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| Speaking of Football? Anyone lose their Brady Jersey, Can't believe what we went through to get this picture! But it is original. The guy probably thought I was stalking him! |
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| Bronco Stickers on my car, Giraffes in the background, life is good |
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| Uganda got BIG blue skies, and Elephants, Kobes, Giraffes and other not cute creatures |
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| Look at the TUSK on this Elephant! |
Made it back to Colorado and have been here about 48 hours researching textbooks, supplies, and in general getting ready to go back to Lira loaded with assessment tools. Where to begin? Surely not with my trip out of Lira, that got crazy. I began starting to "lose" it a bit the last days, after Thanksgiving, pushing up the date for the final, having United make a mess of my ticketing. Things just started to feel uncertain in general. I also realised that I wasn't feeling "very well." Not hungry, not sleeping, worried about things that weren't even worth worrying about. Finally after some kind advise from the good people of SEED and PC I realised that my mission was accomplished and it was probably time for me to take a quick break from life in Liraville and I had gathered up the information for the grants, graded my final exams (my students rocked those exams) So proud of them. I spoke, they listened, we learned, they passed! With that accomplished it seemed best that I take off and spend a few days in Kampala waiting for my flight. My driver situation isn't any better. Walter can drive around in Lira but Kampala absolutely not so I was worried about that. There really isn't any reason that anyone should be able to drive in Kampala to be honest, that traffic is crazy!
Here is a stack of some of my final exams, the black threads are NOT a good sign. I gave 8 essay questions but I specifically said that they would penalised if they "over answered" many managed with the extra space and paper in the 13 page final but others found it necessary to attach a booklet where they further wrote on nearly convincing me that if they could use every word they ever heard me say then maybe? just maybe? I would believe that they knew the answer to the question, it didn't help, but I can say that most did well and I can see some evolution in the general thought process that goes into this class, there was progress. One paper was so outstanding it left me thinking I should let him co-teach with me next time!
Okay, thanks to some incredibly help I stopped off for a final farewell to Chobe, this time we even ran into an elephant herd! Saw plenty of Giraffes and in general enjoyed a night by the Nile, with a Nile. Anna, Janet and Walter can be seen in some of the following pictures. How that all came about is a story best told by someone else. Not me, not this time! Not here!
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| I cannot drive Walter and Anna on the Nile |
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| Anna, Janet, Giraffes |
Walter seems to enjoy riding in the back seat just a little too much for me! I hired another Post Grad student who is a friend of a friend who took us on a ride the the airport. Many of you know me from Viet Nam, India, Cairo, I mean seriously this ride? It was an hour plus of swerving, near swiping, wildness through parts of Kampala I don't want to see again. All with the driver chatting and Walter probably thinking why does she get so antsy when I drive? The fact that he drove into the Mall and consistently only drove in the opposite direction of where the yellow arrows were pointing was one reason and the fact that he backed into another car and had the driver out screaming at us is another. Not sure that this driver was a step up but he is a Kampala guy who knew his way. He also told me his tribe. I had a great time chatting with him, thinking half the time it would probably be my last chat with anyone, but do I seriously need to know his 'tribe'. I remembered it and filed it under stuff I might need. Anyway, off we went. The traffic was terrible, it was an hour long drive and all along I was clutching the print out of my 100 percent confirmed printed out United ticket that was not showing up in my United app at all. Half of my last post was about my stress over this ticket and the ticket agent cancelling my flight, me on the phone with her for well over an hour and yet she told me it was confirmed and I had it printed out so why wouldn't it be okay? Better yet, why wasn't it in the system? We reached the airport 5 hours early. Janet was wearing her new dress and new shoes that are some clunky thing that Goodwill donated to Africa that she can't walk in but been through similar things with teenage girls, she thinks that this is a right of passage, her first real grown up shoes, the downside being that they are about two sizes too large and an inch too high for her to walk in. Her first trip ever to the airport didn't seem to help her get past any sadness over saying good bye to "mommy." It was time for a scene at the airport moment with her nearly wailing and collapsing to the ground wondering how to survive without me, we just met a few months back! I love this kid dearly, about half the time but after sharing a room with her for about a week and having to remind her to GO TAKE A BATH I was not as sad to say goodbye as I would have been if we hadn't been in such close company. I've also have to ask Walter to do the same so I am getting used to it. I made a crazy decision and had Sue send him over a Bronco's shirt and he now wears it every single day. I finally told him that it was bad luck for the Bronco's to wear their shirt on any day but game day, so he now just wears it half the time as he never really is sure of when game day is since it is the middle of the night and I don't invite him. He did say that he was quite sure that he could "beat up any of those guys" he is very strong. Read and Weep CJ, Walter thinks he can outrun you. Actually Walter is not strong at all and one of my major complaints, the lists is so long, is that he refuses to lift a water can, a bucket, or a bag if he can get Janet or any other female to carry it, he even looks over at me. Culturally he finds it quite demeaning to have to lift anything so I don't think the Bronco's are going to need him on the D line or that they need fear coming over here. I'm quite sure that he has some endearing qualities and there is some positive sides to have someone who can decapitate ten chickens by 8 in the morning and not leave a feather in my car for parties and ..... some other good things. With Janet, I do care about her, and I spend more time with her then any other person but half the time when she talks to me she feels she has to be pulling at my hair, holding my hand, that kind of stuff and for me all I could think of was my ticket and if my car and Janet would make it back to Lira safely. I emptied out every shilling I had for gas and their return journey and handed it to Walter and told him that both him and Janet were in charge.
As we made our way toward the terminal with Walter looking rather upset about having to carry a bag (not far) I found a cart and it didn't have much in it except an empty suitcase and a few stuffed giraffes he started whispering something to me, gravel under foot I kept trying to ask what, finally I got the message that he wanted me to buy him a bicycle. Wait. I'm leaving the country, I've handed you the last shilling in my pocket and have told you I am under unbearable stress and at this moment you have decided to think of a bicycle. I think my return look was enough to persuade him not to comment further. Poor guy, he is a passenger in the car he drives, his pocket is filled with gas money, he is carrying a bag and Janet is not carrying anything (in part due to trying to stay balanced on the shoes) the new guy was looking at our happy little "family" like the Beverly Hillbilly's had arrived. Having arrived with my entourage to the airport so early I told them that the only reason I had hired (and paid well) for two drivers is that they could NOT leave until I figured out what was going on with my ticket. My computer was showing me one thing, the print out in my hand the other. 45 minutes later after having gone through the first of many security checks I was calling them to say, "No luck" I have to go to another building with my bags, can't leave them here, there is a problem with my ticket. Crickets. Where are you? Oh we are almost back in Kampala. Say what? I told all three of you at least 30 times on the way to the airport that your one task was to wait for me to call and let you know about my ticket. They said, "you didn't call" ..... that was because I was working on my ticket! No way with rush hour traffic to get them back so I managed to lug stuff around, I think half of the weight of my carry on bag is chargers. I arrived flustered, hair even worse then it usually is and me sweating into an air conditioned room with about 10 Belgium airway personnel looking at me like, "look what was drug in" ........ To say that the woman who seemed most in charge was not helpful is an understatement, her best advise was that I make it to the arrivals lounge and log on (but most of the time the internet doesn't work) to try to call United. No United office in Uganda. ...... After 4 hours, after hearing my flight being announced, they finally put me on the flight. The fact that I had a confirmed ticket in my hand doesn't mean much when you are not in a United land country, so much for "Star Alliance" and my ticket was purchased with points, that didn't help. Anyway, I made it on the flight and survived it. I had a window seat on the side and when the passenger got up next to me (two seats) I took this picture of the Belgium passengers near to me, four rows of people all stretched out and sleeping. The aircraft was nearly empty. The fact that my points had been in business class and they seated me in economy was easier to take because at least I was seated.
As we made our way toward the terminal with Walter looking rather upset about having to carry a bag (not far) I found a cart and it didn't have much in it except an empty suitcase and a few stuffed giraffes he started whispering something to me, gravel under foot I kept trying to ask what, finally I got the message that he wanted me to buy him a bicycle. Wait. I'm leaving the country, I've handed you the last shilling in my pocket and have told you I am under unbearable stress and at this moment you have decided to think of a bicycle. I think my return look was enough to persuade him not to comment further. Poor guy, he is a passenger in the car he drives, his pocket is filled with gas money, he is carrying a bag and Janet is not carrying anything (in part due to trying to stay balanced on the shoes) the new guy was looking at our happy little "family" like the Beverly Hillbilly's had arrived. Having arrived with my entourage to the airport so early I told them that the only reason I had hired (and paid well) for two drivers is that they could NOT leave until I figured out what was going on with my ticket. My computer was showing me one thing, the print out in my hand the other. 45 minutes later after having gone through the first of many security checks I was calling them to say, "No luck" I have to go to another building with my bags, can't leave them here, there is a problem with my ticket. Crickets. Where are you? Oh we are almost back in Kampala. Say what? I told all three of you at least 30 times on the way to the airport that your one task was to wait for me to call and let you know about my ticket. They said, "you didn't call" ..... that was because I was working on my ticket! No way with rush hour traffic to get them back so I managed to lug stuff around, I think half of the weight of my carry on bag is chargers. I arrived flustered, hair even worse then it usually is and me sweating into an air conditioned room with about 10 Belgium airway personnel looking at me like, "look what was drug in" ........ To say that the woman who seemed most in charge was not helpful is an understatement, her best advise was that I make it to the arrivals lounge and log on (but most of the time the internet doesn't work) to try to call United. No United office in Uganda. ...... After 4 hours, after hearing my flight being announced, they finally put me on the flight. The fact that I had a confirmed ticket in my hand doesn't mean much when you are not in a United land country, so much for "Star Alliance" and my ticket was purchased with points, that didn't help. Anyway, I made it on the flight and survived it. I had a window seat on the side and when the passenger got up next to me (two seats) I took this picture of the Belgium passengers near to me, four rows of people all stretched out and sleeping. The aircraft was nearly empty. The fact that my points had been in business class and they seated me in economy was easier to take because at least I was seated.
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| Sleep baby sleep |
Made a stop in Kigali and then to Belgium. The Belgium airport was very deserted except........ we had to pass through immigration to get to Lufthansa and I ended up just as a 747 had landed with some tourist, everyone else seemed to have an EU passport and then there was me and this group that looked far more like I had landed in Taipei. It literally took an hour to get through this then rush to the gate. Along the way I kept seeing a man with an African partner who appeared to be a wife, or a very friendly colleague.
We ended up at Security together and were taking off our shoes, someone had stolen my clogs so I had just a pair of sandals in Belgium, in winter, no problem, I also had to go to Germany. As it was that familiar red clay on my shoes caused the guy who "looked familiar" to strike up a conversation, OH MY this was Alberto, someone who has lived in Lira for 7 years with his wife and who is returning to Spain for a time. I bought his toaster when he left but we didn't get to meet! Well finally we did. We were able to have a brief chat and I learned so much about Lira from him in that time. Great couple and I wish them so much happiness. Alberto has lived in Africa for 20 years, a stronger man then me I think.
This story just keeps moving forward to then I went through another Security Check Airport, and airport and then got on Lufthansa to Denver. Set down next to the nicest guy, a German who was on his way to the US to spend the holidays with his family. Nicest guy, we had the greatest conversations, went to sleep and woke up about the time we were landing in my Denver Colorado. My friend was quiet and looked uncomfortable. Finally he turned to me and said, "I'm really sick" ..... he was pale, clammy, rapid pulse, and complaining of left arm pain. I got the flight attendant and moved over so she could sit near to him. I advised her to get paramedics to meet us at the gate, she took that fairly seriously but that was the end of that long flight. I wish him well, he is a delightful person and I hope this was just a little scare but never a dull moment it seems.
Sue picked me up, I was terrified I would need at least ten coats and a blanket but Colorado never lets me down it was perfect weather and we had a great drive home with me just talking, and talking, and talking. Oddly enough Sue just doesn't want to come to Africa, hope it isn't anything I said! I did try to say some positive things, honest. She just isn't feeling the tug. Got home and had family waiting, the house is beautifully decorated with three trees in the living room! Santa is everywhere, I'm happy to be home. We talked (I talked) for hours and hours and hours and went to sleep at a decent time but woke up with a terrible sore throat and a slight touch of airplanitis that has now resolved. It is so dry here so wet there and so many planes and a great deal of stress.
The Internet connection is probably what seems the greatest thing to me, the meter isn't running, I don't have to have heart failure about how much data I have used and the football game is on live on our local channel! We are dedicated Raider Haters around here so they are coming at the right time, I'm back. I spent hours yesterday researching materials with our Lippincott connection who grated instructor access to some awesome teaching materials, now I am working on next semester, then I got into SUPPLIES. Look what one of our adoptive parents from Viet Nam, Renee Maxwell has collected!!!!!!!!!!
This story just keeps moving forward to then I went through another Security Check Airport, and airport and then got on Lufthansa to Denver. Set down next to the nicest guy, a German who was on his way to the US to spend the holidays with his family. Nicest guy, we had the greatest conversations, went to sleep and woke up about the time we were landing in my Denver Colorado. My friend was quiet and looked uncomfortable. Finally he turned to me and said, "I'm really sick" ..... he was pale, clammy, rapid pulse, and complaining of left arm pain. I got the flight attendant and moved over so she could sit near to him. I advised her to get paramedics to meet us at the gate, she took that fairly seriously but that was the end of that long flight. I wish him well, he is a delightful person and I hope this was just a little scare but never a dull moment it seems.
Sue picked me up, I was terrified I would need at least ten coats and a blanket but Colorado never lets me down it was perfect weather and we had a great drive home with me just talking, and talking, and talking. Oddly enough Sue just doesn't want to come to Africa, hope it isn't anything I said! I did try to say some positive things, honest. She just isn't feeling the tug. Got home and had family waiting, the house is beautifully decorated with three trees in the living room! Santa is everywhere, I'm happy to be home. We talked (I talked) for hours and hours and hours and went to sleep at a decent time but woke up with a terrible sore throat and a slight touch of airplanitis that has now resolved. It is so dry here so wet there and so many planes and a great deal of stress.
The Internet connection is probably what seems the greatest thing to me, the meter isn't running, I don't have to have heart failure about how much data I have used and the football game is on live on our local channel! We are dedicated Raider Haters around here so they are coming at the right time, I'm back. I spent hours yesterday researching materials with our Lippincott connection who grated instructor access to some awesome teaching materials, now I am working on next semester, then I got into SUPPLIES. Look what one of our adoptive parents from Viet Nam, Renee Maxwell has collected!!!!!!!!!!
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| That BP machine has a home already going to male medical
She put out the word to nurses at West Point where her and her husband reside and they donated all kinds of incredibly useful things. There is just no way to explain how cool this stuff looks to me. I spend so much time frustrated and not happy with NO BP cuffs, or thermometers. We are on a mission now to get more. SEED has given a grant and I have already ordered and received three boxes full of stuff. Think that trip over here was bad, imagine going back with all of these things. Anyway, I will. I have to save out some moola for an extra bag or two but I am taking these things where they need to be. This looks like heaven to me and there is more.
So that's it, I"m home in Colorado. Brian just brought me breakfast in bed, my cold is gone, I am so happy to be here, so blessed to have so much love and support. Lira feels a little bit like a distant dream. Was I really there? Underneath that net waiting endlessly for the power to come on, just a hint of wind blowing seemed like a much needed dream. Anyway, life goes on. Can't wait to see how much I can manage to get back to Uganda without any customs drama. Poor Nam, he is coming to visit, little does he know what will be in his bags :)
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