26-28 Nov - catching up

Internet has been spotty. On Friday I thought I might have time to begin writing more extensive notes for compiling my fresh thoughts and framing potential articles, but I ended up with more interviews than any other day in Lira, at 5. In the morning, I learned about comprehensive programs by INGOs,empowering women to help Ugandan children in need,and I got to talk with a former child soldier and two girls who were abducted into the bush. They talked about terrible discrimination they received at the hands of their peers and community members who managed to avoid their fate during the war. One of the girls had three children as a result of abduction and no real way to care for them.

We took a restful weekend. On the way to Gulu, we were fortunate to drive through some bush and savannah where we got to see some of the animals Africa is famous for,such as African Kob, giraffes, and some elephants. The differences between the open countryside and the towns is stark. We enjoyed the chance to see some of the countryside and also many beautiful African birds. Our driver had some stories about taking journalists into the bush during the war, and some close encounters with the LRA.

We are now in Gulu and preparing to get back to interviews Monday morning.

24-25 Nov, Lira

There have been political marches in town today with groups trying to rally citizens to vote for their candidates. The past couple days have seen lots more interviews at schools and ngos. Today my guide took me to four places, including one he works for that tries to help street children and provide HIV-AIDS education for youth and adults. I visitede a religious organization involved in a myriad of programs, from water and sanitation to child soldier rehabilitation, a girls secondary school, and much more. I ended up at an organization I'll dedicated to encouraging children to read the Bible. The organization also held 1-2 day workshops for youth on social issues and leadership skills. Tomorrow is our last day in Lira, and we will visit more ngo's. There are so many social service organizations in town, and yet there is still need. I hava wondered if some of the small ones could become more effective if they banded together to make the best use of the funds that they do have.

Tuesday, 23 Nov - Lira

This morning we began at an official department, and I interviewed someone there. He discussed many programs in place to attempt to reduce the high drop out rate and encourage more children to return to school.

After, Betty and I each did two focus groups at a secondary school for girls. We both found these girls to be quite forthcoming about their experiences, hopes, and concerns. As we left the school we discussed our groups and found a good bit of overlap in what we heard. that reassured me a bit, as I was concerned that they may find it hard to be forthcoming with me, a "moto" they have never seen before and may never see again.

Monday,, 22 Nov - Lira, Uganda

We left around 7:30 am en route to Lira, in northern Uganda. It was about a 5-hour trip. After we settled in we went to a secondary school where we had three focus groups of students. My group was very quiet.

Dinner at our hotel, then bed! A busy day for interviews tomorrow.

Sunday, 21 Nov 2010 - the Mighty Nile

Jan, Marc, and I traveled to Jinja this morning to join Adrift for a 31K trip down the White Nile, crossing and crashing into Class 3-5 rapids and small waterfalls en route. Given that I love water and roller coasters, I can't think of a more fun way to spend the day! It was exciting and lots of fun! Photos are taking too long to post, but you can find them at http://www.adrift.ug/, then "Daily photos" then Sunday, 21 Nov. What a spectacular river! Local people were washing their clothes along the banks, and many gathered at the big rapids to watch us crazy folks wash over them. We only flipped once, and I fell out twice - not a bad average! The water was comfortable, and no crocks or hippos in that fast-moving sction of the river.

Tomorrow we depart for Lira, and work.

20 Nov, 2:30 a.m. in Kampala

Oh, this is crazy being up as the clock heads to 3 a.m. (but only dinner time in Sarasota). Total flight time was 17 hours over three flights; total travel time, about 25 hours. The last flight was great from Brussles, as the plane was not full, and I got four seats to stretch out and sleep, which I did, soundly (probably the reason I am sm still up). I was also on the last flight with Jan and her grad student Mark, and we got to talk about our upcoming work, beginning on Monday in Lira. Mark had never crossed the Atlantic - quite a first trip to another continent! They are wonderful, and I can't wait to work with them here.

First, a weekend to adjust. We arrived at our hotel around 10pm. Entebbe is some distance from the city centre of Kampala, and we passed the shore of Lake Victoria on our way. Given that it's Friday night, the locals and the ex-pats are out everywhere, having a good time.

Nov 19 take-off that almost wasn't

I had plenty of time on Thursday morning for a good breakfast, re-check of my bag (I still forgot a couple items!) and actually leaving in plenty of time. I brought Aura (my cat) to Mom's while I'm away, so she had a friend drive me to Tampa. I got out of the car with my duffle bag and back pack and proceeded to the gate. As I went to check in, I realized there was one important item left in the car: my purse (think "passport" and "cash"). I didn't have John, the driver's, cell number. Quickly, I called Mom - not home. her neighbor, no answer. So I tried 411 and found John's home number. Thankfully, his wife was home, called his cell, and he returned.

With an hour to go, I easily got through security and to my gate. For a moment, though, it looked like I would miss this trip. I have got to slow down!!

The travel part is always the tough part. In 25 hours (I've accounted for the time difference) I will be at Entebbe.

November 15, 2010 - preparations

In two days I begin my second research trip to Africa this year - this time northern Uganda - having the great fortune to work with teachers, former child soldiers, and war-affected children thanks to primary researcher Jan Stewart, Director of the Institute for War-Affected Children at the University of Winnipeg, and a Canadian grant.

I find this part of my life the most rewarding, for sure. The goodness and the resilience of the people I have met in Africa, who have endured the worst and most inhumane of circumstances, yet who, in many cases, have more than we privileged Americans do in terms of community and caring, teach me far more than I can teach them. My January trip to Ghana (see blog!) resulted in an ongoing connection with two principals and two high school artists who are incredibly talented. I am trying to get Tom and Philip's work situated for selling in the U.S. (see pics). They should be able to sustain themselves based on their talents. If anyone has any ideas for them to sell, let me know!

This time, Jan has done all the planning work for the trip. She has been there before, so knows what we will need. We will all arrive at Entebbe on Friday night, Nov 19. Jan - she's my kind of friend and colleague! Prior to immersing ourselves in the long hours of research, interviews, observations, and travel to the villages, we will take the first weekend to enjoy the beauty of the country, beginning with a Saturday photo safari and a Sunday 31K trek down Class 3-5 rapids in the White Nile! (see http://adrift.ug/). Can't wait!

These experiences I am privileged to work with constantly teach me about the fragility and the preciousness of life and my incredible privilege in terms of material and convenience. But they also help me to understand that material and convenience do not begin to hold the fibers of life integrity in the ways that a simple life, often wrought with physical lacking and emotional trauma,can. Money cannot buy happiness. Love, care, the desire for peace - things quite foreign to our own governmental policies (just take a look at the national budget) - these are the qualities that make a life whole.

I will use this blog for my "researcher's field notes." In so doing, I hope they can provide my students with an understanding of field notes (which include not only research, but personal impressions and reactions), and my friends and family with some insight into this trip, my work, and why I do what I do. I expect to get back to this some time after the 19th - stay posted!