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!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
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.
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