Dear readers,
Yesterday was our last day at the Mburara International School. It was also the end of term and the presentation day for the parents. Our anxiety was high as we reached the school, only to be stifled when we saw how well the presentations were going. The parents found it hilarious when each student stepped up to impersonate their dinosaur.
When it was time for the dance, we tied on our hula skirts and shook our hips to the beat of the music. The Ugandans were overjoyed to find Mzungus having their try at a traditional dance.
The day was concluded with embraces and the exchange of emails. Mark, one of the seventh graders, approached us shyly with his thanks, and presented us with a gift from the seventh grade, "not to be opened until you're out". As Peter drove us out the gates, we opened the handmade satchel to find jewelry, and pictures of the grade. Nestled in the group pictures were baby photos, still unidentified. The students signed the back of these pictures. One said, "To Matty, from Mark. Just as a friend."
Tears in our eyes, we bade the school farewell. Now, we're spending our last night packing and eating cheap and glorious Indian food, the staple of our trip.
Mattie and Emilia
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Coming to a Close
Dear readers,
Over the past month, we've received very "enthusiastic" comments from Ugandans. Some of our favorites, "did you know that you are beautiful?", and while passing a van filled with people, "Mzungu, come ride with us!" Yesterday, a woman in one of the clothing stalls yelled out to us, "come buy something for your boyfriend!" Mattie responded, "oh, I don't have one." She said, "really? I'll get you one... my brother!"
Today was spent practicing for the presentations tomorrow. We were thrown into hula skirts, and into a well rehearsed Ugandan dance, which we had never been taught. Because we are Mzungus, the contrast between our dancing skills was already evident... Since they actually knew the dance, this contrast was dramatically exaggerated. Can't wait to show the parents!
We played our last soccer game today. Soccer is played teachers and girls versus boys. Thus, we usually win. Even though Emilia scored a goal today (which was awesome!), our winning streak was broken... The boys won by six goals. To be fair, we only had the "keeper" (yay Harry Potter!), one teacher, and one other girl on our team. The opposing team consisted of about 24.5 boys (an itty-bitty). This one boy, Brian, is always passed to. Hence, we always go after him. Jokingly, he yelled to his teammates, "I'm free. Nobody's on me. Pass!" Then Emilia tripped him. However, he wasn't swayed, and continued to make the same joke for the next hour... For the next hour, he continued to get by us.
Oraare gye,
Emilia and Mattie
Over the past month, we've received very "enthusiastic" comments from Ugandans. Some of our favorites, "did you know that you are beautiful?", and while passing a van filled with people, "Mzungu, come ride with us!" Yesterday, a woman in one of the clothing stalls yelled out to us, "come buy something for your boyfriend!" Mattie responded, "oh, I don't have one." She said, "really? I'll get you one... my brother!"
Today was spent practicing for the presentations tomorrow. We were thrown into hula skirts, and into a well rehearsed Ugandan dance, which we had never been taught. Because we are Mzungus, the contrast between our dancing skills was already evident... Since they actually knew the dance, this contrast was dramatically exaggerated. Can't wait to show the parents!
We played our last soccer game today. Soccer is played teachers and girls versus boys. Thus, we usually win. Even though Emilia scored a goal today (which was awesome!), our winning streak was broken... The boys won by six goals. To be fair, we only had the "keeper" (yay Harry Potter!), one teacher, and one other girl on our team. The opposing team consisted of about 24.5 boys (an itty-bitty). This one boy, Brian, is always passed to. Hence, we always go after him. Jokingly, he yelled to his teammates, "I'm free. Nobody's on me. Pass!" Then Emilia tripped him. However, he wasn't swayed, and continued to make the same joke for the next hour... For the next hour, he continued to get by us.
Oraare gye,
Emilia and Mattie
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Ankole Cow
Dear readers,
On Saturday we woke up at 8:45. Bliss. It's depressing when this is considered sleeping in.
With our beauty sleep replenished, we headed off to the wedding, ate a fabulous Ugandan meal, and were introduced to the bride, Doreen, as she was getting ready. It was incredible that we were able to share this experience with her on such an important day. Contradictory to media, she appeared totally relaxed, and we even helped her clasp her bracelet!
We were lucky to have Margaret, Mrs. K's right-hand woman, come with us to the giving away. As the speeches were mostly in their tribal language, Runyankole, we didn't get much out of them. However, whenever the crowd laughed, Margaret would whisper the translations into our ears. The jokes were mostly about the comparisons between Mzungus and Ugandans.
Sprinkled throughout the speeches, two singers performed traditional Runyankole songs. One of the songs was about the Ankole cow... Now the Bunyankole love their cows. After the performers raised their arms, mimicking the long horns of the cow, a continuous flow of cash was stuffed into their hands. Mattie wove through the tightly packed seats to contribute to their overflowing pockets. As she approached them, she, too, tried to recreate their cow. What could be better than a Mzungu badly impersonating their pride and joy? The Ugandans erupted with laughter.
Sunday was the teachers' day out. We went out for lunch and then to the museum next door. We learned how to grind millet, and about other traditional Ugandan practices, such as medicines- mostly cow urine and feces. We weren't the only ones to learn, as we taught some of the teachers how to put on their seat belts (this is why road accidents are one of the leading causes of death in Uganda).
During lunch, Mrs. K informed us about some suitors, which displayed their interests for our hands in marriage. Supposedly, a father came up to Mrs. K, after the ceremony, asking where her "daughters" had gone. He told her to bring us back since he had two single, very eager sons.
At the end of our outing, the teachers presented traditional Ugandan baskets to us. It was very touching, and the teachers were sure to use their seat belts correctly on the way home.
Only one week left; it's gone by so quickly.
Mattie and Emilia
On Saturday we woke up at 8:45. Bliss. It's depressing when this is considered sleeping in.
With our beauty sleep replenished, we headed off to the wedding, ate a fabulous Ugandan meal, and were introduced to the bride, Doreen, as she was getting ready. It was incredible that we were able to share this experience with her on such an important day. Contradictory to media, she appeared totally relaxed, and we even helped her clasp her bracelet!
We were lucky to have Margaret, Mrs. K's right-hand woman, come with us to the giving away. As the speeches were mostly in their tribal language, Runyankole, we didn't get much out of them. However, whenever the crowd laughed, Margaret would whisper the translations into our ears. The jokes were mostly about the comparisons between Mzungus and Ugandans.
Sprinkled throughout the speeches, two singers performed traditional Runyankole songs. One of the songs was about the Ankole cow... Now the Bunyankole love their cows. After the performers raised their arms, mimicking the long horns of the cow, a continuous flow of cash was stuffed into their hands. Mattie wove through the tightly packed seats to contribute to their overflowing pockets. As she approached them, she, too, tried to recreate their cow. What could be better than a Mzungu badly impersonating their pride and joy? The Ugandans erupted with laughter.
Sunday was the teachers' day out. We went out for lunch and then to the museum next door. We learned how to grind millet, and about other traditional Ugandan practices, such as medicines- mostly cow urine and feces. We weren't the only ones to learn, as we taught some of the teachers how to put on their seat belts (this is why road accidents are one of the leading causes of death in Uganda).
During lunch, Mrs. K informed us about some suitors, which displayed their interests for our hands in marriage. Supposedly, a father came up to Mrs. K, after the ceremony, asking where her "daughters" had gone. He told her to bring us back since he had two single, very eager sons.
At the end of our outing, the teachers presented traditional Ugandan baskets to us. It was very touching, and the teachers were sure to use their seat belts correctly on the way home.
Only one week left; it's gone by so quickly.
Mattie and Emilia
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Traditional Ugandan Giving Away
At the guest house, getting ready
Margaret and Mattie
M.C.
Milk jugs given from the groom's family to the bride. A traditional Ugandan equivalent of a wedding ring: legitimizes the marriage. The large jug is for churning butter.
Mrs. K, Mattie, Emilia, and the bride- Doreen
Doreen and her bridesmaids were covered during the ceremony. This was the giving away ceremony for the bride. Next Saturday will be the marriage.
The jugs displayed on a carrying stick during the ceremony.
Walking back inside once the ceremony was over. In the olden times, a bride would remain inside for 4-6 months before her marriage. Now, for the week between the giving away and the wedding, they just stay veiled when they go out in public.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Play Day
Dear readers,
A few days ago, we were eating lunch with the teachers with our arms splayed out across the table. The French teacher, Madame Lydia, commented, "you girls are very hairy." It took a moment for this to soak in. As we were processing what she had said, she continued, "it is beautiful." Similarly, the other day, an eleven year-old boy stared at Emilia's arms questioningly and asked, "is it cold where you live?"
Yesterday was play day at school, which basically entailed a bunch of adolescents running around and competing enthusiastically in activities. We appreciated this break from our normal days spent teaching; it gave us a chance to unleash the hidden nine year-olds living inside us. Mattie scored a goal in handball, Emilia beat the whole school in hula-hooping, and we both excelled in the catwalk, dance competition, and musical chairs (which Emilia won, hooray!).
However, we struggled in the water relay, which required us to walk many meters in length, while balancing cups of water on our heads. Walking through town we often see Ugandans completing this task with large bundles of fire wood, so it didn't surprise us when many of the students found this activity quite easy. As they were choosing their representatives, they searched for someone with a "nice head". We later discovered that there are very specific requirements needed to fulfill this title- flat surface, little hair, and good balance.
Play day was concluded with slip and slide- a huge tarp laid down on a grassy slope, and covered with an abundance of soapy water. Penguin like students dived head-first, slid all the way down the tarp and into the muddy grass. Even though we matched their enthusiasm, we only managed to travel half-way down the slide. As Mattie shamefully got up, another student barreled into her legs, toppling her down again. This time, she got to the bottom.
To finish off our exhausting day, we laid back, relaxed, and got our nails done... by Ugandan middle-aged men. Mattie had her feet soaked in a soapy container similar to Strega Nona's pasta pot. As the machine vibrated, a flow of never-ending bubbles spilled over the sides of the contraption. When the bubbles were touched, they would collapse and disappear. Mattie had fun experimenting by putting fist-sized holes through the soapy mountain. Nails polished, we walked home for a satisfying dinner of mac and cheese.
Off to the wedding this afternoon. We so excited!!
Hugs and kisses,
Emilia and Mattie
A few days ago, we were eating lunch with the teachers with our arms splayed out across the table. The French teacher, Madame Lydia, commented, "you girls are very hairy." It took a moment for this to soak in. As we were processing what she had said, she continued, "it is beautiful." Similarly, the other day, an eleven year-old boy stared at Emilia's arms questioningly and asked, "is it cold where you live?"
Yesterday was play day at school, which basically entailed a bunch of adolescents running around and competing enthusiastically in activities. We appreciated this break from our normal days spent teaching; it gave us a chance to unleash the hidden nine year-olds living inside us. Mattie scored a goal in handball, Emilia beat the whole school in hula-hooping, and we both excelled in the catwalk, dance competition, and musical chairs (which Emilia won, hooray!).
However, we struggled in the water relay, which required us to walk many meters in length, while balancing cups of water on our heads. Walking through town we often see Ugandans completing this task with large bundles of fire wood, so it didn't surprise us when many of the students found this activity quite easy. As they were choosing their representatives, they searched for someone with a "nice head". We later discovered that there are very specific requirements needed to fulfill this title- flat surface, little hair, and good balance.
Play day was concluded with slip and slide- a huge tarp laid down on a grassy slope, and covered with an abundance of soapy water. Penguin like students dived head-first, slid all the way down the tarp and into the muddy grass. Even though we matched their enthusiasm, we only managed to travel half-way down the slide. As Mattie shamefully got up, another student barreled into her legs, toppling her down again. This time, she got to the bottom.
To finish off our exhausting day, we laid back, relaxed, and got our nails done... by Ugandan middle-aged men. Mattie had her feet soaked in a soapy container similar to Strega Nona's pasta pot. As the machine vibrated, a flow of never-ending bubbles spilled over the sides of the contraption. When the bubbles were touched, they would collapse and disappear. Mattie had fun experimenting by putting fist-sized holes through the soapy mountain. Nails polished, we walked home for a satisfying dinner of mac and cheese.
Off to the wedding this afternoon. We so excited!!
Hugs and kisses,
Emilia and Mattie
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
All You Need is Love
Dear readers,
Monday night we had a goat roast. This basically consisted of David embarrassing Mattie with his enthusiastic dance moves. Emilia thought this was funny, since supposedly, her parents grooves are even more embarrassing. We chatted, ate, and danced the night away.
The next morning, we took the three hour drive to Bugoye to visit the health clinic there. It was interesting to see the improvements made since Mattie's last visit (December). Seeing more of David's work was also cool. We said our goodbyes after lunch, dropped David off at the airport, and started the long car ride home.
It was evident that Mattie had just woken up from a nap, when our driver pulled off the road to pick up some matoke. Mattie, still dazed, waved at the people selling the green bananas. As we drove away, one of the men threw up his arms and yelled, "I love you!"
These past three days have been term exams for the students at the school. Today and Monday were mostly spent grading their English tests. A question for grade seven asked how one would know that the narrator of a poem, written in their booklets, was a child. One of the boys replied, "I know it's a child because they still have parents."
All in all, the students performed highly. The seventh graders just got back their government exams. Three out of the ten students in the grade earned the highest scores in the math category for all of East Africa. They went to Kampala on Tuesday to receive their medals. Well done!
Another highlight for Mburara International School: Emilia kicked a ball today in soccer, which someone received, dribbled far down the field, then scored a goal. What an assist!
We spent this evening jamming out to The Beatles with the Harvard kids, and making pizza and cookies with mango chutney. Yum!
With full bellies, and smiles on our faces, we wish you goodnight!
Mattie and Emilia
Monday night we had a goat roast. This basically consisted of David embarrassing Mattie with his enthusiastic dance moves. Emilia thought this was funny, since supposedly, her parents grooves are even more embarrassing. We chatted, ate, and danced the night away.
The next morning, we took the three hour drive to Bugoye to visit the health clinic there. It was interesting to see the improvements made since Mattie's last visit (December). Seeing more of David's work was also cool. We said our goodbyes after lunch, dropped David off at the airport, and started the long car ride home.
It was evident that Mattie had just woken up from a nap, when our driver pulled off the road to pick up some matoke. Mattie, still dazed, waved at the people selling the green bananas. As we drove away, one of the men threw up his arms and yelled, "I love you!"
These past three days have been term exams for the students at the school. Today and Monday were mostly spent grading their English tests. A question for grade seven asked how one would know that the narrator of a poem, written in their booklets, was a child. One of the boys replied, "I know it's a child because they still have parents."
All in all, the students performed highly. The seventh graders just got back their government exams. Three out of the ten students in the grade earned the highest scores in the math category for all of East Africa. They went to Kampala on Tuesday to receive their medals. Well done!
Another highlight for Mburara International School: Emilia kicked a ball today in soccer, which someone received, dribbled far down the field, then scored a goal. What an assist!
We spent this evening jamming out to The Beatles with the Harvard kids, and making pizza and cookies with mango chutney. Yum!
With full bellies, and smiles on our faces, we wish you goodnight!
Mattie and Emilia
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