5.15.2008

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!




3 Comments:

At 11:08 AM, Blogger Kevin Eckert said...

Awesome pics of the new library. Looks like you had lots of fun being with the kids.

 
At 4:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sarah, WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. You are awesome. Those kiddos are just so lucky to have you. You have left your first legacy. The library pictures look great, thank you for sharing. Glad you and Lisandro had fun cooking!! and painting. Wish we could be there again so you could bake us a pineapple upside down cake too. Did you share or you two eat it all?!! LOVE YOU!!!!! Giant air hug coming your way! Love mom.
PS when you get home dad (and I) would love it if you would make your delicious spagetti, and pinapple cake!? LOVE MOM and DAD

 
At 8:39 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sarah, my first, and definitely not my last explore of your blog. The library looks fantastic, and it is so good to see a few pics of the kids. I miss your chocolate cake over the charcoal fire. Oh so good..

love you, mel

 

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