SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO JONAH

Avocado's bigger than this at the roadside
stands..5 for 50 cents

Anyone who lives or works in Africa knows that there is an anxiety and rush about getting school fees and school supplies paid. The MOP has had people lined outside the gate for hours and days in the last 2 weeks waiting for the possibility of sponsorship to school. I still have no idea how the Brothers manage all of this, but they do with an efficiency and quiet calm in the midst of all the chaos.

This got me to thinking about Jonah, my dear friends' sponsored child that I located just before Christmas. The requirements for supplies include: a ream of paper, a large package of toilet paper, pencils, rulers, colored pencils, mathematical sets, socks, uniforms, school shoes, 2 large ruled notebooks and 12 small exercise books, a hand full of blue pens and a book bag. These are just the requirements to come!

Jonah getting his school supplies
(OK...and some candy)

Any Mother knows how this can add up...imagine a child in a village living with an elderly grandparent who has no income. Sponsorship from all over the world is vital for these kids. I realized that school is starting Monday and realized that if I was going to get things to Jonah, I'd need to do it soon.

Michael took me downtown to the crazy shopping alleys with 6 stories of shops to bargain my way through a list of school supplies....I did fairly well, being taken for 500 shillings on 2 items only. I can say that bargaining in a midst of chaos and crowds with hollering and shouting and honking takes a LOT of energy! I came out on top in the end despite my lack of experience.

OFF we went once again "up country" to find Jonah. We were hoping he was home as we were unable to reach any of his family by phone.  We were able to find his house this time thanks to the neighbors who helped us the last time. They remembered us from last time and greeted us warmly. One of the boys from that home (you might remember 2 boys and a small girl) is in Kampala with family going to school. This Jaja is also elderly and cannot afford school supplies for the 2 remaining...I donated some funds to them via the Haydens as well. They were ever so grateful for this. I passed out candy to them and they invited us back anytime!

Clever Boy: 91 in Math and 88 in English

We travelled down another small path to reach Jonah. We had to take a neighbor with us to guide us along the maze of trails reminiscent of mountain biking trails. There were 3 of us including my bags strapped to the back of the Boda, so I was squatting over the back of the Boda trying hard NOT to squish the toilet paper. We arrived with no one home but the neighbor went off to gather the family and neighbors to greet us. We spotted Jonah coming down the path smiling. He looks good. They were all happy to see us. Jonah was very overwhelmed with the Haydens' gift of school supplies and kept trying to kneel down to thank us despite me pulling him back up to his feet.

Jonah with his new Book Bag outside
his home

I delivered the school supplies in addition to some of the candy that my friends and family sent over from the states (lifesavers, jolly ranchers, gum drops and skittles) No worries everyone...I did enjoy plenty of these on my own as well! He was all smiles....not to mention his Jaja.

Jonah ran back into his home to get his papers to show me. He is a very bright boy...scoring A's and B's on everything (except writing which is not his favorite) He is really good in Math and English. We talked about his needs...he needed school shoes and a uniform...we gave the Jaja money to buy these things for him. Even the neighbors were grateful and happy for Jonah despite the fact I could not support all of them like this.

Jonah and his Jaja

We sat in his front yard on mats and a bench and chatted for a while under the shade of a large tree. The family is very kind and they laugh a lot! We talked about the challenges to live...I asked the Jaja what her greatest need might be....I was looking around at the sparse dirt yard, the chickens running around and the bushes and scrub brush around the area. It was very dry....Jaja said her biggest needs include a water collection tank, Kerosine and a mattress. It is a long and rough road getting to any store, she is elderly and without an income. It would be near impossible for anyone in those circumstances.

Meeting Jonah's family and neighbors
(PS: WOW I'm pale!)

I told them that I would see what I could do....we would return on a Sunday in March sometime. Jonah walked me to the Boda holding my hand and kept thanking me and asking me to thank "his sponsors" He asked about the Haydens, Matthew and Anna. He wanted to know how old they are and what they look like. I told him I would bring him pictures and letters when I return in March.

ANYHOW....We headed back out to the main road then the highway. I was famished by the time we got there as we had missed lunch and it was nearly 4 PM. There is a small "trading center" (a bunch of small shops) where Michael and I sat to rest and with water and a muffin....(a total of 1.00 for both of us). I was chatting with him about the logistics of transport for all the supplies the Jaja needed from Kampala (60 miles away)....This is when Michael spotted a shop with a water collection tank of all crazy things! We headed over there to look....I started asking about prices...found out they have large gericans with Kerosine as well as Mattresses!!! EVERYTHING that the Jaja requested...this shop was only 25 min away....I realized we could buy everything there and hire another Boda driver to help carry it all to Jaja and Jonah. WHAT a coincidence...I started laughing and told Michael that when these things happen like this, it is a GOD THING!

Discussing difficulties of life and basic needs

We collected the shop owner's name and number...we will call ahead before we come in March to make sure he has these items before we come...how PERFECT!

I was filled with an wash of emotion at that moment...why did God choose me to be the one BLESSED to be able to give in the name of others? I am the one who gets to look into the faces and see the joy, the surprise and the thanks coming from the heart and soul of others when a truly needed item is given. I only wish I could give that feeling to all who have never experienced this before. I believe that if only once, you experience this....you would never think to be withholding of any time, talents, gifts or resources EVER!

THE PT ROOM

The blue windows match the mural

OK...a quick update on the PT/Rehab room....though going slower than I prefer, things are coming along. The Busega Home is being painted all around including walls, windows and panes. This is very good timing in that I needed my windows painted anyway.

I was watching the work done by the guys who help out around here as well as the work of the hired painters. I was getting a bit nervous as there were only a few "professional painters"....hmmm...observing drips of color over the windows and the walls, the perfectionist part of me started squirming and getting nervous. I finally decided to have a "chat" with the contract painter to ONLY allow one of his professionals work in my room.

NICE thing is that the colors chosen for the whole home match the colors of the mural....baby blue on the inside and bright green on the outside...they look beautiful and highlight the mural now!

Nicholas and Dan at the final viewing

One gentleman volunteered to be my "point man"....he received incessant instructions from me on how to do his job. I know some of my friends might be rolling their eyes in sympathy for the poor guy. I even couldn't handle the pace of his work so broke out an apron and started painting myself....I take attention to detail..sometimes too much. Painters here, for some reason, don't bother to paint anything they think no one can see...like the bottom and tops of the windows...NOT on MY watch!!!!

My pretty green door! 

I ended up hiring my own painter (Alfred) who had helped me out before...we needed to do touch ups anyway, so he did both for me. It is nearly done now and I only have to scrape paint drips off the windows and do color touch ups.

The urinals are lowered and have grab bars and only 1 tile needs to be fixed. I still need to add a horizontal grab bar next to the toilet. NEXT is the floor...I have decided that function outweighs a perfectly tiled floor...I am having it painted and will leave the tile to the next volunteer.

The lowered urinals with grab bars

Father Raymond was able to do a "viewing" of the finished mural this week and was quite pleased. He noticed the calming quality of the work of art as well. The kids already LOVE it! We still have to get a coating of varnish over the top to protect it from the hands, pencils and wheelchair wheel marks of the boys.

I did all of the "detail" work.
Nice huh???

Once the floor is ready, I can move in the equipment sitting in wait at Katalemwa rehab. THEN...THEN we can really begin to do some high level work and teaching....the whole goal of this program is to train the Brothers and the 2 PT's in techniques so that all this work will be sustainable when I leave....

TIME IS TICKING...it has been 4.5 months already...can you believe that???!! I can't!

FATHER HENRY'S BIRTHDAY!

Willy proudly displaying the sign

Celebrations are always HUGE here... Father Henry's birthday not withstanding. Though only given 24 hour notice to "plan something nice", we managed to pull off quite a party! Though I never got pictures from the party...was running around trying to get things set up, I did include pictures of the kids in the near completed PT room for your viewing pleasure!

Artists in the making!

My head went crazy with ideas as soon as we heard the news...the Sisters planned 2 songs (one in Luganda and one in Swahili) in 6 part harmony with dance...pretty amazing. The Brothers already know how to throw a feast and FEAST there was that night!

I gathered the boys in shifts in the PT room the day before to create Birthday cards for Father. I also video taped many of them singing in various states of movement (boys cannot sit still even when singing). ALL of them were soo very excited to participate... and here I thought I'd be pulling teeth.

They spent hours drawing and then lining up to have their "snap" taken with their picture. All wanted to come to the party but this was not a feasible thing. They kept asking me to be sure I was going to bring the cards to Father in time.

Seweady working hard at his creation

Father woke to the whole refectory decorated in balloons and birthday cards including the whole table and his chair, office door, railings on the stairs...there was not an inch of space that was without a card from one of the boys....we also created a beautiful French Pantum (poem) to be read during the party.

Sibiri is our amazing artist!

I managed to FINALLY figure out my power point program and created a montage of pictures and video's to some upbeat African drumming music! It came out FABULOUS! The video was set up to be viewed on a sheet hung outside for all to see along with HUGE speakers. THANK goodness the program of music, dance and skits lasted a couple hours as it took this long to figure out how to hook up a fairly new Apple computer to a very old Dell system.

I was losing hope...BUT Brother Sonny (young and smart) somehow...after going through 4 computers, having me download to a flash drive, then play off a DVD player with a connection to another more updated laptop, managed to get the program going and playing on the big screen for all to see.

"Sister Carol! Get ME! Get ME!"

Sweet Masoke getting ready to drive off!

It was heartwarming to see all of these Brothers celebrate with such camaraderie...They were laughing, dancing and acting silly! Even Father was up trying to dance with the young boys who were doing a hip hop dance for him to the claps and cheers of all around. Not only do they celebrate life in joyful service to the poor...they celebrate life with joy together!!

Happy Birthday Father Henry

(A French Pantum for you)

  

Walking in the footsteps of our Lord

Father Henry ever smiling, kind hearted and gracious

He is hard working and humble

With great reverence to God

Father Henry ever smiling, kind hearted and gracious

Approachable and open, holding both wisdom and humor

With great reverence to God

Presenter of thoughtful and inspiring lessons

Approachable and open, holding both wisdom and humor

He never seems to tire

Presenter of thoughtful and inspiring lessons

He leads through example

He never seems to tire

He is hard working and humble

He leads through example

Walking in the footsteps of our Lord

HONOR THY FATHER: A TRIBUTE TO JOHN WILLIARD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

I was pondering the synchronicities in my life as they occur so often that it would be impossible to write them all down. Yesterday, however, I could not get my Father off my mind during Mass. I had a sudden realization that the lessons I have been working on lately had been lessons my Father had tried to instill in me as a youth. This was the lesson of obedience without questioning. 

I have been ever so slowly working on following the inner guidance I am given in my life...this has lead to crazy adventures in Afghanistan, sudden moves across the country, sudden changes in jobs or even attempts at new things in both work and play realms. I have learned from each one. Each new guidance has been progressively more challenging. Obeying is no easy task. 

I realized yesterday that my Father had been preparing me for this exact time in my life....unbeknownst to either of us, I would be asked (by God) to up and move to far away places to do His work and not always in the safest of areas. My offers have always been with conditions..." I will do anything and go anywhere God, but just don't ask me to..."

By following each inner instruction I was given, I learned trust. I have also learned respect and humility. I think this is what my Father was trying to teach me though I was not an easy student to deal with back then. I have learned to offer myself without condition...this is scary but leads to amazing inner breakthroughs. What you receive from doing this is far greater than anything you give up!

Today, on waking, I was tired...I needed something....it was a long week last week without a break. I asked God again...."Please, I need something, anything to get me through this day". I received a note this AM from Brother Johnson that I had 2 packages that needed to be picked up today from the post office/customs office. I was on my way when it hit me...it was my Father's BIRTHDAY today! I had been thinking of him all day yesterday (I ALWAYS forget his birthday for some reason) I was now on my way to pick up a package from my Mother as well as another close friend on his birthday. I was given a HUGE HUG from my own Father on HIS birthday...like I said...when you ask...you receive and the response time can be rather unnerving! 

It all hit me at once...everything he was trying to teach me, I was finally "getting"...I felt he was there with me, maybe even proud (or just glad I finally figured it out). I hope he knows how much I respect him for the devotion to his Faith that he taught me....how much I have learned from him about obeying (finally)...how I now understand humility and how much I very much LOVE HIM!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!  YOU ARE MY HERO! 

CLINIC WEEK! LOKIRU'S MALARIA AND AN OPEN HEAD

The kids have been keeping us busy this week....getting malaria, testing out cement posts with their heads along with the usual football injuries (the scraped toes and elbows). I have actually been rather surprised at how few injuries and illness there is given the huge number of adolescent boys running around out of school with too much pent up energy.

Lokiru belting out one of his many songs!

MEET LOKIRU: He is about 14-ish (without formal records, this is an estimate). I have been working with Lokiru now for 3 months. He has Cerebral Palsy affecting both legs and his L arm. He is also effectively blind, HOWEVER, he is a gifted musician and shares with all of us his tunes and praises of God through song.

Lokiru's favorite instrument is his fist on the
table....even prefers this over a new drum
I got for him. 

Lokiru was crawling to get around at the time I met him. I did not realize he had rehab and PT in the past. (Including non-hinged long leg braces to be worn at night and with walking to prevent the flexion contractures... which he now has as he refuses to wear them). He has been one of my lovable regulars. It was the soccer ball which enticed him to first stand. He wanted badly to kick the ball, so with time and help (use of a walker and me) he was able to do so...this resulted in squeeling with delight. Lokiru then asked incessantly "Sister Carol, are we going to kick the ball today?" Missing PT resulted in depression and "stomach aches".

Over time, Lokiru started improving his balance. I replaced the walker with a small crutch he could use as a cane. He was able to kick the ball without falling. Now, Lokiru is able to walk to and from PT without the walker or the crutch, walk to and from meals and is now able to start kicking the ball without using the crutch (which he still prefers to use). He still walks on his toes with a heavy sway but is able to manage alone. He will need new bracing but this will need to wait until the PT clinic is up and running.

I have been noticing that recently, Lokiru was slowly losing weight. Much of this was due to the fact he HATES porsha (the white corn flour paste) AND he is growing. I had been giving him plates of beans as he had been skipping meals to avoid the porsha and anything touching it. Personally I LIKE porsha! Lokiru had been begging for eggs for weeks so I decided to get him a Rolex in the morning (FABULOUS...not sure why I never tried one myself) They are 2 chapatis with 2 fried eggs, onions and tomato YUM...costing about .50 cents

He had one 2 mornings in a row...that is until Douglass the M.O. ran past me saying "your friend is very sick" He apparently did not keep his Rolex down with tests showing severe malaria. It hit Lokiru fast and hard...he had just been in PT that AM happily kicking the ball. Malaria was going around (5 boys had it this week alone) primarily because it has been warm and raining for the last few weeks. I ran up to the clinic to find Lokiru surrounded by his buddies and in bed shivering. I wrapped him in 4 wool blankets and hugged him trying to keep him warm until the local Doctor, whom Douglass went to fetch (Dr Job), arrived with IV's and IV meds for Malaria, fever and pain.

Lokiru with his "stick" as he calls it

Poor Lokiru....it was 2 days of IVs and fever. He was "starving" but would vomit within 30 min of eating (after which he would promptly ask me for more food). I played nurse for 2 days...holding the bucket, helping him with a "short call" and taking him for a "long call" (#1 and #2) Now....I admire nurses as I am not well versed in this arena....helping a 14 yr old quad CP with poor balance and weak with fever try to balance in a squat over a hole in the floor is NO EASY TASK! Lokiru never lost his sense of humor laughing at me and himself the whole time even as he toppled over.

Douglass had to leave day 2 of this (Lokiru was stable by then) Douglass was needed to supervise the kids at the beach (It was their biannual outing with Fr Raymond and much looked forward to beach trip). I still had kids to see, so I "hired" Sweady and Sibiri to sit with Lokiru in the clinic while he was on his IV drip. Dr Job and I would alternate checking on him. Lokiru's main complaint was that he was "bored". The 2 "nurse's aides" did well with their job and were well paid.... each received a Rolex at the end of the day.

Dr Job has had his job cut out for him this week. One young man (David) decided to check the solidity of the cement post with his head and ended up with a split scalp. Dr Job arrived Sat PM to stitch him up. This was painful for the boy even with the topical lidocaine. Soon, with a new hair cut (square patch shaved off around the cut) and cleaned up, he was off to his room. I remember those days when Mom and Dad had to take us for stitches...it was NOT a fun thing. We always seemed to miss supper so this was one of the rare treats we would get some McDonalds. I decided David needed some of that TLC as well....he smiled when I brought him a Rolex (close enough). I told him he was a very brave boy.

Today, there were no injuries...well...save for a few bee stings (boys like to poke sticks into bees nests for some reason). I will continue to ask God to watch over all the boys so that they are saved from themselves (as He has done for me time and time again).  May all of their guardian angels hold them in safety and a light of protection!

JUST SOME THOUGHTS

PT room mural update

We are now getting back into the "swing of normal life" in that, we are back on a normal schedule. I started teaching English classes again this week and changed my work hours to allow for a more manageable schedule (53 versus 62 hours a week). It has felt good to be back on track so that I can focus on the kids.

There remains issues that still have to be dealt with. This is a country of poor and disadvantaged people. It is a near constant struggle at times to keep my mental and emotional center especially when I have to be on guard about material matters. This is not an area I am wholly comfortable dealing with HOWEVER, it never fails that God puts us where we need to learn the most. (Even if I DON'T WANT TO LEARN THAT RIGHT NOW!)

Things meant for the kids tend to walk away, my supplies for building and renovating also tend to walk away and Christmas cards with small monetary gifts inside often never get to the intended person. This week I had a bit of a struggle trying to cope. I am having to learn to be self sufficient in all my needs (emotional) as there is no one here at the Monastery that has the English/Social understanding to help me process these challenges (except of course the priests who work 24/7 who I do not want to trouble with small things).

The boys with their new "footballs" thanks to Laine Smith PT
(Note: they are not smiling cuz I made them take a picture first
before playing..."aww,  C'mon Sister Carrrooooollll!"
whine whine)

Today I prayed hard....God has never failed me yet when I ask...truly ask (I try and wait until I really need it) for some sign that all is OK, that I am not alone, or to give me some little pick me up. I looked for it all day today...on the way to work, while at work, while coming home....I took the lack of response as a lesson in being more resourceful for myself... a deep sigh of resignation...RATS.... I decided to try and go for a run after work despite the fact I was exhausted, hoping this would help. I dragged 2 of the sisters along with me.

SIDE NOTE: These 2 sisters do not, and have not exercised AT ALL for most of their adult lives ....HOWEVER...they are "20 something" year old Kenyans....can you guess how fast these sisters can run in skirts and flip flops??? YES..FAST....THANK GOD they pooped out near the top of the hill....DEAR GOD if I had an ounce of those GENES!

The moment we left the gate, I was mobbed by at least 15 kids shouting "Muzungu! Muzungu!" They didn't stop either...they grabbed hold of my arms and shirt so that I was nearly dragging 6 of them along with me (while panting)...they ran with us for at least 5 min. They continued to shout after us even until we were too far away to hear and met us doing the same thing on the way back....BUT all along the way, other kids came running up to the road or shouting from their yards "Hi Muzungu!"

Learning to hold rabbits for the first time!

NOW...this was ODD...I always hear the kids, but today was "over the top"...soo much so that the sisters could not stop laughing when we got back. They had never seen the kids do this before either. I ran into Fr Raymond walking back to the dorm. I mentioned my troubles with the "walk away syndrome" and he gave me some good advice and made me laugh. His words were calming and humorously supportive and he helped me see things in a different way which allowed me to let go of the frustration. I then, received a delivery of sweet banana's from my dear friend Christine the nurse just in time for supper!!! The sisters and I enjoyed a GREAT treat!

I know now that I was blessed with MANY signs....God does NOT ignore us...a bit of a sense of humor making us wait a while but He does not ignore us.  He might have been waiting for the most perfect way of sending me a hug (the kids) and easing my mind (Fr Raymond) and a physical sign of caring/nourishment (the banana's). Again, a lesson in trust....how can one EVER doubt with such an overwhelming response as THAT?!  Who am I that I should be so lucky....funny thing is...I think we are all that lucky but it is way too easy to miss the signs from above if we aren't looking for them.

A NEW YEARS ADVENTURE!

The GODLEN boots
(Lydia's son. Lydia runs the walking tours)

The day finally came when the 2 WONDERFUL men from Portland, Or were to arrive in Uganda bearing smiles and 2 large bags filled with medical equipment meticulously ordered, packed, itemized and funded by heavenly Family and Friends!

The plan was to pick them up from a compound just North of Entebee in the wee hours of the morning on 12/30/12, rush them to downtown Kampala to catch a bus to Fort Portal, then (after a 6 plus hour ride) a private hire to Kasese and then a BODA to their base camp. The universe can throw some kinks in the best made plans (especially those with no wiggle room as far as time). Dave and Paul's plane was delayed by 24 hrs due to mechanical issues. Though disappointed, they opted to have Alex drive them all the way to Kasese instead and hopefully make up a day of climbing somewhere in there.

Picking up the boys in Entebbe
(reviewing itinerary with Lydia)

Sometimes changes of plans can be an added benefit and adventure (at least for me!) I decided to ride along with the boys for a change of scenery! I was given permission from Fr Henry and Bro Johnson. MY plan was to drop them off and come back the same day (though this would be a rather long day...about 14 hrs) I also wanted to be back for Fr Raymond's famous Deliverance Mass on new years Eve which the whole community looks forward to.

I started baking more Christmas cookies on 12/29 night. I had promised the PT volunteers some for Monday AND the Brothers had just finished their GAME day with a volley ball tournament as well as other activities and games. I HAD to put out trays of cookies for them. They were gone in 10 min...more of what I am used to...no holding back this time around!

Views along the way 

This is when Bro John (who had come in to taste test my cookies) told me I would need to stay overnight as there would be NO WAY I'd make it back from Kasese in 1 day. I asked many others who also agreed. Fr Raymond took his time to call the driver to arrange to have us stop at a place the nuns run in Fort Portal. I felt relieved at this and was able to look forward to the trip.

We picked up the boys with no issues and dropped the bags off at the Monastery where they were able to meet Fr Henry, Bro Johnson and Fr Raymond. OFF we went with a car stocked with water, sodas, Christmas Cookies, and other forms of sustenance for the long journey! I have to say, it was a fun and lively ride out there with stories, laughter and sharing of past adventures.

nearly there!

We managed to make it to Fort Portal by 1 PM ish...the only hold up was a 2.5 hour lunch...the waitress kept telling us "it will be here in a minute"...again...another introduction to Africa for the boys. We were well off our time table and still had several hours to go...BUT despite that...Dave found a group of crater lakes on his map that looked to be quite interesting and just HAD to be seen.

Hopeful of finding the crater lake!
(Alex on L, Dave and Paul)

We were passed by several of these

I had been raving about the skills of Alex our wonderful driver and friend but now they finally got to see his skill at work! Alex was more than willing to try and go anywhere we wanted....again...with roads lacking signs and a waning sun. So, off we went taking a right hand turn on a road that "seemed" like the right one. The car kept bottoming out from the HUGE ditches, lumps and potholes (a road meant for ONLY boda bodas or 4 WD with 18" of ground clearance) DESPITE this, we managed to make it and even find a road that was close to where one of these unmarked crater lakes seemed to be located...off we went on foot into the tall grass in search of it....

many amazing scenes

We found it....looked like a large pond...OK....we laughed at the "been there, done that" thrill that it was to find and see it...we prayed the car would make it back to the main road in one piece. It did...how could we have even less than full confidence in Alex! I have to say...no matter what happens, Alex stays so quiet and calm taking everything in stride with a shrug and a smile.

The sun continued it's plummet to the horizon quickly as we turned onto a road North of Kasese that lead to the climber's camp on the map. We were initially excited that it seemed paved but hit the dirt in 1/4 mile..rats....We drove...and drove and DROVE for what seemed forever finding the road getting progressively worse and pert near a twin to the one we had been on earlier that day (with day light).

Maybe just over that hill Paul!

We arrived at dark to the sign bearing the name we were looking for, relieved as the road looked as if it ended. We had already been passed by people on foot to give you an idea how slow we had to go! We then got the unfortunate news that we still had 2.5 km to go....OK...it looked like a foot path ahead...the boys and I looked anxiously at each other thinking we would have to pack it in the rest of the way...I was getting nervous that there would be no way back out in the dark. Where would Alex and I stay as it was MUCH too late to make it back to Fort Portal?? I was getting a bit panicked but Alex just went on ahead.

Made it to the camp! 

We were bottoming out BAD by now...the rain had muddy rivers coming down the path (for this is what it was) and Alex had to navigate boulders and downed trees in the pitch black! The boys and I got out to help the car clearance, while a guide from the company the boys hired helped Alex slowly navigate the path....I have NO IDEA how he made it...though we did have to push from time to time...cringe when metal scraped on rock and prayed that the car would NOT get stuck...YES...we were the ONLY car who attempted to navigate this road!

We made it to the real end of the road by 8:30 PM. It was BLACK as coal outside! A few men came to greet us and help the boys with their bags. There was a deafening chorus of crickets and other night time creatures, mud and water everywhere from the recent rains. My flip flops were not the best to walk in as I nearly bit the mud on the nearly 2km walk up the path. We hopped soggy wooden boards with the help of flashlights from the guides.

New Years Eve with new friends!

The guides took us to the cabin prearranged for the boys but somehow discerned the need for other accommodations as 4 NOT 2 arrived for the night. We were told there was another cabin down the path for a third person. I was anxiously trying to figure out where I was going to stay in this group of 4 when the guides said Alex will stay with them. I looked into the dark down the path hoping the cabin was not too far away (at least in shouting distance should some wild animal break in) WHO AM I AND WHAT DID I DO WITH CAROL???? My bravery was going out the window but I sucked it up and said not a word, nodding like it was nothing at all.

We were invited to "tea" at the main lodge uphill from the cabins. Bags were dropped and we gratefully went up to get something to eat. It was hard to believe it was new Years Eve....though...obvious when we arrived! There was a group of 3 Swedish or German climbers who had just done a 4 day 4 peak climb and were heartily celebrating...there was also a group of local guides on the porch laughing and singing and toasting the new Year and a successful climb.

...and glow sticks!

We enjoyed the camaraderie and toasted in the New Year (until about 9:30 PM) with glow sticks, soup and tea! Pictures and updates on what the boys had to look forward to in the coming days of their 3 day climb. My heart leapt as I saw the snow, peaks and glaciers...AHHHH....I would have changed my mind and joined them in a heartbeat had I had the funds to support that...my heart STILL aches when I think of those pictures! The only thing that was a deterrent was the fact they would have to navigate thigh deep mud and thousands of feet in altitude in big mud boots. THAT does not sound like much fun...no wonder the Swedes were drinking!

view from the cabins

The walk to the lodge the next AM

Off to bed....Paul and Dave escorted me in the dark and I locked all the window panels and door! The beds were luxurious for a camp with heavy blankets and netting....a good thing as it was quite chilly. I also had my first warm shower in 3 months!!!! WHAT luxury!!! I felt guilty taking my time standing there...it was such a juxtaposition...I was in the jungle with crazy night noises taking my first warm shower in months to the dim light of a small bulb in the next room. It felt like I was standing in someone's novel and anything could happen at the turn of the page...

A peek at the foothills

contemplating the days ahead...ahhhh

black gold....HONEY! 

"Share the Road" means something different out here!

The next AM we awoke and headed up to the lodge (again easier to negotiate in the light)...the revelers on the porch were waking from a groggy hung over sleep though the Swedes soon arrived perky, rested and cleaned from their big trip the day before. We sat down to REAL coffee, cinnamon and chocolate pancakes (more like a breakfast bread) and had wild mountain honey for the top. The honey was AMAZING...it was dark as molasses and had the smell of bourbon. I asked if they kept bees and the guides looked at me as if I was crazy..."No we climb the trees to get it...the bees are wild". I swear I never had better!

We dropped the boys off at the trailhead to finish packing and ready themselves with their guides and porters. The road was considerably easier to navigate in the daylight though we still had to walk the path down. I enjoyed a quiet ride back home...I slept nearly the whole way...hours...the sun was warm and I was spent in the months of prep time for the Holidays and the coordinating of things.

The drop off...HAVE A GREAT TIME GUYS!
BE SAFE!

We arrived home at nearly 5 PM...much better time as we only stopped for gas this time. I took my COLD shower and then sat in the chapel thinking of all the fun I had meeting and enjoying the camaraderie of the group. It is always a good thing to arrive safely in 1 piece....so many things to be thankful for..so many things....

It will be a good year...I just know it!