OK, I'm writing this preemptively, but New Year's is a big deal in Uganda, with all night church services, and wishing folks a happy new year when you first see them... no matter when in the year. My bishop reminded me that he'll have to say "happy new year" when he sees people again, even if it's in August.
And when I was sending Christmas greetings to the class (via text), I realized that I'd have to do that for New Years, and that I'll have to adjust to my Ugandan cell phone again. I was fumbling with the contacts, trying to get numbers out of it for the Christmas greetings. I'm stunned at what I've forgotten. And when I return in August, I won't remember how to use my BlackBerry. *sigh*
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
UCU internet now on Seacable
WOW - I just saw this when I was searching the UCU site for school fees information. I knew about the Seacable, but thought it was initially just going to Kenya (primarily, but the coastal countries).
From the article:
High speed internet has arrived.
The long awaited link to the Seacom cable has finally reached UCU...
The link to the Seacable is provided by local telecommunications company, Uganda Telecom Limited, (UTL).
UTL is currently doubling internet speeds for existing customers and will do the same for new customers.
It is under this arrangement that UCU has had its bandwidth doubled and this has greatly improved internet connectivity speeds on the campus...
The internet at UCU has been so slow that it took ages to open up a Yahoo email page.
The same amount of time was required to open a search engine like Google.
The connection to the undersea cable could surely not have come at a better time than now especially taking into account that UCS intends to increase wireless access points on campus and the library recently got partnerships with overseas libraries to share online resources...
I can vouch for how the internet did/didn't perform (as can my friends who received my plaintive texts and about needing to get to my research NOW but the network was down and/or slow), and now the potential is HUGE! E-mail, blogging, and Facebook are all great, but the fact that I may not have to do my research at all hours (because it took forEVER)... priceless.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
What I did on my "summer" vacation
It's been a good holiday from school. I was amazed that it took me about six weeks to properly adjust to being home. I had given myself two weeks at home before I resumed work, and I was bored silly. I thought it was ridiculous to have given myself that much time off, and that I had made a foolish choice. Ha. When I DID resume work, it, and the commute exhausted me, and I wondered what I was thinking with even returning to work.
For the first time ever I didn't have a government client - I was doing training within the firm. I must confess that I was less than enthusiastic about this initially, but not only did God give me a job that was right up my alley, it was for the timeframe I needed, and with a team that I simply adore. He just wrapped that one up with a bow. It was in His wisdom that He gave me this assignment while I'm on holiday, because leaving was incredibly difficult.
So, I worked. And worked. Had the floors replaced in the condo (and they're gorgeous - I actually like being there now!). My car died. Really. The computer fried, so it's gone. God answered my prayers for a good snow before I left rather well. :) All in all, it was just a good time to decompress after school, and generally get settled. I enjoyed school, but being back on cultural and emotional terra firma was exactly what I needed. I didn't do a whole lot other than work and get reconnected here, but I think that was enough this time. Switching cultures like this when you're not just visiting is actually fairly violent on the psyche. I was warned, but had no idea.
The academic wrap up from last semester is as follows: Theory and Practice of Mission: A, Hebrew: B- (and THRILLED!), Pastoral Care and Counseling: A, Christian Worship: A, Introduction to the Old Tesament: B (fairly embarrassed on my exam score), General Church History: B+. Overall GPA: 4.5 out of 5. These grades rank right up there with the loaves and fishes incident (to borrow from Jan Karon), and that was the easy semester. It's tough being out of practice for comprehensive exams, but now I have ideas on how to study. I did teach Hebrew basics to a friend, though I fell way behind on the vocbulary. I've given the particles a break, so perhaps they'll like me this time 'round.
I also heard from several friends while I was home (one of my favorite texts was "who is this Edward Kennedy who is reported dead?"), and it was great to keep in touch with them.
For the first time ever I didn't have a government client - I was doing training within the firm. I must confess that I was less than enthusiastic about this initially, but not only did God give me a job that was right up my alley, it was for the timeframe I needed, and with a team that I simply adore. He just wrapped that one up with a bow. It was in His wisdom that He gave me this assignment while I'm on holiday, because leaving was incredibly difficult.
So, I worked. And worked. Had the floors replaced in the condo (and they're gorgeous - I actually like being there now!). My car died. Really. The computer fried, so it's gone. God answered my prayers for a good snow before I left rather well. :) All in all, it was just a good time to decompress after school, and generally get settled. I enjoyed school, but being back on cultural and emotional terra firma was exactly what I needed. I didn't do a whole lot other than work and get reconnected here, but I think that was enough this time. Switching cultures like this when you're not just visiting is actually fairly violent on the psyche. I was warned, but had no idea.
The academic wrap up from last semester is as follows: Theory and Practice of Mission: A, Hebrew: B- (and THRILLED!), Pastoral Care and Counseling: A, Christian Worship: A, Introduction to the Old Tesament: B (fairly embarrassed on my exam score), General Church History: B+. Overall GPA: 4.5 out of 5. These grades rank right up there with the loaves and fishes incident (to borrow from Jan Karon), and that was the easy semester. It's tough being out of practice for comprehensive exams, but now I have ideas on how to study. I did teach Hebrew basics to a friend, though I fell way behind on the vocbulary. I've given the particles a break, so perhaps they'll like me this time 'round.
I also heard from several friends while I was home (one of my favorite texts was "who is this Edward Kennedy who is reported dead?"), and it was great to keep in touch with them.
Next up: Introduction to NT, Pentateuch, African Christian Theological Methods, Christianity in Africa, and Hebrew II (at least, that's what's written in the course structure - we shall see).
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
End-of-semester wrap-up
I still can't believe I'm home...
I won't even check on grades until the end of September, but I'm so curious to know how I did on the exams!
And as for the Ugandan birthday dousing... it didn't happen! Jackson was threatening to the end to do it, and I told our friend Zipporah about it. Apparently, she told Jackson that if he hurt me he'd be torturing her, so he had a change of heart. Who'd've thunk?
While I was saying good-bye to everyone, they were wishing me a happy Christmas and happy new year's. Now, I realize I won't see them during those holidays (and New Year's is exceptionally big there), and appreciate their being thorough, but isn't August a little early for that?
I won't even check on grades until the end of September, but I'm so curious to know how I did on the exams!
And as for the Ugandan birthday dousing... it didn't happen! Jackson was threatening to the end to do it, and I told our friend Zipporah about it. Apparently, she told Jackson that if he hurt me he'd be torturing her, so he had a change of heart. Who'd've thunk?
While I was saying good-bye to everyone, they were wishing me a happy Christmas and happy new year's. Now, I realize I won't see them during those holidays (and New Year's is exceptionally big there), and appreciate their being thorough, but isn't August a little early for that?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Showers at Schiphol
Three words for the showers at the Amsterdam airport: Praise the Lord.
Five words for wi-fi at the airport: Wish I'd found it sooner.
Have some more things from Uganda to post, but I'm too tired to try to write them well, so once I make friends with Comcast again they'll get posted.
Five words for wi-fi at the airport: Wish I'd found it sooner.
Have some more things from Uganda to post, but I'm too tired to try to write them well, so once I make friends with Comcast again they'll get posted.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The network....
This is Jessica's friend Heidi posting for Jessica! In her words, the Network, as well as her brain, are gone, so she may not be posting again until she does so from the USA! Please pray for her as she is tired and still has 3 exams to go. And pray that there are no complications with her flight home!!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Exams half over
Halleljuah! Wow. I've totally forgotten how tiring it is to write for almost two hours straight.
It's been interesting to see how each lecturer proctors the exams. We are supposed to be in the room 30 minutes prior to the exam to allow them time to check our identification, distribute the answer books (no more blue books!), write our registration number on each page, and read the exam questions so that when they say go, we just write. The first lecturer and the proctor went around the room checking each of our registration cards (and yes, it's mildly disconcerting to be describing the merits of Joseph's suffering and to suddenly have someone be standing over you, wanting to examine your registration card). In the second exam, the lecturer had us hold up our registration cards as proof we had them. I must say that I prefer that method, though it lacks some, uh, data validation. The third proctor didn't check our cards at all; we just signed the registration roster.
For the second exam, our MDiv (Master of Divinity) 1 class was moved into a room with the BD 2 (Bachelor of Divinity) students. They passed out the exam papers, and I had a mild panic attack because the questions weren't for us. Our class was Theory and Practice of Mission in the 21st Century. That paper was for Theory and Practice of Mission in Africa. When we answer a question on a different path than intended, we call it misfiring. What do you call it when you get the wrong paper?
Fortunately, the lecturer read the papers, realized the error, took our papers, and got the right ones. What a relief.
People are starting to ask me if I'm excited to be going home next week. Next week! Can you imagine?! And yes, I'm excited, but I know I'm going to miss my friends terribly.
It's been interesting to see how each lecturer proctors the exams. We are supposed to be in the room 30 minutes prior to the exam to allow them time to check our identification, distribute the answer books (no more blue books!), write our registration number on each page, and read the exam questions so that when they say go, we just write. The first lecturer and the proctor went around the room checking each of our registration cards (and yes, it's mildly disconcerting to be describing the merits of Joseph's suffering and to suddenly have someone be standing over you, wanting to examine your registration card). In the second exam, the lecturer had us hold up our registration cards as proof we had them. I must say that I prefer that method, though it lacks some, uh, data validation. The third proctor didn't check our cards at all; we just signed the registration roster.
For the second exam, our MDiv (Master of Divinity) 1 class was moved into a room with the BD 2 (Bachelor of Divinity) students. They passed out the exam papers, and I had a mild panic attack because the questions weren't for us. Our class was Theory and Practice of Mission in the 21st Century. That paper was for Theory and Practice of Mission in Africa. When we answer a question on a different path than intended, we call it misfiring. What do you call it when you get the wrong paper?
Fortunately, the lecturer read the papers, realized the error, took our papers, and got the right ones. What a relief.
People are starting to ask me if I'm excited to be going home next week. Next week! Can you imagine?! And yes, I'm excited, but I know I'm going to miss my friends terribly.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Honored guest and surplices
Last week, I received an invitation to an end-of-semester party for one of the fellowships (small groups). The British influence here cracks me up: the invitation was a photocopied form, addressed to Miss Jessica Hughes, cordially inviting me to the fellowship party, signed by the president and secretary. Such formality! So I donned my Eau d'Mosquito and went.
When I arrived (African time: the invite said 7, I arrived at 7:15, the program schedule said 7:30, everyone else came at 8), I found out that I was one of the guests of honor, and was seated at the head table. They said that they wanted to include me because they enjoy my participation. I think participation is a stretch; I think I just generally just show up, though that seems to be more than enough. I am continually blessed and humbled by my friends here.
For Friday morning's chapel, I led the intercessions. This means that I was one of the ones who was vested and up front to lead the service. I was just wearing a surplice (the white vestment that the chalice bearers wear on top; makes you look like an angel). In the procession, the leader/celebrant enters last, and leads the recessional, so I was the first one in the procession. So we were lined up at the back, and as the people sitting in the back saw us, I heard murmurs of "Jess-ca looks smart!" so I guess the surplice agrees with me. : )
The service was wonderful; since it was the last student-led weekday service, Rev. Michael had asked us to be creative. Mercy, the service leader, had assigned the student body into groups by region, and asked them to prepare a two-minute chorus to present. The result was such exuberant, joyful praise... we may not have known the languages used, but wow. It was so cool. If we enjoyed it, I think God was just delighted.
Mercy ended with having the international students come up for a chorus - something I didn't know they were going to do. She led a song in Swahili that had something to do with all the nations represented. Later, my friend Henry told me that I led the intercessions well, but "your voice failed you in Swahili." I pointed out that my voice was fine, I just don't know any Swahili.
When I arrived (African time: the invite said 7, I arrived at 7:15, the program schedule said 7:30, everyone else came at 8), I found out that I was one of the guests of honor, and was seated at the head table. They said that they wanted to include me because they enjoy my participation. I think participation is a stretch; I think I just generally just show up, though that seems to be more than enough. I am continually blessed and humbled by my friends here.
For Friday morning's chapel, I led the intercessions. This means that I was one of the ones who was vested and up front to lead the service. I was just wearing a surplice (the white vestment that the chalice bearers wear on top; makes you look like an angel). In the procession, the leader/celebrant enters last, and leads the recessional, so I was the first one in the procession. So we were lined up at the back, and as the people sitting in the back saw us, I heard murmurs of "Jess-ca looks smart!" so I guess the surplice agrees with me. : )
The service was wonderful; since it was the last student-led weekday service, Rev. Michael had asked us to be creative. Mercy, the service leader, had assigned the student body into groups by region, and asked them to prepare a two-minute chorus to present. The result was such exuberant, joyful praise... we may not have known the languages used, but wow. It was so cool. If we enjoyed it, I think God was just delighted.
Mercy ended with having the international students come up for a chorus - something I didn't know they were going to do. She led a song in Swahili that had something to do with all the nations represented. Later, my friend Henry told me that I led the intercessions well, but "your voice failed you in Swahili." I pointed out that my voice was fine, I just don't know any Swahili.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Said today that made me laugh
- "What happened to your face?" - Zipporah, about the pimple in the corner of my forehead
- (said proudly) "We thought you would read like a muzungu (white man), but you read like a Ugandan!" - Other theology students about my reading in Community Worship today; I assume this means that I read slowly and clearly, vice fast (like I would normally speak, not read)
- "Don't stretch the muzungu!" - Me, when Rachel and Barbara were using me in tug-of-war to get me to come to their groups to practice songs for tomorrow's chapel
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Brave Christian Lady
Last Thursday's Community Hour was lead by the student Guild, and as part of their program, they asked the "brave Christian ladies" to stand. Since it's so easy to see me, I figured that I had no choice but to stand (my hesitation being that I didn't know what they were doing). Not too many stood, so when they asked us 13 of us to come up on the stage, I really had no choice but go to. Let me say that this is one time that I really did not like being the most visible student on campus.
They did the same for the 13 brave Christian men, and once we were assembled, said we had to pass a test. In front of about 1,000 people. Sheesh. Turns out that the text was to read the writing on a t-shirt: it was UPSIDE DOWN, written upside down, taken from Acts 17:6. The Uganda Partners had brought a boatload of t-shirts, and these 26 were one set.
So, my reward for being a brave Christian lady was a t-shirt from the US. Oh, the irony! Since the t-shirt was bound for Africa, the sizes were all small. I gave the shirt to my brave Christian friend Paulson, who wears it proudly and is indeed turning the world upside down.
They did the same for the 13 brave Christian men, and once we were assembled, said we had to pass a test. In front of about 1,000 people. Sheesh. Turns out that the text was to read the writing on a t-shirt: it was UPSIDE DOWN, written upside down, taken from Acts 17:6. The Uganda Partners had brought a boatload of t-shirts, and these 26 were one set.
So, my reward for being a brave Christian lady was a t-shirt from the US. Oh, the irony! Since the t-shirt was bound for Africa, the sizes were all small. I gave the shirt to my brave Christian friend Paulson, who wears it proudly and is indeed turning the world upside down.
Ah, the sound of drums in the morning
Each morning, someone takes a kettle drum outside and bangs on it for a bit, calling the community to worship. Tonight in our chapel team planning meeting, I was sitting near the drum, and had the following conversation with Paul:
Paul: Tomorrow you will drum for us.
Me: Oh - Americans don't beat drums for worship (meaning, I don't know how to drum like you do).
Paul: Really? You should.
Paul: Tomorrow you will drum for us.
Me: Oh - Americans don't beat drums for worship (meaning, I don't know how to drum like you do).
Paul: Really? You should.
The truth about revision week
When I first learned of revision week, a week set aside for the students to cram the entire semester's information in our brains, I thought, Wow. What a great idea! We should do this in the States. Sure, we still have our chapel schedule, but not having lectures frees up our time, right?
In theory. The reality is that I've had 2.5 lectures, two meetings, and a visit delegation I should really attend, but I've had precious little quality study time, so my angst is great. Really. The exams are all about memorization, and bears of little brain (I feel quite Pooh-ish right now) tend to not remember details well. Especially when they don't get enough sleep.
This is just an opportunity for God to do something amazing, right?
I was also told that during the weeks for revision and exams, the faculty takes over the chapel duties so we can focus on exams. I found that touching. I still find it touching for exam week; the acting dean decided that the international, masters of theology, and bachelor of divinity year two clergy need to be the chapel team this week. My roles are small: reading at Community Worship on Thursday, and leading the intercessions (Prayers of the People) on Friday. Except that I need to write the intercessions. I got suggestions tonight, so that should be fine.
In theory. The reality is that I've had 2.5 lectures, two meetings, and a visit delegation I should really attend, but I've had precious little quality study time, so my angst is great. Really. The exams are all about memorization, and bears of little brain (I feel quite Pooh-ish right now) tend to not remember details well. Especially when they don't get enough sleep.
This is just an opportunity for God to do something amazing, right?
I was also told that during the weeks for revision and exams, the faculty takes over the chapel duties so we can focus on exams. I found that touching. I still find it touching for exam week; the acting dean decided that the international, masters of theology, and bachelor of divinity year two clergy need to be the chapel team this week. My roles are small: reading at Community Worship on Thursday, and leading the intercessions (Prayers of the People) on Friday. Except that I need to write the intercessions. I got suggestions tonight, so that should be fine.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Confirmation
We had 10 confirmands at church yesterday, which I think is pretty fabulous for a college chapel. Since it was the first Sunday of the month, we also had Holy Communion; all told, the service was 2.5 hours (vice the usual 1.75-2), so I think we did pretty well.
In the main, the church service here is similar to ours, the main difference being that we begin the service with the confession, have the readings, announcements, offering, lots of music in general, and end with the sermon.
Church is held in Nkoyoyo Hall, and if they pack us in tightly (which usually happens), about 1,000 of us can fit. This makes communion exciting, because you just go up; the ushers don't go by row like in the US. Remember that we're packed in tightly, so it's a great opportunity for fellowship. But it works.
In the main, the church service here is similar to ours, the main difference being that we begin the service with the confession, have the readings, announcements, offering, lots of music in general, and end with the sermon.
Church is held in Nkoyoyo Hall, and if they pack us in tightly (which usually happens), about 1,000 of us can fit. This makes communion exciting, because you just go up; the ushers don't go by row like in the US. Remember that we're packed in tightly, so it's a great opportunity for fellowship. But it works.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
American visitors
Today we received visitors from Uganda Partners, the wonderful non-profit organization that has been supporting UCU financially for years: they raise money to provide scholarships for students, and have provided the monies for several buildings on campus (to include the new library - construction starts in September!). In chapel this morning, when they asked the scholarship students to stand, I was one of the very, very few who did not stand. Please consider this a shameless plug to ask for support for them: it's because of their scholarships that most of my friends could come to UCU for training.
The acting dean asked me to escort the visitors for a time this morning, and I had a wonderful time visiting with them. Later in the afternoon, my friend Henry asked if I enjoyed seeing my countrymen (yes) and if I enjoyed being around people who looked like me (that didn't matter). Then he, the scientist, said "Jess-ca, I was observing you with the visitors. You are still the whitest out of all of them." So true, so true!
The acting dean asked me to escort the visitors for a time this morning, and I had a wonderful time visiting with them. Later in the afternoon, my friend Henry asked if I enjoyed seeing my countrymen (yes) and if I enjoyed being around people who looked like me (that didn't matter). Then he, the scientist, said "Jess-ca, I was observing you with the visitors. You are still the whitest out of all of them." So true, so true!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Fees found!!
The very nice, unnamed lady in the Accounts office called today to tell me that she found my school fees, and credited my account. Hallelujah! She was supposed to call me back to tell me that I could pick my statement; still waiting for that call. I'm hoping I can just stop in tomorrow and get it, as I still have no idea how to get that examination card. But I am so relieved this was resolved!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Exam schedule
I wanted to post this before I forgot... Next week is revision (reading) week, the week in which we get to cram an entire semester's worth of information to use for exams. I like the idea of a revision week; we'll have to see how it works in reality.
Exams begin 10 Aug, though mine don't start until the 12th. Once they start, they keep going:
12 Aug: Introduction to the Old Testament - 2-5
13 Aug: Theory and Practice of Mission - 2-5
14 Aug: Hebrew - 9-12
17 Aug: Pastoral Care, Counseling, and Guidance - 9-12
18 Aug: Christian Worship I - 9-12
19 Aug: General Church History - 2-5
Most people will be packing out right after exams; since our exam ends in the evening of the 19th, I think most of my friends will leave on the 20th. I leave on the 21st, and arrive home on the 22nd. I'll be one sleepy seminarian at All Saints' on the 23rd, but I'll be there!
Exams begin 10 Aug, though mine don't start until the 12th. Once they start, they keep going:
12 Aug: Introduction to the Old Testament - 2-5
13 Aug: Theory and Practice of Mission - 2-5
14 Aug: Hebrew - 9-12
17 Aug: Pastoral Care, Counseling, and Guidance - 9-12
18 Aug: Christian Worship I - 9-12
19 Aug: General Church History - 2-5
Most people will be packing out right after exams; since our exam ends in the evening of the 19th, I think most of my friends will leave on the 20th. I leave on the 21st, and arrive home on the 22nd. I'll be one sleepy seminarian at All Saints' on the 23rd, but I'll be there!
Monday, July 27, 2009
GOT VISA!!! Still need to confirm fees
Yep - I received my passport and visa today! Hallelujah! Oh happy day [doing happy dance]!! It's just handwritten in the passport, but the student pass that must accompany it is a nice, happy yellow color. Please join me in giving thanks for Grace, the international student who has been working the visa issues for all of us; I think she said she's been to the Immigration office something like seven or eight times.
My next quest is to confirm that the school received the school fees that I wired here in April. Uganda is a slow-to-pay country, I understand that. I'm just hoping that they've received the fees and haven't yet credited my account here; my bank certainly subtracted them quickly enough.
There's a little hitch that in order to get the examination card that grants you access to take the exam, you have to be current on your school fees. I explained to the Acting Dean that I was working the issue, and that if I couldn't sit for the exams because of this, I'd cry. He said that it wouldn't do to not have their international student not sit for the exams, so they'd grant me an exception. I'm incredibly grateful for that, though I still have three more semesters of this exercise, so I'd like to get this figured out so I can rinse and repeat.
On a different note, Jackson reminded me about the "birthday" dousing on 20 Aug. I was fervently hoping/wishing/praying he'd forget. Sigh.
Nice night!
My next quest is to confirm that the school received the school fees that I wired here in April. Uganda is a slow-to-pay country, I understand that. I'm just hoping that they've received the fees and haven't yet credited my account here; my bank certainly subtracted them quickly enough.
There's a little hitch that in order to get the examination card that grants you access to take the exam, you have to be current on your school fees. I explained to the Acting Dean that I was working the issue, and that if I couldn't sit for the exams because of this, I'd cry. He said that it wouldn't do to not have their international student not sit for the exams, so they'd grant me an exception. I'm incredibly grateful for that, though I still have three more semesters of this exercise, so I'd like to get this figured out so I can rinse and repeat.
On a different note, Jackson reminded me about the "birthday" dousing on 20 Aug. I was fervently hoping/wishing/praying he'd forget. Sigh.
Nice night!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Baptism and confirmation at UCU
I think it's pretty cool that at tonight's chapel service, four people were baptized in advance of their confirmation next week (and I assume more will be confirmed).
The interesting part for me was that one was a new baptism, and the other three were conditional baptisms: they either could not remember whether they had been baptized, or the information to confirm the baptism wasn't there. The chaplain explained that he (and the priests he called at the home parishes) went to great lengths to determine whether the people had been baptized previously; the conditional baptism isn't taken lightly. But baptism is a requirement for confirmation, hence the conditional baptism.
The interesting part for me was that one was a new baptism, and the other three were conditional baptisms: they either could not remember whether they had been baptized, or the information to confirm the baptism wasn't there. The chaplain explained that he (and the priests he called at the home parishes) went to great lengths to determine whether the people had been baptized previously; the conditional baptism isn't taken lightly. But baptism is a requirement for confirmation, hence the conditional baptism.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Sobering reality
All through the semester, the notices/announcements have included both birth and death notices. This week, however, seems that we have had a disproportionate number of death notices, to include a student's cousin who was butchered by the LRA in Sudan.
Please keep all the families in your prayers as they grieve.
Please keep all the families in your prayers as they grieve.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Visa quest, part deux
On Monday, I went back to Kampala to get the receipt from the bank that I needed for Immigration. This is when I learned what the first teller meant when he told me to go to the URA; what he meant to say was that I needed to go to the URA section of the bank, which is two doors up the street, to pick up my receipt. That was painless enough. The pain came at Immigration. Apparently I was missing some paperwork from the school that I didn't know about.
I talked to one of the guys in the Director of Student Affairs (DOSA) office briefly; he doesn't know what paperwork there is either. I'm not encouraged by that. However, he seems to think this will be easy enough to resolve (which I think is a general Ugandan outlook on things). I fervently hope it is; my current visa expires 4 Aug, and my schedule only lets me go to Kampala on Mondays. To say that I'm stressed about this is like saying that D.C. got a little rain in June.
So I'm going back to the DOSA office Tuesday. I'm really, really hoping they can take care of this for me (as they did with everyone else's passports, but they're all from East Africa, and have internal country agreements that make things easier), or at a minimum, come with me back to Immigration to help me get this sorted out. Stay tuned...
I talked to one of the guys in the Director of Student Affairs (DOSA) office briefly; he doesn't know what paperwork there is either. I'm not encouraged by that. However, he seems to think this will be easy enough to resolve (which I think is a general Ugandan outlook on things). I fervently hope it is; my current visa expires 4 Aug, and my schedule only lets me go to Kampala on Mondays. To say that I'm stressed about this is like saying that D.C. got a little rain in June.
So I'm going back to the DOSA office Tuesday. I'm really, really hoping they can take care of this for me (as they did with everyone else's passports, but they're all from East Africa, and have internal country agreements that make things easier), or at a minimum, come with me back to Immigration to help me get this sorted out. Stay tuned...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Must-read book
Out of the Black Shadows: The Amazing Transformation of Stephen Lungu by Stephen Lungu. Stephen was our guest preacher today, and his testimony is stunning. I've already got the book in my Amazon shopping cart.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Cleaning the chapel
Every week, the chapel gets a cleaning (whether it needs it or not, and it needs it). The announcements in Friday chapel always include something to the effect of "members from the Diocese of Kigezi are informed that they will be cleaning the chapel on Saturday at 8:00. Please keep time."
I'm the only person from my diocese here, so I was wondering if/when I'd have a chance to serve. Indeed I did today; it was the residents of the Honours College who had the honor of cleaning today.
How does one clean a carpet without a vacuum cleaner? By scrubbing... you use the broom with the short, stiff bristles and have at it. Actually it's best to do another job, and get out of the way while other people attack it, because it kicks up a mountain of dust. Man, I was wanting my Dyson. But many hands make short work, and we were done in about an hour - scrubbing the carpet, sweeping the non-carpet floors, dusting all the pews, washing off the kneeler cushions, and returning everything.
Then we attended a lecture on ecumenicism and its impact on church ministry. Then I took a happy nap, and am trying to distill the leadership successes and failures of the kings of Israel for my discussion group. Next up: the history of ordination.
Nice night!
I'm the only person from my diocese here, so I was wondering if/when I'd have a chance to serve. Indeed I did today; it was the residents of the Honours College who had the honor of cleaning today.
How does one clean a carpet without a vacuum cleaner? By scrubbing... you use the broom with the short, stiff bristles and have at it. Actually it's best to do another job, and get out of the way while other people attack it, because it kicks up a mountain of dust. Man, I was wanting my Dyson. But many hands make short work, and we were done in about an hour - scrubbing the carpet, sweeping the non-carpet floors, dusting all the pews, washing off the kneeler cushions, and returning everything.
Then we attended a lecture on ecumenicism and its impact on church ministry. Then I took a happy nap, and am trying to distill the leadership successes and failures of the kings of Israel for my discussion group. Next up: the history of ordination.
Nice night!
Speed bumps
Literally! The other day, there were suddenly speed bumps on the road in front of my dorm... two in the direction of the dining hall, and one in the direction of chapel. Of course, they're dirt, and will be compacted down, but when one goes to the dining hall at 8:15 (when it's dark) to get water, one is sooo grateful for the keychain flashlight, because there may not be much moonlight, and the streetlight may be out.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Sleepy and stressed seminarians
Thank God it's Friday. We had a Hebrew test this morning, and someone said that none of us went to bed before 2 AM. I think that's probably right. We also had a paper due today, have three due next week, plus a presentation, and a test. Then we have one last week of classes, then revision (reading) week, then exams.
I was sufficiently out of it in Hebrew that I apparently forgot what continent I was on. In Uganda, when you get a test paper, you get out your own paper to write the answers. The tests are generally essays, so that works. I, however, did the American thing and put my answers on that sheet (in my defense, there was room. We are in the chapel on Fridays, so there's no blackboard, which is usually how she gives the test, by writing what she wants us to do on the board. However, as we planned this last week, I was already thinking I'd be writing on the test paper). I didn't realize that I had goofed until I was done. Thankfully, when I apologized to the lecturer, she let me submit that and not rewrite my answers.
After lunch I took a three-hour nap, and almost feel human again. So now it's on to the leadership successes and failures of the kings of Israel.
I was sufficiently out of it in Hebrew that I apparently forgot what continent I was on. In Uganda, when you get a test paper, you get out your own paper to write the answers. The tests are generally essays, so that works. I, however, did the American thing and put my answers on that sheet (in my defense, there was room. We are in the chapel on Fridays, so there's no blackboard, which is usually how she gives the test, by writing what she wants us to do on the board. However, as we planned this last week, I was already thinking I'd be writing on the test paper). I didn't realize that I had goofed until I was done. Thankfully, when I apologized to the lecturer, she let me submit that and not rewrite my answers.
After lunch I took a three-hour nap, and almost feel human again. So now it's on to the leadership successes and failures of the kings of Israel.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Ugandan birthdays
In our cohort of 21, there are four July birthdays. Apparently, Ugandans may celebrate birthdays with a cake, but are much more fond of pouring water on the birthday person. Several people were late to class Monday because they were stalking a birthday boy to douse him - he, being wise, had been hiding.
This made me so, so glad that my birthday is in December, when I'll safely be in the US. But no. That won't do. I've been told that they'll be "celebrating" my birthday on August 20 - the day after exams, and the day that most folks will go home.
Yeah, I feel the love...
This made me so, so glad that my birthday is in December, when I'll safely be in the US. But no. That won't do. I've been told that they'll be "celebrating" my birthday on August 20 - the day after exams, and the day that most folks will go home.
Yeah, I feel the love...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Drafting a service
One of our assignments for Christian Worship is to draft the order of worship for a rite. Which one?
The one for our funeral.
Rev. Michael's exact words were to "draw a suggested order of a funeral service you would consider your vicar [rector] to use as he/she and team celebrates your life after your departure in context of the Holy Communion service." So, we get to pick the readings, hymns, preacher, church, etc., and I think our work product is essentially the order of service booklet.
(slight whine) Couldn't we draft a different order of service? None of us is terribly enthusiastic about this assignment.
The one for our funeral.
Rev. Michael's exact words were to "draw a suggested order of a funeral service you would consider your vicar [rector] to use as he/she and team celebrates your life after your departure in context of the Holy Communion service." So, we get to pick the readings, hymns, preacher, church, etc., and I think our work product is essentially the order of service booklet.
(slight whine) Couldn't we draft a different order of service? None of us is terribly enthusiastic about this assignment.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Need Blogger help!
Before I left, I played with the Blogger Slideshow widget so I could post more pictures (like the ones from the zoo yesterday). I have the widget. I have Picasa. I have read the help files. I couldn't make it work at home, and definitely can't make it work here. It's like that cartoon with a complex mathematical formula on the board, and one scientist points to the middle and explains, "a miracle occurs here." I cannot make it work.
Does anyone have any experience with this, or want to play with it so you can see the cool animals at the zoo? : )
Does anyone have any experience with this, or want to play with it so you can see the cool animals at the zoo? : )
Mango cutting lessons
Sadly, the mango won. I ended up hacking into that poor thing, and the fruit is so utterly stuck to the seed that it was tough going. Dorcas came and rescued me; it's like cutting a cantaloupe (with the large slices, then making cubes). No, I don't know what I was thinking.
But I'm ready for the next one...
But I'm ready for the next one...
Friday, July 10, 2009
(another) new baby!
When I arrived in May, our Dean, Dr. Olivia, had just had a baby (and she is also named Olivia). So Rev. Michael was our Acting Dean. Yesterday, Rev. Michael's wife had a baby (he is also named Michael), so now Canon Rev. Moses is our Acting Dean.
Lots of babies at home, lots of babies here... very exciting!
Lots of babies at home, lots of babies here... very exciting!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
got bogoyas?
I do! They're bananas. David bought some and gave them to me, which is wonderful.
The thing that I'm still not square on is the difference between a banana and a plantain. The bananas here that taste like ours are little miniature ones, really cute. This is a full-size banana. I wonder if it'll taste the same...
The thing that I'm still not square on is the difference between a banana and a plantain. The bananas here that taste like ours are little miniature ones, really cute. This is a full-size banana. I wonder if it'll taste the same...
Thank God for Google Books!
Really... I'm thanking Him tremendously!
One of our assignments is to develop a five-day training plan on any topic we want. I was wanting to use the Discipleship Essentials book we use at church, and don't know if it's in the library... a good amount of it is in the Google books preview. Hallelujah!
Most of us are teachers, so we're hoping this will be an easy assignment (and easy marks!).
One of our assignments is to develop a five-day training plan on any topic we want. I was wanting to use the Discipleship Essentials book we use at church, and don't know if it's in the library... a good amount of it is in the Google books preview. Hallelujah!
Most of us are teachers, so we're hoping this will be an easy assignment (and easy marks!).
Monday, July 6, 2009
Grading System
I had meant to post this with the paper results, but the student handbook was in stealth mode. Honestly - I found it where I thought it would be, but didn't see it when I looked for it originally. Sigh.
When you look at the numbers and their corresponding grades, please remember that this is based on the British grading system, and the lecturers can ask tricky questions and be picky when they grade. I thought I did great on an Old Testament test, and got a 75. Yeah, it's a B+ here, but when I left the class, I thought I had a 90.
Score Grade Grade Point GPA Explanation Classification
80-100 A 5.0 4.40-5.0 Excellent First Class (1)
75-79 B+ 4.5 4.40-5.0 Excellent First Class (1)
70-74 B 4.0 3.60-4.39 Very Good Second Class Upper Division (2.1)
65-69 B- 3.5 2.80-3.59 Good Second Class Lower Division (2.2)
60-64 C+ 3.0 2.80-3.59 Good Second Class Lower Division (2.2)
55-59 C 2.5 2.00-2.79 Satisfactory Pass (3)
50-54 C- 2.0 2.00-2.79 Satisfactory Pass (3)
49-0 F 0 0 Failure
All grades below C- carry no credit. To continue studies in good standing, a student must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
And no, I don't fully understand the classification, except to know that First Class is a big, big deal.
PS: I had that chart spaced so nicely... I promise. I apologize for the visual assault.
When you look at the numbers and their corresponding grades, please remember that this is based on the British grading system, and the lecturers can ask tricky questions and be picky when they grade. I thought I did great on an Old Testament test, and got a 75. Yeah, it's a B+ here, but when I left the class, I thought I had a 90.
Score Grade Grade Point GPA Explanation Classification
80-100 A 5.0 4.40-5.0 Excellent First Class (1)
75-79 B+ 4.5 4.40-5.0 Excellent First Class (1)
70-74 B 4.0 3.60-4.39 Very Good Second Class Upper Division (2.1)
65-69 B- 3.5 2.80-3.59 Good Second Class Lower Division (2.2)
60-64 C+ 3.0 2.80-3.59 Good Second Class Lower Division (2.2)
55-59 C 2.5 2.00-2.79 Satisfactory Pass (3)
50-54 C- 2.0 2.00-2.79 Satisfactory Pass (3)
49-0 F 0 0 Failure
All grades below C- carry no credit. To continue studies in good standing, a student must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
And no, I don't fully understand the classification, except to know that First Class is a big, big deal.
PS: I had that chart spaced so nicely... I promise. I apologize for the visual assault.
A visa, a meal card, and mosquitoes
Or you could just call it Monday. I've got one of the three things in that list. Go ahead and guess which!
I went to Kampala to pay for my extended student visa. Wow - that took four hours. One hour to get to the bank, then waiting for 1.5 hours before I could go to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) at Garden City Mall, then the remaining time running around Kampala and returning to campus. Turns out that I didn't have to go to the URA after all, but everyone there was very nice. Then on to Immigration, where room One is on the other side of the courtyard from the door. There I learned that I would have to return to the bank in the afternoon to get a receipt. Why I couldn't get the receipt when I was there originally is lost on me. But I couldn't stay in the city all day; I had to come back to class. Then a couple trips to the Director of Student Affairs to get guidance on how to proceed, but they weren't there. I forget how ensnaring a bureaucracy can be when you're not used to the rules!
Then I didn't have my meal card at supper - you have to present it at each meal so it can be checked off (to prevent double-dipping, but they have our photos on them. One of my friends noted that no one else could use my meal card). Emmanuel explained to the guy checking the cards that I had left my card in my room, and could I please pass through? The answer should be no, but he considered, and that wonderful man let me in! Grace abounds! (OK, so I do have the meal card, but just didn't have it with me when I needed it.)
Apparently, July is mosquito month here. I've only got about five bites right now, and fortunately, they're not itching terribly badly. But good to know to expect this next year.
The countdown is on... there are only about four academic weeks left in the semester, then a revision (reading) week, then two weeks of exams. I'm here, I promise, but I probably won't have much to say in the next month or so, and what I do say may not necessarily be coherent - I think I'll have at least four papers to do, and at least one of them will be group work.
Nice night!
I went to Kampala to pay for my extended student visa. Wow - that took four hours. One hour to get to the bank, then waiting for 1.5 hours before I could go to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) at Garden City Mall, then the remaining time running around Kampala and returning to campus. Turns out that I didn't have to go to the URA after all, but everyone there was very nice. Then on to Immigration, where room One is on the other side of the courtyard from the door. There I learned that I would have to return to the bank in the afternoon to get a receipt. Why I couldn't get the receipt when I was there originally is lost on me. But I couldn't stay in the city all day; I had to come back to class. Then a couple trips to the Director of Student Affairs to get guidance on how to proceed, but they weren't there. I forget how ensnaring a bureaucracy can be when you're not used to the rules!
Then I didn't have my meal card at supper - you have to present it at each meal so it can be checked off (to prevent double-dipping, but they have our photos on them. One of my friends noted that no one else could use my meal card). Emmanuel explained to the guy checking the cards that I had left my card in my room, and could I please pass through? The answer should be no, but he considered, and that wonderful man let me in! Grace abounds! (OK, so I do have the meal card, but just didn't have it with me when I needed it.)
Apparently, July is mosquito month here. I've only got about five bites right now, and fortunately, they're not itching terribly badly. But good to know to expect this next year.
The countdown is on... there are only about four academic weeks left in the semester, then a revision (reading) week, then two weeks of exams. I'm here, I promise, but I probably won't have much to say in the next month or so, and what I do say may not necessarily be coherent - I think I'll have at least four papers to do, and at least one of them will be group work.
Nice night!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Yay for meds
Since I'm still feeling wretched (and getting worse), I decided to begin the antibiotics. I did read the little warning labels on the side first, though. This was rather enlightening:
1. "Do not take with milk." I'm so glad I saw this. It's also tragic because tea here is MADE with milk. They often have "black tea" available, but that's not a given. Before I started taking African tea, everyone would ask why I don't take milk. I really need to ask why they asked because the black tea was available... was no one supposed to drink it?
2. "May cause dizziness." Fair enough, and fortunately, I tend to tolerate things like this fairly well.
3. Then I read the little warning labels for the malaria medication, which read, "may cause dizziness." Hmmm... taking two meds that may cause dizziness could be a little exciting, particularly since the dirt roads aren't necessarily level, have lots of rocks, and there are steep grades everywhere. I really think I'll be fine - I take the malaria meds at night. Maybe it'll help me sleep better.
Here's to a weekend of rest, recovery, writing a paper, and reading the last set of vocabulary words (woohoo!).
Nice time!
Sat AM update: At breakfast, someone noticed that I had black tea, and asked why I didn't have milk. I asked why they have black tea if I should have milk; they all laughed. The answer was that it's there for the people who don't take milk (still don't know why I'm not in that category!), and that the milk is more nutritious. No argument there.
Thankful to have slept fairly well last night, though my voice is scratchy and about an octave lower. Last time this happened, I lost my voice entirely. While my friends want me to get better, I think it will be a challenge to see them and not talk.
Time for a nap before coursework. There will be another counseling workshop in the dorm next door today. If I go out while they are in breakout sessions outside, there's a chorus of "Hallo, Jess-ca!" Very sweet, yet slightly embarrassing.
1. "Do not take with milk." I'm so glad I saw this. It's also tragic because tea here is MADE with milk. They often have "black tea" available, but that's not a given. Before I started taking African tea, everyone would ask why I don't take milk. I really need to ask why they asked because the black tea was available... was no one supposed to drink it?
2. "May cause dizziness." Fair enough, and fortunately, I tend to tolerate things like this fairly well.
3. Then I read the little warning labels for the malaria medication, which read, "may cause dizziness." Hmmm... taking two meds that may cause dizziness could be a little exciting, particularly since the dirt roads aren't necessarily level, have lots of rocks, and there are steep grades everywhere. I really think I'll be fine - I take the malaria meds at night. Maybe it'll help me sleep better.
Here's to a weekend of rest, recovery, writing a paper, and reading the last set of vocabulary words (woohoo!).
Nice time!
Sat AM update: At breakfast, someone noticed that I had black tea, and asked why I didn't have milk. I asked why they have black tea if I should have milk; they all laughed. The answer was that it's there for the people who don't take milk (still don't know why I'm not in that category!), and that the milk is more nutritious. No argument there.
Thankful to have slept fairly well last night, though my voice is scratchy and about an octave lower. Last time this happened, I lost my voice entirely. While my friends want me to get better, I think it will be a challenge to see them and not talk.
Time for a nap before coursework. There will be another counseling workshop in the dorm next door today. If I go out while they are in breakout sessions outside, there's a chorus of "Hallo, Jess-ca!" Very sweet, yet slightly embarrassing.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Not feeling well
It appears that the "flu," or whatever it is that's going around campus, has caught up with me. Or maybe my allergies are just in overdrive. Or it's turned into a sinus infection. Whatever - I don't feel well. I do have an antibiotic, but I really don't want to take it. We'll see how this plays out. I think this will be my last free weekend (next weekend the singles fellowship is going to Entebbe, and then we should have coursework coming out our ears before reading week before finals), so I want to be well!
As an example of how well I'm not feeling, in class last night, someone asked the lecturer about the group paper that was due this Friday, and us all in great angst. He gave us an extension to next Thursday. I have absolutely no recollection of that discussion. My friends assure me I was there. I have no idea what happened. I'm just grateful for the extension. Oh, and a Hebrew vocab test on Wednesday (hopefully our last before the exam!), so I think I'll take a stab at that before going back to bed.
Today in lunch, someone said something about the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey, which prompted a VeggieTales song that will NOT leave my head...
"And in the Promised Land, it's gonna be so grand,
We'll have our fill from the grill,
As much as we can stand,
It'll be so great, oh we can hardly wait
'Cause we're goin' to the Promised Land!"
I have a list of songs to add to iTunes, and I think I need to add VeggieTunes to the list. Sigh.
Nice night!
As an example of how well I'm not feeling, in class last night, someone asked the lecturer about the group paper that was due this Friday, and us all in great angst. He gave us an extension to next Thursday. I have absolutely no recollection of that discussion. My friends assure me I was there. I have no idea what happened. I'm just grateful for the extension. Oh, and a Hebrew vocab test on Wednesday (hopefully our last before the exam!), so I think I'll take a stab at that before going back to bed.
Today in lunch, someone said something about the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey, which prompted a VeggieTales song that will NOT leave my head...
"And in the Promised Land, it's gonna be so grand,
We'll have our fill from the grill,
As much as we can stand,
It'll be so great, oh we can hardly wait
'Cause we're goin' to the Promised Land!"
I have a list of songs to add to iTunes, and I think I need to add VeggieTunes to the list. Sigh.
Nice night!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
One paper down, one to go
This is when we see whether I can start a paper on the church year and liturgical colors while the US v. Brazil soccer game is on. I just hope it's really a 90 minute game. I never thought I'd say this in Africa, but I'm sitting in the common room, and I had to close the curtain because I'm cold. It's probably 60 and breezy outside. I may have to get my sweater. Goodness.
This morning, they guy who checks off my meal card for breakfast greeted me with "Good morning, muzungu!" (muzungu=white man). That was the most he's said to me; I'm honored!
This week: pastoral care paper due Monday afternoon (it's as done as it's going to be), Old Testament test Tuesday morning (the lecturer says it's easy. We shall see.), and Christian Worship group paper on the church year and liturgical colors due Friday. I'm hoping for no more assignments this week.
Nice night!
This morning, they guy who checks off my meal card for breakfast greeted me with "Good morning, muzungu!" (muzungu=white man). That was the most he's said to me; I'm honored!
This week: pastoral care paper due Monday afternoon (it's as done as it's going to be), Old Testament test Tuesday morning (the lecturer says it's easy. We shall see.), and Christian Worship group paper on the church year and liturgical colors due Friday. I'm hoping for no more assignments this week.
Nice night!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday
Sorry the title isn't more creative; it's been a long week, and we have two papers due next week, one of them a group project. God, in His infinite mercy, allowed the Hebrew test to be THIS week, not next. And in His grace, it went well.
So proud of US Soccer for beating Spain last night! I walked to chapel this morning with some soccer fans, and got many points for 1. knowing about the match, and 2. knowing that the US won. :) Geoffrey had watched the match, and told me all about it. He was ecstatic, as everyone assumed Spain would roll over us.
The Dean asked two international students (one of them me) to speak today at Dean's Hour about our experience at UCU to date. The feedback on my talk has been very good, which I appreciate. Later in the day I asked the Dean a question about one of the papers due next week, and he took the opportunity to thank me for sharing this morning. He then added that he told Dr. Noll (the American Vice Chancellor) that I gave a good talk this morning. I reckon this is a good thing. But I've never MET Dr. Noll, so I'm only slightly mortified that he's hearing about me.
Today during Community Worship, Dr. Noll spoke briefly about the fact that the Anglican Church in North America was stood up this week. I assume he figured out that the resounding "Woohoo!" came from me. :)
So proud of US Soccer for beating Spain last night! I walked to chapel this morning with some soccer fans, and got many points for 1. knowing about the match, and 2. knowing that the US won. :) Geoffrey had watched the match, and told me all about it. He was ecstatic, as everyone assumed Spain would roll over us.
The Dean asked two international students (one of them me) to speak today at Dean's Hour about our experience at UCU to date. The feedback on my talk has been very good, which I appreciate. Later in the day I asked the Dean a question about one of the papers due next week, and he took the opportunity to thank me for sharing this morning. He then added that he told Dr. Noll (the American Vice Chancellor) that I gave a good talk this morning. I reckon this is a good thing. But I've never MET Dr. Noll, so I'm only slightly mortified that he's hearing about me.
Today during Community Worship, Dr. Noll spoke briefly about the fact that the Anglican Church in North America was stood up this week. I assume he figured out that the resounding "Woohoo!" came from me. :)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Results are in
Well, one result is in. I never thought I'd be thrilled to get an 80 (for the paper on what is Sabbath rest), but I'm absolutely ecstatic. I'd been warned to expect 70s, so I am greatly reassured. Still a bit nervous about the comprehensive exams that are 50% of my grade, but I am rejoicing.
Have you ever had a conversation start with "May I comment on your character?" That sentence certainly grabbed my attention. Fortunately, the feedback was positive... Ugandans (well, at least two of them) like that my yes is yes, and that my no is no, and is followed with the reason why. And that I do not like to be vague. That last one actually amuses me, because I find much ambiguity here, and feel like I spend much of my time trying to clarify things. I'm encouraged that I've not become too annoying. Yet... :)
Have you ever had a conversation start with "May I comment on your character?" That sentence certainly grabbed my attention. Fortunately, the feedback was positive... Ugandans (well, at least two of them) like that my yes is yes, and that my no is no, and is followed with the reason why. And that I do not like to be vague. That last one actually amuses me, because I find much ambiguity here, and feel like I spend much of my time trying to clarify things. I'm encouraged that I've not become too annoying. Yet... :)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday humor
Today we were in Christian Worship I, which is one of the combined bachelors/masters classes (so there are about 50 of us). We have Rev. Michael as our lecturer, whom we all adore. He's an excellent lecturer, and clearly enjoys the students. This also means that he entertains all the bunny-trail questions we ask.
Someone asked about the theological definitions of two words (neither of which we were discussing). Rev. Michael answered the first, then asked the teachers what the second meant. One by one, their answers were the same... "I teach science; it is not there," "I teach geography; it is not there," "I teach art..." Rev. Micheal finally got to me, and I didn't know the answer. My reply? "I don't teach English." Much, much laughter from the class. Then he answered the question (whew!).
On a more serious note, our Hebrew vocabulary tests have been moved to Wednesday, which gives me two fewer days to cram (memorize - I like their word better). Yuck. I still like figuring things out with grammar and words, but severely dislike cramming. For example, we had to translate parts of some verses, and there were some words we've not yet seen. The book gives clues... one verse was about Noah, and the clue was that he was "a famous arkitect." I focused on the fact that architect was misspelled, not the pun on Noah. Yeah, I took a nap later.
Rev. Michael also asked me to give a testimony on Thursday for how my time in Uganda has been thus far. It's been overwhelmingly positive (with the exception of everyone scrutinizing how little I eat: "Jess-ca! You must get more! That is not enough!" "N0 - I'm full!" "You must get more!" "No, I'm full!"). Now to find words to use...
Nice night!
Someone asked about the theological definitions of two words (neither of which we were discussing). Rev. Michael answered the first, then asked the teachers what the second meant. One by one, their answers were the same... "I teach science; it is not there," "I teach geography; it is not there," "I teach art..." Rev. Micheal finally got to me, and I didn't know the answer. My reply? "I don't teach English." Much, much laughter from the class. Then he answered the question (whew!).
On a more serious note, our Hebrew vocabulary tests have been moved to Wednesday, which gives me two fewer days to cram (memorize - I like their word better). Yuck. I still like figuring things out with grammar and words, but severely dislike cramming. For example, we had to translate parts of some verses, and there were some words we've not yet seen. The book gives clues... one verse was about Noah, and the clue was that he was "a famous arkitect." I focused on the fact that architect was misspelled, not the pun on Noah. Yeah, I took a nap later.
Rev. Michael also asked me to give a testimony on Thursday for how my time in Uganda has been thus far. It's been overwhelmingly positive (with the exception of everyone scrutinizing how little I eat: "Jess-ca! You must get more! That is not enough!" "N0 - I'm full!" "You must get more!" "No, I'm full!"). Now to find words to use...
Nice night!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Real quick...
Today we were looking at leadership qualities as listed in Daniel 1; specifically, why Daniel and his friends were selected for the king's service: they were young, had no physical defects, were handsome, knowledgeable, and capable of learning.
In unpacking this (especially the no physical defects criterion), the speaker noted that Americans like tall presidents (Really? Is Carter tall? Any others?), and that perhaps that's why McCain lost the election.
I about fell over laughing.
Back to my paper...
Nice night!
In unpacking this (especially the no physical defects criterion), the speaker noted that Americans like tall presidents (Really? Is Carter tall? Any others?), and that perhaps that's why McCain lost the election.
I about fell over laughing.
Back to my paper...
Nice night!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Busy, busy
It took some time, but the semester is officially in full swing. I have two courseworks (papers) due this week (well, one is a group paper/presentation), a probable test, and will be getting two more courseworks. Three other test are pending, dates unknown. I'm involved in three fellowships (women in ministry, international students (secretary), and singles), though I should also be attending the international women's fellowship.
And now we add a Leadership Conference. It will be faciliated by Aclaim Africa LTD, and will be meeting every morning in lieu of chapel, and every evening at 5:15. While I am looking forward to the materials that will be presented, I'm a little concerned for what this will do to my study time.
Despite my best intentions, those Hebrew particles (they don't map well to English grammar - they're like articles and conjunctions) just don't like me. Or as my friend Luke says, they're stubborn. At least our vocabulary tests are culmulative, so I'll have plenty of opportunity to wear them down.
And now we add a Leadership Conference. It will be faciliated by Aclaim Africa LTD, and will be meeting every morning in lieu of chapel, and every evening at 5:15. While I am looking forward to the materials that will be presented, I'm a little concerned for what this will do to my study time.
Despite my best intentions, those Hebrew particles (they don't map well to English grammar - they're like articles and conjunctions) just don't like me. Or as my friend Luke says, they're stubborn. At least our vocabulary tests are culmulative, so I'll have plenty of opportunity to wear them down.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Ah... electricity
I'd been told that the electricity is prone to go out here. For the first three weeks, it was perfect. Then it started flaking around dinner (which is interesting in dining hall with about 3,000 people). But it always comes back on right away.
This morning, it went out when I was in the shower. And did NOT immediately return. Fortunately, Dorcas was up, and I was able to ask to borrow her torch (she was using the flashlight in her phone), and she walked me back to my room. The laptop was on, which gave light. Even better, power returned about a minute after I returned.
Boy, that was exciting. I promise that I'm awake now.
This morning, it went out when I was in the shower. And did NOT immediately return. Fortunately, Dorcas was up, and I was able to ask to borrow her torch (she was using the flashlight in her phone), and she walked me back to my room. The laptop was on, which gave light. Even better, power returned about a minute after I returned.
Boy, that was exciting. I promise that I'm awake now.
Happy Heroes Day!
Yesterday (Tuesday) was Heroes Day. I think it's akin to Memorial Day, though it remembers those who have died for an ideology, rather than just the military (or so I've been told). At breakfast, I was greeted by a student who was dressed in a superhero costume. Oh, to have had my camera!
But for me, the public holiday was Hebrew Vocabulary Day. I'm enjoying the fact that when I see a word in Hebrew (like in a reference book) I can sound it out, and confirm what I've done with the English phonetic, but flat out learning words is a challenge. So I made making flash cards. I do well with the consonants, but have a hard time telling which vowel point to use - there are several characters for each vowel. And then there's the grammar... it's an amazing language.
Trivia for the day: A surprising number of hymns can be sung to a calypso rhythm.
Nice day!
But for me, the public holiday was Hebrew Vocabulary Day. I'm enjoying the fact that when I see a word in Hebrew (like in a reference book) I can sound it out, and confirm what I've done with the English phonetic, but flat out learning words is a challenge. So I made making flash cards. I do well with the consonants, but have a hard time telling which vowel point to use - there are several characters for each vowel. And then there's the grammar... it's an amazing language.
Trivia for the day: A surprising number of hymns can be sung to a calypso rhythm.
Nice day!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Dinner conversation
Tonight at dinner, the lights went out briefly (as has been the pattern for the last week or so - I'm glad that I've been sitting at the table!). This prompted a Q&A about life in America.
- Do the lights go out like this in the US? Generally, only during exceptionally bad weather.
- Is there electricity everywhere? Are there villages that do not have power (apparently in Uganda, only the cities and towns have electricity)? Honestly, this one stumped me. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I couldn't think of a place (like a town) that didn't have power available. My answer was something along the lines of I'm not aware of any place, but there are people who may not be able to afford electricity.
- There's poverty in the US? Yes. There are children who sleep on the street? Yes (much disbelief about these two).
- Are there children who can't read and write? Yes. Are these American children? Yes, and what do you mean by American? This started a discussion on what it means to be American, with someone telling someone else "you need to read about this (history of US) on the internet."
-Why do those children not go to school? Small side discussion here - I managed to sidestep answering.
The conversation then steered to politics, which became a little exciting, with one question being "is America still a Christian nation?" While discussing the merits about one of the points, someone said "America is still the superpower - we should be praying for them." That totally humbled me.
- Do the lights go out like this in the US? Generally, only during exceptionally bad weather.
- Is there electricity everywhere? Are there villages that do not have power (apparently in Uganda, only the cities and towns have electricity)? Honestly, this one stumped me. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I couldn't think of a place (like a town) that didn't have power available. My answer was something along the lines of I'm not aware of any place, but there are people who may not be able to afford electricity.
- There's poverty in the US? Yes. There are children who sleep on the street? Yes (much disbelief about these two).
- Are there children who can't read and write? Yes. Are these American children? Yes, and what do you mean by American? This started a discussion on what it means to be American, with someone telling someone else "you need to read about this (history of US) on the internet."
-Why do those children not go to school? Small side discussion here - I managed to sidestep answering.
The conversation then steered to politics, which became a little exciting, with one question being "is America still a Christian nation?" While discussing the merits about one of the points, someone said "America is still the superpower - we should be praying for them." That totally humbled me.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
More random thoughts... I'm procrastinating pulling together my notes for my papers (what else is new?)
- Today, a bus from the school went to the Uganda Martyr's Day celebration. The announcement was for everyone to meet under the mango tree. I realized that I was the only person in the chapel who could not identify a mango tree.
- I think I know when everyone returned from said celebration - somewhere around 5, when the internet connectivity plummeted. It's just a theory, but I stand by it.
- I'm still amazed at the cultural differences in communication. We had a class discussion about our papers. All the Africans are so eloquent, sharing their points with a reasonable amount of pomp and circumstance (the British influence), and the American just says what she has to say. It's always quiet for a few seconds after I talk. Not quite sure how to read that, but they usually write down the points I bring up.
- I'm still getting in "trouble" for not eating what they consider enough. We had Irish potatoes with lunch one day, and my friend Luke made me finish all of them - even though I was over full. If you can pile a salad plate high with rice, add a large ladle of beans, and finish that whole thing, please let me know.
- People here ask me how the courses are going. I say that I think they're fine, but will know better once I get results on my assignments and tests. One of the students responded with "yes, the American education system is very generous with grades. Here, with the British influence, it's more of 'who are you to get a 70?'" I was warned to expect to get 70s, but that's going to be quite a shock.
- I think I know when everyone returned from said celebration - somewhere around 5, when the internet connectivity plummeted. It's just a theory, but I stand by it.
- I'm still amazed at the cultural differences in communication. We had a class discussion about our papers. All the Africans are so eloquent, sharing their points with a reasonable amount of pomp and circumstance (the British influence), and the American just says what she has to say. It's always quiet for a few seconds after I talk. Not quite sure how to read that, but they usually write down the points I bring up.
- I'm still getting in "trouble" for not eating what they consider enough. We had Irish potatoes with lunch one day, and my friend Luke made me finish all of them - even though I was over full. If you can pile a salad plate high with rice, add a large ladle of beans, and finish that whole thing, please let me know.
- People here ask me how the courses are going. I say that I think they're fine, but will know better once I get results on my assignments and tests. One of the students responded with "yes, the American education system is very generous with grades. Here, with the British influence, it's more of 'who are you to get a 70?'" I was warned to expect to get 70s, but that's going to be quite a shock.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
First assignment
In our Introduction to the Old Testament class, we're still working through the primevial history. Today we even ventured into Genesis 3. But I digress. We were were working through creation, and got to the seventh day, the day God rested. The lecturer asked what does it mean for God to rest. We don't know if this was planned or spontaneous, but our assignment is to discuss what we understand by "God rested on the seventh day" and explain what this means in our human life in three pages.
While this is an individual paper, we are to discuss amongst ourselves, our friends, and do research. Please feel free to discuss amongst yourselves here. : ) Though we have a fortnight to complete the paper, I'll have it done by the end of next week (because we will be discussing in both the study group and the M. Div. fellowship).
While this is an individual paper, we are to discuss amongst ourselves, our friends, and do research. Please feel free to discuss amongst yourselves here. : ) Though we have a fortnight to complete the paper, I'll have it done by the end of next week (because we will be discussing in both the study group and the M. Div. fellowship).
Be careful what you wish for...
So, last week I was lamenting the lack of study groups. I was also bemoaning my general poor study habits (I'm a great procrastinator!). No longer. I'm now in a study group that meets for two hours every day. This is in addition to the study group that our lecturer assigned us to (presumably for group assignments, if/when we have them). So we met tonight, and received the questions to research for tomorrow. I shall be presenting on what missiology is. I'm grateful for the group choosing to include me, and for Jackson and his leadership. Really. Perhaps all this extra work and together time will make me sufficiently tired at night that I'll get into better sleep patterns.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Ugandan/British vocabulary
Not sure how much of this is Ugandan and how much is British, but this is how I'll be talking when I come home:
shift = move. "The class that meets in Maari 3 will shift to Walker 4 this week." Next week, we're all done with shifting, and I'll still be looking at my timetable to see where to be.
slope = take a hill; "let us slope down to the dining hall." I have another snap of the Honours College, and it shows that the slopes to get in and out of the dorms resembles a BMX trail.
snap = photo
timetable = schedule, as in of classes
buns = rolls. I was eating breakfast with a girl from the Honours College, and we had buns for breakfast, rather than bread (the usual). When she called them buns, I asked what she called them, and explained that in the US we call them rolls. She looked perplexed and said, "well, they ARE round."
bounce = meeting someone who doesn't show; I assume it's the same as being stood up.
revise = study. When I told someone that was a new word for me, they asked what we say for study. Well, we say "study." Apparently here, that means reading. I need to inquire further, 'cause that distinction is lost on me.
shiny = hot. The sun is particularly shiny in the afternoon, hence my reluctance to go to town then.
nice = good. As in, "nice day!"
beep = one ring so as to not pay for the call (here, only the originating party pays for a phone call). When you're beeped, you call back and incur the cost. Always wait to see if the phone rings twice. :)
pick = pick up. As in, I didn't attend the women in ministry fellowship because there was no one to pick me. I would add that I also did not know where it was, but since it's at 8:00 pm, no one wants me walking alone anyhow, so someone would need to pick me in order for me to attend.
looking/dressing smart = looking nice, well-dressed. We need to be smart for the first year students' induction on Tuesday.
I'll add as I encounter more.
shift = move. "The class that meets in Maari 3 will shift to Walker 4 this week." Next week, we're all done with shifting, and I'll still be looking at my timetable to see where to be.
slope = take a hill; "let us slope down to the dining hall." I have another snap of the Honours College, and it shows that the slopes to get in and out of the dorms resembles a BMX trail.
snap = photo
timetable = schedule, as in of classes
buns = rolls. I was eating breakfast with a girl from the Honours College, and we had buns for breakfast, rather than bread (the usual). When she called them buns, I asked what she called them, and explained that in the US we call them rolls. She looked perplexed and said, "well, they ARE round."
bounce = meeting someone who doesn't show; I assume it's the same as being stood up.
revise = study. When I told someone that was a new word for me, they asked what we say for study. Well, we say "study." Apparently here, that means reading. I need to inquire further, 'cause that distinction is lost on me.
shiny = hot. The sun is particularly shiny in the afternoon, hence my reluctance to go to town then.
nice = good. As in, "nice day!"
beep = one ring so as to not pay for the call (here, only the originating party pays for a phone call). When you're beeped, you call back and incur the cost. Always wait to see if the phone rings twice. :)
pick = pick up. As in, I didn't attend the women in ministry fellowship because there was no one to pick me. I would add that I also did not know where it was, but since it's at 8:00 pm, no one wants me walking alone anyhow, so someone would need to pick me in order for me to attend.
looking/dressing smart = looking nice, well-dressed. We need to be smart for the first year students' induction on Tuesday.
I'll add as I encounter more.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sundry thoughts
- most Ugandans think my name has two syllables, as in "Hallo, Jess-ca!" I'm even starting to say it when I introduce myself.
- It's hard to come to the library early on Saturday morning to do your reading, and all the books you need have already been checked out. This is going to be interesting. The good news is that we all know that we're in this together, but for two classes, we're combined with the Bachelor of Divinity students, which makes the class about 50. And all of us need the same book.
- Sunrise and sunset happens fairly quickly here. For some reason, I'm surprised.
- I'm told that it gets hot in July and August. I'm hoping that's just because the rainy season is done. It's the word "gets" that's troubling me. Having said that, I think I've adjusted to the climate as much as I'm going to. I can hike the campus terrain fairly well, though I'm still not going to walk into town in the afternoon - that's plain silly (in my American mind).
- It's hard to come to the library early on Saturday morning to do your reading, and all the books you need have already been checked out. This is going to be interesting. The good news is that we all know that we're in this together, but for two classes, we're combined with the Bachelor of Divinity students, which makes the class about 50. And all of us need the same book.
- Sunrise and sunset happens fairly quickly here. For some reason, I'm surprised.
- I'm told that it gets hot in July and August. I'm hoping that's just because the rainy season is done. It's the word "gets" that's troubling me. Having said that, I think I've adjusted to the climate as much as I'm going to. I can hike the campus terrain fairly well, though I'm still not going to walk into town in the afternoon - that's plain silly (in my American mind).
UCU has ESPN!
Go figure! Wednesday morning (20 May here) I went to the dining hall for breakfast about 0645. It's generally pretty empty then. Not that morning - a group of guys was there watching the end of the Lakers/Nuggets game on the large screen. Don't know how long they had been there, but I got to see the last two minutes or so. Then SportCenter came on. Never thought I'd come to Africa and see ESPN, but there you go.
It's Hebrew to Me
Through a series of "Who's on First"-type conversations within the cohort, we've resolved the language issue: we will take Hebrew I and II this year, and Greek I and II next. That's quite a relief... so now I'm off to conquer the Hebrew alphabet (well, when I originally wrote this...). So that means that Hebrew II (and Greek II) will be in the January semester... after I've been off the September semester. So if you see me writing letters from right to left and repeating them under my breath, please don't worry.
Sadly, it's taking much more than an Abbott and Costello bit to resolve the network issues here. Apparently one can only be assigned to one wireless network. I'm sure the IT guys are quite tired of seeing me. I think my only hope is to switch my access point to the dining hall and brave the mosquitoes in the early morning. We shall see how long this connection in the dorm lasts.
Sadly, it's taking much more than an Abbott and Costello bit to resolve the network issues here. Apparently one can only be assigned to one wireless network. I'm sure the IT guys are quite tired of seeing me. I think my only hope is to switch my access point to the dining hall and brave the mosquitoes in the early morning. We shall see how long this connection in the dorm lasts.
I'm back... at least for now
Naturally, after, what, two weeks of no connectivity, I can connect when I'm sitting down to finish studying/cramming my Hebrew consonants for tomorrow's quiz (thankfully, the vowel points aren't on the test! I'll eventually get to e-mail, but I really do need to practice my writing - there are about 6 letters that haven't stuck in my head yet.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Day in the Life
I have each class twice a week, and all classes are in two-hour blocks. Classes don't run on a MWF/TR schedule like we are used to, and since I don't understand the logic I won't subject you to the timetable, but I am taking:
Introduction to the Old Testament
General Church History
Theology and the Practice of Mission in the 21st Century
Christian Worship I
Pastoral Care, Counselling, and Guidance
Greek I
Hebrew I (I thought we were to choose one of the last two for an elective, but it appears they are both compulsory).
Amongst that, we have chapel every morning (save Monday) at 7:45, Community Worship on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, Discipleship class Wednesday afternoon, Communion on Thursday evenings, international women's student fellowship on Saturday afternoon, and Church Sunday morning and church/communion service on Sunday evening. Then meals (which include tea twice daily (though I generally don't take it - I'm sure that will change as I adjust to the food), and I'm sure reading and sleep will happen at some point. At least I fervently hope so - I'm too old for this otherwise. And I have no breaks on Wednesdays, so you probably won't hear from me then.
Introduction to the Old Testament
General Church History
Theology and the Practice of Mission in the 21st Century
Christian Worship I
Pastoral Care, Counselling, and Guidance
Greek I
Hebrew I (I thought we were to choose one of the last two for an elective, but it appears they are both compulsory).
Amongst that, we have chapel every morning (save Monday) at 7:45, Community Worship on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, Discipleship class Wednesday afternoon, Communion on Thursday evenings, international women's student fellowship on Saturday afternoon, and Church Sunday morning and church/communion service on Sunday evening. Then meals (which include tea twice daily (though I generally don't take it - I'm sure that will change as I adjust to the food), and I'm sure reading and sleep will happen at some point. At least I fervently hope so - I'm too old for this otherwise. And I have no breaks on Wednesdays, so you probably won't hear from me then.
Praise God from whom all blessings (networks) flow!
Not only did I get connected to the network today, we had watermelon with lunch! I've learned that if students wish to supplement their diet with fruits and veggies, they must purchase them in town.
It's so good to be able to type to you again! I've been keeping a log of things, but it is too long, so I will sum up. I've got my meal card, registration card, and library card. Those took eight photos to acquire. I had more photos made today to get my ID card, and presumably, I will be able to use them for the additional months' meal cards (your photo
goes on every official document as an identity theft deterrent). I've been warmly welcomed by people and mosquitoes alike. It shouldn't surprise me that people know who I am, but it does. Faculty and second year students approach me and say, "I heard you were here..."
Our class is really a cohort of about 16, and my cell directory reads like a biblical name list: Amos, Darius, David, Emmanuel, Enoch, Isaac, Paul, Zipporah, with Jackson and Paulson for variation. For the All Saints' crowd, Paulson was just on mission with Edwina last weekend, and he is determined to introduce me to everyone she knows in Kampala. And while everyone here has been so friendly, helpful, and accommodating... lest you think this is utopia, one of the M.Div. students has seen fit to ensure that I get my fair share of ribbings.
I'm in the Honours College dorms. The room is small but good, and I do not have a roommate! I've met several of the girls who will be living on the hall, and they are very nice. It looks like there will be either 5 or 6 of us (though I am not yet certain), with one bathroom for all. Upon entering the hall, you are in a common room, and my room is the first door on the right past that. That is great because I get a cross-breeze from the door (which is always open). This is also a challenge, because people visit in the common hall - as in the Manchester football match late last night - which I heard the cheering, even though it came from the dining hall, a five minute walk away. :) Oh, and the Telemundo
soap "Second Chance" is rather popular as well.
Rainy season means that it can rain at any time - I'm amazed at how quickly the weather changes here. It also means that the dirt slope down from the dorm is becoming fairly smooth, which to me means treacherous. Last week, Juliet, Zipporah, and I walked into Mukonotown. It's a 20 minute downhill walk into town (well, to the supermarket they wanted
to go to), and a 35 minute uphill walk back. In the midday, very intense heat. I think they wanted to take a boda (moped - apparently the mopeds were originally used near the border (which sounds like "boda" when the drivers would yell, announcing their services), and the term stuck) back, though. Women ride bodas sidesaddle, and between that and their being generally not safe on bumpy roads and traffic that passes with milimeters to spare, I declined. So we walked.
I began eating in the dining hall last Friday. Previously, I'd been quite spoiled, and had been taking meals at the smaller (and better) dining hall next door. When we went through the breakfast line, I handed my meal card to the head waiter for him to mark that I had taken that day's meal. The look on his face when he compared the photo with my face was precious. I think he was especially surprised because there are no Uganda Studies Program (American exchange program) students this term.
It's so good to be able to type to you again! I've been keeping a log of things, but it is too long, so I will sum up. I've got my meal card, registration card, and library card. Those took eight photos to acquire. I had more photos made today to get my ID card, and presumably, I will be able to use them for the additional months' meal cards (your photo
goes on every official document as an identity theft deterrent). I've been warmly welcomed by people and mosquitoes alike. It shouldn't surprise me that people know who I am, but it does. Faculty and second year students approach me and say, "I heard you were here..."
Our class is really a cohort of about 16, and my cell directory reads like a biblical name list: Amos, Darius, David, Emmanuel, Enoch, Isaac, Paul, Zipporah, with Jackson and Paulson for variation. For the All Saints' crowd, Paulson was just on mission with Edwina last weekend, and he is determined to introduce me to everyone she knows in Kampala. And while everyone here has been so friendly, helpful, and accommodating... lest you think this is utopia, one of the M.Div. students has seen fit to ensure that I get my fair share of ribbings.
I'm in the Honours College dorms. The room is small but good, and I do not have a roommate! I've met several of the girls who will be living on the hall, and they are very nice. It looks like there will be either 5 or 6 of us (though I am not yet certain), with one bathroom for all. Upon entering the hall, you are in a common room, and my room is the first door on the right past that. That is great because I get a cross-breeze from the door (which is always open). This is also a challenge, because people visit in the common hall - as in the Manchester football match late last night - which I heard the cheering, even though it came from the dining hall, a five minute walk away. :) Oh, and the Telemundo
soap "Second Chance" is rather popular as well.
Rainy season means that it can rain at any time - I'm amazed at how quickly the weather changes here. It also means that the dirt slope down from the dorm is becoming fairly smooth, which to me means treacherous. Last week, Juliet, Zipporah, and I walked into Mukonotown. It's a 20 minute downhill walk into town (well, to the supermarket they wanted
to go to), and a 35 minute uphill walk back. In the midday, very intense heat. I think they wanted to take a boda (moped - apparently the mopeds were originally used near the border (which sounds like "boda" when the drivers would yell, announcing their services), and the term stuck) back, though. Women ride bodas sidesaddle, and between that and their being generally not safe on bumpy roads and traffic that passes with milimeters to spare, I declined. So we walked.
I began eating in the dining hall last Friday. Previously, I'd been quite spoiled, and had been taking meals at the smaller (and better) dining hall next door. When we went through the breakfast line, I handed my meal card to the head waiter for him to mark that I had taken that day's meal. The look on his face when he compared the photo with my face was precious. I think he was especially surprised because there are no Uganda Studies Program (American exchange program) students this term.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Hi Honey, I'm Home
Greetings from Uganda!
I've arrived safely, with all luggage attached. The flights were blissfully uneventful (with the exception of mashing my big toe on something, and it hurts). Tonight, I'm staying with Dan Button and his family (one of Dan's duties at UCU is the patron of the international students). I'm told that I will be able to check into my dorm tomorrow. Dan explained more about the dorm - I'll be staying in the Honours College dorm, which is primarily for international/scholarship students. There are many benefits to this - lots of cross-cultural relationships, and the dorms are in the center of campus (so I won't have to run ALL over hill and dale). On the agenda tomorrow is confirming that the school has received my school fees, and trying to hunt down Bp. Muhima's kids so Sara can make good on her offer to take me school shopping (sheets, towels, pillow, etc.).
And I was able to fit everything in one suitcase and two carry-ons! I still don't know whether this was the way to go, but I'm thrilled it happened.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Travel Prep and Thumb Olympics
I've got a little less than three weeks until I leave to go to the Masters of Divinity program at Uganda Christian University, a hundred things to do, and what am I worried about? Getting my texting up to speed. Ugandans text like nobody's business, and I am so not ready. It took me two minutes to compose a text message that would have taken me seven seconds to type (and yes, I have the word find turned on). But I digress.
I'll be in Mukono, Uganda, which is just east of Kampala, and slightly north of the equator. It's currently the rainy season (note to self: pack umbrella). But it's simply beautiful.
Takeoff is 3 May at 6:10 pm, and I'll land in Entebbe on 4 May at 8:15 pm. Bishop Muhima's (adult) children have kindly offered to help me with in-country school shopping. Registration is 6 May, which is when I'll be able to get into my dorm (and please pray for the dear sweet young woman who will have to share a room with me!). So, I won't have anything meaningful to post again until 6 May.
I'll be in Mukono, Uganda, which is just east of Kampala, and slightly north of the equator. It's currently the rainy season (note to self: pack umbrella). But it's simply beautiful.
Takeoff is 3 May at 6:10 pm, and I'll land in Entebbe on 4 May at 8:15 pm. Bishop Muhima's (adult) children have kindly offered to help me with in-country school shopping. Registration is 6 May, which is when I'll be able to get into my dorm (and please pray for the dear sweet young woman who will have to share a room with me!). So, I won't have anything meaningful to post again until 6 May.
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