to the Secondary School, which is the Middle/High School. But it was great to catch up on some sleep and really relax because we have had so many busy days in a row.
Please don't worry tho Mom and Dad! I am feeling a lot better and went made it out with our group today. I can easily say that I am ready for some good home cooked American food when I get back :) hint hint
Hopefully I have given all of you enough to catch up on but please feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments! I would love to hear from family and friends! I miss you all so much!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Did You Know?
Mujebaleko! (Hello)
I LOVE UGANDA! I had one of my best days on Sunday since I have been here! Every morning we start out at MUBS for breakfast and just some light conversation. But after that we had the chance to go to the Ugandan equator line. How cool is it that I straddled the Northern and Southern hemisphere!?
Did you know that on one side of the equator the water goes down clockwise, then the other side it goes down counter clockwise, and then if it is directly on the equator the water goes straight down! At the equator there were a ton of tourist shops with some great souvenirs, so get excited family!! ( I found some good stuff)
Everyday something surprises me. Everyday I learn something new. Everyday I find some new perspective on the way I see my daily life.
I am falling a little more in love with Uganda everyday! But don't worry I will be back!! PROMISE!!
I miss Mac N' Cheese too much! :)
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
I LOVE UGANDA! I had one of my best days on Sunday since I have been here! Every morning we start out at MUBS for breakfast and just some light conversation. But after that we had the chance to go to the Ugandan equator line. How cool is it that I straddled the Northern and Southern hemisphere!?
Did you know that on one side of the equator the water goes down clockwise, then the other side it goes down counter clockwise, and then if it is directly on the equator the water goes straight down! At the equator there were a ton of tourist shops with some great souvenirs, so get excited family!! ( I found some good stuff)
Everyday something surprises me. Everyday I learn something new. Everyday I find some new perspective on the way I see my daily life.
I am falling a little more in love with Uganda everyday! But don't worry I will be back!! PROMISE!!
I miss Mac N' Cheese too much! :)
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Patrick Bitature
Olotya! (Hello, how are you?)
I'm so sorry that I haven't been posting everyday, we are working on getting some better internet connections. Also it could take almost an hour just to post a single picture, so I am not sure I will be able to post any.
The other day we went to listen to a speaker by the name of Patrick Bitature. He is an entrepreneur that was the co-founder of Simba Telecome. It is one of Africa's largest cellular phone companies and local entrepreneur as his latest venture, Hotel Protea. We actually had the opportunity to go to his hotel for his lecture. It was extremely nice and looked like a typical resort in the United States.
Something that I really took away from his presentation was his definition of entrepreneurship. He said it was, "the feeling that you need and desire to make your dreams into a reality. That you need to take your desire, drive, leadership, and dream to fulfill your passion." I may not want to create my own business but it has really given me the opportunity to think about my dreams in life. I believe that entrepreneurship allows you to embrace all of your God given talents and those other skills acquired and apply them to whatever you want to see come of your life.
I am learning so much and really am starting to take a lot from this trip. It will be interesting to talk more with everyone when I get back.
With Love from the "Pride Lands"
I'm so sorry that I haven't been posting everyday, we are working on getting some better internet connections. Also it could take almost an hour just to post a single picture, so I am not sure I will be able to post any.
The other day we went to listen to a speaker by the name of Patrick Bitature. He is an entrepreneur that was the co-founder of Simba Telecome. It is one of Africa's largest cellular phone companies and local entrepreneur as his latest venture, Hotel Protea. We actually had the opportunity to go to his hotel for his lecture. It was extremely nice and looked like a typical resort in the United States.
Something that I really took away from his presentation was his definition of entrepreneurship. He said it was, "the feeling that you need and desire to make your dreams into a reality. That you need to take your desire, drive, leadership, and dream to fulfill your passion." I may not want to create my own business but it has really given me the opportunity to think about my dreams in life. I believe that entrepreneurship allows you to embrace all of your God given talents and those other skills acquired and apply them to whatever you want to see come of your life.
I am learning so much and really am starting to take a lot from this trip. It will be interesting to talk more with everyone when I get back.
With Love from the "Pride Lands"
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Red Chili, MUBS students, and Owino Market
Hello from Africa!
Sorry I haven't posted in a few days, our internet connection hasn't been the best. It has been a crazy couple of days to say the least. When we first landed in Uganda it was about 11pm here. Then we drove to our hotel, The Red Chili in Kampala. It is pretty nice here, we all have our own villa like homes that myself and three other girls share. We have a living room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and bathroom. I am confusing a few of my days but one of the nights we had dinner at Red Chili, it was amazing firestone pizza. It was really cool to watch the pizza being made right in front of us and it was delicious!
But every morning we head over to the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) where we meet with and share this entire experience with 10 of the students from the university. I am learning so much from these students. I really made a connection with one of the girls, her name is Daisy. She is a Accounting major here in Uganda and lives in the hostels right by campus. We talked a lot about the differences between the cultures, families, school systems, etc. in Uganda and the States. Something that I found a little weird/different/interesting is the family aspects and morals. All of the girls that I talked to came from families of six or seven siblings and all plan to have five or six children of their own one day. I don't know about everyone else but to me that is A LOT of kids... Also, although they have all of these children, they do not believe in a community family or looking out for one another as we do. Every child is to be on their own, to provide for themselves, and to fend for themselves in any harms way.
After eating breakfast and lunch and really getting to know the MUBS students better we started to prepare for the Owino Market. I don't think there was any way to prepare myself for this experience. Daisy taught me my first two Ugandan words before me left. The first being kendenzako, this means to reduce the price. The second word was abazu, this mean white person. First of all thinking that I was going to actually purchase things in this market, was completely ridiculous. Second, this is the first time in my entire life that I have been stared at or judged because I am white. It was a really eye opening experience and I've really come to some new perspectives. This market was something that I have never experienced before ever. I am trying my best to describe this for everyone but this market is the most overwhelming, crowded, and I would have to say scary. There were extremely narrow paths and vendors left and right, everywhere! The vendors grab on to trying to get you to buy from them. The market had everything from clothes, wedding dresses, tools, fruit, smelly fish, and so much more. Sorry Dad, but also while we walked through multiple men asked Daisy and our other Ugandan friends to buy us in order to marry their
I really am having a great time, I miss you all!!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Sorry I haven't posted in a few days, our internet connection hasn't been the best. It has been a crazy couple of days to say the least. When we first landed in Uganda it was about 11pm here. Then we drove to our hotel, The Red Chili in Kampala. It is pretty nice here, we all have our own villa like homes that myself and three other girls share. We have a living room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and bathroom. I am confusing a few of my days but one of the nights we had dinner at Red Chili, it was amazing firestone pizza. It was really cool to watch the pizza being made right in front of us and it was delicious!
But every morning we head over to the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) where we meet with and share this entire experience with 10 of the students from the university. I am learning so much from these students. I really made a connection with one of the girls, her name is Daisy. She is a Accounting major here in Uganda and lives in the hostels right by campus. We talked a lot about the differences between the cultures, families, school systems, etc. in Uganda and the States. Something that I found a little weird/different/interesting is the family aspects and morals. All of the girls that I talked to came from families of six or seven siblings and all plan to have five or six children of their own one day. I don't know about everyone else but to me that is A LOT of kids... Also, although they have all of these children, they do not believe in a community family or looking out for one another as we do. Every child is to be on their own, to provide for themselves, and to fend for themselves in any harms way.
After eating breakfast and lunch and really getting to know the MUBS students better we started to prepare for the Owino Market. I don't think there was any way to prepare myself for this experience. Daisy taught me my first two Ugandan words before me left. The first being kendenzako, this means to reduce the price. The second word was abazu, this mean white person. First of all thinking that I was going to actually purchase things in this market, was completely ridiculous. Second, this is the first time in my entire life that I have been stared at or judged because I am white. It was a really eye opening experience and I've really come to some new perspectives. This market was something that I have never experienced before ever. I am trying my best to describe this for everyone but this market is the most overwhelming, crowded, and I would have to say scary. There were extremely narrow paths and vendors left and right, everywhere! The vendors grab on to trying to get you to buy from them. The market had everything from clothes, wedding dresses, tools, fruit, smelly fish, and so much more. Sorry Dad, but also while we walked through multiple men asked Daisy and our other Ugandan friends to buy us in order to marry their
I really am having a great time, I miss you all!!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
"Yes I brought my baby blanket!"
I am in Amsterdam! I have officially set foot into a different country for the first time in my life! It is incredible! So right now it is about 10am Thursday in Amsterdam and about 3am back in the grand US of A.
So I know I mentioned that my journey has officially begun, but let me tell you, it has been a long start to this journey. I have been on two different plane rides already. The first taking me from Chicago to Detroit was over before I knew it started, which was pretty nice seeing as I have a long haul after that. As the rest of my peers started to arrive in Detroit we all anxiously awaited the next flight...
From there I experienced my very first international flight. Wow! That pretty much sums up my 8 hour flight. I didn't sleep a wink but watch a lot of movies! The Dark Knight will never get old... But after a long flight, not so terrible food, and already interesting stories. I have completed the first leg of my trip!
I have to go, sorry to cut it short but I have another 9 hours left to sit on another plane!!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"
So I know I mentioned that my journey has officially begun, but let me tell you, it has been a long start to this journey. I have been on two different plane rides already. The first taking me from Chicago to Detroit was over before I knew it started, which was pretty nice seeing as I have a long haul after that. As the rest of my peers started to arrive in Detroit we all anxiously awaited the next flight...
From there I experienced my very first international flight. Wow! That pretty much sums up my 8 hour flight. I didn't sleep a wink but watch a lot of movies! The Dark Knight will never get old... But after a long flight, not so terrible food, and already interesting stories. I have completed the first leg of my trip!
I have to go, sorry to cut it short but I have another 9 hours left to sit on another plane!!
With Love from the "Pride Lands"
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
All Packed and Ready to Go!!
I can't believe I am leaving for Africa tomorrow... this is absolutely mind blowing. I have always wanted to travel, I would say it was my absolute top dream in my life. Even when I was younger and thought I was going to be a professional soccer player (good joke) I knew I was going to travel the world. The profession may be different but the dream still strong and true.
But I am "all packed and ready to go", I am actually managing to take only two suitcases and a backpack for THREE WEEKS in Uganda. I think it is pretty impressive, my dad might say otherwise... I leave tomorrow from the O'Hare airport where I will be off to meet the rest of my group in Detroit. That is where my amazing journey begins, 14 hours or so later I will be in Uganda!
I am so incredibly excited, it is hard for me to think of adjectives to even describe my excitement. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. I am nervous that I am not going to be able to sleep on the plane. I know it is a long flight, but I've never been a fan of sleeping on things that move. I guess that's why they created Advil PM. I am also nervous about the food I am going to eat. I have no problem trying new things, I actually made it an objective to myself to try everything I am served, at least one bite.
Please follow my blog, I will post as often as I can and post pictures here and on my Facebook too!
With love from the "Pride Lands"!
But I am "all packed and ready to go", I am actually managing to take only two suitcases and a backpack for THREE WEEKS in Uganda. I think it is pretty impressive, my dad might say otherwise... I leave tomorrow from the O'Hare airport where I will be off to meet the rest of my group in Detroit. That is where my amazing journey begins, 14 hours or so later I will be in Uganda!
I am so incredibly excited, it is hard for me to think of adjectives to even describe my excitement. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. I am nervous that I am not going to be able to sleep on the plane. I know it is a long flight, but I've never been a fan of sleeping on things that move. I guess that's why they created Advil PM. I am also nervous about the food I am going to eat. I have no problem trying new things, I actually made it an objective to myself to try everything I am served, at least one bite.
Please follow my blog, I will post as often as I can and post pictures here and on my Facebook too!
With love from the "Pride Lands"!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)