MAKING GOOD ON PROMISES: A TRIP TO LIRA WITH ROBINE

I am trying to make good on all the "promises" I have made to spend time with people. I did manage to make good on my promise to Christine to teach her and her son how to bake cookies. We managed to do that last Thurs the 18th of July. Though Dennis arrived at the tail end, we managed to bake a batch of 4 different cookies (Russian tea cakes; peanut butter blossoms, frosted cut out cookies and oatmeal raisin) ALL were a hit!

Robine and I on our way to Lira 6 hours away

NEXT: A visit to Robine's family in the village in Lira 6 hours north of Kampala on Frid 19th.

This meant a lot to Robine and was a promise I made to him which I was not about to break.  I had wanted to actually visit a village to experience life outside the big city of Kampala and this would be perfect! We decided the earlier before I leave Uganda, the better. SOOO off we went Friday morning aboard a bus headed north.

Me in the Gee Nut field

Robine and his Mother pulling "Gee-Nuts"

Robine's Mother

Robine in his element

She was so gracious despite us "surprise" visiting her

We arrived in good time about 3 PM where we met Robine's brother and friends, who were able to cart the both of us and all our "stuff" by boda the remaining 4 KM along a rutted dirt path. One of the bags needed 2 guys to lift (or just me...haha) as it was stashed with foodstuffs for Robine's Mother.

It is culturally improper to just "pop in" for a visit, but Robine and I did not want his Mother to spend a day or two using her limited resources and time to prepare for visitors. We both hoped this would not be too upsetting. Turns out Robine's Mother is kind and most gracious. She was so very happy to see her son and as a result, most forgiving of our sudden surprise arrival. Robine only gets home every 6 months at the most due to the cost of the bus fare.

Happiness abounds when with family

Delivery of the "goodies" 

We greeted her and Robine's Aunt in the fields, where they had been since sun up (without breakfast or lunch mind you). After hugs and smiles, I got to help pull Gee-nuts (their version of peanuts) for a short bit. Immediately, Robine was in his realm. He was born and raised on this farm and the land is in his blood. I could see him smile and relax more and more with each passing minute. We had to virtually pull him away from the fields!

The kids coming to check out the visitor
(at arms length I might add)

They gained courage after a bit and came closer

Soon we were back in the compound. Robine and I were given a seat while his Mother and brothers ran around cleaning and preparing food for supper. It was hard for me to sit there watching his Mother work but I was told over and over "You are a guest". Robine told me just to sit...it would be bad manners for me to try and help out. They made me feel immediately "at home".

It wasn't long for the word to get around that a white person was in town....the local children came for a look. They initially sat and stood quite far away from me and would back up if I tried to approach them. One child actually cried when I tried to pat her back. It took awhile before they began to warm up to me and come near.

A computer out here seems so odd given the lack of electricity
and running water! 

Robine and I had fun unloading all the gifts we brought (porsho, rice, cooking oil, kerosene, matches, cups, sugar, candies, snacks, cookies (which I baked the day before with Christine), pineapple, bananas and a few other things). Robine's Mother tasted her first real cookies ever....the smile said it all.

Some of Robine's family also started to come to visit. His uncle who lived nearby came and we had a nice chat as Robine sorted the rice (you have to go through it to pick out stones). I was of no help because it all looked a like to me. Robine found it funny that I had no idea how to sort the rice (something ALL women here know how to do) Robine commented over and over how he wants to be able to create a system of large scale organic farming, hire people to work the land and FINALLY to relieve his Mother of such hard labor. He is one of the few local men who will do "woman's work" in order to assist her. He is truly a GOOD man and a good son...something I knew, but my respect for him continues to grow.

You mean you can't see the pebbles mixed in???
I wasn't much help with sorting despite this being "woman's work"

Robine comes from a family of 3 brothers and a sister. Two of his brothers remain at home and help out on the farm. His sister and older brother live far from home. Robine's clan is HUGE covering most of Lira, actually. His Grandfather on his Mother's side was a powerful clan leader who took Robine under his wing when he was still alive. Their land is extensive and beautiful...a literal gold mine of agriculture. Robine is destined to become clan leader some day with his incredible knowledge, common sense and counseling ability. There were 2 family meetings during our stay in Lira, both of which were led by both Robine and the district clan leader, Tommy (Robine's uncle).

We dined at around 9 PM...the more traditional time to eat. When one eats only 1 time a day, one wants to retain every calorie possible. Despite Robine's plea NOT to, a chicken had been slaughtered for supper and I was presented with the traditional visitor's meal...chicken liver, chicken gizzard, the egg partially formed which was inside the chicken at the time as well as the back. Robine informed me it was impolite to refuse and this was an important cultural gesture. He knew I was not a fan of liver so helped me out with this part. It was actually really good!

The traditional meal served to visitors 

I retired to my own hut (thanks to Robine's younger brother, Benard, giving his up for me). It was warm and cozy compared to the outside cool temps. I slept very well dreaming to the sound of crickets and peepers, an occasional cock crow but otherwise, SILENCE.

"SLOWLY BY SLOWLY"

The move to finish the room and all the equipment marches on. Finding smaller items like wall brackets and the right sized screws takes an expert! I headed back downtown to the multi level hardware area and all the craziness that entails. I was trying to find the shop belonging to Abraham, a shop owner that managed to find me the large I-Bolt for the ceiling.

Abraham coming through with the I-Bolt

Coming through yet again with the anchors! 

It took some time but he recognized me (THANK GOD). Sure enough, Abraham came through with the right sized wall mounts for the mirrors the artists have created. It was good to see him again and I thanked him profusely for always being the "right go to guy".

Godfrey also completed the mat table, so while I was downtown, I picked up a mattress for it. Next I had to locate someone to sew the nogahide cover for the mattress. Thanks to Robine, who was able to locate just the right tailor, we had a mat and mat cover within a few days.

Putting on the mat cover

PERFECTION! 

FUNCTIONAL YET BEAUTIFUL!

The only remaining things were the finding and negotiating with a new carpenter (who was more reliable and did the work I requested). Through Christian, my Apple computer store wiz, I was referred to Sunday. Sunday is deaf and teaches carpentry at the deaf school nearby. I saw the amazing work he did and he saw the "muzungu". He was a tough person to bargain with but we came up with an agreeable price for quite a bit of the remaining equipment.

I returned yesterday to check on the progress and was AMAZED at the quality of the beautiful work he has done. I hope to have everything in hand by Friday of this week. PRAISE GOD! Finally! This means that most of my swings should be put together by next week.

Let us not forget the foundational work being done...this includes getting baseline assessments done on most (goal is all) of the disabled children. figuring out a system of documentation that is "do-able" for the local PTs who are not used to doing this.

Julieth listening to me ramble about how to document

One more second and she will be fast asleep! 

REMAINING:

* Try and get word from Katalemwa rehab regarding the loftstrand and axillary crutches as well as my rolling stool (which have been on order since last December)

* Have Robert install the mirrors over the sinks, install the wood protective frame around the gym mirrors (to keep the kids from hanging on them), have the sculpture that the artists are still working on installed in the back treatment room; have Robert fix the lights (they need one more screw to allow the covers to be screwed on tight)

* Pick up the remaining sculpture from the artists

* Have Godfrey add larger wheels to the cart for the "operation clean bottom" project in the dorms. The cart will hold water pails, washcloths, towels, diapers and gloves to make changing time more efficient (well....that is the hope anyway)

Godfrey's latest creation. A rolling cart
for Operation "Clean Bottoms" 

* Hang the curtain boxes and get rods to hang the curtains.

* Hire someone to clean the place weekly


TAKING A DEEP BREATH! It is getting closer but still taking soo much time! UGH! The goal is now to finish in time for the visit of the Founding Father of MOP next month. IT HAS GOT to be done by then!

WEST AND WEWAXATION AT WAST! HEHEHEHEHEHEHE

Only my Brother, who loved Bugs Bunny as much as I did, will appreciate that line!

Everyone needs time to rest...this last weekend was mine....prompted by another onset of fever last week (mild this time). I was not messing around...went to the MD...just a virus, but my immunity is now in the toilet. I was told to "REST"...so "REST" I DID!

A view onto the porch from the room 

The dining area overlooking
Lake Victoria

I somehow found a cheap little hotel in Kampala with views of Lake Victoria. It was quiet...my room's doors opened fully onto a beautiful patio and I was able to see the sunrise in the morning over the lake. I slept for 3 days and ate good food.

Peace and quiet 

Beautiful views! 

Returning Tuesday this week to work, I managed to start back in with a renewed sense of passion. There is little more than 2 months remaining and still a list of things to do. One of the wonderful gifts has been the fact I am reunited with the artists who created the mural in the gym.

Dan and Nicholas holding the frame for a new mirror

Reflections of the mural in the mirror

Beauty upon Beauty! 

Dan and Nicholas are back to creating magic for the senses with the broken pieces of mirror that occurred during the large mirror installation. The beauty astounds me. They are now creating a wall sculpture for the private treatment room which will be perfect for the sensory integration needs of the children.

LOVE the details!

HOW BLESSED IS THIS ROOM???!!!

SHAFFIQUE GOES TO SCHOOL!!!

OK...It has been 2 months and I have yet to highlight one of our volunteers, Julieth, from Columbia. She has just finished her undergrad in international studies and came to the MOP to volunteer for 2 months before moving to Italy to be with her boyfriend and his family.

Julieth taking snaps with the sisters

I could not have done everything without her help. She has been the main Physical Therapist for the boys while I have been running around town getting the clinic ready. She LOVES the kids and they love her! She picked up on all the exercises quickly and was able to take several of the boys farther into their therapy progressions!

The kids all LOVED her!

Martin has started to say words like Hello, and Goodbye and even sing "Baby Jesus" with Julieth's faithful one on one work with him.

She "made me" take a break and go out on weekends

Julieth and Shaffique ended up sharing a bond over this time as well. Julieth's family in Columbia also fell in love with Shaffique and have started the process of adoption with the blessing of Shaffique's mother. One of the biggest achievement's is Shaffique's improvement in his mobility to the point he is able to go to school. I had checked on him a month ago and he was able to run up the ramps and walk up and down steps without any assistance. His balance is not perfect but was rapidly improving.

Shaffique's first day of school! 

Julieth made it her mission to get him enrolled in some school. The school for disablities felt he was not yet ready until next year but the local school accepted him. Julieth bought Shaffique a school outfit, books, a bag, shoes and all the needed items. They came to the clinic for his "First Day of School" picture! Shaffique was beaming and so very proud! Julieth was a happy proud mother and was able to walk Shaffique to his first day of school.

Showing off the new shoes and the backpack

This was a day of sweet sadness as it was also Julieth's last day with us. She had to say goodbye to her "boy" and shed many tears...both of gladness and sadness.

Julieth and her "son" 

THANK YOU JULIETH for caring soo much for one of Busega's shining stars! You have given him a future!

PICKING UP THE GOODS (WELL...AT LEAST PART OF THEM)

It was Friday June 28th and I planned to stay home the WHOLE day and try and catch up on the mounds of paperwork that hid my desk for months. I was soo tired and was looking forward to actually spending time hanging out with Julieth our volunteer that night. I had just finished making piles of papers across the 10 foot conference room table and was settling in with my last instant Starbucks (I knew I would need it) when I got a call from Fr Raymond....

Julieth (our 2 month volunteer from Columbia)
standing under Father's sign

He asked..."Can you come up with something fun like races or contests for the disabled kids?" Now, Father is one to always be coming up with reasons to throw a party for the boys, which is GREAT....the ONLY problem is that it is usually last minute. This request was no different. "Sure," I told him....."what is it for?" He replied, "It is for National Disability Day which is Sunday".  I would have said "NO"...but the words never made it out of my mouth...some other person named Carol weakly replied..."OK" I wanted to shoot that Carol. I picked up my piles, put them away and went to work on "games" instead.

Alfred moving the mirror to the truck 

Sowedy carrying part of the parallel bars
which later I find has miss-drilled holes

Father asked if the room was done as he was planning a therapy room blessing as well. UGH! The room was clean but empty. I called to Katalemwa right away and found out they actually had finished most of the large equipment so I booked the truck from MOP to pick it up Saturday morning so that we would have something to bless.

Brian and Sowedy my "Hired Help"
(paid in Rolexes...the eating kind) 

The equipment waiting to be loaded in the truck 

Saturday June 29th was a start to a busy weekend. I "hired" Brian and Sowedy to help me. Alfred was my muscle man and Julius drove us. Everything seemed to be going very well but it is always best to expect problems as this is the norm. Most everything was built save for the crutches (awaiting the plastic cuffs which had not yet been shipped in for the last 6 months). Next came the frustration which nearly put me over the top....the 2 ladies found an error in my bill totally 350,000 shillings (150 USD) to my detriment. It was NOT what I was expecting nor had budgeted for and I was NOT happy.

Alfred and Julius praying that I don't take anyone's
head off during the "discussion" of the miscalculated bill

The "all clear sign" lets MOVE'M OUT! 

I was highly upset, especially given the 6 month wait for my order. I managed to get a free pair of crutches out of the deal...it was the principle of the matter. UNfortunately, they made the mats the wrong color, and the parallel bar holes did not match up to allow me to adjust the height AND they used a different model of bars than the ones I ordered. I knew this was yet another test of patience.
It was still really nice to see the equipment "home" where it was supposed to be....the room is finally starting to look like a rehab department.

The boys awaiting their payment before we head out

standing at the Rolex stand going over the bill
one more time

Some of the equipment

NOW it was time to organize for the party. I was too tired to spend the hours needed to come up with structured games...I felt like I was holding on by a thread. Douglass came to the rescue and helped plan many of the events and even listed all the disabled kids so that all could participate. I managed to come up with some other ideas and thankfully, Father had appointed 2 brothers to help us out.

The ribbon cutting 

Father Blessing the therapy room 

Everyone getting a tour

Father had done a nice job. He had a HUGE banner hanging in the dining area and had changed the sign to read National Physiotherapy Day. Father held Mass and then asked Douglass, Julieth and I to sit up in front and hear all the beautiful things the children had to say about the new clinic and the 3 of us. Do you want to talk about being "paid in full?" This was it. Then there was a procession up to the Therapy room, a cutting of the ribbon and a beautiful blessing by Father Raymond. I know there will be miracles forthcoming in this room!

Rogers, Henry and Phillip start us off with
their music!

The cheering section

The kids enjoying the party 

Following Mass, there was a DJ, FUN, FOOD and lots of happiness! The 2 brothers were unable to help which left Douglass and I alone to manage all the games in the midst of the chaos. We did have a DJ and a microphone which helped but the able bodied children kept grabbing all the game toys as they were not used to having to sit on the sidelines and cheer. Neither Douglass or I have a commanding voice, so it wasn't until Westby came in to the rescue that there was some semblance of order to the games.

Douglass MC'ing the dance contest

The able bodied children voted 

The disabled kids thoroughly enjoyed the following:

* A DANCE contest (this was a HUGE hit)

* A bean bag toss

* A "throw a beach ball at a brother and win a point" game (the able bodied kids all got into the act)

Fred excited about "getting" the Brother 

Nice follow through!

* A scooting race (the able bodied children all cheered the contestants on!)

* A game of bowling (again, a HUGE hit)

Second try at hitting the "pins"
(6 two liter bottles of water)

Fun was had by ALL

FUN FOOD! (Goat, which the boys won in a
soccer match the previous week)

The winners of the bean bag contest

EVERYONE got candy and EVERYONE was a winner!! Father was watching and smiling from the sidelines. He commented afterwards how fun it was to see the disabled children enjoy themselves as much as they did. He planned to make sure there was more of these fun activities for them. He is a GOOD man and continues to teach me about what it means to "give". We ended the day with movies and popcorn in our "theater". The kids LOVE movie nights...I LOVE being able to give even a small treat to these forgotten lambs. Douglass. Juliette and I left late with complete exhaustion but also with completely full hearts....filled to overflowing.

Finally getting a chance to sit
RELIEF and JOY!