When I went to Uganda last January it was because I was compelled to go. I was working on a document for a school I had never seen, and I knew if I was going to develop and write a plan of some sort, I had to see the school first. I took a step … Continue reading The Latest
Uganda
Holy Moments
On our first day of teacher training an expert on trauma came to talk about PTSD. In a refugee camp such as the one we are in, most of the population has been traumatized, including the teachers. In a classroom with 100 traumatized students there are bound to be behavior issues. What the facilitator told … Continue reading Holy Moments
My Comfort Zone
I have been back from Uganda for 2 weeks. Back in my comfort zone. I have hot and cold running water just a few steps away at any given moment. My electricity works all the time. I have 3 types of ovens and a stovetop, as well as a refrigerator, which is full of food … Continue reading My Comfort Zone
As a Matter of Fact…
The story of how I got involved with a South Sudanese refugee camp in Uganda is an interesting one. I have been asked about it enough times I thought it might be a good idea to write it down. Sometime in the fall of last year, a question popped in my head demanding an answer. … Continue reading As a Matter of Fact…
Beginner’s Luck
I made some adjustments at half time. I studied my opponents. Every move was predictable. Then I realized, so were mine. Especially, being as green as I am. I changed my strategy to behave like a veteran traveler, and I went back into the game. Being intentional as a strategy was new to me. I … Continue reading Beginner’s Luck
Exile Life
Our project leader Uche and Mickey, our communicator with the Office of the Prime Minister, have been orienting the team. This includes cultural awareness, as well as a history lesson. There have been hours of questions and answers about the situation in South Sudan and all the people have endured there. It was very informative, … Continue reading Exile Life
I Try to Imagine…
I try to imagine what it is like for the refugees fleeing the war. Below is what I see in my head. It is fiction, but there are elements from things I have heard here. Some families come the camps together. Others, the men stay back to either fight, or to protect their property. Some … Continue reading I Try to Imagine…
Desolation and Mango Trees
Desolation is defined as extreme sadness caused by loss or loneliness; the condition of a place or thing that has been damaged in such a way that it is no longer suitable for people to live in; the state or condition of being desolate. It is the word that comes to me over and over while driving through … Continue reading Desolation and Mango Trees
Success
What is your measure of success? Is it, what kind of car you drive? Or if you have a nice house? Is it, if you have a degree or two? Is it, how much money you make or that you are raising great kids? Is it, that you give back and serve others? Or that … Continue reading Success
Prepare for Landing
The engines roar down the runway. A small plane, with 20 seats in all, lifts me into the sky. The sun is barely up, but it shines off the waters of Lake Victoria, which from the air, looks like the ocean. Once we are airborne, we are above the clouds. The sky is brilliant blue … Continue reading Prepare for Landing
Michelle's Mosaic 