The latest from Uganda

Greetings from my "other" home!

I must tell you - miracles do happen! On Sunday, I picked up a heavy box of books and swung it around, which was not a good move. I could barely walk after that. In fact, I had to hold on to a wall to walk down steps. The team was coming the next day, so I knew it would be a huge problem if I had to spend a few days in bed or barely moving. That night I was in such pain I was taking pain pills and still hurting. I prayed that evening, and ask several others to pray, as well. The next morning, I woke up and went to meet the team - without any pain! Truly, it had to be a touch from God.

Last Friday, I went to the wedding of one of the teachers from Namirembe Primary. It was on the shores of Lake Victoria, a beautiful setting. The Ugandans have huge weddings, sometimes over 1,000 people. All of their extended families come. Because they have so many children, the extended family can be hundreds of people. Also, every person they work with attends, along with every member of their church(es). I counted 32 cakes at this wedding - plus they served a full meal. Chairs were set up under a tent for the bride's family - one for the groom's family - another for friends, plus one for the bride and groom. Each one looked like something out a Cinderella storybook ... with lights surrounding each. All of their friends donate for wedding expenses. That is the custom. It was all beautiful and lasted about seven hours from start to finish. :)

On Sunday, I went to church at the Watoto Church, which is attended by the grown children of Jane (Namirembe headmistress). Last year, we had the children's choir from Watoto at my school in concert, so it was nice to attend their church once more. It has been a wonderful week staying with Jane and Noah in their home. Every day has been spent sharing with classes at the various schools, and spending time with our librarians.

The second team arrived safely. They went to work upon arrival and created our 17th library - the African Children's Choir Laurel Library! (Laurel after my school Laurel Mountain Elementary). It is beautiful; the kids' mouths simply dropped open as they stared at what came together so quickly. The Herff Jones Company once again donated maps and globes for the new libraries, so we have been able to put up a beautiful world wall map and African map in each library.

The kids had an assembly when we arrived to welcome us - opening with beautiful worship choruses. After the completion of the library, we met again and various ones spoke about how much they appreciate their new library. We were also fortunate to listen to even more beautiful singing. Those kids can sing the roof off! What a treat! The team went back to the hotel for needed rest after their long trip. I stayed and met with each class so the students could begin using their library immediately ... knowing it's organization, and the process of borrowing.

It was great fun to meet with Lynne Dobson at the African Children Choir school. If you remember, she is the lady from Austin that raised funding last year to supply over 500 wheelchairs for the disabled here in Uganda. During the year, we are always going to meet, but get too busy - and here we are together once more in Uganda! She is a wonderful person with a big heart. Lynne is also a fantastic photographer. Some of her pictures of the opening of the choir's library are posted on our website (www.librariesoflove.org).

This Illinois team, and others in their church, have sponsored 36 students from Namungoona Primary the last few years - paying their school fees and lunches. Today most of the students came in the library together to express their thanks through words and song. It was very touching (tears ...); many probably wouldn't be attending school if not for this support. The ladies then went on home visits with several of the students. The team came back overwhelmed by the gratitude of the parents/guardians. It is hard for us to even realize what it would be like not to be able to send all of your children to school. Their generous support is making a difference.

This is becoming much too long, so I will sign off.

My love and best wishes to you from a country where I truly feel at home, though I miss my family and friends in America.

A special "Hello" to Ashlyn, Lauren, Jada, Brooke, Sheala, Justin, Tyler, and Dani - my amazing grandchildren. My love is sent to you across the ocean. :)

Trudy

The lime green chicken bus

June 25, 2010 ... Friends, I made it to Lira just fine. The bus wasn't too bad. I sat by a larger man who took up 1 1/2 seats - so I was squeezed, but he was nice. By the end of the trip, I thought I would need to propose marriage - as it seemed we were practically intimate while traveling. I visited a school in Lira. The headmaster and family made me welcome. However, he didn't understand my English at all, so decided to leave today instead. I took the first available bus back to Kampala. The bus was large, and lime green, with a black top. The ride is interesting along the roads, as there are so many thatched roof huts with people outside relaxing. Actually, there is something to be said for the way they sit outside and visit the whole neighborhood. :) Many of the schools didn't have windows and doors. The smell of charcoal was/is ever present because it's what everyone uses for cooking. Anyway - back to the bus. The bus was totally crowded with people standing down the middle, plus four people standing down on the stairs by the door. However, we stopped constantly along the road and our conductor threw open the door and invited more people. I must say though; we almost had as many chickens and roosters as people. They were all over in the bus and down under the bus in the hold, as well. I thought roosters only crowed in the morning - but, no - they "cock-a-doodle-doo" on crowded buses. Someone's chicken was in the aisle and must have been stepped on because it went crazy screaming. We stopped at every little town and hordes of people rushed the bus to sell things through the windows - meat on sticks, roasted corn, nuts, chicken, water, soda, fruit - and chickens and roosters! The lady by me said they were asking too much for a chicken - $7.50, otherwise I'm sure I would have bought one. There was a young girl with a baby across from me. Her parents had been killed by rebels in the war. The baby was by a teacher and she was going to find him in a different town. I'm sure she was not over 13. She was really beautiful. Sad! A bus the day before had been robbed and some people headed to Lira were killed, so I was happy my bus made it safely to Kampala. Billy (Wilber and Sarah's nephew) met me at the bus park and we had a chicken burger and fries at a shopping center which was near. (The original Shop-Rite, for those who have been here) I need to go meet Jane, as school is over. Wednesday evening we had our evening African milk tea - with grasshoppers. I know you hate you are missing all of this - and I am loving that I got to ride on that crazy bus and eat grasshoppers. It doesn't get much better. :) Best wishes!

Trudy

First team ends stay in Uganda

Greetings! Our wonderful LOL team should have arrived home yesterday! They left early for the airport - had a flat on the way - fixed it, and ten minutes later - another flat! They had to unload from the large van and take small matutus (small, dirty window vans) Maybe God really wanted them to stay in Uganda!

So much to share ... but will try to stay short. I am now at a different school each day. Yesterday, I met with 20 classes at Kitebi Primary, and 14 classes the day before at Ugandan Martyrs Primary. I went over the organization of the library, how to use a shelf marker, the process to borrow a book, and before each class left, we sang "Making Melodies" - their favorite song. The kids are so excited about the libraries. If you could only see the eyes and smiles. Wow! Today some of the classes were 100+. They were so proud when they walked out with their books! At Ugandan Martyrs, I had an interesting lunch. I was served in the home of several Catholic "Brothers" who live on the school grounds and work/teach/lead the Ugandan Martyrs Primary and Secondary schools, though they are government schools.

I am reminded of what one of our volunteers, Ken Anderson, said when he arrived and looked at the libraries. He simply stated, "This is tangible." So true - a gift and partnership that will last and change lives. The first class I shared with yesterday was first graders. Right in the front was a little boy with whom our team fell in love - a skinny little boy with glasses. I believe his name is Paul. He was beaming because he felt like we were personal friends. I almost cried knowing how much he meant to the team. He waited at the gate at the end of the day to tell me goodbye. Ahhhhhhhh. (My team is now crying) :) At every school, pupils have come to me and asked for the team members by name. The team made such an impact, by giving of not just their time - but their hearts.

Billie, Paul, and I went to visit Derrick's home (the boy from the bus). It was in the slums - a small, mud, brick home. They were so thrilled that we visited. I liked what Paul told Derrick when he tried to apologize for his home. He told Derrick he should be proud of what he has, and of his family (mom and brother), because God has provided for him. Derrick had to quit school after 6th grade because he didn't have funding for school fees. He is now 19. A young girl at the Mukasas, Rasheda, is 13 and would need to start in the 4th grade, but hasn't been to school because they don't have funds. Our librarian, Betty, in Mbale had to quit school after 10th grade. She is now in her early 20s, but would like to finish high school, but doesn't have enough money. So many needs ... .

Sunday when I was visiting children at Namirembe Primary, (after helping peel matoke bananas for their lunch) they told me that black skin is thicker because it doesn't turn red when it is pinched. However, their insides are softer, which is why they dance better. They felt of my hair and said it wasn't natural. Black curly hair is natural. :) I have promised to meet with them again at the school this coming Sunday to continue our conversation, plus they are teaching me songs in their language, Luganda.

I am staying in the home of Noah and Jane Semugoma. She is the headmistress at Namirembe Primary, which houses our first library. They are truly wonderful, kind people. I feel at "home." Last night their small Bible study group met, which was my third year to meet with this group. Pflugerville Community Church ladies had made and sent beautiful bookmarks, each with a scripture. I was able to let the Bible study group choose their favorite. They were thrilled and read and re-read to see which they should keep. Thank you PCC!

Today I am at Bat Valley Primary. Tomorrow morning I will meet with the Commissioners of Education in downtown Kampala. In the afternoon, I will hop on a bus and be off to a city in northern Uganda, Lira. This town has only had a couple years of peace, as they are located where war was taking place for 20 years. Thousands of children were kidnapped and forced to serve as rebel soldiers. Others were used for sex by the soldiers. There are huge camps of refugees at Lira. Please keep my safety in your prayers as I travel. I will stay with the headmaster of a school and his family. It is a five hour trip from Kampala.

My best wishes to each of you. Please keep our second team in your prayers as they travel from Illinois and arrive Monday. They will complete three libraries, plus restock an existing library.As they say in Uganda ... God is good - all the time. / All the time - He is good.

My best wishes,
Trudy

Trudy - lost in Africa

I had an adventure today!

The team is at Murchison Falls, so I had some free time. On my first trip in 2001, I spent time with some good friends, the Mukasas, who live probably three miles - if you travel down, down, down on dirt roads, paths, and between houses. Even farther down is a home where I stayed two weeks during the first trip. I have been back to these homes, but always with my Ugandan friend, Margaret. Today, I decided I could find them alone, so off I went. What fun to just start walking! I found the Mukasas and got to see again their granddaughter named after my granddaughter, Ashlyn. I then went on to the other home. On the way back up the hills, I took a wrong turn, which I realized quickly. However, I decided to just keep trekking through paths between houses, to see where I would end up! As it started getting late, I decided I'd better ask directions and head back. I made it, though sweating badly, as the hills are steep.

I love being lost; it is so relaxing!

Paul was making fun of me. Rachel, his sister, was having a hard time crossing the horrendous traffic. I walked out in the street and stuck out my arm/hand to stop the traffic. A boda driver looked at me with a shocked expressions - like ... are you crazy; he then laughed and went around. I decided I'd better dodge traffic and get out of the way before I was a smashed muzungu.

The team made it safely to Murchison and had a relaxing evening in camp yesterday. They called today and they were looking for wildlife. I hope they don't see a leopard. That just wouldn't be right! I've probably been on eight safaris - and haven't seen one yet!

The team met Thursday evening, as tomorrow evening when they return it will be late and they will need to prepare to leave for the airport Monday morning. It was inspiring to listen to the different ones share about how the trip was life-changing. I wish I could share all of the conversations with you, but it isn't possible as this would be too long, so I will send a few for now.

After we played various games with the students at Kitebi Primary, a little boy said to Anne, "Everytime I go to the library, I will remember this day!" I told the team that if we just came, created libraries, and left, I would feel as though we failed. It is not only the libraries that are important. The interaction with the children and adults is equally important. They need to feel our love for them and know that it will be lasting, because it is Christ's love being transferred through our volunteers. The headmaster of Wambwa Primary walked with a couple members of our team for a home visit. He told those in the home, "I have never had a muzungu visit my home. You are blessed." I think those on the team would all agree - we are the ones who are blessed!

One of our young people (Sam), gave away his Bible. He had said he wanted to keep it because it had his notes in it. However, he ending up giving it to a lady at our hotel. He was amazed as she clutched it to her chest and broke out in a huge smile. Sam talked about how we take the Bible for granted - but it is a treasure to those here. Paul also donated his Bible to a young lady at the hotel in Mbale. While we are all sitting eating, she came up to tell Paul she had been praying for him (his shoulder). Ahhhhhhh

Paul was with me Friday, as I met with the staff at Kasubi Primary. After the staff meeting, I met with many classes to share how their library is organized and how to borrow books. The students are so excited. Starting Monday, I will be at a different school each day. Time to go to work!

Friday evening, I had dinner with Richard Sennoga, his wife, Grace, and son, Isaac. Richard works with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and also is involved with the Ugandan Library Association. It was interesting to visit about our libraries and what is happening here with the government / libraries.

Time to stop before this is too long. Everything and everyone is well here. Paul and I are looking forward to getting up early and attending church.

My best wishes and love sent your way from a country and people who are truly inspiring!

Trudy

Note: From Volunteers Director Scott Porter's blog: "We saw lions, elephants, and giraffe today as well as numerous types of antelope, cape buffalo, birds and warthogs. The leopard continues to elude us but they tell us they have been seen in recent days."

More News from Uganda

I am sitting at a cafe overlooking Kampala City. It is a city built on 7 hills - so all the lights are beautiful. I read in the paper today that 93% of those who live in Kampala live in the slums ... but tonight it looks great, and I am enjoying a cup of African milk tea. What a life! The team visited several of our schools in Mbale: Wambwa Primary, North Roads Primary, and Mbale Secondary. They played sports at the schools and went in classrooms singing and visiting with the students. It is fun to go back to schools that have had libraries for a few years. If we wave our thumbs in the air, the kids burst out laughing and singing Making Melodies in My Heart! It is definitely their favorite song! At Mbale Secondary, the team played volleyball - in the rain - and then started playing soccer. Paul (my son-in-law and Libraries of Love Facilities Director) crashed and broke his collarbone! We went to the hospital, where the shoulder was x-rayed and put in a sling. We sent a picture of the x-rays to Donita. The orthopedic doctor in Texas said it will be fine until he gets home, as long as it is stationary. The team went on home visits with students from Wambwa. Ken and Karl Anderson had the longest walk. Their child lived 1 1/2 hours from the school. Ken said the walk itself was interesting, seeing the cows, goats, chickens, ladies sorting rice, cornfields, beans growing, and rice fields. The tiny mud huts seem something you would see in movies - then to actually be visiting in them is always touching. The parents are happy to meet the muzungus (white people) and are so appreciative of having their children's school lunches paid. Last night, several students from my school, Laurel Mountain Elementary, skyped with students from Namatala Primary at Wilber and Sarah's home. It was great. I think the students in Texas were surprised that students here go from 7am - 6pm, and do all the work of keeping the school grounds and rooms clean. Two of the students, Enoc and Faith, stayed late to skype with a second group. They are fifth grade students. It was dark when we finished, so I had someone drive the kids home. I wanted to visit with the parents and explain why they were late. Herbert (a member of Wilber's church) waited in the car while I threaded my way through the mud/stick homes to Faith's home. Her father spoke good English and took me to meet the family. Next, we headed for Enoch's. It was many miles down dirt roads, which seemed almost paths. His home was inside one door, with only a piece of cloth over it - located in a long retangular mud/stick building, with three other openings - which were homes. The room was the size of perhaps my bathroom. They had only one chair, which was slatted. The dad had to sit on the edge of a twin bed. A small coffee table in the middle had a lantern perched on it. The room was so tiny, there really wasn't room for another chair. I stood to visit. They had no water or toilets, of course. Enoch is such a bright boy; it was hard to look at the conditions he returns to after a long day at school. At times, the conditions here are difficult to digest - and truly continue to roll over in your mind for hours...days/years afterwards. I got up early to go to Enoch's school to explain to his teacher why he probably didn't have his homework finished. I plan on continuing to check on him, and Faith, as well. Tuesday night the Okumus (Wilber and Sarah) had the team over, with their church people serving dinner on tables out on the lawn. It was a beautiful evening. After eating, Sarah led us in several worship choruses, and Wilber shared a short scripture and spoke to the team about what a blessing they have been to people here. Truly a special evening! It is always hard for my volunteers to leave the Okumus, as they become fast friends. Tonight I met with the lawyer that is handling the adoption of Mercy. She is being adopted by my nephew and his wife, Cody and Melissa Busby. My friend, Margaret, a Ugandan nurse, met me in town later, and we did the native thing, weaving our way through the markets and traveling in matatus. I always love my evenings out with her, seeing the real Ugandan side of Kampala. I hope all is well in your world. We are having a grand adventure! Blessings to each of you!

Trudy

News from Uganda

URGENT NEED - and then news

We want to supply reading textbooks for the schools in Uganda. This year, the schools in Texas are getting new textbooks. Libraries of Love can have out-of-adoption books from two school districts. Our schools in Uganda would think it a miracle if they had class sets of books - instead of no reading texts. We have accepted many pallets of texts already and have rented two storage spaces. If you know of anyone that could donate storage until February, then we would be able to take even more. The donor could use the storage as a tax write-off, since we are a nonprofit. Please be praying for us about this, as we need to find space quickly. If you know of a space, please contact Donita at 244-1364 or 699-1364

News:
The team has been amazing. As I wrote earlier, three days of travel and then 12 hours of work the following day to complete our first library. The next two days were the same, and we now have our three newest libraries. Until you see the bare rooms turned into absolutely beautiful libraries, overflowing with books, it is hard to imagine that it can happen in a day. The details that have to be completed, building the bookshelves, sorting thousands of book using the Dewey Decimal system, labeling each shelf, putting up signage, etc. goes like clockwork.

The team has also managed time outside with kids playing sports, reading, and visiting. The appreciation and excitement of the students gives the team the stamina and enthusiasm to complete each day's work.

This is the first year that we have truly faced numerous problems. The airline travel was grueling, followed by missing tools, Wilber having car problems - delaying the arrival of more tools. One volunteer became sick and couldn't travel, another was robbed in Italy last week and had to cancel her trip, another had to have emergency tooth surgery (but did arrive a few days later). Our hotel in Mbale had bottomed out since last year causing us to arrive and depart the same evening. That said ... what an amazing trip it has been. God knew the perfect group we needed. Team members have not complained once. They just took on each task with a smile. I can't say enough positive things about them!

While in Kampala, Wilber gave me a special surprise. Many of you know the story of the 18-year-old guy I met on the bus last year as I traveled from Mbale to Kampala. He was extremely dirty, looking like a street child. He had never sat by a muzungu (white person), so he wanted to sit by me. By the end of the trip, we had joined hands and prayed. Derrick accepted Christ as his savior. Last week, in Kampala, Wilber and I walked into a store - and there was Derrick waiting for me! We spent time together. He is as excited about being a Christian as he was from the beginning. I will go meet his mom and brother next week. What a treat! Derrick went with us to the school in which we were working. I went in the library and then came out to see Derrick and Caleb (a young man from Kansas), holding hands, walking down the hill, and then sitting under a tree to talk. (Holding hands with friends is common here.) I cried!

We had three grand openings Friday with speeches, singing, dancing, dignitaries, etc. Later, we met with all the principals and librarians from the Kampala area, and I was able to share the beginning of Libraries of Love - and also, their part in making the libraries a success.

Saturday, the group spent the afternoon at Sisiyi Falls for a much needed break! Most of the group made it to the top of the falls. It was truly an oasis after a week of hard work. We spent the afternoon with Mercy, a beautiful one-year-old girl that my nephew, Cody, and his wife, Melissa, are adopting. We first saw Mercy last year, soon after she was born. Melissa was with us - and fell in love with her. She is a doll - truly!

Sunday, I was once again reminded of the blessings that pour over you every time you are in Pearl Haven Church. It is simply home! What a service. Those Ugandans can sing and dance, plus Wilberforce is a tremendous speaker! I wish all of you could have been here.

Closing on a funny note: Our 'younger' volunteers and Wilber's nephew, Lawrence, are doing a puppet play in a children's church service we will conduct Sunday afternoon. I had never met Lawrence, so at the hotel Saturday this young man was standing by Wilber. I shook hands and told 'Lawrence' hello. He was very pleasant. A few minutes later, I pulled out a copy of the script for the puppet play and went to 'Lawrence', going over his part, which is the lead. He read through it; I told him he should go over it in the evening and be ready for practice Sunday. He agreed. I then go with Wilber and Sarah to their home, where I'm staying - and met the real Lawrence! I have no clue who the other young man was - but he was nice. I hope he enjoyed the script of Green Eggs and Ham - Christian style!

Something new - one of our young men woke up to a mouse on his chest! Yikes!

Monday the team went on home visits with children that have had school lunches furnished by Bethany Methodist Church in Austin. The next few days will be spent visiting schools that house our previous libraries.

Thank you for your prayers. The journey has been all that we hoped for - and more ... .

God bless,
Trudy

Team 1 arrives in Uganda after long trip

After flying for 25 hours (normally just 18 hours) and sitting through 23 hours of layovers (normally 15) the team finally arrived in Uganda late Monday evening. They got up the next morning and walked down to Namirembe Primary, the school that received the first Library of Love, to enjoy an energized ceremony and playtime with the students.

Then, the team traveled to the Kasubi Primary to begin the creation of this year's first library. Pastor Wilberforce had planned to be there this morning, but was having car trouble. He did finally arrive before nightfall.

More later,

Trudy