Week 23 (23 - 30 December 2006)
Sunday was a bright sunny but slightly cooler morning so I took the camera with us for our early morning walk to church. We were joined by a group of youngsters who were going to the same place and their company made the hills easier to climb. We arrived at 8am to find that they had swapped the Lugbara and English services around but had forgotten to tell anyone! Rather than wait around in the heat for two hours we decided to walk back again then decide what to do later. We managed to get some good photos. After a rest, Andrea was prepared to walk but if I was to go I would drive the long way around. Our neighbours said they were coming too but there was a little confusion about whether they were walking or going with me in the car. Eventually, we all went the short, rough road by car and were only 10 minutes late. We had a quiet, but hot, afternoon sitting outside most of the time. At 5.30pm we left to collect Anne and Christine from Ringili to take them to town. All the mission partners have been invited to an informal gathering to sing carols, switch on the Christmas tree lights and eat ice cream! It was only for a maximum of 2½ hours and there were NO speeches! We were all given a candle to hold and a small children’s group led the music until it was too dark for them to read the music. We carried on singing, sitting outside as the sun set. Our hostess, Sherry, read some verses from Luke Chapter 1 and then the lights were switched on. All 15,000 of them. Yes, the number is correct. The tree is 19 meters tall. It’s a real live tree so is outside the house. It made a very atmospheric backdrop as the UK group sang “Come and join the Celebration” and a group of German girls sang a wonderful piece (in German). We all sang the German version of ‘Still the Night’ too. After the carols we had a buffet of the bits and pieces people had brought along with the 16 flavours of ice cream that Sherry provided. By 8.30pm we were beginning to feel a bit chilly but when we got into the car the thermometer showed just 25°C! This is a bit worrying considering the lack of temperature we will be experiencing on Friday evening.
Christmas Day started early. I suppose every day starts early. But because the service was at 10am we didn’t start walking until 9.30am. It was pleasantly bright and we were joined by the same group of youngsters we met yesterday although the three boys were proudly wearing their new Arsenal shirts. The service was a bit prolonged and lasted until 12.30pm but the church had been decorated since yesterday. Our walk home was a bit hot, but bearable because of the entertaining company. John and Brenda had changed their plans so that we could eat Christmas lunch together but asked for a lift into town later. The time of eating was not clearly determined and thus a bit stressful for those who like their food hot but eventually a group of 8 of us sat outside together sharing our food. We had a relaxing time later in the afternoon sitting outside chatting with Ronald and Lillian just watching the local wildlife and the beautiful scenery. Later we moved inside to watch a DVD and have a simple tea together. We’re still not sure what or where or when the children had their lunch, which was a bit disappointing as we had hoped that they would join us. Perhaps this reflects a different attitude towards children.
On Boxing Day Anne and Christine came for lunch and afternoon tea and we spent all the time just chatting. It was pleasant and relaxed – and we ate when we had planned to eat with not misunderstandings or miscommunications! The sunset was wonderful on the drive back after taking them home. What a privilege it is to be able to live and work in such surroundings. Many of the local people recognise our car so often wave to us before we wave to them and it is a real pleasure to see them smiling and the children shouting in greeting as we pass.
Wednesday was “Packing Day” or “Suitcase Day” rather than Boxing Day. We slowly tidied things up in preparation for the ‘dusty’ season, chatted with the neighbours and eventually packed one case – and that wasn’t even half full. I don’t think we’ve ever travelled with so little even at home, except possibly for a one night stay. Still, with an empty case we can fill it with new undies, chocolate, new shirts, chocolate, books and might have a little space for some chocolate! Some of our preparations were delayed as the leaders, speakers and delegates arrived for the Scripture Union Youth Camp which is taking place on the school site. At one time we had thought of staying to help out and regret missing hearing the main speaker, the Bishop, and having time to get to know him a little better. We did get to know one speaker who latched on to us mid-afternoon, invited himself for tea and finished off all our remaining bread and jam. It’s sad that sometimes we meet Christians who are more than a little insensitive to those around them and tend to dominate and even insult people they have just met. We are not easily riled but the presence of one person made us glad we were leaving the next morning. I’m glad to say that he is neither Ugandan nor, as can be the case with such extrovert personalities, American. He’s Canadian. Eventually, we finished our preparations, later and a little more tired that we had planned.
We discovered another reason for not staying on Thursday morning. The music for the morning devotions woke us up at 5am. We didn’t have time to ask why such an early start was programmed. That will have to wait until we return. So if any of you think about complaining about 7am starts – just be grateful it’s not earlier. And it’s not because of the heat because by the time we surfaced at 6.45am most people were wearing heavy outdoor coats as they found it so cold. Early and cold. Anyway, we left at 7.30am after saying our goodbyes. It will be nearly a month before we return. We left the car at Cathy Asiki’s house and she gave us a lift to the airport. Not long afterwards the Bishop and his wife arrived to see us off which we thought was very kind of him until we realised that he had come to welcome and American team who were participating in the SU Youth Camp then working at Kuluva Hospital! But it was good to see him again and he wished us a speedy return. And so we arrived in the slightly cooler Entebbe with no problems or delays and booked into the ‘Golf View Inn’ where we stayed in 2003 with Richard and Laura. We even got the same room. As our check-in time is between 7 and 7.30am it’s good that we are now close to the airport and it is giving us a breather before the journey home. A few things will take us a little while to get used to again – cold drinking water, constant electricity and not having to worry about the laptop battery time. And of course flushing toilets. Andrea nearly fell off because it’s so much lower than the throne we have got used to! Just as we finished our evening meal the AIM Central Region Director (Steve), his wife and daughter brought Rosemary Brown to visit us. Rosemary and Andrea were at school together and we met her in Nairobi just before we came to Uganda in July. It was great to catch up with them, although I think we did most of the talking about Ushindi!
Our journey plans on Friday went smoothly and we arrived safely at Heathrow at about 4pm. Fortunately the weather was mild so the lower temperatures weren’t too much of a shock for us. Brian and Jane kindly met and drove us to Andrea’s Mum’s home in Romford. We had a wonderful surprise – Laura was waiting for us too and Richard arrived a short time afterwards! We though that we wouldn’t be able to see them until our last weekend here. They had come down specially to see us even though both had to leave early on Saturday. It made a good start to our break.
After a quick look at a few photos we took Richard, then a few hours later, Laura to the train station. It was good to be able to see them, even for a short time and we greatly appreciate the time and effort they made – and the surprise. Being Saturday, I visited the shops although of a slightly different nature than the last seven months! A brief visit to our storage was like playing ‘Kerplunk’ and at one point I looked at what was on the floor outside and the space left inside and began to think that it had expanded in the mild weather. In the evening we visited some friends at short notice as we weren’t sure how tired we would be nor how we might feel after our journey.
However, I also discovered some reactions to the blog entries. The true authorship of the entries is now in the open. Andrea has denied all responsibility – she has only read the first few entries. So all mistakes are due to the technology and faulty internet connection! At times the ‘diary’ entries have been written with specific people or questions in mind and although some readers have appreciated the detailed descriptions of how life is for us in Arua, others may have found some of the images rather too graphic, especially those of the lavatorial nature. It hasn’t been my intention to offend but to be realistic and accurate and it’s possible that it’s due either to my science background or spending too much time with teenagers. I blame my family and am sure that I’ve inherited my sense (or lack) of humour from my children. So how will the blog develop in the New Year? Will Andrea insist on editorial rights before publication? Will the more basic descriptions be omitted or developed further? It’s hard to tell yet, but I may reflect on the reactions and questions we are asked during the next few weeks. But I could equally well ignore them and continue as before! Colour coding is a possibility, with blue for the “Parental Guidance” sections. If you have any comments, please let me know via the blog or e-mail. It is encouraging to hear how many have been reading the notes – and even remember bits that I’ve forgotten! This is the last entry of 2006 and I may take a break during our visit to the UK. But then I might not and some of your comments may find their way onto the web! If further entries are published I will try not to mention too many names or be too embarrassing but there are some things I’m not very good at doing. So Gill, I’ll make an effort just for you! I will also try to add photos as this is too difficult while in Arua.
We wish all our readers, wherever you are in the world, a Happy New Year.
Christmas Day started early. I suppose every day starts early. But because the service was at 10am we didn’t start walking until 9.30am. It was pleasantly bright and we were joined by the same group of youngsters we met yesterday although the three boys were proudly wearing their new Arsenal shirts. The service was a bit prolonged and lasted until 12.30pm but the church had been decorated since yesterday. Our walk home was a bit hot, but bearable because of the entertaining company. John and Brenda had changed their plans so that we could eat Christmas lunch together but asked for a lift into town later. The time of eating was not clearly determined and thus a bit stressful for those who like their food hot but eventually a group of 8 of us sat outside together sharing our food. We had a relaxing time later in the afternoon sitting outside chatting with Ronald and Lillian just watching the local wildlife and the beautiful scenery. Later we moved inside to watch a DVD and have a simple tea together. We’re still not sure what or where or when the children had their lunch, which was a bit disappointing as we had hoped that they would join us. Perhaps this reflects a different attitude towards children.
On Boxing Day Anne and Christine came for lunch and afternoon tea and we spent all the time just chatting. It was pleasant and relaxed – and we ate when we had planned to eat with not misunderstandings or miscommunications! The sunset was wonderful on the drive back after taking them home. What a privilege it is to be able to live and work in such surroundings. Many of the local people recognise our car so often wave to us before we wave to them and it is a real pleasure to see them smiling and the children shouting in greeting as we pass.
Wednesday was “Packing Day” or “Suitcase Day” rather than Boxing Day. We slowly tidied things up in preparation for the ‘dusty’ season, chatted with the neighbours and eventually packed one case – and that wasn’t even half full. I don’t think we’ve ever travelled with so little even at home, except possibly for a one night stay. Still, with an empty case we can fill it with new undies, chocolate, new shirts, chocolate, books and might have a little space for some chocolate! Some of our preparations were delayed as the leaders, speakers and delegates arrived for the Scripture Union Youth Camp which is taking place on the school site. At one time we had thought of staying to help out and regret missing hearing the main speaker, the Bishop, and having time to get to know him a little better. We did get to know one speaker who latched on to us mid-afternoon, invited himself for tea and finished off all our remaining bread and jam. It’s sad that sometimes we meet Christians who are more than a little insensitive to those around them and tend to dominate and even insult people they have just met. We are not easily riled but the presence of one person made us glad we were leaving the next morning. I’m glad to say that he is neither Ugandan nor, as can be the case with such extrovert personalities, American. He’s Canadian. Eventually, we finished our preparations, later and a little more tired that we had planned.
We discovered another reason for not staying on Thursday morning. The music for the morning devotions woke us up at 5am. We didn’t have time to ask why such an early start was programmed. That will have to wait until we return. So if any of you think about complaining about 7am starts – just be grateful it’s not earlier. And it’s not because of the heat because by the time we surfaced at 6.45am most people were wearing heavy outdoor coats as they found it so cold. Early and cold. Anyway, we left at 7.30am after saying our goodbyes. It will be nearly a month before we return. We left the car at Cathy Asiki’s house and she gave us a lift to the airport. Not long afterwards the Bishop and his wife arrived to see us off which we thought was very kind of him until we realised that he had come to welcome and American team who were participating in the SU Youth Camp then working at Kuluva Hospital! But it was good to see him again and he wished us a speedy return. And so we arrived in the slightly cooler Entebbe with no problems or delays and booked into the ‘Golf View Inn’ where we stayed in 2003 with Richard and Laura. We even got the same room. As our check-in time is between 7 and 7.30am it’s good that we are now close to the airport and it is giving us a breather before the journey home. A few things will take us a little while to get used to again – cold drinking water, constant electricity and not having to worry about the laptop battery time. And of course flushing toilets. Andrea nearly fell off because it’s so much lower than the throne we have got used to! Just as we finished our evening meal the AIM Central Region Director (Steve), his wife and daughter brought Rosemary Brown to visit us. Rosemary and Andrea were at school together and we met her in Nairobi just before we came to Uganda in July. It was great to catch up with them, although I think we did most of the talking about Ushindi!
Our journey plans on Friday went smoothly and we arrived safely at Heathrow at about 4pm. Fortunately the weather was mild so the lower temperatures weren’t too much of a shock for us. Brian and Jane kindly met and drove us to Andrea’s Mum’s home in Romford. We had a wonderful surprise – Laura was waiting for us too and Richard arrived a short time afterwards! We though that we wouldn’t be able to see them until our last weekend here. They had come down specially to see us even though both had to leave early on Saturday. It made a good start to our break.
After a quick look at a few photos we took Richard, then a few hours later, Laura to the train station. It was good to be able to see them, even for a short time and we greatly appreciate the time and effort they made – and the surprise. Being Saturday, I visited the shops although of a slightly different nature than the last seven months! A brief visit to our storage was like playing ‘Kerplunk’ and at one point I looked at what was on the floor outside and the space left inside and began to think that it had expanded in the mild weather. In the evening we visited some friends at short notice as we weren’t sure how tired we would be nor how we might feel after our journey.
However, I also discovered some reactions to the blog entries. The true authorship of the entries is now in the open. Andrea has denied all responsibility – she has only read the first few entries. So all mistakes are due to the technology and faulty internet connection! At times the ‘diary’ entries have been written with specific people or questions in mind and although some readers have appreciated the detailed descriptions of how life is for us in Arua, others may have found some of the images rather too graphic, especially those of the lavatorial nature. It hasn’t been my intention to offend but to be realistic and accurate and it’s possible that it’s due either to my science background or spending too much time with teenagers. I blame my family and am sure that I’ve inherited my sense (or lack) of humour from my children. So how will the blog develop in the New Year? Will Andrea insist on editorial rights before publication? Will the more basic descriptions be omitted or developed further? It’s hard to tell yet, but I may reflect on the reactions and questions we are asked during the next few weeks. But I could equally well ignore them and continue as before! Colour coding is a possibility, with blue for the “Parental Guidance” sections. If you have any comments, please let me know via the blog or e-mail. It is encouraging to hear how many have been reading the notes – and even remember bits that I’ve forgotten! This is the last entry of 2006 and I may take a break during our visit to the UK. But then I might not and some of your comments may find their way onto the web! If further entries are published I will try not to mention too many names or be too embarrassing but there are some things I’m not very good at doing. So Gill, I’ll make an effort just for you! I will also try to add photos as this is too difficult while in Arua.
We wish all our readers, wherever you are in the world, a Happy New Year.
posted by Anonymous at 12:05 AM
1 Comments:
Daddy dearest which came first - the children or the father - and thus you must take responsibility for your immature humour. and keep the poo coming i say!
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