Tuesday, August 28, 2012

After LOL: Trudy's Travel / Masai Land

Editor's Note: Trudy left Uganda on July 26 for Kenya and arrived back in the U.S. on Aug. 8

Masai church service held under a tree.
 
Some Observations
  • Masai children bow their heads when they meet an adult. The adult places one hand on top of his/her head to give a blessing.
  • I stayed with Maria. Maria’s father had 10 wives. They all got along well, so Maria speaks of her mothers – the young one, etc. Her biological mother gave birth to 11 children. The father now has 240 grandchildren.
  • I had several bites on my arm. I asked Maria's 9-year-old daughter Daisy what she thought they might be. She said cockroaches (I had knocked several off my bed) or rats and that sometimes the rats eat people’s fingers. The girl is hilarious – big eyes, great expression. At her boarding school, they speak English 4 days a week – Swahili on Fridays.
  • Speaking of cockroaches – the outside toilet at Peter and Mary’s is shared by many families. I had used it before, but on my last night I opened the door and huge cockroaches were crawling around the hole. I am used to waving flies out – but cockroaches! So I jerked the door next to this one open – and there stood an undressed older man facing me! Geez! I didn’t know it was a “shower” room! Of course, there is no shower. You bring your own water basin.
  • Masai practice female circumcision (genital mutilation) and early marriage. Masai fathers can give their daughters in marriage as early as 11 or 12. Women have no say. Masai are polygamous.

    Visit to Pastor Peter and Mary Nkipai – Aug. 2012
    Mary, son Gabriel, and Peter.
    The Trip
    Wilber decided to spare me the overnight (12-hour) bus ride, and so drove me to Nairobi, Kenya. Peter, my Masai pastor friend, and his driver met us there. Passing around the edge of the Great Rift Valley on the way to Peter’s is amazing – perhaps like the Grand Canyon of Africa, truly breathtaking.

    We turned off the main road
    to enter Masai land. To reach Ewuaso, we traveled what seemed like never-ending miles over dirt-rocky roads, cow and sheep paths, through what appeared to be rocky creek beds, and over dry, desert land, trying to avoid rocks and prickly plants. Finally, the small town of Ewuaso appeared. Ewauso’s main street is about three blocks long, with small stores lining the dirt streets, reminding one of an old Western town. Peter and Mary have a small grocery on the main street.
    After arriving, I found that it was the time each month in which they hold a Friday night (until 3 a.m.) and Saturday service at the church. In each service, they sing, pray, preach - and then sing, pray, and preach some more! Masai worship music and dancing is simply unique – absolutely inspiring to watch and enjoy.

    Church visits
    Sunday, again I attended the small church, heard the young pastor preach, and then Peter and a driver picked me. I thought the road to Ewuaso was long and difficult – but it didn’t compare with where we were to go. We attended a church which meets under a tree, as many do in Masai land. Many times there wasn’t a road, or the road was cratered – difficult to pass. Finally, we arrived and Peter said it was time to “foot it.” I looked, and there was a very high hill covered with rocks and boulders. It seems the church was at the top of the hill in a flat area. It was a long climb – but worth every bit of it. Peter kept asking if I was okay. All I could think of was that I had to be one of the luckiest people in the world to be climbing the hill with Masai to attend a service under a tree! How great is that!!!

    The Masai were in their colorful wraps, with long colorful, beaded necklaces and earrings, and many with earlobes hanging to their shoulders. The ears differ – many have huge holes in them, especially those that hang to the shoulders; others have been wrapped back up so that the ear looks somewhat like a triangle of skin. A women’s choir danced from the back, singing and slowing moving their necks in dancing. They were followed by a young ladies’ choir from a neighboring church. After the singing, they called me to the front. Many of the singers took off their beads and bracelets to place them on me. What an honor! Later, a large group of men stood in front to sing. There are really not words to describe the service – awesome, amazing, incredible, and truly wonderful!

    Peter then preached. He keeps one mesmerized, as he is in constant movement, delivering fiery, inspirational preaching. What can I say? His preaching is dynamic, for the lack of a better word.

    Family visit
    After the service, I went with Peter’s brother and his wife into one of the cow dung/mud homes, where we were served an orange, tea, rice, and goat’s meat. They said the Masai slaughter a goat when a guest they love and respect pays a visit, so they were showing us their love and appreciation.

    On Mondays and Thursdays, it is market day in Ewuaso. The town becomes crowded and colorful with people selling sheep, goats, cows, produce, clothing, etc. It is definitely worth sitting outside a store to watch the market and people!

    A 'schoolhouse' constructed by parents.
     
    The day before I left, Peter and I drove an extremely long distance to reach a different church – also held under a tree. At this location, they had put together a makeshift, small structure of limbs and plastic that will serve as a school room. The school had been meeting under the tree. The structure seemed flimsy – but perhaps somewhat more waterproof than outdoors. Peter again held a service. We had an absolutely a beautiful time. The Masai people are so kind, and grateful to have visitors!

    In conclusion
    I will treasure my time in Masai land. Peter’s wife, Mary, and Maria, in whose home I stayed are beautiful, Christian ladies. I have thought about how to describe Peter. He has established 30 churches built from tin – and oversees many more that meet under trees. I asked him if he would soon slow down and just oversee these churches. His reply, “How can I do that when there are Masai that have never heard about Christ?” His work is unbelievably difficult. He doesn’t own a car, so constantly has to pay for transport to these churches that are scattered throughout Masai land. He lives by faith. This amazing young man simply has a deep passion for his work. It reminds me of an old song, “I feel like a fire is shut up within my bones.” That is Peter – totally moved to share Christ with his people. He is driven with a holy passion, and has my highest respect and honor. I will look forward to returning.

     - Trudy

Thursday, August 16, 2012

July 25: My last day in Uganda for this year

What a Day!

Friends, I thought you might enjoy reading about my last day in Uganda. Later, I will share my adventures in Maasai land in Kenya. Thank you, as always, for following my journey!

My last day, I arrived early at a primary school to talk to the headmaster.

A huge crew of late kids was standing inside the gate waiting to be caned before they went to class. Since the teacher hadn’t arrived to the do the nasty deed, I decided they should become a ‘choir!’ So I smiled at them and we were off singing fun interactive songs like, ‘Making Melodies.’ Before long, we were having a fantastic time singing and laughing. All of a sudden all action stopped and I knew SHE was standing behind me. I turned and gave her a big smile, and threw my arm around her shoulders. I informed her it was my last day in Uganda after living here for months. “Please,” I said smiling at her, “As a favor to me will you let the kids have a reprieve? What if we have no canning in honor of my last day?” Then I turned to the kids and winked, smiled, and warned them that if they came late the next day, they would get caned. It worked – and off they went laughing to class!

I then watched a male teacher become really belligerent with two 6th grade students. One girl was crying. He sent both out the gate. The girl continued shedding tears as she started down the road. I headed out the gate to catch them. The girls told me they didn’t have the proper ‘mathematical set’, so he wouldn’t let them set for final math exams. We walked to a local store, and for seventy five cents each we purchased the sets, and I sent them back to school.

Next – a visit to a man who is crippled and cares for his nine children alone.

Emma's father, who has a shoe repair shop 
We have a sponsor who pays the school fees for one of his sons, Emma.

Fortunately, Emma’s sponsor had sent extra money to spend on the family’s needs. What a blessing to be the ‘middle’ person on my last day! I was able to purchase three new tires for the father’s wheel chair, 4 mattresses (3 kids on each twin mattress), and sheets.

Their mud hut is tiny and there wouldn’t have been room for more mattresses. Since everyone had been sleeping on mats on the floor, including the father, they were ecstatic!

Good news - we now have sponsors, from our summer team, to sponsor two additional children in this family for school fees.



On leaving this delivery, I decided to walk home with a first- grade girl, Gimbo.

Debbie, Gimbo, and Connie
This summer, two of our volunteers, Connie and Debbie, noticed this child being sent away from school for lack of school fees. They went to the office, paid the girl’s fees for the rest of the year, and then Gimbo was able to return to class.

I thought it would be fun to walk home with her and take a picture of the family to Connie. We started walking, walking ... down a dirt road, through a cornfield, more dirt paths – and then one skinny, long path with water on both sides. An hour and a half later, we arrived. I must say the child is a whiz at walking. She could move! I had a nice visit with the grandmother, who cares for four grandchildren - thanks to our librarian who interpreted. Soon, all the neighbor women came running to sit outside the grandmother’s hut and tell me their life stories.

On leaving, I flagged down a truck in which two men were riding to catch a ride back to town! May God bless those guys, as I was in a hurry … still needing to pack!


Later, I met the President of the Mbale Rotary Club, a headmaster, and a young man in 12th grade.

The young man is the President of the Interact Club (Rotary) at his high school. However, for two terms he had been chased from school, because he lives alone and couldn’t pay his fees. I had heard about the young man at a Rotary meeting the previous night. It was the last day the young man, Rashed, could sit for exams. Otherwise, he would be repeating the term, so I was happy to help. Life is so hard here. He had been going to the bus park after school – trying to carry people’s suitcases to earn food money.

Time to relax! I collected the Okumu young people and we went to town for a milkshake and chips! Cheers for junk food after a long day of rushing.

I am truly proud of Libraries of Love. Our libraries are affecting lives each day. That is a fact. I am also grateful and proud of our volunteers who have traveled to Uganda, witnessed the need, and generously donated. They have truly been God’s hands and feet to the people of Uganda. And - there are those who have never been, but have heard and have generously shared to support the libraries, and in other areas….amazing people! The libraries will inspire a generation of lifelong readers/ learners who will change Uganda for the better. The libraries are so important! What can I say other than - May our God richly bless you over and over for your kindness to these wonderful people in this country I now call home.

None of our work is possible without support – so, thank you!

- Trudy

Friday, July 20, 2012

Inspiring Words from Students

Students at Uplands High School, a 2009 library that was replenished this year.
In Uganda, there is a saying,
“If you want to hide something from an African, put it in a book.”
However, I can definitely report after six months of visiting LOL libraries – those books have been opened!


Here are some comments from high school students who have opened – and read – those books.

“Here in Africa, many of our school mottos are: ‘Knowledge is Power!’ Our library has empowered us. It has made us better each day, preparing us to be people capable of changing Africa and the world over with
our knowledge.”

“The people I admire to be like are well-read men and women. When I get there, I will not forget that it was the Libraries of Love that added a spark to set me on that course.”

"Our library is the only place in our school that one can get true peace. I could not even think that one day I could have a place where I could read all the novels I want. You all have made my dreams come true.”

“I think the smile on everyone’s face around me, and especially mine, is the same smile on your faces too when you choose the right amazing books which you send us.”

“When I first went into the library, I thought it was boring. But, when I started reading the books, I found it was magnificent!”

“The first time I entered the new library, I was breath-taken and could not suppress the sudden gasp that escaped me. The books were so many and they all promised abundant knowledge.”

“I have learned about many things which have helped in my studies and in my daily life. Since the first day I stepped in the Library of Love, I knew that it would change my life – from and ordinary one to an extraordinary one!”


“The books are attractive and engrossing. My favorites are the biographies, as I have found my story in them. Before I had a lot of time to waste, but now with this library, I put my mind to work. Thank you so much for this great opportunity."

“A gift of roses is precious; that of money is expensive; but a gift of your love for the readers is more treasurable and comes from God."

“I have changed from being self-centered, non-active, always quiet in the class, African – as commented on report cards by the class teachers, to one show shares, joins discussions, and is concerned about my family and friends. My life is interesting and jolly for the first time. The library has made my school the right place to be.”


Making a big difference
Children’s minds are popping with knowledge and new ideas, and they have learned to enjoy reading. From 7th grade scores given to me by principals, showing before and after receiving libraries, I am happy to report there is a major difference. (Seventh grade is the end of primary school in Uganda).

Examples: Namungoona Primary's overall score totals moved from 55 to 135. Students from Namirembe Primary, receiving the top score, have doubled. Many of our schools are now the best in their districts.

May God bless you for your part in impacting these young people, by making thelibraries possible!

- Trudy

High School Happenings


Mengo Secondary School literary club members meet in their new library.

True success stories
July 3, 2012 - Usually, I write about our primary schools, as they are a larger number. However, I am in
awe of our Kampala secondary libraries. Let me explain …

Mengo SS (new library): The library is constantly full. The librarian, Timothy, started a literary club the week after the library was finished (see photo above). I shared with this club during one of their first meetings. Listening to their book discussions was simply inspirational! The group has become so large, the librarian is
now breaking it down into literary clubs for 8th and 9th grade, 10th and 11th, and 12th. Many of these students are from Namirembe Primary and the African Children’s Choir schools, which have LOL
libraries – so they were already solid readers when entering secondary school. Uplands High School: I could hardly shelf the new books because of the swarm of students wanting to look at them. They especially love Guinness Book of World Records! One girl and her brother came into the library. She said she had read
almost every book. She then moved along the shelves giving summaries of the various books to our LOL team.

Bombo Road Military High School: There are so many students crowding into the library to borrow books, they have decided to move the LOL library out of the textbook facility into a separate room!

King’s College – Budo (secondary school): The library is always full of students in this beautiful church which was renovated to house the LOL library. The headmaster again said their biggest problem is that the students want to cut classes to go to the library – and sometimes library books are hidden behind textbooks. Cheers for our Kampala high schools and students who love to read!

Volunteers read with students in a newly restocked library.

Great volunteers
The LOL 2012 team was amazing! They quickly bonded, and we had a fantastic time working and sharing together. They accomplished endless work, but also had time to enjoy this beautiful country and its sights. I loved having them here. Our gratitude to each, for traveling here.

Constantly busy
Yesterday I had a meeting with our 14 Kampala librarians. It was exciting to hear the positive comments concerning their libraries, as well as brainstorming solutions to problems they face.

Example of a problem: Students borrow books and then can’t pay school fees – so don’t return to school. They then try to switch schools, or just don’t attend. How then do you track books when parents don’t have email and many don’t have phones? Definitely a problem…

Last week, I put together a library in Kamwenge – a village high in the hills of Western Uganda. Few white people make it to this village. The school management committee was so grateful, they gave money to my host family, a present of 6 yards of African material to me, treated me to lunch, and donated 150,000 schillings ($62) to help with my transport cost! I’m sure it was a huge sacrifice for the school. What can I say – except thank you to our donors and volunteers that make these libraries possible… and may God bless these good people in Kamwenge. While waiting on the bus for an hour and a half at Kamwenge, I played my accordion by the road. I soon had a ‘choir,’ as various people joined in to sing – and endless others came to listen. A true Sunday morning ‘singspiration.’!

After arriving in Kampala, I got off the bus and hailed a motorcycle taxi. I then put my suitcase in front of the driver, and climbed on with my big bag of electronics, my accordion, and purse. Fun way to live! I know you would like to try this!

Thanks!
Thank you, as always, for reading about my journey. Thank you also for your prayers and support. Libraries of Love is successful because you care. May God bless you.

- Trudy

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Extreme Makeover Uganda & Fun Happenings

Singing with the team at Namatala Primary - in a class with 176 pupils
The 2012 team after the 'Extreme Makeover' of our first library at Namirembe Primary School, which was created in 2005.

 

The Team

June 4th – 19th: LOL’s 2012 team restocked five libraries and created two new ones. This team added to the many great memories of our teams over the past eight years ... each one unique. You have to love volunteers willing to travel to the other side of the world. And, oh my, how the Ugandan children love them!

This has been the ‘extreme makeover’ team – each day restocking and refurbishing our oldest libraries. They have also created one new primary school library and one medical library. Each day has been busy working in libraries, but they have also enjoyed various activities, as well.
                 • They have read books to groups of children;
                 • visited many classrooms;
                 • watched five lions walk in front of our van on safari;
                 • attended a 2 ½ hour African singing/dancing dinner show at a beautiful outdoor amphitheater;
                 • shopped one evening at a mall;
                 • went on home visits with children;
                 • watched a sports day at a school;
                 • played Netball against teachers;
                 • and had dinner at Pastor Wilberforce and Sarah Okumu’s home.


I have loved my time with this incredible team, as we worked together – and enjoyed Uganda. Each day reinforces that Libraries of Love is making a difference.
     • At Uplands High School, a girl was telling us that she had read almost every book in the library – and then started going down the stacks telling us about each one.
     • At a primary school, the librarian shared that high school students have been returning to read and asking to work in the library.
     • At a high school library - two days after opening - they had a meeting of the new literary club, with many students in attendance.
     • Children have been spotted walking home with books. 
     • And, two out of four kids who we visited their homes, had library books at home.

 

Fun Happenings

A parent at a school insisted I should take her twins. She was giving them to me, and I was free to take them to my country. They were adorable … probably 4 years old, a boy and girl.

I went down an alleyway and there were five ragged children by a yard. I looked, thinking, “I wonder if those kids even go to school?” They looked at me, and started waving their thumbs in the air, singing “Making Melodies.” They definitely go to school – and it must be one with an LOL library.


***
I got on a boda in Kampala. The driver said, “I know you! You gave me a Bible once.” He was friends with the three guys that tried to rob me – and then became my friends.
***
Our taxi driver was taking the team to their hotel and got lost on a dark road. While he was talking to Wilber trying to figure out where to go, two young boys were starting past the van in the dark. They stopped at my window all excited, and asked, “Do you remember us?” What can you say other than, “Of course I do!” Then I took a guess, “You’re from North Roads School aren’t you?” They answered, ‘Yes!” They were so thrilled that I remembered them out of 3,800 students! Funny!
***
At a primary school, an Indian girl came running up to me, put her hands on my arms – and with much excitement proceeded to tell me how much she now loves to read, and the names of the books she had been reading lately.
***
For sports day at Namirembe Primary, a high school band marched down the hill and into the school’s gates! Quite a sight! We love sports day – kids racing with bottles on the head; little ones seeing who can put on their clothes the fastest to prepare for school, etc.
***
Seriously, we are surrounded by daily ‘miracles.’ Children are reading consistently. Words are flowing into their beautiful minds and changing their lives, one book at a time. It is a happening!

Library time in Kusubi Laurel Library.

Monday, May 28, 2012

A Special Time - Only in Africa


NEWS FLASH:
New Vision newspaper - Findings of the 2011 national assessment of progress in education report: About 60% of primary school teachers in Uganda cannot read orally. In 2011, the literacy rate (able to read and comprehend) in 3rd grade was at 47.9%, and in 6th grade, 41.3%.

Change is Coming: A packed room totally full of energy, friendship, and love accurately describes the 3rd annual Libraries of Love librarian meeting. The first night, there were 29 present – which included former, present, and future LOL librarians from six cities. It was an incredible evening of singing and moving/dancing, as only Africans can. We had four male librarians and 1 female volunteer to sing solos – plus plenty of inspirational singing as a group. I loved when they sang, ‘This is the Day That the Lord Has Made,’ – adding the verse, ‘These are our friends that the Lord has made.’ Everyone was holding hands, or throwing their arms around one another’s shoulders. Astounding is the only word that enters my mind to describe the evening.

Afterwards, I walked with the Kampala area group from the restaurant to the hotel (about three blocks), at 8:30 in the evening. I laughed the entire time. They were singing at the top of their lungs... ‘This Little Light of Mine’ – adding in verses such as, ‘shine all over Kampala …Mbale … this street …our libraries .. these people,’ etc. – and dancing all over the sidewalks. What a treat! People on the street were laughing and joining their dancing!

Saturday was a day of brainstorming and problem solving, with contests to win prizes thrown into the mix. An example of a contest: one of our librarians read a short book. Everybody tried to guess the title. At the end of the day, many librarians stood to tell of how the libraries are genuinely changing children’s lives, as they are more fluent in English, improved in writing skills, and are able to read and comprehend.

We appreciated Pastor Okumu arriving to share at the end of the second day. He has played a huge part in Libraries of Love here in Uganda. In all honesty, I would not change anything about the two days. It was a remarkable time of bonding and sharing. Libraries of Love is truly that ... libraries - of love.
You might remember the story of Grace and Old Man. Grace has three children – Damasco, Leah, and Florance. I sometimes spend the night in their hut in the bush. The kids walk 1 ½ hours to school. One of our Board members, and his wife, recently donated money to buy the girls each a bicycle. I had a man strap two large bicycles on the back of a motorcycle taxi – yes, it can be done. I jumped on another – and off we went to deliver. Can you imagine? These kids in their wildest imagination would never have dreamed they might own a bicycle. They are very happy to just have food from day to day! This beautiful family is simply thanking God for this miracle, which is exactly what the sponsors would want!

Note: The kids mother, Grace, walks over two hours to work. She is so thin and frail, I worry about her. Her work consists of buying maize (corn), having it ground into flour – and selling it. We actually had a person sponsor the start-up for this work. Grace doesn’t make a lot, but enough so they are eating every day now. If a generous person would like to buy Grace a bike ($110), her smile would be reward enough.

Time to prepare for the 2012 Libraries of Love team to arrive next week!

Thank you, as always, for reading about the journey of Libraries of Love, as well as my personal notes.
- Trudy

Monday, May 21, 2012

Book shipment arrives in Uganda



May 15: THE Download
By Trudy Marshall
Students help unload the more than 900 boxes.
      Executive Director
Libraries of Love paid fees/taxes on May 14, in advance of our 40 ft. container arriving at the border on the 15th. However, the customs officials at the border decided to ‘uplift’ our fees, as they call it. It ended being double the first amount. It was pay, or have the truck held longer, for a fee. We paid.
Loading the truck for the trip to Mbale.
The morning of the download, a truck was to take me to Kusubi Primary, where the download would occur. I would travel later in this truck to Mbale to deliver boxes. My driver called that morning and was in a different town. I had to hastily try to find another truck. When I arrived the downloading of the 943 boxes (40,000 books) had begun. There aren’t words to describe this event. 
The boxes had to be divided between 27 receiving schools/people. Men were handing these 30-60 pounds boxes to 5th-7th grade students who were balancing the boxes on their head or shoulders, moving down some steps, walking a distance and putting the box in a room, which had signs designating receivers. There seemed to be hundreds of students running wild, and enjoying the event. For this mzungu – it was total chaos. My Board later had to remind this event has now taken place for eight years – and has always been successful. I just haven’t been there to witness the phenomenon.
We loaded the boxes for schools in Mukono, Jinja, and Mbale in the truck I had hired. Two drivers and I finally got on the road around 4 p.m.. What was to be a 4 hour trip, became a 7 hour ordeal. It poured rain, and we watched wild lightening shows. The truck had no defroster, and it was pitch black along the roads. To top the night off, there were two bad wrecks – so endlessly long traffic jams. But all’s well that ends well. The boxes / books, which took a year’s worth of endless hours of preparation, have been delivered! May God bless Libraries of Love volunteers and financial supporters for their faithfulness!
Mary Kevin's library moves to permanent room
Students who came to look at the 'new' library in Mary
Kevin's Primary in Kampala.
I have enjoyed arriving at schools where students are excited about borrowing books from their libraries at the beginning of the term. Friday, I spent the day at Mary Kevin’s Primary, where the librarian and I started from scratch and put a library together that had previously been housed in a container. The new headmaster had designated a regular room for the library. By late afternoon, it looked incredible.
Future events:
May 25 and 26: Fourteen Kampala area librarians will travel to Mbale, to join Mbale librarians for a meeting. Many thanks to Patrick Bakka, headmaster at King’s College (high school) who is supplying a school van for their travel.
*One of the Kampala librarians ask if he needed to bring his mattress to Mbale. Few librarians have ever stayed in a hotel, and many have not been outside their city, unless to a nearby village.
What a great time we will have! Love this group!
Students take books to their classroom at Namakwekwe Primary
in Mbale.

June 4 – 19: LOL’s 2012 team arrives and will restock 5 libraries, plus create two new ones. So many great memories of our teams over the past 8 years ... each one unique. Have to love volunteers willing to travel to the other side of the world. And, oh my, how the Ugandan children love them!
July 13 and 14: Mbale headmasters will travel to Kampala to join Kampala area headmasters for an LOL meeting.


I am excited that Mbale Rotary Club has offered their services, when needed, for the libraries!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Libraries Thriving / Scores Soaring

 

A typical day in my Ugandan life

At Kitebi Laurel Library, the librarian had collected the books from all the classes, as the term is almost over. The school has 1,400 students. And, yes, there were almost that many books in stacks all over the floor. They all needed cards placed back in the books – and then shelved. Unfortunately, they forgot to install air-conditioning and a teachers lounge with snacks in this school. On the good side, there were four holes (toilets) to choose from … the main decision being which had the fewest flies zooming out before squatting. From 7:30 a.m to 1 p.m., the librarian, Maureen, and I sat on the floor taking care of books, and thoroughly enjoying our visit.

I then waited for the deputy headmaster to bring the car so we could move to Namirembe Primary for our 2 p.m. Libraries of Love headmasters’ meeting. At 1:20, she arrived in the library to tell me she was ready to go. It was pouring down rain. She then informed me she has no car, so we should walk down the long, muddy drive, catch a public transport van – and then transfer to a boda (motorcycle). We would do all of this in the drenching rain. OK, I can do most things here – but a boda in the rain is not acceptable, unless one wants to meet God quickly. Enter into this picture a private hire (car taxi) driven by an old Libraries of Love friend, Emmanuel! Saved!

Headmasters Meeting

The headmasters’ meeting was remarkable. All 14 headmasters from Kampala, and the surrounding areas, were in attendance. Very impressive, considering the rain! As one said, we are now a family. Various headmasters shared how daily reading has improved academic scores in their schools. In fact, the primary school housing our first library now has the highest overall academic score of any school in the district. A secondary headmaster laughed as he described that the biggest problem they face is students hiding library books behind textbooks in the classrooms, so they can continue reading. We sang, had discussions, laughed, and snacked … simply a great time.

 

The Shipment

For some reason, our ship vacationed in the Bahamas for three weeks. It is now in South Africa – soon to sail for Kenya. The headmasters have agreed to supply three men from each of their schools to help unload. Plus, they will each have a truck ready to take away the boxes for their particular schools. That will be a sight – unloading a 40 ft. container, 943 boxes, without any equipment.

Thankful

As I see kids reading sprawled all over the floor in our libraries, in classrooms in the mornings, and sitting outside on breaks, I realize it is happening. Year by year, book by book, word by word, lives are being changed. To you, I am grateful. The libraries are very expensive, yet you care and provide the funding. When volunteer help is needed, people arrive, smiling, and ready to help. How wonderful is that?!
Katonda okuwe omulusa olwo kisakyo. May God bless you for your kindness.

Trudy

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Night in the Killer's Hut plus Grace and 'Old Man'


Grace, Damasko, Leah, and Florance
Trudy and neighborhood kids

The Killer’s Hut


Damasko and I went grocery shopping and then had a boda take us to the bush. After seeing the killer’s hut, which is at least twice as large as Damasko’s family’s, I was thinking that killer probably wished he hadn’t done his bad deed, as he had to leave a decent home, as far as huts go. The hut was one fairly large room, with a small back part, in which the chickens reside at night. It did have a couch and two chairs – with no cushions. The kids had written scripture on the dirt walls with chalk.

A great mish-mash of neighborhood kids arrived soon after we did. They wanted to touch the white skin, though some were afraid. They did warm up quickly, so we sang ‘Making Melodies’ and ‘Jesus Loves Me’ in the Luganda language. Their favorite was to have their picture taken, so they could see themselves on the camera - a hit every time! 


The toilet was totally in the open, just a small hole cut in the dirt. Really, a little coverage would have been nice! Uh-huh, you try that! :)

Grace cooked some matoke bananas over wood in the back for dinner. It was good.

Night time
Damasko pulled out the song book from their church and we sang several hymns together. I loved singing, ‘Great is thy Faithfulness’ as I sat with this beautiful family. The room was dimly lit by a small flame from a paraffin lamp. Yes, tears in my eyes and thankfulness in my heart for this moment in time. Before sleeping, Damasko offered up a long, beautiful prayer, as we bowed our heads.



Grace, Florance, and Leah, placed two small twin mattresses on the dirt floor. Somehow, they managed to put mosquito netting over the beds. Damasko grabbed his quilt and placed it on the hard sofa. Ouch! Grace directed me to one of the mattresses – and she and the girls all climbed on to the other. I felt so bad; I told them I would be happy for one of them to sleep with me. They told me that is how they sleep every night. My mattress had been borrowed. What can you say about overwhelming kindness?



I woke in the morning to Grace praying softly from her bed. After we were up, an old man wandered into the room. They simply call him ‘Old Man’. It seems that ‘Old Man’ has no family and no income. When Grace has food, she shares. Incredible - the family who has nothing, and goes hungry at times, shares food with this old man, though he is not a relative. Grace’s family is definitely ‘rich’ in ways that truly matter. May God blessings be upon them for their kindness.



'Old Man'




Update: 3/28


Thanks to one of our donors, today I had the joy of bringing Grace and ‘Old Man’ in on bodas. ‘Old Man’ borrowed a shirt, but didn’t have shoes. His slacks were filthy. I was able to purchase some clothes for each, plus a good pair of shoes and some sandals. I then took them to the hotel in which our teams stay for a buffet lunch. I wish I could really give you a picture. Grace is 38, thin, with a beautiful face. Her clothes were full of holes, and her shoes didn’t fit. Old Man shuffled barefoot up the stairs. Their eyes were huge. The wonderful staff gave them a huge amount of food, so they were able to take some home with them. We left the hotel and went shopping for a mattress. Also, Old Man wanted a padlock for his hut. What a privilege to put each on a boda, along with his/her thick, twin mattress wrapped and tied down to the boda, holding their many sacks – zooming off to the bush. A sight I will long remember!



As I think about the day, I know that Grace and Old Man would never in their lives have expected a day like today. I think also about our libraries and know that through literacy the next generation has the possibility of pulling themselves out of poverty. Our library work here is crucial, as together we truly change lives.


Thank you for reading. Please keep our libraries/librarians in your prayers, as well as the other wonderful people we have come to love in Uganda.

Trudy


Thursday, March 22, 2012

Mzungus, Funerals and More


Schools:

Our oldest library is in Namirembe Primary School. After looking at the photo, I‘m sure you understand why it is time to do a major restock this year. Recently, I was at Mengo Secondary. Some students approached me to say hello. They said they were from the African Children’s Choir school. When I told them we were making a new library in Mengo, they were totally excited. They said they were bored without their LOL library! Cheers!


Trudy‘s Tidbits:

Did you know that in Uganda it is considered bad manners to walk down the street eating or drinking, as there are others that might not be able to afford food and water?

Why do you think when mzungus (white skin) attend church here, the majority drink water through the service? I watched it again Sunday morning by some visitors sitting on the front row of church. That has always bothered me. The rest of the congregation doesn’t have water. So why should the mzungus?

I have been to other ceremonies in Uganda, but recently attended my first funeral. It was miles and more miles through the forest back in the bush, with a huge attendance. The service was held outdoors under a tent. 


Following the service, burial was on the other side of the area where banana trees were being grown. As the throng of people formed many lines to trek the distance, walking between banana trees as the sun filtered through, I felt as if I was being transported into a movie or book … and the group would be breaking out of the trees singing beautiful old spirituals.

According to Jane and Noah, if you have money the burial happens as it did today: A hole is dug; the hole is framed with concrete; the casket is placed inside; wire mesh is put over the top; next, sheet metal on top of that; and finally - concrete is poured on the very top. If you don’t have money - simply bury.


A Ugandan casket at a shop.
Three little children who are forced to beg approached me on the street grabbing my hand. They could not have been dirtier. Poor kids. Two looked about 4 - with one even younger. I finally gave one of the older kids a ‘paper’ money - and the two younger ones some coins. The youngest (probably 3) started crying and letting me know he didn't want coins… He wanted bills! Sad!


I appreciate your prayers and kind words. It is humbling to serve as His hands and feet, as I deliver food to those who have none, plus help in other ways - tackling what seems to be huge mountains to some of our friends, which seem as simple bumps, easy to change.

Thank you for reading. God’s blessings.

Trudy

Next time: Follow up to “A Night in a Killer's Hut”

Thursday, March 15, 2012

A Night in a Killer's Hut


Damasko and his hot looking bike.    

Taken from boda directly behind these.
Note: Libraries of Love Executive Director Trudy Marshall returned to Uganda on March 6. She will remain in Uganda for the next 5 months and send periodic updates.


How to begin? A week in Kampala was difficult. It is a huge, congested city. Not having a car, I have to constantly return to the hub of the city to take a different public transport van if going to different school. The matatus are crowded and dilapidated. My other choice is a boda motorcycle taxi. Neither are particularly safe. Fast forward. I woke up this morning wishing I was with my grandkids - and car! Though I always miss the kids - wishing I was home this badly is not the norm for me. I have traveled too many years. I decided I needed to stay home at the Okumus, have a quiet time with God. I prayed for peace - today. I admit, after prayer, I played the accordion for some time. Laugh on!

My ‘peace’ soon arrived in the form of Damasko (14 yrs.) on his hot looking bike, provided by one of our Dell volunteers. Those who read last year, will remember Damasko, his sister, Florance; cousin, Leah; and mother, Grace. The kids were making top grades in school, but had been sent home over and over because there was no money for fees. They lived in a mud house the size of two outhouses put together … with no furniture, far off in the bush. We enrolled the kids in the free lunch program provided by Bethany Methodist - and my grandchildren decided to sponsor the three kids’ school fees. Damasko is unique … like a little man. He worries about our spending money on him. If I show him a fancy pair of shoes, he will say … no, no, we can find something that doesn’t cost so much! That is Damasko!

Back to his arrival. Damasko came wheeling up in the yard and looked at me with that cute grin. He said his heart had been pounding ever since he heard I was here because he was so happy. I quizzed him about how the family had been doing. The small field they worked in to earn a tiny amount of money had been closed. His mom hadn’t been eating most days. Because Damasko has started high school, he needs to eat at school, and was using the last of the small amount his mother had saved. The kids have no breakfast, no food at break time … only the school lunch, which is a bowl of porshe (like cream of wheat), and no meal in the evening. The girls walk one hour to school and home again. It was hard not to cry in front of Damasko, as I have come to really love this family.

As we talked, I said, “Damasko, let’s plan on doing some shopping on Friday. We will then catch a boda home and I will spend the night with your family.” I only wish I could send his excitement through the computer. It was over the top! I ask him where I would sleep and he replied - in the dirt. I said, “Damasko, I bought your mother and the girls a mattress, and you a big quilt - and your putting me in the dirt?” He tried to stay serious as he said, “Yes, the dirt!” Then he broke out laughing.

Damasko then told me they are not in the same house. Their landlord let them move into a slightly larger mud house, which is near their house, at no cost. When I questioned why, he said it was a killer’s house. It seems the man who lived in the house recently killed a person from another tribe. When they came after him, supposedly he ran off to Kenya. Damasko said he and his family can stay in the house until the killer returns. Being a bit shocked, I questioned him. ”Damasko, you don’t think the killer would come back this Friday, do you?” “I don‘t think so,” he replied! Geez! What I always wanted to do - spend the night in a killer’s home, hoping he doesn’t return!

I took this beautiful kid to a small market that is close, and we bought a loaf of bread, rolls, butter, sugar, and flour, with a promise that we would do more shopping on Friday. As we were leaving the store, he said, “Trudy, I really needed a toothbrush, but I was afraid it would cost too much here, so I thought we should wait until Friday!”
We put his food in the basket on the front of the bike - and he was off to bush, with a huge smile!

Keep me in your prayers Friday. Pray for my claustrophobia in that small, dark house AND that there are no bangs on the door in the middle of the night!

Thank you again for reading. I had already written a different update I intended to send, but thought you might enjoy my upcoming adventure. I will send the other short news in a few days - and then a follow up about my night in the bush!
Love and best wishes to each of you.

- Trudy