I'm trying out a different format for this blog that will hopefully cut the time I spend on it (so I can spend more time enjoying my surroundings vs. being on the computer for hours each night)! Let me know what you think!
July 13th we woke up early and headed to the slums in Khibuli for community service (no I didn't take my camera, this time was about them not me!). We spent the morning with kids from Khibuli Boys home, Mengo Girls home and Mekere Boys home shoveling out rubbish from some of the wells where the people of the slums get their water. I will try to go back to get some photos (but we've all seen photos from t.v. ads I'm sure), but no photo can truly prepare you for the slums. Shacks made from anything that can be found create huge mazes where families fight to survive. Disease is rampant and trash is everywhere. Once you realize how cheap it is (on an American salary) to live well in Kampala it becomes even more depressing. Kids with little to no clothes collect water and firewood, yet most everyone I have met has been joyous and full of life! It is amazing truly realize that the "stuff" we cling to cannot bring happiness since those here who have literally nothing can be so kind and welcoming.
After community service, we went back to Khibuli Boys home for dance performances and a debate put on by the homes. We got to know many of the kids one-on-one and has been one of the most enjoyable experiences so far! The dancers (kids 10-16 years old) are incredibly talented and danced styles combining ethnic, RnB, Hip Hop and breakdancing. The debate was Village Life vs. City Life and the kids were very well spoken and professional (more so than I ever was at that age)! We made promises to return so that we could return the favor and perform some songs for them.
Next we went to our cousins Eric and Dani's home for a delicious peanut sauce dinner. Pita bread filled with fresh carrots, cucumber, avocado, sage, cilantro, limons (a term coined by Dani, a fruit which seems to be a mix of lemon and lime, mmmm) topped with a spicy peanut sauce. The vegetables were all from the local farmers market (which run every day in multiple areas of the city) and the entire dinner cost about $5 (take that Hot N Ready)!!! After dinner we played "Corn Hole" which is an Indiana game (where Dani is from) while sipping on rums infused (by Eric and Dani) with cinnamon, clove, and vanilla. Afterwards we headed to Gattomatto, a local bar where live music is played. Although there was no live music we enjoyed the company of Dani and Eric's friends, a group of expats (expatriates, people from other countries) who had many fascinating stories to share!
July 14th we had brunch at the Kreutter home where Cathy made a "traditional Graham breakfast" of eggs, bacon and taters! We also had delicious fresh fruit (have I mentioned how amazing the fruit is here? Best I've ever tasted! No chemicals!) and lively conversation ranging from politics to religion to how to tan a hide (remember when I said Dani negotiated a price for a hide and skull? Well those were "fresh" too haha). I then spent the afternoon documenting our Kampala home! Enjoy and post any questions about any photos here! xoxo, emily
