Wanted to share the email, I received from Charlie, our director, who is visiting Uganda.
Dear UP Team,
Life has been crazy fun and exhausting. I have been frustrated by technology. Getting to internet has not been easy this time as we are not living near an internet cafe. The hotel where we are is close to where Nicole lives which is wonderful.
Late Friday night we arrived and then drove to Gulu on Saturday. That evening Ambrose and Allan came and joined us for supper. (Ambrose and Allen are two of the mentors for ChildrenUP.)
The next day was a huge deal, as Nicole through this hug party. It went for hours and was lots of fun. Nancy and her daughter, Blessing were there and Nancy made a small speech thanking Children UP for all the help we had given her to complete her degree.
Monday was visiting the 4 schools where the kids go. It was good for Betty to see and I saw more of the schools than I had last year. Last year was the beginning of a school term and no one had time to show us around.
Tuesday was huge and exhausting. We visited 4 students. It took an hour and half to get to Pabbo where Concy was not expecting us since we could not get a phone connection through to her family. When we arrived she was in a state of shock. She brought us into the house to have a seat, but there were no other family members home. She went and found and older brother, who then went to find mom. When mom arrived he went to find someone from Simon Kinyera’s family for later. The logistics are unbelievable. Betty suddenly realized how difficult the communications and travel can be.
The purpose of the visits is to make the parents realize that we are a three way team…The parents, the mentors and Children UP, USA. Amrose, Allan and Jennifer have stated how important these particular home visits are. Since there is a culture of NGO’s doing everything here, we want them to know that Children UP is not here to take over parental roles. So clear expectations were felt needed and that our presence added weight to the discussions.
Kinyera Simon’s home situation seem very poor indeed. Life is not easy for the family. Concy’s mother is ill, though I am not sure of the nature of the illness.
Then half way back to Gulu is the town of Keyo. Owac-Giwu’s family is far off the beaten track. We are navigating the car down mere foot paths. I admire our team who has mastered this. They literally have to look for a specific tree in order to know where to turn off the path. Owac Giwu’s family was unbelievably welcoming and enthusiastic. Since they knew we ere coming a major meal had been prepared, even though we told them that this was not expected. In Acholi tradition, a guest is always offered something to eat.
Next was Vicky, we had the chance to speak not only with her, but with her entire family. We sat inside of their homes together, Vicky, her parents, the mentors and us. And yes we did get a chicken.
Today was Okello Francis…and two chickens! I think we may start a farm. Okello Francis’ family was wonderful. I had Francis (and Owac Giwu) give a tour of the home. I got some video of the boys running all over the compound to catch the chickens. Delightful. (have to wait for the video when they come home.)
Best wishes. Charlie (in Uganda)
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