In our final week in Ramogi, we learned how UORDP helps the larger community outside of the village proper. Last Friday, we attended a session hosted by UORDP to teach the basics of business management to care givers of child-headed households. This program, like the lend-a-goat program, sets up sustainable projects that can provide the participants with future income to pay for school fees, uniforms and supplies. That afternoon, we continued our work on the church, and during the break, Phillip had the opportunity to literally become a "Fiddler on the Roof". Our work continued into this week as we finished putting metal sheets on the roof and painted the Early Childhood Development Center with murals, shapes, letters and numbers.
Last Saturday afternoon, we continued our friendly competition of the "Uganda Olympics" with a balancing contest which provided a good visual reminder for that morning's session where we discussed the importance of balancing work and rest. The contest was a draw; the white team eked out a narrow victory over the blue team in the following game of charades. That night, the group was able to experience a little more of local culture, as we were invited to a memorial party for a local doctor's mother. While the final funeral rites seem to us an unexpected reason to throw a ruckus party, we enjoyed dancing to both Ugandan hip-hop and Spanish reggae-ton.
On Sunday afternoon we traveled to the neighboring village of Petah to explore and climb some well-known rock formations. The area was a gorgeous vantage point to watch the sunset, and was also the home of a family helped by UORDP. Over a hundred years ago, European explorers posted plaques on one of the rocks, leaving their mark on the land. As we began our final week in Ramogi, we began thinking about what sort of mark we have left on the community, and how we also have changed.
As much as we try to live our last few days in Uganda by living in the moment, we each began thinking about what will happen when we return home. We had many sessions to help us think about this journey. Amy Klein, the visiting journalist, ran a short informational session on how to publish articles as students or recent graduates. On Monday, different participants led programs that prepared us to continue our work when we go home. Natalie facilitated some writing exercises to put us in the memoir- writing mood. Even if the product never makes it to print, the act of writing is an excellent way to organize our thoughts. Leran and Ilana H-S also discussed their previous volunteer experiences. Leran's extensive work as an anti-genocide advocate taught him the most effective ways to work for a cause. Ilana shared her experience with Invisible Children, and international organization that is working to stop the Lord's Resistance Army, a group plaguing the north of Uganda for many decades.
Our education session this week reinforced the idea of continuing service once we return home. We have started to prepare for our departure which also includes exchanging contact information with many of our new friends. We really feel like we have become a part of this community, and in our audience with the Adhola King on Wednesday he told us that we have truly become part of the Adhola people.
Sarah wants to send a shout out to her dad who recommended that the updates say one thing about everyone, and a shout out to her whole family, and happy b-day Laura!
Julian says "I love not having to shower everyday!"
Ilana requests a Subway sandwich with her arrival at the airport.
Eli says "I am muzungu."
Hannah L put polio vaccine droplets in baby's mouths, helping out at the clinic this week.
Natalie misses her family terribly but does not want to leave Uganda .
Judith has been teaching the geography of East Africa to Ugandan school children.
Rachel can't wait to share all she has learned of Ugandan culture with her family and friends.
Philippa has conquered the latrine.
Reva finally knows why the chicken crossed the road.
Shani wishes all her siblings who had birthdays - happy birthday!
Leran invented the Ramogi sandwich!
Hannah K-C has useless powers.
Faigy is looking forward to going to Kampala
Jamie is savoring her last week here but is also looking forward to the adventures to come.
Aaron's mind is blown
Adam has loved being with the group in Ramogi and looks forward to travels in Europe and then coming home in a month.
Philip doesn't like how this is turning into a Facebook status update
Wally likes Philips status update.
See you all soon! VS Uganda
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