Over a year after construction, the school is flourishing...
I may be biased... but isn't St. Kizito the happiest, most wonderful place ever?
Well, at least, it is for me...
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Yesterday morning, I called BULA Children's Home for the first time since I returned to the States nearly 3 weeks ago. I was calling to congratulate the Directors on finally receiving unyielding confirmation that the home is registered: the certificate!
Within that call, I also had the great pleasure of talking to each child. This was fantastic and made me miss them all even more than I already do. They politely asked about my family and friends and how life was in New York. We naturally joked about the various things that seem to keep us all laughing: my random use of Luganda, me in dresses, bula (the original source of the organization's name), and jokes shared with the various International volunteers over the years.
The final conversation was with the youngest of the boys, and included the following:
Sister, Did you hear about Michael Jackson?
Yes, yes I did. What do you think about that?
Ehhh it is not cool!
As I fought back the giggles from this adorable exchange, I thought of the many months I spent living with the children at the former orphanage with little to entertain ourselves but each other. With no electricity, I used my laptop sparingly, and on a whim, I would randomly pull it out as a special treat for the kids. Each time, we would put on a photo slide show and blast music of their choosing. Without fail, they always chose Michael Jackson.
So for many nights in Uganda, I drained my laptop's battery, blasting Michael Jackson as the kids had the time of their lives, dancing in the little volunteer room where we shared so many memories.
Within that call, I also had the great pleasure of talking to each child. This was fantastic and made me miss them all even more than I already do. They politely asked about my family and friends and how life was in New York. We naturally joked about the various things that seem to keep us all laughing: my random use of Luganda, me in dresses, bula (the original source of the organization's name), and jokes shared with the various International volunteers over the years.
The final conversation was with the youngest of the boys, and included the following:
Sister, Did you hear about Michael Jackson?
Yes, yes I did. What do you think about that?
Ehhh it is not cool!
As I fought back the giggles from this adorable exchange, I thought of the many months I spent living with the children at the former orphanage with little to entertain ourselves but each other. With no electricity, I used my laptop sparingly, and on a whim, I would randomly pull it out as a special treat for the kids. Each time, we would put on a photo slide show and blast music of their choosing. Without fail, they always chose Michael Jackson.
So for many nights in Uganda, I drained my laptop's battery, blasting Michael Jackson as the kids had the time of their lives, dancing in the little volunteer room where we shared so many memories.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I just returned from an amazing trip to Uganda. Though short, itt was one of the most uplifting and reaffirming thus far. These five weeks made evident that our vision for change and for truly making a difference in the lives of those that need it most is more than just a vision, it is now a reality. Positivity, hope and pride radiated from all those at the children's home and at the school. Im truly elated and only further motivated
At BULA Children's Home, I returned to find happy and healthy children on their school holiday break. I reviewed their school performances and found excellent marks and improvements in those children who sometimes struggle. I also had the fortune of coming just after many of them had just been reunited with family and guardians for the first time in years and was thrilled to hear them speak of their experiences and their loved ones. I picked several of them up from their former homes deep in the villages of Uganda and got to meet many of these family members. Some of the most amazing experiences of my life occurred in those visits. To top it all off, we finally received word that the home had been officially registered as an NGO in Uganda. Things are fantastic.
Within this trip, Andie and I visited St. Kizito Primary school on several occasions. This has been most refreshing as the school is prospering. The teachers and adminstration are really doing a fantastic job there. Enrollment is increasing and its so exciting to see. We hung loads of artwork up in the classrooms from the various participating schools on Long Island and watched as students eagerly and artfully returned the gester. So much fun!
We spent several days tourring other primary schools around in search of our next primary school out there. There are plenty that need our help and we cannot wait to do share with them all that we can.
It was an incredible trip. As always, the hardest part was leaving. I will greatly miss everyone!
At BULA Children's Home, I returned to find happy and healthy children on their school holiday break. I reviewed their school performances and found excellent marks and improvements in those children who sometimes struggle. I also had the fortune of coming just after many of them had just been reunited with family and guardians for the first time in years and was thrilled to hear them speak of their experiences and their loved ones. I picked several of them up from their former homes deep in the villages of Uganda and got to meet many of these family members. Some of the most amazing experiences of my life occurred in those visits. To top it all off, we finally received word that the home had been officially registered as an NGO in Uganda. Things are fantastic.
Within this trip, Andie and I visited St. Kizito Primary school on several occasions. This has been most refreshing as the school is prospering. The teachers and adminstration are really doing a fantastic job there. Enrollment is increasing and its so exciting to see. We hung loads of artwork up in the classrooms from the various participating schools on Long Island and watched as students eagerly and artfully returned the gester. So much fun!
We spent several days tourring other primary schools around in search of our next primary school out there. There are plenty that need our help and we cannot wait to do share with them all that we can.
It was an incredible trip. As always, the hardest part was leaving. I will greatly miss everyone!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wono muzungu!
This is a great video!
Back a few months ago, Andie and I were sitting in the shade at the school, while our fantastic builders were working on the kitchen. A few children came over to play with us as they do most days. This day in particular was hilarious and unforgettable because the children just noticed that they could see our reflection in my sunglasses and later in Andie's camera.
They pointed and yelled in excitement as they do when a muzungu (European/traveller/white person) walks or drives by, "Wono muzungu!" This is normal and very cute behavior upon seeing a mzungu. However, this time was unique and wonderful in that we had been sitting with these children for a good 15 minutes; the mzungu excitement had passed for all intents and purposes and we were back to good old fun and games.
I certainly could not control my laughter when the muzungu siting thrill was reignited as Andie and I suddenly reappeared in a pair of sunglasses and a camera screen. Talk about priceless...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
In one week, I'll be on a plane again! This will be my fourth trip to Uganda. This trip is particularly exciting because I'm flying with 2 others on their first visit. My sister, Amanda, will be with me through the entire five weeks. I will finally be able to share with her my life over there. Also, board member, Joe Charchalis, is coming over for 2 weeks! Joe has been so involved with BULA from the very beginning. I'm so happy he now has the opportunity to see what his work over the years has accomplished.
I told the kids that I was bringing a friend and my sister when I came back in May. They were all so excited about this, particularly, because I've talked about my sister a lot being that she's getting married this year and that I am asked about my family constantly. As I was bidding my farewell in March, one of the girls told me (with a suppressed smile), "come back with Amanda or don't bother." Fortunately, my sister followed through with her promise to come. Had she not, well who knows what this head strong girl would have thought!
I told the kids that I was bringing a friend and my sister when I came back in May. They were all so excited about this, particularly, because I've talked about my sister a lot being that she's getting married this year and that I am asked about my family constantly. As I was bidding my farewell in March, one of the girls told me (with a suppressed smile), "come back with Amanda or don't bother." Fortunately, my sister followed through with her promise to come. Had she not, well who knows what this head strong girl would have thought!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
BULA Falls Down the Rabbit Hole
One of my greatest friends from High School owns a cute little wine boutique in Sayville, NY: Down the Rabbit Hole Wines. The shop is full of personality and delicious wine all thanks to the owner, my dear friend, Suzy McDonald.
Founding BULA in a similar time frame, Suzanne and I have shared a lot over the recent years on the trials and triumphs of pursuing your own venture. It's been nothing short of fantastic to be able to do so! Watching her create her innovative and visionary idea into the success it is today has been amazing. My only disappointment is that I was in Uganda at the shop's opening!
Now that the two of us are well established in our respective work, we decided to team up in what we hope to be a series of successful events. We will call them BULA Falls Down the Rabbit Hole. The events as planned will raise awareness and funds for BULA's cause and allow Suzy to share her amazing talent for wine to those who share her passion, taste and enjoyment of it.
We held our first event this past weekend at La Tavola (in Sayville) and it was a tremendous success. Not only did Suzanne do a tremendous job in selecting wine and delivering its true sense to the guests, but La Tavola mastered the event with attentive staff, delicous food, and beautiful decor.
I owe much of the success of the event to Suzanne and I's mutual friend, Diana Flynn. Diana cooridinated the entire event and I must commend her on a job well done. In short, it was a great event and I'm so looking forward to more in the future.
In a similar, but more casual format, we will be holding another event in 2 days at The Grey Horse Tavern in Bayport, NY. If anyone is interested in attending, please contact me at bulainc@gmail.com! Should be another great evening!
Founding BULA in a similar time frame, Suzanne and I have shared a lot over the recent years on the trials and triumphs of pursuing your own venture. It's been nothing short of fantastic to be able to do so! Watching her create her innovative and visionary idea into the success it is today has been amazing. My only disappointment is that I was in Uganda at the shop's opening!
Now that the two of us are well established in our respective work, we decided to team up in what we hope to be a series of successful events. We will call them BULA Falls Down the Rabbit Hole. The events as planned will raise awareness and funds for BULA's cause and allow Suzy to share her amazing talent for wine to those who share her passion, taste and enjoyment of it.
We held our first event this past weekend at La Tavola (in Sayville) and it was a tremendous success. Not only did Suzanne do a tremendous job in selecting wine and delivering its true sense to the guests, but La Tavola mastered the event with attentive staff, delicous food, and beautiful decor.
I owe much of the success of the event to Suzanne and I's mutual friend, Diana Flynn. Diana cooridinated the entire event and I must commend her on a job well done. In short, it was a great event and I'm so looking forward to more in the future.
In a similar, but more casual format, we will be holding another event in 2 days at The Grey Horse Tavern in Bayport, NY. If anyone is interested in attending, please contact me at bulainc@gmail.com! Should be another great evening!
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