Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Q. How do you make a grown man cry?
A. You take him on mission trip to Uganda.
We made it back home last week and there hasn't been a day since that thoughts haven't wondered to the children we met while in Uganda. I have written three concluding blog posts but no of them have completely captured my thoughts, so I have neglected my blog.
I have heard from many of you that you enjoyed following along during the trip. For that, I thank you.
As for some profound words that would convey the feelings and emotions or describe the lessons learned, I'm at a loss. It would take my memoirs or a novel. However, to answer the most popular question, "What was the one thing that you learned on the trip?" That's easy.
There are some really good people in this world, and at the top of the list is Dr. Norberto Benitez. The difference he has made in Kayenje, Uganda is real and tangible. It all started when he and his wife, Anna traveled to see Fr. Lawrence Mulinda's home village. They saw things they could help fix, raised money, engaged the locals, and I got to see and enjoy the results.
The other take away from the trip is that I made a new friend in Tim Shannon and I got to know better the incredible Fr. Lawrence. These things I will cherish. I will also cherish that many of you donated to the MIMA Foundation, because I asked. That is awesome. I can tell you that it will be put to good use.
As for the future, Dr. Benitez and Fr. Lawrence will continue their good work and hopefully I will continue to participate and help as best I can. I would love to go back next year and take anyone who wants to go. Just let me know. I now have Ugandan connections!
Until the next adventure...
We made it back home last week and there hasn't been a day since that thoughts haven't wondered to the children we met while in Uganda. I have written three concluding blog posts but no of them have completely captured my thoughts, so I have neglected my blog.
I have heard from many of you that you enjoyed following along during the trip. For that, I thank you.
As for some profound words that would convey the feelings and emotions or describe the lessons learned, I'm at a loss. It would take my memoirs or a novel. However, to answer the most popular question, "What was the one thing that you learned on the trip?" That's easy.
There are some really good people in this world, and at the top of the list is Dr. Norberto Benitez. The difference he has made in Kayenje, Uganda is real and tangible. It all started when he and his wife, Anna traveled to see Fr. Lawrence Mulinda's home village. They saw things they could help fix, raised money, engaged the locals, and I got to see and enjoy the results.
The other take away from the trip is that I made a new friend in Tim Shannon and I got to know better the incredible Fr. Lawrence. These things I will cherish. I will also cherish that many of you donated to the MIMA Foundation, because I asked. That is awesome. I can tell you that it will be put to good use.
As for the future, Dr. Benitez and Fr. Lawrence will continue their good work and hopefully I will continue to participate and help as best I can. I would love to go back next year and take anyone who wants to go. Just let me know. I now have Ugandan connections!
Until the next adventure...
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Matooke, Matooke, Matooke
Some interesting observations from Uganda:
Matooke is plantains. People grow it everywhere and eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Men are always in long pants and collared shirts. No shorts, no t shirts, period.
Red clay is everywhere. The dirt roads create dust which goes everywhere. When it rains it turns to mud.
Uganda is fertile. Corn and matooke are planted roadside in urban areas and all over the country side. Coffee grows wild. Mango, avocado, jackfruit trees are always within sight.
The climate is mild. Elevations from 2,000 to 3,500 ft., make being on the equator mild. Temps between 55 - 80 degrees.
The driving is crazy! Boda Boda (motorbike taxis) are weaving in and out of traffic. Anything can be carried on a boda boda, we have seen as many as 5 people. We have seen stacks of eggs taller than the rider, sugar cane stacks, and rolled up mattress. You name it, they can figure out a way to get in on the motorbike.
Most Ugandans walk. Every road at any time of day has pedestrians walking on both sides.
Customarily, women and children drop to both knees when greeting. However, we only saw this in the village and not in the city.
Cheap cell phones are everywhere and I think all of Uganda has coverage. The trick is finding electricity to charge the batteries.
While people may not have much of the things money can buy, they are rich in things that matter. People take care of each other in the village. Families are tight and I mean tight. If 4 or 5 people are sitting in front of a house they are sitting on top of each other, not because there is not room, but by choice.
More later...
Matooke is plantains. People grow it everywhere and eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Men are always in long pants and collared shirts. No shorts, no t shirts, period.
Red clay is everywhere. The dirt roads create dust which goes everywhere. When it rains it turns to mud.
Uganda is fertile. Corn and matooke are planted roadside in urban areas and all over the country side. Coffee grows wild. Mango, avocado, jackfruit trees are always within sight.
The climate is mild. Elevations from 2,000 to 3,500 ft., make being on the equator mild. Temps between 55 - 80 degrees.
The driving is crazy! Boda Boda (motorbike taxis) are weaving in and out of traffic. Anything can be carried on a boda boda, we have seen as many as 5 people. We have seen stacks of eggs taller than the rider, sugar cane stacks, and rolled up mattress. You name it, they can figure out a way to get in on the motorbike.
Most Ugandans walk. Every road at any time of day has pedestrians walking on both sides.
Customarily, women and children drop to both knees when greeting. However, we only saw this in the village and not in the city.
Cheap cell phones are everywhere and I think all of Uganda has coverage. The trick is finding electricity to charge the batteries.
While people may not have much of the things money can buy, they are rich in things that matter. People take care of each other in the village. Families are tight and I mean tight. If 4 or 5 people are sitting in front of a house they are sitting on top of each other, not because there is not room, but by choice.
More later...
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