New Number

ATTN ALL!

In hopes to have better network in my village I'm switching my number, again. Please find the number listed on the right.

Q: What does this mean for you?

A: You should call me! :-)

Peace!

If I had a hammer...

I moved back to Rakai last weekend with the help of Lisandro and was enthusiastically greeted by my neighbors, townspeople and children. We spent the weekend baking and, with the help of some of our COU students, prepared a multi-course-thank you meal for Debora (COU Rakai home administrator), Father Edwards and Father Jaja (the two priests I live with). To bake here you have to fashion a 'Dutch oven' from three pans placing three stones on the bottom of one giant pan with your batter in a smaller pan and the remaining big pan on top creating a seal and a space for the warm air to move around. You place it on top of a charcoal stove and as long as you can keep the fire lit, you have a make-shift oven.

We also got to spend some time washing the walls and windows of the library to get it ready for painting. We were assisted by professional washers, COU students Rita, Gorretti, Daisy and Agnes.

but then we had to stop and take a break for a little bakasimba (traditional Ugandan dancing)
Agness loved my emergency rain poncho and of course some silly picture time...
Doing building work is really one of my most favorite activities. There is something so satisfying about seeing the work done when you are finished. This is in opposition to the results you get from other work that is not always visible ie. teaching, learning, playing your instrument. Don’t get me wrong, teaching is very rewarding, as is performing, but it is just nice to every so often be able to step back and say, ‘yes, I painted that whole wall!’

Sash, another PCV who is an amazing artist is going to come over next week to help me paint a giant world map and some of our vocational students are already working on designs for some big murals. Will keep you posted on the progress.

Love and peace!

Ngenda Kudayo!

Hello! Things are quite busy as I am trying to finish wrapping up some projects here in the head office before I head back to the village on Friday. Yes, that’s right folks; I’m going back to Rakai! The new Country Director for COU is in the office and is absolutely fabulous. She has so much potential and I just know she will help COU in so many ways. When I get back to Rakai I will begin to help paint the newly finished library and then organize and get it ready for use. The opening date is now estimated to be June 1st. I can hardly wait to see this project come through to completion. Then begins the exciting business of starting the book clubs, reading projects, and English and literacy classes.

This past week I got the pleasure of going to visit another PCV in Uganda. One of my most favorite things to do on the weekends is to go visit other volunteers around the country. Seeing the way they live, what they are doing and just having fun commiserating about our challenges. I’ve gotten to visit all the girls in my group a few times each and a few other volunteers from the other groups. As always in life, it is good to see that other people are struggling with the same things you are. It gives you perspective and ideas on how to cope with your own problems. Also, finding humor in the challenges makes your heart feel so much better about everything. I mean, I have always known this, but it’s just good to realize life lessons over and over again.

The downfall of returning to Rakai is that I will not have internet, electricity or toilets. All of these things are okay with me; just don’t expect me to reply quickly to e-mails. Also, packages and letters can be sent to the old address in Kyotera.

Take care and keep me updated on your lives.

Peace and love!

Sarah