Hello all,
We are blogging from an internet cafe in downtown Gulu. We have a lot to report.
On July 3 we visited our first orphanage, Home of Hope. This is the place Hope Latiak , fellow Clevelander, has been staying for the past year. There are about 35 children there age 2-16, both boys and girls. The conditions were very rugged to say the least, but the kids were happy and healthy for the most part according to our exams. They are well loved, well fed, and danced for Jolly Ranchers! In the evening we enjoyed freshly caught, still wiggling, tilapia from Lake Victoria. After dinner all the kids sang and danced for us. It was very touching. Rats dropping onto roof and scrabbling around kept us awake most of the night, but it was all worth it. Woke up 6 am to all the children, even the 3 year old, doing chores. They were carrying water, raking leaves and cleaning up. They are given responsibility at a very young age here. We were sad to leave.
After Mass and breakfast, we were driven to Gulu by Geoffrey, Sister Rosemary's private driver. She didn't want us on the bus because she wanted to make sure the meds got there safely. Wow! What a drive! The scenery was beautiful, we saw the river Nile and baboons along the way.
The road was very bumpy and treacherous but we arrived safely without event. St. Monica's is beautiful. It's a large compound with many buildings. It has a front gate, a high wall and a 24 hour guard. We feel very safe and are blessed that Sr. Rosemary saw fit to put us in the matrimonial suite. Mo
re later. Love to all.
We are blogging from an internet cafe in downtown Gulu. We have a lot to report.
On July 3 we visited our first orphanage, Home of Hope. This is the place Hope Latiak , fellow Clevelander, has been staying for the past year. There are about 35 children there age 2-16, both boys and girls. The conditions were very rugged to say the least, but the kids were happy and healthy for the most part according to our exams. They are well loved, well fed, and danced for Jolly Ranchers! In the evening we enjoyed freshly caught, still wiggling, tilapia from Lake Victoria. After dinner all the kids sang and danced for us. It was very touching. Rats dropping onto roof and scrabbling around kept us awake most of the night, but it was all worth it. Woke up 6 am to all the children, even the 3 year old, doing chores. They were carrying water, raking leaves and cleaning up. They are given responsibility at a very young age here. We were sad to leave.
After Mass and breakfast, we were driven to Gulu by Geoffrey, Sister Rosemary's private driver. She didn't want us on the bus because she wanted to make sure the meds got there safely. Wow! What a drive! The scenery was beautiful, we saw the river Nile and baboons along the way.
The road was very bumpy and treacherous but we arrived safely without event. St. Monica's is beautiful. It's a large compound with many buildings. It has a front gate, a high wall and a 24 hour guard. We feel very safe and are blessed that Sr. Rosemary saw fit to put us in the matrimonial suite. Mo
re later. Love to all.
7 comments:
Renee again, wow what an exciting ride!! how are you faring with bugs and such?? hopefully ok. I bet it was a relief to get those meds dropped off!! so glad to hear that you and Stan are doing well and arrived to St. Monica's without any hitches. I look forward to your next entry
peace
Hi guys. Sounds like things are going well. I keep checking the site to see if there are any new updates. You guys take care and be safe. (p.s. miss you my little butterfly)
HI!!! This is Kristy!! We miss you around here! I'm glad to hear you guys got to sleep in a matrimonial suite!! Thats Nice!! Things are quite. Diana is very cranky without you! We can't wait to have you home!! I'm very Proud to hear your giving out candy to the kids!! But you don't have to make them dance for it!! Hee!Hee! talk to ya soon!! Kristy
Day one cats cocatatating! So far so good. Madeleine was so excited to have thunder come live with us. Poor cat wasn't in the house 5 min. and the grooming started! Not that our cat has been brushed in months but thunder looks good! They seem to be giving each other their space. a few spats when they meet in the hall after a nap but that's about it. Thunder has taken a liking to Dominos food. Sorry you may have to switch. Not much else going on in AL Keep up the good work. Is it really fair to make the starving kids DANCE for food! See you would be good parents! stay safe Peg
I love that you are updating this. Just want you to know I anxiously check this everyday. I miss you dearly and can't wait to hear your stories. All good so far here. I hope you enjoying yourself and I know you are making a world of difference for the children. I pray for your continued safe journey. God bless you both! Can't wait to see your updates! See ya soon Mzungas!!! Love, Diana
I was able to view Gulu in a sattelite photo at Google Maps. No way to pinpoint the school but I does give a feel for the area. Beat wishes.
Jack Donahue
Sandy and I look forward to reading about your goings-on over in the big country. Sounds like something right out of a movie only we know it's real. Keep up the good work and keep the blog going....it's great reading.
Bruce
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