Jambo

June 16 (Monday)

This morning a group of us went to Ssanyu Primary School to observe the teachers in preparation for the teacher training. We split up into groups of two, and went to different classes. It’s funny because every time we go to that school, the children attack us.

While some were observing, others were at Little Angels doing an Adobe Stove. The foundation was completed today, specifically by Tori B., Trent and DJ. This was their first stove.

Ashley W. and Kelsey met with Faith about aids counseling. Together they discussed possible project ideas and then went to the hospital to meet with Josephina to talk about starting an Aids support group and teaching public health in the schools. Much was accomplished here.

June 17 (Tuesday)

***Happy 21st Birthday DJ***

Today a bunch of us went to Mukono to help clean the bakery. We started in one of the small back rooms, which wasn’t a very big space. Since it was small and crowded some of us sorted rainsins, and then traded places later. Many rats were found in the room. We had to leave before finishing, so we told them we would be back to finish cleaning.

Tori, Rylee and Lindsi went to do a home visit today. They were able to cover a lot of ground. They discussed some goals they could set, got to know the mother and the child, and found out more of how they could help in the future.

A group of the volunteers went to Faith orphanage to start another stove. They were able to complete the base.

Tonight we had our team meeting, and celebration for DJ’s birthday. We ate three cakes between the 24 of us, and gave him a giant birthday card. The meeting was also a good one.

June 18 (Wednesday)

This morning a group of us went to start another stove and another group went to Ssanyu to observe. Today was the last day that the primary school volunteers went to observe.

Today we also went to do our secondary school club up at Lugazi Hillview. Lauren and Les did the lesson on goal setting. They found the key to participation from the students: candy! They made many posters and the students really seemed to understand what they were teaching, and learned a lot from the presentation. The question box was fun as well. The students ask many of the same questions each week, but there are usually a few really good ones.

After the secondary school, many of the volunteers went to St. Edwards for the play date. They brought the parachute, did dancing, relay races and played red light-green light.

June 19 (Thursday)

***Today marks the first full week that the second wavers have been here. We love the second wavers and are glad that they are here to help us!***

The two big things that happened this morning were the adobe stove at Little Angels, and the PWD meeting. The PWD meeting went along great. Natalie and Emily taught the first half of the lesson, and then Lindsi and David taught the second half. They talked all about communication with their children, and helped them make communication charts to use. The women had a lot of fun making them, and the rest of the volunteers enjoyed spending time with the children by coloring, playing ball, etc.

At the adobe stove they were able to get the stove filled.

Les and Heidi did their home visit today while some of the others went to the business training.

Trent and Jeff taught part two of the money management lesson. They had good attendance and did a really good job teaching. They were able to get a good discussion going with the local business owners.

Later on in the day the group went to build another adobe stove for the women’s group.

Les, Heidi, Tori G. and Kira went to sleepover in Iganga at the orphanage.


June 20

Today the girls that slept over at Iganga stayed to help them plant vegetables. Jackie, Lindsi, David and Emily had another teacher training with the teachers from Ssanyu. That all went over well.


June 21

This morning a bunch of the group left for their vacation in Tanzania. Those who went were Jeff, Trent, Jackie, Ashley R., Amber, Heidi, Lindsi, Corbin and Steph. They left at about 8 in the morning.

The rest of the group got a chance to sleep in. Once everyone was awake and ready for the day they split up and went to either Jinja or Kampala. In Jinja they spent the day shopping for souvenirs for friends and family and going out to eat. In Kampala they attempted to buy the tickets for the 4th of July party at the embassy, but it was closed. They also went to the Garden City Mall to eat, shop, use the internet and see a movie. Both groups met back at the house just in time for Irene’s delicious dinner. Both groups had a great and relaxing weekend.