Pabo Day 1

Pabo Day 1

Yesterday Catherine, Allison, Pablo, and I boarded a mutatu to head to Pabo. After stopping at multiple destinations our journey was finally underway. The ride itself was insane. The mutatu (kind of like a small bus) did not ride down the road in a straight line at all. The zig zag pattern was an unsuccessful attempt to avoid the potholes. We would avoid one set of bumps just to be met with another. The windows rattled so loudly that I could not hear what anyone was saying. At some point I just gave up and put on my ipod and stared out the window. That was the benefit of the drive. The landscape became increasingly beautiful. It was an eternal stretch of rolling hills with trees placed in just the right spot to make the scenery breathtaking. I was so excited over this view that I pulled out my camera and showed Allison the photo-op. She stopped me though, because of the police vehicle passing us. I quickly hid my camera and hoped that they did not see it. I did not want my footage to be taken. They passed and then we happily clicked away.

Finally, we arrived at Pabo. Our accommodations was going to be a hotel that was brand new. I was stoked…we walked by and looked at the beds (I was hoping the pillows would be better!) and the beds looked nice. Then he told us the bathrooms and washrooms were around the corner. I was the first one over there as I was most anxious about this information. I opened the door to the washroom…there was a drain on the floor, but where was the showerhead? A spicket at least? Nope…no running water. Our rooms had a basin that we were to fill from a spicket that contained collected rain water and that is what we were to use. Now I was nervous.

We went back outside to get our bicycles fixed (our mode of transportation-which was actually kind of exciting). The community looked a lot poorer than where we had been staying. Dirt roads and shacks. Then we headed to the school to have a tour. The buildings looked so worn as we pulled up, but there were students and teachers walking around willing to make education work. We entered the head teacher’s office to have our first round-table. Catherine (Teacher Exchange coordinator) would meet us on Fridays at 11:30 to discuss the week. Pablo and I would then leave with her and return to civilization until Sunday evenings. This will be my life for the next five weeks.

Catherine and Allison left, and Pablo and I were truly alone. We received a humbling tour of the school. There were many things to learn. The floors did not really exist, and on dry days students will try to pour their water on the floor in order to keep the dust down. The chalkboards had chunks taken out of them. No erasers. The teacher salary is equivilant to a US $25 a month…a little less than $1 a day. Our teachers, Charles and Sarah, live in sad conditions. Charles has a hut for his whole family, and Sarah rents out a single room. The teachers do not have a classroom. The students remain in one room and the teacher will travel. The rooms are about the size of my planning room, and there are over 70 students per class (and that is on the smallish side). Pablo and I looked around this heartbreaking place and Pablo mentioned that it was humbling.

We took a boda boda back to our accommodation. We had to figure out how to use a kerosene lantern so that we could see as it got darker. (One thing about Africa-the sun is brighter and hotter…the dark is definitely darker). I carried one into the washroom with me and attempted to bathe. My hair did not get washed. After a delicious dinner, a few “you’ll survive” texts from the group, and a call from my mom, I feel asleep in preparation for the following day.

Cheers,

Jenni

Africa Day 3

So much has happened so far on this trip that instead of even trying to catch up on days, I am just going to offer a brief overview of what has happened and what I have learned. A couple of days ago, I rode a boda for the very first time. For those of you who don’t know what boda bodas are…they are basically a scooter that has room for passengers. There are some things to know with the boda bodas…for example, you want to have exact change. And always negotiate a price before you arrive at your destination. If you want to catch a boda, you simply yell, “boda! Boda! Boda!“ If you are in a group, the nearest person (or two) catches a boda and then you tell them to send friends to get your friends. Before long boda bodas will flock to the area. It is a wonderful way to see the land and see people.

Over the past several days we have had several meetings. One meeting was at the “Invisible Children” office in Uganda, where they shared their four main programs with us. We have also met with people who have grown up and taught during the war and conflict. Their stories were riveting. One of the speakers, Jennifer, discussed coming home to make food for her children and an officer burst through their door telling them the rebels were there and they must hide in the next town…needless to say they did not get to eat that day. The stories were wild.

I love going in town to Gulu. There are many things that are so good here. The streets are crowded and there are no traffic rules, but boda bodas are everywhere (yes!). There are places with internet. The Kope Café is probably my favorite. Jacob works there. It was so exciting to meet him and see him doing so well.

I’m so excited that I brought a Frisbee. A couple of days ago, Amanda and I went out in the front yard throwing it back and forth. A couple of children were walking on the road staring at what the heck we were doing. We asked if they would like to throw it as well. They smiled and shyly nodded yes. We went out into the road where they were and began to throw the Frisbee back and forth with these kids. We showed them how to throw it, and before long we had a crowd of children surrounding us. We also taught them the gator chomp! To catch the Frisbee.

The next day the kids saw our group and then Amanda busted out her kites and showed the kids how to fly them. So cute.

We also met our teachers that we will be working with for the next five weeks. My teacher is in her second year teaching. Her name is Sarah. She seems wonderful…and the head teacher wanted to know if I was interested in Frisbee. ;O)

The more time I spend with the people here the more I fall in love with them. I have spent a lot of late nights with Mandy, Andy, and Nathan. There are an amazing group of people. Mandy is a wonderful woman. She is so easy to talk to, and has such a sweet spirit. Definitely a comfort to have on this trip. Andy is great! He is one of the only people that I can turn to and quote ANYTHING that I find funny…and he is there to finish it. He is so filled with knowledge, and can make a story that would be otherwise bland, a riot. Nathan is great. He has such a humble spirit. Talking to him, you can really start to see his humor and experience…but it is not something he has to advertise right away. He is also the one I go to every time I get freaked (if there’s a frog around…if a bug jumps on me). I also appreciate that he equally loves “Dumb and Dumber” and “Ace Ventura.” Quality person.

Amanda is one of the very first people that I met on the trip. She has one of the prettiest smiles ever, thank God because she is always smiling. Amanda is someone that can get anyone to open up about anything. She takes a genuine interest in everyone and is a great ring leader for girls nights.

Julie is a super-trooper! She is always on the run (literally, I just went with her today) and is probably one of the most honest people I have ever met.

Joe is the most hilarious person I may have ever met. After this trip, when I remember Joe, I am pretty sure that I will not remember his actual voice because he has so many of them. He is always crossing the line, and always making people smile. When it comes down to it though, you can really see his sweet heart and how he makes new people feel welcome.
Pablo will be going to Pabo with me. Thank God. Pablo is so resourceful…he will be a great help. I am also stoked about this information because he is so funny! His dances and imitations are great! We will definitely have a great time!

There are more great people that I will be mentioning along the way as more adventures unfold.

Other than that, I have been enjoying the people, our nightly meetings, and the experience in general. It is amazing how little I miss the phone and the internet. This place is beautiful.

We leave for Pabo on Monday…So next update will be from my school! :O)

Cheers,

Jenni

Africa Day 2

Road to forever

So the driving here is a little less than kosher to say the least. The roads are bumpy…There are no signs…and no rules.

We made our way into Entebbe before moving on to Gulu. We went to a school called Babavuka that took the kids off the streets and put them into music. The bus couldn’t get into one of the streets, so we all got off and walked. As we were walking along, these two ADORABLE kids ran up to our group and grabbed my hands. The followed us into the house, where we were introduced to these teenagers making a positive impact through music, and they played with our cameras and sunglasses.

I was also stoked because I was able to play guitar while one of them free-styled…Then we jammed to some Jason Derulo. So great.

The discussion that followed as we pulled away from this wonderful place was centered on the difference between education inside and outside of the classroom. Just as important. It seems that anywhere you go (Africa or America), the youth need to be reached in different ways. Different kids have different learning styles. Fact. Different kids find different passions. Fact. Sometimes, it is just as important to unlock that passion and allow that to be the gateway to education and a positive future.

The drive from Entebbe to Gulu lasted more than FIVE hours…it was one of the only times in my life that I ever felt that I might get carsick. The road most of the way was surprisingly straight and smooth. On the way we saw a couple of monkies running across the road. Finally, the land started to get more desolate. Then we crossed the Nile river over a bridge…And it wasn’t some kind of solid bridge either! As we drove on it you heard the “Clu Clunk” of the metal…Not cool…but the river was beautiful!!!

As we got closer to Gulu-town, more people were walking on the side of the road. I definitely saw a group of soldiers holding AK-47s…later that was followed by two kids crossing a field with AK-47s…Definitely kind of eerie.

The day was wrapped up by an orientation that told us what to expect. Meetings and education on education the first week…and Collaborative teaching the rest of the week. We were also at the house that most would be staying at for the remainder of the trip (I will be at a camp Sunday through Thursday). The house included a shower (freezing) and pit latrines. Those are worse than you can imagine…as you open the door with your flashlight, you are greeted by roaches, grasshoppers, and a smelly hole in the ground.

It is so beautiful here. I cannot wait until I learn all kinds of new things. We have a workshop on the Lao language tomorrow, and we get to take Boda Bodas into town. So far it continues to be a wonderful experience!

Cheers,

Jenni

Africa Day 1

Mind the Gap

So far, this trip has been absolutely WILD! I started off very tired (from my awesome little send-off) in Jacksonville airport. Luckily, I was able to sleep on the plane because then I met Frank at JFK in New York…where we tried to hit up Jones beach then ate a sandwich at the mall. Then I waited…and waited….and waited for someone to show up. Finally, at about 7:30, Pablo showed up. We found the incredible ladies from “Invisible Children” who set up the trip and then checked our bags. Slowly, the group started to trickle in. It was amazing how we were already sharing stories like old friends and we had only just met. Then we got on our plane to head to Heathrow…as I sat in my seat next to people that I didn’t even know. So we switched some seating around and Andy, Mandy, Amanda, and I set off chatting.

Later, we arrived in London (my very FIRST time out of the country!) and decided to hit the sights before we took our next flight into Entebbe, Africa. After putting my 40 pound, obnoxious bag into a locker, we hit the subway. Walking around London was incredible. We saw Big Ben, Parliament (V for Vendetta anyone?), and the National Museum. In the National Museum, we saw epic paintings by Van Gough, Monet, and Picasso. AWESOME! Also, while in London we were able to go through a Muslim protest about the war in ‘84 and it’s lasting effects. Pretty interesting.

Then we headed back into the airport, where we waited for our flight, and I got the worst night of sleep EVER!…After landing, we took a bus…I couldn’t stop looking at EVERYTHING!!! After signing into our hostel, we hit up the developed parts of Entebbe (aka-the mall) to exchange money and get a cell phone to call each other. Then we toured a school and had discussions with teachers in different subject areas. While the rest of the group napped, I was able to toss around a Frisbee, get a picture of a monkey that was watching us, and hit up some pretty cool shacks with different carvings and prizes. Now, I am sitting in the hostel…exhausted. That will be all for now.

I love everyone here…and I miss everyone there!!!

Cheers,

Jenni

On the radio...uh oh! On the radio...uh oh!

My radio interview...If you are more of a listener than a reader! ;O)

Less is more

Less is more

A couple of weeks ago I was talking with the Vice Principle of the school about a presentation that we had in March. “Invisible Children” came and discussed the situation in Uganda…talking about child soldiers and how these people have nothing and see education as a way out. Then we started talking about the lower level kids in the school…and the kids who have nothing. And how they were the ones that were most impacted…We made this observation and then parted ways to complete all of the tasks that come with final exams.

It was an interesting conversation…but not one that I was able to give much thought to…until another situation occurred.

I was sitting in another teacher’s intensive reading class…and a student came up to me with an envelope. She said that she collected it for “Invisible Children.” She wrote “$20” on the front. I added it to the money that my students collected earlier in the year and made the donation. $156.13 overall.

I didn’t notice the note. A few days later, Bubbles looked in the envelope ( I don’t know why I didn’t throw it away…it was “empty”) and pulled out a note.

It read:
“This money goes to the invisible children I wish I could do more but I can’t I hope this helps. Since they came to talk to us I was so inspired. I want to do so much more. If I can help please let me know.”

In addition to the conversation that I had with the VP earlier…that note really hit home. To many, it would look like only $20…but this student handed me that envelope with pride…because she did all that she could do. Her heart was in it. I loved that.

Then there was a newspaper article that came out about another student of mine.

“Last year, Tim Sharp finished his shift as a dishwasher at KFC and went over in his head how much money he had left after paying his bills. It wasn't much.
Stepping outside, he saw a homeless man sleeping on the sidewalk. Sharp reached into his pocket, pulled out a few dollars and dropped them by the man, who woke up.
Most would think that Sharp has had a hard life, yet he just shakes it off. To him, giving to other people is a big part of what his life is.
He plans to major in sociology to continue the legacy that his mother, LouAnn Usina, created in Hastings before she died last year from cancer.
"I am who I am today because of her," Sharp said. "She made me see who I should be."
In high school, Sharp watched his mother head the OUR community program, where she gave food, clothes and support to as many as 5,000 people, mostly at her own expense.
Sharp already has picked up where Usina left off last year. Sharp's Take Stock in Children mentor, Tommy Lescroart, said Sharp's gas tank runs dry from giving rides to friends of friends.
Sharp was the kid who spent the few dollars in his pocket to buy cheese sticks for the student bullied in the lunchroom.
Since his mother's death, Sharp has worked three different jobs to support himself and prepare for college on his own.
Most recently he has worked at the St. Johns Housing Partnership, where he refurbishes houses for the under-privileged.
"I want to prove to people instead of show them," Sharp said. "You can do a lot with your life instead of complain about what you don't have."

For the full article go to:
http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2010-06-01/graduate-menendez-succeeds-against-adversity

These accounts personify a story that I had heard many times before in church:

Mark 12 “41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,[j]worth only a fraction of a penny.[k]
43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

This story finally makes so much sense! It’s actually mind-blowing.

People who have nothing-what can they give? Surprisingly, everything. They give all that they can…their whole heart goes into their contribution, and at the end of the day…they know that they gave it their all.

I look up to these people who have nothing. I know that when I am beaten down…and when I feel like I have nothing to offer…I can change my perspective, because when I give my all, then I have everything to offer.

Here's the school!

Here's a short video about the school that I will be working with! :O)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKw7j-6y57k

cheers,

Jenni