Hey, it's Tamra. As most people know, my favorite song is I Wonder by Leeland. Kim was just playing it on her phone, and I would say that the words are a good way to summarize how I feel right now. I'm sitting here in the bush country of Uganda surrounded by nothing but the sound of God's creation (and now some music coming from Kim's phone). ;) life moves at such a different pace here. Even when there are things to do, it just doesn't feel the same. I know that Kim is typing a blog right at this moment, so maybe we will duplicate each other, but I'll share about our day and you can compare my perspective with Kim's or just skim the details in mine after reading hers.
We started with breakfast shortly after 8 in the dining room of the guest house. We actually aren't staying in the guest house, but that's where our meals are. We now know that the little duplex we're staying in is part of there Institute of Childcare and Family, which is empty until a new session starts in July.
After breakfast, we gathered together for some time in a book that Kim brought called World Prayer. I'm going to share a thought from that separately, so look for that on my FB page or personal blog (the link can be found on the StanClan page up above).
After breakfast we were joined by Auntie Addie, who shared with us more about the history of New Hope and some of what we can expect. Then she took us on a tour. It was great to walk around all of the property. We toured the original property and the newer area where the secondary academy and staff homes are located. It was fun to begin recognizing different plants by their leaves and to begin learning our way around.
After our tour the ladies who are responsible for the care of the guests came to get our laundry and clean the house. We told them that we could clean after ourselves but they wanted to take care of us. Kim, Raegan, and I accompanied them to learn how to do laundry. Today we just watched in awe of their efficiency and speed. They washed all of our clothes by hand in under 30 minutes. Mind you, there are 6 of us and they washed our travel clothes and what we wore yesterday ( and Kim's towel). We told them that next time, we will wash and they will watch and correct us. We want to learn and the best way is hands on.
Once returned to the house, we thought we'd just be passing time until lunch, but Auntie Addie came to let us know that she had arranged a time for Kim and I to meet with the Headmaster of the Primary School. We would be meeting with him in only about 15 minutes, so we tidied up and headed out to his office.
Uncle Simon was very welcoming and shared a lot of information about the schooling here. He also welcomed our descriptions of school in America. After much discussion, we arrived at a plan, of sorts. Kim and I will observe tomorrow (and any other time that we wish) and we will be scheduled with children to do some individual or small group tutoring. I will be assigned to the P7 (the highest grade for Primary school) and Kim will be with P4. We also agreed that the Stanley kids will be attending school for certain subjects. This will give them an opportunity to learn in a different culture and to meet the kids. Tomorrow they will go all day with Kim and I, then I'll set a schedule for them to start on Monday. That should give them plenty of things to share with you all, so perhaps tomorrow you'll get an update from at least one of them.
After a fabulous lunch, we walked to The Forge, which is a small shop on property run by the Investment Year students. It allows them to get hands on experience in managing and finances in a small business. I bought a book that I had been wanting...it's the story of New Hope, "the Long Road to Hope" by Jennie Dangers. She is the daughter of Jay Dangers, who started New Hope 25 years ago. Raegan got a bracelet, Tyler got a whistle key chain, and Troy got a few pieces of Ugandan gum.
We also found out that they sell sodas and some small snacks (like popped maize, rather than popped corn), so we can go get a little treat if/when we decide we want it.
Floyd has been up at the office doing some computer work for the ministry, and Kim, the kids and I are at the house-Kim and I making busy, Raegan knitting and the boys doing their math lessons that we brought from home.
Overall, it's been a great beginning already. We love it here and are excited to see how the journey continues.
No comments:
Post a Comment