Pretty distraught

Wow. I'm sure everyone has had one of those days where something so incredible happens and then in the same day something so awful. Of course, your mind focuses on the awful, causing the good to just fade.

I'll just go through my day chronoligically because I have no idea how to convey this all. Sorry for the depressing tone of this post.

This morning I worked with Denis in the office. It was productive. Things are coming together. I feel really good about the systems that have been set in place. It is now just up to them to utilize them.

At 1pm I met up with Sarita, the founder of the Zion Project (www.zionproject.org) - thanks Stephanie Schneider - and was so encouraged and excited by her. Zion Project is doing phenomenal things with woman who are escaping prostitution. The women were full of emotions and personality (two very stiffled things here) as they greeted me with massive hugs (one even left nursing her baby and charged at me bare chested - I pretended to be unphased). It was evident that God had worked in their hearts, using Zion Project to encourage identity and joy.

Sarita then took me to their girls home. Same vibe as with the ladies. They too swarmed me with hugs. There is literally a lighter air in these environments. These girls who had been trained from as young as 4 in prostitution have been rescued to live in a safe and loving home whose rock is Christ. Interacting with kids my entire trip, I have gotten to see glimpses of the silly goofy kid that lives deep within them. Yet, seeing these 10 girls that have been embraced in truth and love for 1-3 years reminded me how oppressive this place is for kids. These girls were free. It was evident. It was the coolest thing to witness. An overwhelming amount of goofy and silliness.

After that she took me to meet Ron and Joy, two Kenyan missionaries. I can't really even explain this encounter. I felt like God was giving me a big hug. The oppression here is thick, but God is moving. Meeting Ron and Joy was a welcome reminder of that. We opened our time in prayer. I hadn't participated in fellowship like this since I'd come. I came to work. To structure, to contribute (literally as I typed this my oh-so-organized-well-thought-out-2-years-out calendar I've tacked on the wall for HEALS fell down - ha!). Anyhow, being surrounded by fellow believers felt cozy. Into our conversation I learned that there vision is to start a school. So- not only were they Followers, but education advocates (I felt so normal!).

Sarita then dropped me at the Market so I could pick up my newly made pants (stay tuned). At this time school had just let out, which meant there was an above average amount of kids interested in my mzungu-ness. In order to not feel totally rude, I stay pretty focused on what's ahead and pretend not to hear all the "mzungu how are you"'s. Something grabbed my attention- a dog - he looked a bit crippled and mangie. But then I noticed behind the dog a mother was horrifically beating her child. I kept walking. Then it truly dawned on me what was going on - this woman was chasing her child and beating her, the daughter was screaming bloody murder, falling to the ground, trying to get away. There were more than 20 people within 20 yards witnessing. I literally stopped in my tracks and stared. Kids walking by stopped and stared at me staring at the scene. I was frozen - I didn't know what to do. I thought maybe my staring would break up the abuse. I didn't even notice that the dog was barking, growling and moving towards me. Then, one of the ladies called the dogs name because the dog was running at me. I backed away, but then remembered that would only goad the dog. So I stood still already thinking about the rabies shot I'll need. But the dog left me alone. I walked on, pissed, sad, mostly pissed. I didn't know what to do. I was asking God, what I should do. I heard nothing, but I knew I was walking the wrong way, so I turned around and walked back to the scene. I marched up to the mother and other women sitting there surrounding the balling child and asked her why she was abusing her child. They chuckled and explained she'd done something bad. I don't even know what I said, i just kept asking why were they doing this- she is just a child. I had really caused a scene. They reasoned that this doesn't happen everyday. I wanted to grab the girl and take her away to safety. But I didn't. I don't know how long I stood there just staring at them- terrified, enraged, feeling stupid, yet empowered, trying to figure out what to do next. I left the girl and the family.

I got about 300 feet before I broke down. What the heck am I supposed to do? Am I to just shrug at what I witnessed. It is SO common to beat your child here that you just get laughed at when you question it. People console you and agree that it is terrible, but with no surprise or hope of fixing the situation.

I don't know this girls name, but please pray for her. I don't know why I saw this happen, was I supposed to take her? I don't know, I don't know.

Even writing this I feel really dramatic and sappy. I don't really care.

I feel like David when Uzzah dies after touching the ark. (2 Samuel 6). Pissed. But then the ark goes in Obed-Edom's home and the home is blessed and hope is renewed. Please pray with me for the girls home - let's put the ark in her home and believe it will be blessed. I don't know what else to do.

I finished the night having dinner with Monica and Germina - they told me countless stories of the corrupted government here. It really lifted my spirits.

So much to do, so little time

First off- sorry for the double post, technical glitch.

Second- Sorry for no pics. Power is limited, so I'll submit them later.

Did I tell you all that I got lost running the other day. I literally ended up in a circle of huts. Hard to look like you know what you are doing when you have no outlet, are white and wearing short running shorts. But I gave it my best go, did a small loop around the huts and headed back the way I came, thinking to myself, "where the heck am I." I felt like a Lion running around, people were calling their kids out of the huts to come look at the Mzungu running by. Kids would swipe me as I passed. I kept trying to find desolate roads, but wound up in spots where it was even weirder for a mzungu to be around. Whatevs- I gave them all something to talk about.

My time here is ticking. I'm not sure when I will be back to Gulu. Half the time I feel like would be ok if it was for quite a while. But when I'm running around town with Judith gathering beads and visiting tailors, eating dinner and talking about our very different upbringings with Monica and Germina, sitting by a fire looking up at the stars in the clear clear African sky and most of all dancing with the kids - I get eager to return soon.

I comfort myself by concluding kids are the same everywhere, but there is something in the spirit of an Acholi that is so loving and irreplacable. It's really evident in the kids. You can see their desire to contribute to their society for the better. There is a great respect put on your fellow human being as well. Whether they take time to talk to everyone as they pass or tending to a kids that isn't their own. They love being an Acholi. There are no boundaries in this culture. Factors such as no electricity, outdoor kitchens, bathrooms and no car contribute to being out and about, mingling your entire life.

Anyhow...yesterday I danced my FIRST ACHOLI DANCE! In this one girls went and picked a man. I picked Oyat Emmy. During the dance I felt so African I literally was taken aback when I swung my arm out and it was white. I got to a point where it would have made more sense to me to see my skin as black. HA! By the end of the dance, every boy was fighting for my love! I think I will try this dance in the States at my soonest opportunity- might help me find a suitor!

Yesterday and today consisted of beading with Margaret, Margaret and Concy. Today, as well, at 9am sharp, the HEALS kids swarmed in to draw pictures (thanks Janie!) and finish interviews. I taught a few of them baseball. They are good! We did have 1 swollen eye by the end. He'll live.

We are having a huge party Saturday at HEALS. Parents are coming for the first time to see their kids dance. We aren't sure if we will do Samosas or just donuts and bananas...donuts and bananas are cheaper, thus they have my vote. We'd like to get them all Soda too...it'll be quite the event! Kids were stoked when we announced it today.

Goal for the last days: eat as many avocados and sweet bananas as I can - had 3 bananas and half an avocado today.

Oh! It has been a crazy experience trudging around Gulu to visit the bead artisans and purchase beads. Our movement and activity has spread about Gulu. Judith has been approached by about 2-3 bead makers a day who have "heard she buys beads" or with the question, "where is your mzungu?" Today a women found us at the office to inquire.

Guess what- I had to "fire" a girl today. She was heading up the Education Program, but wasn't really doing anything, at all. So, Jolly, Tom and I decided that it'd be best to allocate the responsibilities to another volunteer. She didn't seem to mind. It was quite painless. I think I was more devastated than her.

Power just went out. Gotta conserve. Night.

WHA! | Margaret, Margaret & Concy

Ever had a day where you are so hyped and had so much fun you just kindof bounce on your chair like a kid...?

That is what I am doing right now.

Maybe it's because it was LAUREN SLYH's birthday?! (SOMO's Creative Director!)

My today:

8am-1pm: I was quite productive getting office logistic done. (I love checking things off a list!)

Lunch: Went and ate DELICIOUS beans and rice and chapati with Tom (the director of HEALS)- he paid, so nice!

2:30pm: Met Judith (our lead designer) back at the office. She had a MASS of SOMObeads!!! This is where the fun begins...I'm going to divert from my day and tell you about Judith's day.

Judith's today:

Wait, I have to start with a bit from yesterday.

The Gulu-grapevine had spread that Judith was looking to purchase beads. Apparently, at 8am 3 bead artisans: Margaret, Margaret and Concy had treked to the church where Judith normally goes to buy SOMObeads in hopes of catching her. But Judith was not there, so they left. At 11am Judith and I went to the church to buy beads. At 2pm Margaret, Margaret and Concy returned to the church, because they had heard we were there. But we had left. At 3pm Judith returned to the church, sans me, to grab our purchase. In front of the church sat Margeret, Margaret and Concy waiting for Judith. But, they weren't sure exactly who Judith was. So, when she came out with a sack of beads, Margaret, Margaret and Concy walked/ran after her yelling "Judith? Judith?" and when Judith turned around they were elated! "We have been looking for you for two days!" They carried her sack of beads and walked with Judith, demanding her attention. "We have beads!" "We remember you buying from us before" "You were pregnant and hormonal" "But we want to work with you" Judith was quite amused. She told them to bring what they have to her house tomorrow and she will look at their stock.

Margaret


Margaret

Concy
Ok-Judith's today:

7am: knocks on the door - Margaret, Margaret and Concy wasted no time and came at the earliest, somewhat appropriate morning hour with their creations.

The next 5 hours: Judith looks at their stuff. It's good! BUT- it needs a bit of re-working. So, the ladies plop down, Judith makes breakfast for all of them and they begin breaking-up and re-stringing/designing the beads to Judith's liking. (She's a master designer with a HIGH standard!)
Laughing and stringing all morning in Judith's home, Margaret, Margaret and Concy told of when they first met Judith. Judith was pregnant with Trinity. She had come with urgency and attitude needing beads for purchase and FAST! Judith was pregnant, matter of fact and hormonal. The beads were good, but the designs were not. So Judith told them if they want her to buy, they should make them like this... And so they did as Judith instructed. Today, Margaret, Margaret and Concy got to meet Trinity. They predict that she'll be stubborn, because she made the mother SO stern.

They told Judith they know this is God's arranging. They had been looking for her for 2 days, heard accounts that Judith had been all over town with a Mzungu. Determined and desperate, Margaret, Margaret and Concy needed Judith. They told her how thankful they are - they have kids at home who should be in school, but the money's not there. (SOMO may be a small operation, but hearing Judith tell me the effect it is having on these 3 women makes it feel pretty astronomical)

When Judith came to the office she was stoked. She had a blast designing all morning with those women!

Back to my today:

3pm: Judith and I map out a plan. Tomorrow, Margaret, Margaret and Concy will come over at 9am and help us finish the designs. Then on Monday we will go with them to cut papers, roll the beads and shallaque (sp?) them for the rest of our order!

3:15pm: Go to meet Margaret, Margaret and Concy in the market to pay them for the beads.

Margaret, Margaret, Concy and Judith chatting.


4pm: I swing by the tailors and pick up my quilt. CHECK IT OUT!!!!!! Everyone should have one of these! I'd buy you all one, if I could. BUT! I'd love love to bring one back for you if you paypal me the cash ($40)! Paypal heidi.rose.schroeder@gmail.com. It is incredible!! It's about 5.5 feet by 4.5 feet. This is a gift, but I'm tots getting myself one!



4:30pm: I buy sweet bananas and bread for the Margaret, Margaret and Concy's breakfast tomorrow.

5pm: Hop on a Boda-Boda (motorcycle) with Emmanuel (he is a student and a net baller (basketball) player at Gulu University) - I'm going to go shoot hoops on Monday with him! Ha!

5:15pm: Return to the office to do interviews. Only Lussen is around. So, we had some time to goof off. I discovered a future model...





7pm: We finished the day with some action shots of Lussen, Marvin, Sam, Patrick and Judith!


7:30pm: I whip open my computer, bounce on my seat and write to you all! Thanks for reading!

9pm: Go to Kope Cafe for dinner with Monica and Germina (a Bugandan girl I met). She's hysterical. We discussed the recent Lagumbo (Lugandan for gossip).

Warning...

I rant a bit in this post...

I've been spending a lot of time doing "office work." I've been plunging through files and files of home visit recounts, artwork, school fee receipts and report cards.

I am PUMPED to create a global-wide system for HEALS and SOMO to communicate, keep track of fees, progress of kids and more! It is going to rock!

Does anyone have any experience in creating an operating/management system? I'd love love love your insight!

Amidst my excel mania (I love spreadsheets!) I have been baffled by the reality of education here...

I started researching this to get a better grasp- check it out.

US Per capita income: $28,000
School: free
% of income (not counting taxes): 0%

UG Per capita income: $460
School: avg. $100 PER CHILD! (and that doesn't count these "additional fees" tacked on)
% of income (not including taxes) 22%
7.1 kids per mom (ya, I know, might be part of the problem...)

This would be like asking EVERY American to pay $7,000 per year for school - no wiggle room.

The Hillsdale in me says Govt. is NOT the answer- but MAN has it helped me. God BLESS public schools. God BLESS free and reduced lunch. Blessings on FAFSA.

Ok- done ranting...sort of.

I've been feeling very white lately and its not because I got toasted by the sun yesterday.

You see, when you are Mzungu/Mono (white person) in Gulu, most people stare. There are a good bit of Mzungu's here, but the white man is looked at as a walking wallet with cash flowing out.

Having come before I figured I would be used to it. But no. I feel like I am contributing to this mindset just by being here. After all, I'm here because they don't have money and I do. White people mean problem solvers. Funders. School fee payers. Church builders. Aid. So what else should I expect.

I walked to HEALS today and I just wanted to run and hide. Every kid that yelled, "Mono HI" or woman that pointed, I just felt gross.

But then I went to HEALS and got to be in the midst of this...






And then I introduced Tex-Mex to Monica- FAJITAS!






I am thankful God is sovereign. I'd love prayer for peace that passes understanding- because I am CONFUSED!

The House-Husband and Ovals (sp?)

I met a guy today that really challenged my thinking.

He started a company when he was fresh out of college and worked so hard and so much that he literally didn't know what his apartment looked like in the day time. His goal was to...

A. make a TON of money and then
B. go and do good with it

But when his company didn't take off as hoped, he was faced with a decision. Start on A all over again? Or start on B? Factors such as marriage and risk discouraged him from A. But not sure if now was the time to plunge in to B discouraged him from B.

Then he thought, why can't I do both. Why can't I make a lot of money and help people make a lot of money while I am making a lot of money.

-PAUSE-
Did you know...
The average woman in Gulu has 7.1 kids
In Gulu the #1 ranked in number of staff has 90 employees

So- this man married a missionary and is in Gulu trying out ways to make money while employing and offering skills to the community. Sustaining himself while also hoping to sustain men and women and their 7.1 kids. But, if you ask him what he does, he says, I'm a house-husband.

I also went to the market with Monica. She was heading to get ovals. I asked what that is. Cow intestines. They are Jolly's favorite.



I finished the day with a delcious plate of beans and rice with Jolly.

Spinster? and Monica

Gulu-bound!

This is a shot as we were driving! Beautiful. There was construction. Not a Quanta Services Company. Mid-trip Jolly asked if I had slept in the car. I said No, I was just thinking. She said you know women who can't shut off their minds will never get married. HA! She nailed me.

I was slightly put off. She said women with minds that constantly run are to much for a man to deal with. As a wife you need to be submissive and listen to others opinions and allow yourself to learn.

I need some feedback on this... What do you think?

Then I told her perhaps not every woman is meant to marry- she said NO every woman is meant to marry.

Wow. Pressure is on.

Enough of that.

Meet Monica.

Monica drove with us to Gulu because Jolly is wanting her to run Kope Cafe. She just finished her degree in Business Administration. Kope is a cafe Jolly opened in Gulu to generate profits for HEALS kids to go to school. I am sitting here now. It's a special place.

Monica is legit. She is an orphan that overcame her culture's mindset that orphans will never finish school. She got a scholarship through Invisible Children and has now completed University!

Jolly and Monica told me how it is hard for one here in Uganda to understand that success is a gradual, step by step process. So, Monica is again stellar. Working as a house girl or doing whatever she could to make a buck got her to where she is. I secretly want her to jump on board with SOMObeads. But, I haven't breached that convo yet. Slowly slowly. We were pretty excited to meet eachother!

This morning we scrubbed Kope Cafe up and down to get it clean. I guess American's are perceived to not do this type of work- she kept asking me if I needed a break. I told her tthat my mom was very good about teaching us to clean and clean well. All you need is a bucket of bleach! Mom- you would have had a hay-day in Kope. It needs you!

Monica is amazing. I am going to teach her to use the computer this afternoon. Has anybody ever taught someone this before? I want to be sure to walk through it properly.

New shoes, dinner with a hero and flies in the toilet

Yup, that was my day today.

After I finally found my PIN code (minor freak out moment), retrieved money and bought a Ugandan cell phone, I took a Boda to Monyonyo (Mone-yone-yo) to visit the Sseko warehouse.

Sseko Sandals are handmade sandals by women in Uganda. I'm wearing my leather-sole, bring orange ones right now! Sarah Contrucci, their product development intern showed me around! I finished the tour buying my very own Ssekos! I then came back to Jolly and Emmy's and sat out the terrential rain before meeting up with Bboy Abramz for "lunch" (it was 4pm at this point). We went to eat Ethiopian.
This is what I had (that white stuff on the bottom is bread):

Abramz had spaghetti (boring).

Abramz started Breakdance Project Uganda in Kampala. He is a legit underground hip-hop/rapper. He was born and raised in Kampala. He sat there and told me how it's not about getting known or making money, its about reaching kids and changing lives. His outlet is hip-hop.

I can't do an adequate recount of our conversation, but I just sat there feeling about an inch tall. This man is amazing.

For all of you wondering: he is 28, available, a sick dancer and my new crush.

Joking!

OH- I almost forgot. The flies!!

If you know me at all, you might know that I have a terribly weak bladder. Well, I couldn't wait any longer at dinner with Abramz so I asked the sweet Ethiopian lady if there was a bathroom. She pointed to a little shack. (inhale)- I've experienced those before. I asked her if there was toilet paper, (you usually have to provide your own). She rummaged through her purse and scrounged up a crinkly stream of TP. Now, I pride myself for having necessities (like deoderant) at all times in my purse, but she had just put me to shame. So, I walked back in a stride that didn't let on to the "this is going to suck" feeling I was having. I opened the stall to a fly-party. "Lovely," I thought. I'll leave the rest to your imagination.

Yes. I did wash my hands afterwards. Took tea and had a wonderful rest of the night.

Watching people do what they love might be the best thing...

I have been in Kampala since I arrived. I am not comfortable here like I am in Gulu. It is congested and chaotic. I might even go so far as saying I don't like it.

But, then I spent the afternoon here:

Breakdance Project Uganda- Kampala. Bboys and Bgirls just breaking it down. I am in love. Kampala might not be so bad afterall. I am anxious to get to Gulu, none the less.

Stay tuned- my awesome brother Benj is going to cut some footage for me and you will get to see a dance in action.

SOMO's a year old

3 years ago I came to Uganda for the first time and found HEALS.

2 years ago I moved to Houston and realized I am yankee that cannot drive. 1 year ago Lauren Slyh and I started SOMObeads. On Sunday, 9.11.11, ten years after 9-11, I landed in Uganda to continue this journey.

I am now in Kampala with Jolly and Emmy (my hosts and heroes) until we drive to Gulu on Wednesday.

Kampala is like Houston, traffic-ey, bustling, bad roads and friendly people that like to eat. :)

Emmy, Jolly and I have been talking of our hopes for HEALS and how to strengthen SOMO's efforts. Woo-wee! I am reminding myself again and again that I am just jumping on board with God on HIS mission.

Another relaxant comes in the form of my favorite Ugandan phrase: "Slowly, Slowy"