tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51850952788794075532024-03-13T16:46:25.050-07:00The Zombo District School Library ProjectUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-41801595420755505762011-06-25T10:51:00.000-07:002011-06-25T10:53:20.556-07:00Saturday, June 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a few pictures before we head out tomorrow for the vacation part of our trip. We leave with mixed emotions as we miss our families and our familiar surroundings ( not to mention showers, Mexican food, cold drinks) but we will miss this place. As I type the kids are outside laughfing and singing and dancing the Macrana. The girls have taught them a number of American saying such as "Wat's up", "hasta la vista, baby", " "talk to the hand", "peace out" and many more. I will never forget their joy or how excited they get to see themselves on the back of your camera. I will miss it all so much. <br />
hasta la vista, baby!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Jr & Caroline Cotham with all the locals..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touring Zeu Medical Clinic</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Medical Library at Zeu Medical Clinic, it was awesome!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of our friends...</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-75154028445608382162011-06-24T10:43:00.000-07:002011-06-24T10:47:50.351-07:00Friday, June 24<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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Enjoy the pictures from the Kaberu <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308934266_0" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: medium none; cursor: hand;">Nursery School</span>. We opened a mini- library there. They were the cutest kids imaginable, they prepared several songs for us in both English and in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1308934266_1">Allure</span>. Cute, cute, cute.....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kids from the Kaberu Nursery School preforming "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" for us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah & Haley passing out de-worming pills to the children at the nursery school.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neighborhood children watching the festivities through a hole in the fence at the nursery.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-10455322332523762882011-06-23T22:40:00.000-07:002011-06-23T22:46:21.334-07:00Pictures from Thursday, June 23rd Today we returned to Oturgang Girls School (the one that did not have the shelves complete), and we were thrilled to see their beautiful shelves. Sister Emily prepared a fabulous lunch complete with homemade wine from her vineyard..we feasted like kings and celebrated the new library.<br />
A little extra excitement here...a baby was born and was named after a team member: Andrew Price. Andrew had visited the Maternity clinic where baby Andrew was born with solar lanterns donated by the Chapelwood Foundation. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aubrey Siller, Morgan Kottke, Andrew Price, Hannah and Libby Williams, Haley Haltom<br />
at the Oturgang Girls School.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Elizabeth and the spread prepared for us..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolyn Cotham presenting a soccer ball to Sister Elizabeth of the Girls School.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Price with the midwife at the maternity clinic with baby Andrew.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-82075082695228067752011-06-23T06:46:00.000-07:002011-06-23T06:46:51.438-07:00Just about finishedWe are now finished with all but one nursery school library (Kaberu) and a delayed opening of a library that we have already put on the shelves--Araa. Those should be done tomorrow. That will bring our total to 22 libraries in the Zombo district, the Bethany Village library, 4 libraries for orphanages done in conjunction with Promise International, the Zeu Health Clinic library, the collection of books for the United Methodist Church's Bishop of East Africa and one additional secondary school which we have worked with local people to make out of the surplus books we shipped over. BTW, those extra books are really helpful and have and will continue to make it possible to fill in holes and give some schools without libraries reading materials, until they can get a library.<br />
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I am also pleased that we are building capacity in the form of trained librarians who can help train others at all the schools and help encourage best practices. We brought over books and other materials about library siciences and have worked with two gentlemen (Terrance and Deogratias) who are becoming experienced at setting up libraries, cataloging and so forth. They are also looking forward to taking a one month University course on librarianship. It is hoped that these gentlemen can apply to other NGO's to acquire more books for the district as well as to receive the shipment that will contain the books remaining in the Chapelwood basment and those at the Christian Alliance warehouse. Ultimately, this kind of capacity building is key to there being a sustainable library network throughout the Zombo district.<br />
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We are also finishing up two related programs over the next two days--the Chapelwood Foundation solar lantern program and the de-worming program done in conjunction with our friends Dr. Todd and Sue Price. We will have distributed over 100 lanterns-mainly to schools, but also to several clinics that are allextremely excited at the prospect of light at night. Kind of amazing to think that at several of the clinics babies have been delivered in the dark and emergency care must similarly be given by candlelight or in the dark. Thanks to the Foundation's generosity that, and the students not being able to read at night, will be changing for the better.<br />
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Thanks again for everyone's help and prayers.<br />
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MarkUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-49843770032009357712011-06-22T09:46:00.000-07:002011-06-22T09:46:33.042-07:00Bethany Village Orphanage Library...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As most of you know , our Chapelwood team was initially split up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us headed to Zeu and the Loyd team headed to Bethany Village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had quite an adventure and eventually met up with us here. Andy Loyd shares a little about their experience….</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bethany Village Orphanage Library was a hit! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon landing in Entebbe, the Loyd team (Andy, Karen, Morgan & Jesse Kottke) told their Chapelwood friends, “goodbye” for a few days and journeyed to Kampala to set up the Bethany Village Library near Ggaba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team was warmly received and met with officials from the African Renewal Ministries in which oversees the Bethany Village operations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there, they were transported to the orphanage in a crude, handmade boat for a 45 minute trip on Lake Victoria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though the team had been traveling non-stop since leaving London, they were anxious to check on the arrival of the books for the library, the facility itself and the much needed shelving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor Mutaka was excited about the Loyd Team arrival and introduced us to Joshua, who was designated as the new librarian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the team found that the shelving was insufficient, so small shelving units were donated from the living quarters of the orphanage to fill the need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team was anxious to get started the next morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were escorted, in the dark, to their living quarters for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The accommodations had running water and electricity from a generator for 2 ½ hours each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Loyd Team had indoor plumbing, though crude by American standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had to sleep under mosquito nets because of the insects and the bats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karen is not fond of small creatures and will almost yield to their presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a late dinner with the Pastor and retired for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a long and satisfying day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They next morning the team got up early and headed to the new library facility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room was a previous classroom, but was strategically located for the other classrooms to utilize. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The walls had been freshly painted and the donated shelving was cleaned and put into position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boxes of books were laid out and the team commenced to putting the organized, cataloged books in their respective places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the project advanced curious faces appeared in the windows and doorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few minutes, the children began to make their way in among the open boxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team was eager to offer them a book and let reading circles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The library took all day to set up and completely organize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joshua was there the entire time and instructed on the Dewey Decimal System and why the books were placed where they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team had a constant flow of curious onlookers and no one was turned away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The experience and completion of the library was bittersweet for Andy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over a year had been invested into the collection and organizing of the books and the Bethany Village Orphanage Library was coming to fruition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would like to thank his family, friends and their Chapelwood Sunday School classmates and especially Bob and Kathey Lasalle <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for all their hard work and for giving the “gift of literacy “ to the Children of Bethany Village. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Special thanks to Mark Cotham for his vision and inspiration for the Ugandan Library Project . You will always hold a special place in our hearts, Brother. To Chapelwood UMC, we are so honored and humbled to members of such an incredible giving church.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYf3oK8EU46rh0pr4OhyphenhyphencWPd5GxhX6mFZ667ANIqtypNaWNO8ngBAU717xcXLWyUW5piSDDEU5ruPt_n3Mj6tD3LcyD775ts9rhAWuZP_YoZO9Ksl0R0ny_XM3eQj8SUCjYCuESXViw2G/s1600/IMG_2302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYf3oK8EU46rh0pr4OhyphenhyphencWPd5GxhX6mFZ667ANIqtypNaWNO8ngBAU717xcXLWyUW5piSDDEU5ruPt_n3Mj6tD3LcyD775ts9rhAWuZP_YoZO9Ksl0R0ny_XM3eQj8SUCjYCuESXViw2G/s320/IMG_2302.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at Bethany Village Library facility.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen Loyd entertaining the orphans at library.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Loyd reading with children.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-HESdrTVbc1J-PloujDFK7o46YSFMbta6X679QY1SvpEj8JntvTs5kFucI9ckApzr7y7axYALhNo3zvRcXJ-k-p323ja6dU2AGPVxqPytwpvVBBXP-AZG5yYCoMfFkExr3ZFgZ7B3kXM/s1600/IMG_2339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-HESdrTVbc1J-PloujDFK7o46YSFMbta6X679QY1SvpEj8JntvTs5kFucI9ckApzr7y7axYALhNo3zvRcXJ-k-p323ja6dU2AGPVxqPytwpvVBBXP-AZG5yYCoMfFkExr3ZFgZ7B3kXM/s320/IMG_2339.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Loyd team in the completed library.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 year old Rana reading "Jonah and the Whale".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-6036624997748132122011-06-21T11:15:00.000-07:002011-06-21T11:15:15.489-07:00Sending our love...Tuesday , June 21, 2001 <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoDCwBBj2Azfro5-iHwzdf0wCdZrROpYtAKys6hHEbW2blQbKU4aApHvGE3VQIiavJgqjWjBHi3KOhYjUjqiGQqD8TYnsdimzcS5NnbKpHGiGMlEnckx9feAfAyaGV2QcZKvVB52RQ73l/s1600/DSC_4564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoDCwBBj2Azfro5-iHwzdf0wCdZrROpYtAKys6hHEbW2blQbKU4aApHvGE3VQIiavJgqjWjBHi3KOhYjUjqiGQqD8TYnsdimzcS5NnbKpHGiGMlEnckx9feAfAyaGV2QcZKvVB52RQ73l/s400/DSC_4564.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls from the Warr School sending their love to us, we pass it on to our friends back home!!!!xoxoxoxo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujtKW-c_BJKcRRkLv8wyXcwXpMqB5R6IaLfTaGyRwBVCAC6bZAOBqlOsoZI8mXyWntucn_EnzNKrdiq2b-O15suY_ZLKbJ8G7ZbjX2MUxSrmfDIobyiEF4StTQ0YCDst700VHqSiNnPfn/s1600/DSC_4603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujtKW-c_BJKcRRkLv8wyXcwXpMqB5R6IaLfTaGyRwBVCAC6bZAOBqlOsoZI8mXyWntucn_EnzNKrdiq2b-O15suY_ZLKbJ8G7ZbjX2MUxSrmfDIobyiEF4StTQ0YCDst700VHqSiNnPfn/s400/DSC_4603.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group posing with our new friends after our trip to the market</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students from the Warr Girls School very excited about their new books.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y8ohs4-1eGq2Lo2PzZ7-2fsTby6KAAmG-P3yvYBiLScZmXYUJEkabdNlawLOalRLqwukVazIexmmFed6eHE_TP21g6HiIQRLUjbsq8nEwp_MKL92-pfMoAINAxBDNQkR0CmIfRwq4ao0/s1600/DSC_4620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y8ohs4-1eGq2Lo2PzZ7-2fsTby6KAAmG-P3yvYBiLScZmXYUJEkabdNlawLOalRLqwukVazIexmmFed6eHE_TP21g6HiIQRLUjbsq8nEwp_MKL92-pfMoAINAxBDNQkR0CmIfRwq4ao0/s400/DSC_4620.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are just a few of the beautiful faces that wait outside of our compound. </td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-16236049614479056942011-06-21T08:05:00.000-07:002011-06-21T08:05:19.236-07:00UMW and Mercy Street Libraries Big HitsToday we built the Warr Girls and Alangi libraries. These were the two gathered by the UMW and Mercy Street. They were very well received and looked grat on the shelves. The Warr Girls School lost thier only sm all library last year in a storm. Alangi had never had one. Thanks to both of these outstanding groups at Chapelwood for pulling together such great libraries. Wish we could fully express how grateful these folks are and how much this will mean to these kids. I got a live chicken as a gift from Alangi. That together with corn, avocado, milk and pineapple makes my haul pretty good. Thanks to all of Chapelwood and especially today the UMW and Mercy Street for having worked so hard and made these libraries possible. MarkUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-45545973281475340382011-06-20T22:02:00.000-07:002011-06-20T22:02:35.133-07:00What a day...Monday, June 20,2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We began our day at the Oturgang Girls School where we we given the welcome of a lifetime. The Children met us at the street in a singing parade, they followed us in singing and clapping. We were then greeted by the "Sisters" and given the biggest hugs ever, I mean really, really great hugs. We were very disappointed to realize that the shelves in the library were not ready and we were unable to set up the books..it was very hard for us to leave. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the shelves will be completed this week and we can return.<br />
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Our second stop was Ayaka Primary School where we were also greeting like kings and treated to a play complete with costumes. The Library turned out wonderfully and the kids were thrilled. As we watched the children choose their first book we were pleasantly surprised to see how interested they seemed to be in Science..<br />
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more to come as soon as the computer get charged....</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-27173644463123172192011-06-19T11:49:00.000-07:002011-06-19T11:49:51.875-07:00Joy, Joy, Joy: Sunday, June 19, 2011We have officially closed our second full day here in Zeu. It is a beautiful place and is full of joy! Today is Sunday and we attended the local church Saint John of the Worker. It is technically our day of rest but we really just enjoyed the infectious cheer that surrounds you here. We are all having a great time watching the "young girls" entertain the children. Haley, Hanna, Carolyn, Libby and Aubrey have sang, danced and played games for hours on end. Their energy seems to be endless and their efforts are not wasted, the children adore them. The town kids led them to a huge soccer field where the fun began. They had the largest game of duck-duck-goose that you have ever seen and the highlight of the afternoon was the bubbles. The girls had huge bubble wands and as the bubbles were released the kids chased, and chased them, it was really a sight. Tomorrow we will begin our work...<br />
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Enjoy the pictures and the glimpse into our adventure.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-54372602212491818602011-06-18T11:19:00.000-07:002011-06-18T11:19:42.132-07:00Neat requestThe headmaster from Ogalo Parents School, one of the poorest schools, but a personal favorite of Mark's, Carolyn's and mine came several miles this morning and asked me if I had a book on "the Methodists" that he could borrow. This was neat because while we have made no secret of our church, we have only discussed that we are Christians and he had a apparently sufficiently appreciated our first group's approach that he wanted to learn more about us. I told him I was honored, I'd look and after some digging in our surplus religion books found a good book on John Weslely which he was pleased to receive.<br />
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We had a good day of introducing all to the village. Children were delightful, did work on the lantern project, had a good visit to Ogalo, spoke at legnth with Chairman Emmy about a number of projects, including the potential for producing health education dvd's in Alur in conjunction with the Where There is No Doctor series. Tonight's showing of the BBC series on the Oceans was well received. <br />
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Hope everyone at home is well. Mark Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-84314677273596402002011-06-17T11:15:00.000-07:002011-06-17T11:15:17.089-07:00Group 2 here and fineWe picked up group 2 this morning and made a lot more efficient trip to Zeu than the first group and were here by 7:10. Group 2 getting hotel rooms in London to catch up on sleep made a very big differfence in how they felt. Everyone is fine. Just finished dinner and everyone is moved in and good. Early rising and travel will help all sleep this evening. We did, however, get a taste of village hospitality as the children rallied outside, all extremely haapy to see us again. Tomorrow will involve visiting some schools with libraries already put togehter, teaching our new group what needs to be done and just having fun with the kids. Best, MarkUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-69514265037386154922011-06-16T06:59:00.000-07:002011-06-16T06:59:19.163-07:00Chilling between GroupsThe Cothams, including Andrew Price who is now an honorary Cotham since he was taught the secret knock, are trying to chill between groups. Tomorrow morning we get up early and will pick the new group up in Entebbe. The Loyds will temporarily head for Bethany Village (a children's home for mainly orphaned children-where all of the books have been delivered), but will meet back up with us by June 20th. Yesterday, we visited Jinja, including the Source of the Nile park and Bujagali Falls, where we took a short boat trip and saw some folks go over the falls. Our own efforts to white water raft were the victim of scheduling issues. <br />
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Today, I visisted again with my friend Abhay Shaw, who owns a Ugandan solar company, about a solar power solution to the DVD players we brought over. It was very encouraging--it looks like a realtively small panel could power the player. If so, with a little help from the manufacturer, we would be able to distribute a number of these players at sub $100 per unit, which would enable the schools to very easily share top quality educational DVD's. That could provide a vehicle for introducing some excellent content for these children and might further serve as a proof of concept for a larger program.<br />
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I also re-visited Uganda McMillan and with a generous donation by friends of Nanette's acquired 65 more copies of <em>Where There is No Doctor</em>, an extraordinarily well-written and popular book by the Hesperian Society for villages who have no doctor but nonetheless have needs for health care information. Both teachers and health professionals were extremely glad to recieve the copies that we had already brought (due to Chapelwood's generosity) and these extra copies will be incredibly well-received. One recipient, upon reviewing the book, said "this book will save lives here." Again, thanks!<br />
<br />
We all miss family and friends, but are still having a great time and looking forward to introducing a new group to the Zombo District. Thanks to all. We'll try to stay in touch. Mark<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-30341412547694425022011-06-15T01:24:00.000-07:002011-06-15T01:24:14.568-07:00Sunday, June 12-Tuesday, June 14Sorry to have lapsed on blog posts for a couple of days. Our modem that we use to access the internet at the compound ran out of minutes. Even in Uganda, it's nice to feel connected to friends and family. <br />
<br />
After our last day of working on libraries, We were on our own on Saturday to do what interested us. Some went back to finish up something on a library, others went shopping right at the Congo border. Even though the Alur tribe (group we have been working with) exists in the Congo as well as Uganda, there was a noticeable difference between the two people. The Zombo District Alur (Uganda) are a genuine, kind-natured people. The Congo Alur are more "stubborn" as one of the local Ugandans put it. I'm not sure that's the right word, but the Congo people just had a different way about them.<br />
<br />
Sunday was transfer to Murchison Falls day. We saw some amazing animals: elephants, girafffes, baboons, water buffalo, etc. Monday morning we went on a river cruise on the Albert Nile and saw even more animals up close and personal. Lots and lots of hippos and a fair amount of crocodiles. Fun time had by all. We continued on our way back going through Kampala for the night and had a last hurrah dinner at a lovely pizza place on the beach of the lake. We took a last group picture which I will post when I get back to Houston. <br />
<br />
We all loved our project in Uganda and had a good time getting to know the local people there. They have such good hearts, it's understandable how Mark has gotten so attached to them.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to group 2's blog, Have fun!!<br />
<br />
michelle williams signing off!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-14392633655510313262011-06-14T11:52:00.000-07:002011-06-14T11:52:45.964-07:00What a GroupThe first part of Group1 (those going through Brussels) were just dropped off at the airport. The group flying back through London are leaving very early a.m. (The Cothams and Andrew Price are looking forward to a day trip tomorrow to Jinja and the source of the Nile). Group One sure proved to be a hard working, dedicated and fun crowd. I'm sure that a lot of luck was involved, but everyone seemed to find a good and productive role and get along quite well. Nice to know that it is possible for people to come together so quickly and work so well as a group. Of course, I think that everyone enjoying and loving the children so much had a lot to do with the group being so tasked oriented and willing to work so hard. <br />
<br />
Vicki and both Marks had a nice visit this morning with Sam Mdune and the United Methodist Church's bishop for East Africa. Let me let Michelle update on other aspects of the past few days.<br />
<br />
When Group One gets back, thanks so very very much for what you accomplished and being so wonderful to work and travel with. I can promise you that the people of the Zombo district will never forget what you've done for them.<br />
<br />
A couple of days rest and then we're really looking forward to the new group and working on a bunch of other great libraries. <br />
<br />
Best, MarkUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-47935874463833374402011-06-11T12:30:00.001-07:002011-06-11T12:30:56.645-07:00June 10th<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
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We finished library installations today with 2 groups going
to 2 different schools, putting books on the shelves and celebrating their
openings all in a few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One group worked at the Abonga Kubi school and the other at Arii.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abonga
Kubi is a government assisted school, as are just about all the schools we
visited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As recently as 2 yrs ago,
it was deserted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gilbert the
Headmaster was charged with its reopening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The school has grown from 90 students at its initial opening
to almost 500.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have 8
teachers and their school motto is “play hard, work hard”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also strive to incorporate
Christian principals into the curriculum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of the schools have school yard signs encouraging high morals and
good health practices:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Virginity
is Health”, says one sign, “No Fighting”, and “Be Honest and Do Not Steal”,
“Avoid Going to Dangerous Places”, but our favorite is probably, “Do Not Accept
Gifts for Sex!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many children walk
miles to and from school each day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
other school visited today was Arii.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They also have about 450 students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their reception was clapping as the volunteers arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The library went into a small area with
our youngest members doing most of the shelving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started raining in the middle of the ceremony, but that
didn’t deter them from thanking the volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One student read a poem he had written for Mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful poem, and they gave
us copies of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The school also
gave Carolyn Cotham a thank you gift that was a pretty hand carved lion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ride home in the rain along the
dirt roads had the bus hydroplaning into the grasses along side the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys in the back of the bus raised
their arms mocking a roller coaster ride pose!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
afternoon was free to do whatever interested us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some went to the Health Center and unloaded 15 boxes all
containing medical books for the center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Health care workers there were very encouraged to have such valuable
information at their facility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many thanks to all who made that powerful donation possible.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A smaller group including Mark Sr. and the
local District Chairman (similar to the Zombo District Governor) went on a tour
of many area facilities, including:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a seedling farm that experiments with new plant/fruit species to
introduce into the local farms; a hydro plant that ideally will bring power to
the villages; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as well as viewing
city plans for zoning and building restrictions for commercial and residential
development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those with the power
to implement some of these improvements seem to have a clear vision of what
steps need to be taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plans
are in place, now making them a reality is the next challenge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tonight we are showing The Jesus Movie in the local
language-Alur, and it is being watched by a number of villagers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This group of children who live by our compound are always
playing outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday our
boys engaged them in a game of Duck, Duck , Goose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hilarious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They picked up on it right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was much commotion this afternoon outside and after checking on the
source of it, we saw the kids playing the game without the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had allowed a stretching of the
rules; however, and some were running around the whole yard to avoid being
tagged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be interesting to
see what other practices of ours will be adopted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claris, the lady that cooks most of our meals, has learned
how to make guacamole, garlic bread, and fry fish (all under Peggy Burck’s
instruction).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She says she likes
these new recipes, but who knows if she is just being polite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for your interest in our mission and for following
our blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow is our last day
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure our hearts are
changed more that any changes we may have brought to the village.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michelle Williams</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c02_IcHzstYaJR5Y7oQ51JJbpLYe_2LiV8PEnRF7eFlNVFPQezcTC4Ouq8vmJh0_-RryUz_EV7nE27qtZVSY2cSOJc9XGkr_2k-jOzc1zG7dy9iVkBs0oh8IihEvbBOctkLruyGO2IfP/s1600/IMG_4661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c02_IcHzstYaJR5Y7oQ51JJbpLYe_2LiV8PEnRF7eFlNVFPQezcTC4Ouq8vmJh0_-RryUz_EV7nE27qtZVSY2cSOJc9XGkr_2k-jOzc1zG7dy9iVkBs0oh8IihEvbBOctkLruyGO2IfP/s1600/IMG_4661.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVNdxiIYq5hD0eKxMFHV_df8m4ftqDcaLRPXb1GzfikELMJE3BV63enOv0nR2bnpO0FdsP0Wc_6hqa7MHgNWWI6azNlbephg-yU4EraOylGY6-ypgS_oGu3DcqX8PQS15itc4pv80Mwzp/s1600/IMG_4711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVNdxiIYq5hD0eKxMFHV_df8m4ftqDcaLRPXb1GzfikELMJE3BV63enOv0nR2bnpO0FdsP0Wc_6hqa7MHgNWWI6azNlbephg-yU4EraOylGY6-ypgS_oGu3DcqX8PQS15itc4pv80Mwzp/s1600/IMG_4711.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(editing by Mark and input from Vicki Judd)</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-34638182620266299112011-06-09T10:09:00.000-07:002011-06-09T10:09:02.398-07:00June 9th pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This picture is from Cope school, where some children dressed up in these grass costumes in celebration of their new library. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvt1v3yDHxal3L2Q_z_UFrto-5DETIgCAt53EEZ_4EQooDwWOAPjU9qV89qBPimuQY_j05ZTwB2_I16kq5bmlo9vL9vGUGozv2SLo3BFa9tpZD9ivp4OgApip2tkkRGY0p3UNYyHxodMH/s1600/IMG_4715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvt1v3yDHxal3L2Q_z_UFrto-5DETIgCAt53EEZ_4EQooDwWOAPjU9qV89qBPimuQY_j05ZTwB2_I16kq5bmlo9vL9vGUGozv2SLo3BFa9tpZD9ivp4OgApip2tkkRGY0p3UNYyHxodMH/s320/IMG_4715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a home-made wood carven bike that the children were riding as we arrived. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs06IecLpXX_eDfL823emdWQfPHyIza839qjRI4NmAfmh7coTpvDundL4Ywb6BfPz7wEJcoBf7T1luA_A2IGb4upIIxoDGC_WZqBTwCZNgwxwBszCmurtES8aCT2qGf9bZtkJKm2HaJlk9/s1600/IMG_4728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs06IecLpXX_eDfL823emdWQfPHyIza839qjRI4NmAfmh7coTpvDundL4Ywb6BfPz7wEJcoBf7T1luA_A2IGb4upIIxoDGC_WZqBTwCZNgwxwBszCmurtES8aCT2qGf9bZtkJKm2HaJlk9/s320/IMG_4728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_Ve4VUR0PZmun7HwfkyQXyFa7D8U71hkZj-ecxMzNikvz44Ad-k6KNkVlqiDXvnMzmukHkbsN0HfGvWrUIR9cV-qKzVhPTduXvr0EowNVrguZ8FBQpkcu__o_JTOA6b1wMmQ-dETyEDu/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_Ve4VUR0PZmun7HwfkyQXyFa7D8U71hkZj-ecxMzNikvz44Ad-k6KNkVlqiDXvnMzmukHkbsN0HfGvWrUIR9cV-qKzVhPTduXvr0EowNVrguZ8FBQpkcu__o_JTOA6b1wMmQ-dETyEDu/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-24560334043352277872011-06-09T08:35:00.000-07:002011-06-09T08:35:02.188-07:00Hand's Down Half Price Pop-up Books Most PopularIf you ever want to entertain 500-600 African children at a library opening, go to Half Price and clean out their Pop-up section. Particularly mummy and dragon pop-ups. What a hoot! Had six more great openings today. Mark CothamUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-34196622199940146412011-06-08T11:50:00.001-07:002011-06-08T11:50:36.426-07:00Wednesday June 8th<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Today
we installed 6 more libraries:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jupamatho,
C.O.P.E., Ogalo, Palwo, Adhingi, and Adusi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Several
of the schools had receiving lines for us as we approached in the bus and then
sang in lines on either sides of us as we walked up to the schools. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.O.P.E.’s singing was precious; they
are a young school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are one
of the poorest schools we will see, but were ready for us with brightly painted
blue shelves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jupamatho is a very
small primary school supported completely by parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It consists of 2 classrooms about 10’ x 10’ in size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peering into their room reveals a sea
of little faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are packed
into their space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ogalo greeted
their helpers with a school song showing their Ugandan pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
drive to these schools is akin to a roller coaster ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some members chose to walk home from
their school, not to avoid the ride, but to enjoy the scenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This new area is closer to the
Democratic Republic of the Congo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The topography changes a bit with more defined hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are tracts of pine trees planted
for lumber harvesting as well as clear cut areas that have yet to be replanted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
afternoon’s schools included more singing and spirited receptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Palwo waved bunches of leafy branches
as they sang their song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also
had a special song sung by their award winning choir saying “We will remember
you forever!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Adhingi
and Adusi also had heart-warming receptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll report more about them after tomorrow’s opening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you to all of you who made these libraries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are lucky to get to see their reactions, and feel blessed
to get to meet the people who cherish the efforts of those whom they have never
met.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you also to our prayer partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your prayers are felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are over 20 of us in close quarters, but we are getting along very
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a large effort and
all of your hard work made it possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Michelle
Williams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-30148366069969147402011-06-07T22:25:00.000-07:002011-06-07T22:25:30.443-07:00Exceeding all expectationsYesterday's opening exceeded all expectations as far as how the libraries were set up, how they were received and the number of books cheked out. I can't thank everyone enough for their help. Person after person came up and siad that they could not find the words to thank us. The libraries are obviously that largest and best thing to happen to these schools in a long time, perhaps ever. One of our groups was told that they were the second group of Muzungus (whites) to visit. The last visited in 1944. Lookinjg forward to visiting some of our favorite, but easily the poorest schools this morning-COPE, Ogalo and Jupamatho. We are all very excited. Everyone is doing well here. Mark CothamUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-67330492231594086792011-06-07T12:19:00.001-07:002011-06-07T12:19:38.822-07:00June 7, 2011Today we celebrated openings of the 6 schools we installed yesterday: Zale, Pagei, Ndrinyi, Ngume, Zeu and Papoga. It was very fulfilling to see the culmination of a year of preparation. Here are comments from our youngest team members:<br />
<br />
Mary Elizabeth Thomas<br />
Today I cut the tape to open the Papoga library and watched children of all ages stream in to borrow books. <br />
<br />
Carolyn Cotham<br />
Today I made many new friends. Two girls in particular asked when meeting me, "can we be friends?" We talked for a few hours and bonded despite all odds.<br />
<br />
Austin Price<br />
It is not every day that I have a chance to help the students medically and educationally. Passing out vitamin A and Abendazole (deworming medication) at the libraries uplifted the students and myself as well.<br />
<br />
Joshua Wilkerson<br />
After we required that all the children take deworming medication before entering the library, noting their apparent reluctance, we were surprised to be approached by the teachers and some parents pointing to their stomachs and saying, "and me!" I was also surprised when I saw a young boy puzzling over a book he pulled from the shelf on how to tie your shoes when I noticed that neither he nor his classmates were wearing them.<br />
<br />
Davison Crake<br />
Today I got to see the finished libraries and the smiling faces of the children that found a book. I also was able to work with Austin to medicate all of the children and even got to play soccer with the older students.<br />
<br />
Ryan Evans<br />
I sat outside of a library as the eager locals piled outside. As I talked to a group, I became aware of a growing mass of kids behind me. As soon as I turned they began falling over each other trying to back away. I quickly won them back by taking pictures of them and showing them themselves. I will never forget their delighted babble as they pointed to themselves on the screen.<br />
<br />
Andrew Price<br />
I threw Austin a bottle of coke today and it exploded when he opened it. It was hilarious. (Andrew is in charge of the solar lanterns that we are donating/delivering to the schools and has done a great job.)<br />
<br />
Mark Cotham, Jr.<br />
At first, the kids looked really nervous, but once a couple of them had checkd out books, the rest of the kids were unbelievably excited. From then on, my job was simply to removed obstacles between them and the books. It was so encouraging.<br />
<br />
Jesse Worsham<br />
Today I handed out medicine for the deworming and sustenance of the students at the libraries' opening. The willingness and eagerness to receive medicine at such a young age. Im very glad that I could make a difference. <br />
<br />
Kathryn Williams<br />
Today I read <u>Chicka Chicka Boom Boom</u> to all the kids at Pagei school and they just fell literally in love with that book and repeating the words after me. It was really nice being able to see all of the laughing and smiling, and as we were leaving they chanted "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom"<br />
<br />
Vicki Jud, a veteran missioner, commented that she has been very impressed by the contribution of the young people. The students can relate so well to them and our young team members are eager to engage the students. <br />
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Today was a tremendous blessing to all of us. We brought the libraries to them, but we are the ones receiving blessings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-71310130831304738802011-06-06T10:09:00.000-07:002011-06-06T10:09:15.735-07:00Six libraries set upToday we finished setting up Zeu and also Ndrinyi, Ngume, Zale, Papoga and Pagei. Great thanks to all involved in assembling and cataloging those libraries. Your hard work cataloging and ordering the books meant they just flew out of the boxes and onto the shelves. By the way, we've been pleased with the local shelves.<br />
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At Zeu, we were very pleased that the first few students practicing checking out requested a play, another wanted a history of the Zulu nation and another a book on the human body. <br />
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The excitement of the students was off the charts. Tomorrow, we'll have opening ceremonies, ribbon cutting and we'll be distributing solar lanterns and the Macmillan charts. A very large number of local dignitaries, village elders, parents and government officials are expected in attendance. We will also be passing out de-worming medicine, thanks to Dr. and Sue Price.<br />
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Finally, we were extremely pleased to speak with the Chairman of Zombo who explained that they will in connection with the library openings be especially emphasizing reading in the schools, including a two hour period of reading. Nice to think that the libraries might also have the impact of vitalizing reading efforts overll.<br />
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Otherwise, all is well and everyone is in good spirits, albeit missing those at home. We said a temporary goodbye to our friend Sam Mdume who left for Kampala--he happily took the books that we'd assembled for the Bishop as well as a majority of the Bethany Village books. We hope to share a dinner with Sam and the Bishop as our first group leaves through Kampala.<br />
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Thanks again to all for your hard and excellent work. Wish you could be here to see how grateful the kids and community are for all your kindness.<br />
Best, <br />
<br />
Mark CothamUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-7118320711565425982011-06-05T12:53:00.000-07:002011-06-05T12:53:50.156-07:00<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Day
3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">June
5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
attended the second service at the Catholic church today <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(beautiful church, held about 800
people) and arrived 1 ½ hours into the service, though we still got to see 45
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>very uplifting even though we couldn’t
understand the language (alur).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The people danced to every song that is sung, even the little acolytes
have a routine. The instruments are all handmade and sound a little Caribbean
in style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was dressed in
their Sunday best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They clearly
enjoy the service and its almost as if the longer the service, the better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The priest said that time in
Africa is measured by events instead of by a clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is certainly true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, we were the featured guests with children
literally pushing each other to get to our hands to shake them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such enthusiastic attention is so funny
to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The libraries are very
exciting to them and we are treated like celebrities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of us were lucky enough to get to hold a toddler during
the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One just walked
across the altar and into my arms!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the service, the children did a song and dance routine to show
their gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left the church grounds and
into the building where our libraries have been stored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were stacked in relative order
with each school’s books stacked together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tidied up some of the boxes and loaded the Zeu libraries
books onto a truck bound for the installment this afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a short lunch, we
went to Zeu school (again, rock star status crowds) and started unloading the
boxes and shelving them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
library is one of the largest, if not the largest, and it took a village to get
them in order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a lot of
“helpers” in the room with us that were mainly curious though of very little
actual help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made for a chaotic
installment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to Nannette
though, all the books are shelved and part of our group returns tomorrow to
perfect the library.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These people are happy and
appreciative of every blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our prayer is that they USE the libraries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continue to tell them that they are of no use to anyone
sitting on a shelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Few of the
children have ever seen any kind of book other than a single set of textbooks
that the teacher teaches from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
head of Zeu today told us that he teaches 150 kids in his classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about the same size as 1 of our
classrooms in the states where about 25 students are taught! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of us are in good
spirits and feeling well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
seems to sleep well and there are meals a plenty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow our real work starts as we install 6
libraries:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ndrinyi, Ngume, Zale,
Pagei, Zeu (finishing up), and Papoga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A heartfelt thanks to all of you who gathered the books together, cataloged
and boxed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of this could
have happened without your hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has been very rewarding to have chosen books with these children in
mind and to get to see their excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is truly hard to imagine what a big event this is for this
village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The medical team is at work
right now counting deworming pills and vitamins to be given out tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Special thanks to those here and at
home who helped with this project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These children need so much medical care; it’s heartwarming to know that
we will leave them in better health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks and bessings to you all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your prayers are felt!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Michelle
Williams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-24518753111231878032011-06-04T12:53:00.000-07:002011-06-04T13:16:22.124-07:00Day 2: First Full Day in the Village<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">June 4th</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">Everyone had a good night’s rest and felt recharged to start our
adventure. Our accommodations are
Father Inke’s compound (2 buildings with several bedrooms in each) that was
built for groups such as ours. The buildings are nice with concrete walls and
floors and shingled roofs. It is
not the typical abode here, however. A typical home’s floor and walls are huts made mostly of mud sustained with a structure of reeds and wood and the roofs are thatch made
of woven grasses—all materials are found right here in the village. I’ll try to post a couple of pictures
of these huts. They are very neat
in appearance and well-kept inside and out. All the cooking is done right outside the doors of our
building though still within the compound. They use coals and small portable stoves and manage to cook
tasty meals for at least 25 people and all with a smile on their faces. (Puts my home cooking attitude to
shame!) We compliment them often
with genuine praise and it seems to be very appreciated. Our typical meal is cooked cabbage,
rice, beans, cassava (type of banana that when cooked tastes like potato),
peanuts and some kind of meat(!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Our
restful day has consisted of getting to know our way around the village,
visiting a baby born just this morning, as well as enjoying a game of soccer
Houston boys vs. village kids (1/2 their size, btw) and it the village boys did
very well. I’m sure it was a tie! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Here
are some images from the day that come to mind: endless curious young faces, moms with babies on their backs
and even children carrying babies on their backs… our girls dancing with the children to
music the children played from their own homemade instruments, vegetables planted on every available plot of land, beautiful avocado and mango trees. The rainy season supposedly ended a week ago, so we shouldn't see any rain, though the temperature is about 80 degrees during the day and 70 degrees at night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We broke into 2 groups: one attended the library introduction to school teachers and administrators and the other was a medical group touring the health facilities nearby. The library meeting began with the attendees (300ppl) singing the Ugandan national anthem which was beautiful--a tear jerker for some... and it included lots of speeches thanking Mark (referring to him as a king!), and our "delegation" for the all of our efforts towards their community. The local leaders enjoy speaking! One comment that was humorous and probably in response to Mark trying to organize and shorten the meeting was that by 4pm our backs would be facing the building as we walked away because we would end so promptly! The meeting lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes and that is considered short! Nannette gave a helpful explanation of libraries and their use and Mark Cotham gave an almost poetic history of books and reading and their value to enlightening and advancing cultures. Often times local men on stage would translate our words into alur, the local language. Although they all speak varying degrees of english, they sometimes have a hard time understanding us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We then broke into groups and each of us huddled with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">children and teachers teaching about different kinds of books. Thank you Diane Rager! The banded books and their descriptions were immensely helpful.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXSK79JSOYpOnNSihXtxiG4C9hWBxTrBnxBON90gHjJWulSzoY_PBSI0v8L7JRk0V_DmeA4ZWtsk6GYB9GhOh5A7zbD854deVMfQV9DGOkzzJlzSoUuqS3QrtzxRs5SDLg3SWfWDvwXNg/s1600/IMG_4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXSK79JSOYpOnNSihXtxiG4C9hWBxTrBnxBON90gHjJWulSzoY_PBSI0v8L7JRk0V_DmeA4ZWtsk6GYB9GhOh5A7zbD854deVMfQV9DGOkzzJlzSoUuqS3QrtzxRs5SDLg3SWfWDvwXNg/s1600/IMG_4340.JPG" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"> The medical team traveled with the district health officer and other local leaders to visit 3 health clinics and the 1 hospital in the district. Many babies were being born and the limited laboratory and diagnostic facilities were evaluated. Arrangements were being made to meet again later this week with the very young doctor (23) at the hospital. He is only 1 of 3 doctors in the Zombo district (220,000 people).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwjPPG22EN0qT-YTbx2peVN5_OqSzlx_BHE6nWLbTcatOtSfdFrPYnwlDGBqqL2SPall5tfoeWh54GwEnHgVrW3bXdUiMtSo8Ukii3tvHUjmyIfhDbjSgMyAJF4wxYuFtyAa0yVWVjtEx/s1600/IMG_4359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwjPPG22EN0qT-YTbx2peVN5_OqSzlx_BHE6nWLbTcatOtSfdFrPYnwlDGBqqL2SPall5tfoeWh54GwEnHgVrW3bXdUiMtSo8Ukii3tvHUjmyIfhDbjSgMyAJF4wxYuFtyAa0yVWVjtEx/s320/IMG_4359.jpg" width="213" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"> Prior to dinner, Marion Bates led us into an explanation of how our devotionals will be done by each of us for the rest of the week. Tonight Mark talked about different religions and how there is spirituality everywhere. He encouraged us to keep an open mind as to where everyone is in their spiritual walk.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">Marion mentioned today that it is no mystery that we are in Uganda. The people have been praying for help and "I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry" (psalm 40:1). We hope to be God's hands and pray He will guide us to do His will here in Uganda.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">We are trying to post pictures. They take a lot of power to upload and we are short on that!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">Michelle Williams</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-52497543336233370812011-06-03T09:58:00.000-07:002011-06-03T09:58:56.100-07:00Enroute to our village!We loaded up this morning for our day long trip to Zeu. I can't wait to send a pic of the truck will all of our bags--it's amazing the truck hasn't turned over. We have 20 people in our group, divided up in 2 vans. It has been an experience just watching Ugandan life from our windows...very green and tropical; red dirt with lots of brick-making huts on the side of the road; cardboard kiosks selling all kinds of fruits and things. Ugandans dress very colorfully, almost in sync with the colorful foliage. The road is the lineline of the country. People are busily walking just a few feet away from our bus. The highlight of the day for us I think, after viewing the beautiful Karoma Falls and driving over the Nile River, was our siting of such exotic animals: baboons, elephants and impala! Lots more to tell, but it will have to wait until we are settled in our camp in a couple of hours. Sun has set here; was beautiful to watch as we approached the Nile.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5185095278879407553.post-70857566170384002732011-06-02T15:14:00.000-07:002011-06-02T15:14:11.830-07:00Group 1 Part 1 Safely HereThose flying in from Brussels arrived safely, with the exception of Colleen who missed a connection to Newark and with whom we will link up yet. Otherwise, all are here and in good spirits. We had some authentic Ugandan pizza and it is past midnight and everyone is turning in. All the children send their love to their parents. We'll try to blog from the road tomorrow--hoping to see some wildlife on the drive. Picking up Group 1, part 2 early a.m. Best, MarkUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0