Tuesday 17 February 2015

Tuesday blog By Jack, Mollie and Danny.

Tuesday blog
By Jack, Mollie and Danny.

It’s been an eventful second day of teaching! Despite the early start a freezing cold shower seems to be the best way to wake up in the morning. We were welcomed by the children of Acholi quarter again as if we were famous, cheering and chanting on arrival is definitely something we could get used to!

The children experienced some real English culture when Jack and Joe decided to teach them some Oasis songs. Morale was raised on the bus to Acholi as we saw a woman wearing a Rovers shirt! (I wonder if she knows about our 4-1 win over stoke and she’s as excited as we are about Wembley!!!) There was a touchy topic within the group at dinnertime when everyone found out about one child pointing out Sayley’s ‘very big stomach’.

 Despite the fun there was obviously more emotional moments today; Children outside crying because they weren’t allowed to join in with the rest and some begging for food and water as we ate ours inside the church.

It is also touching seeing children no older than 6 years old carrying and looking after babies. One boy gave a letter to a team member, stating that she needed food and clothing, to share with her friend in hospital. Despite the downs of the day it was still worth it to see the massive smiles on the children’s faces.

After our meal last night two guests from ‘I Live Again Uganda’ delivered their inspiring story of their personal experience during the Northern Uganda war. He mentioned terrifying and graphic scenes which he witnessed firsthand as a young boy, and how he narrowly escaped from the rebels with his sister. He used these stories to explain why and how he established his project to rehabilitate, repatriate and counsel countless numbers of people affected and traumatised in various ways during the war which he sadly described as ‘forgotten by the world’. The entire team was captivated and moved by the speech, and we all went to bed with some eye-opening thoughts.

The team is looking stronger every day (especially now we have stocked up on crisps and chocolate from our well deserved trip to the supermarket!) Homesickness is affecting some of us, but every night during debrief we are able to open up and anyone who needs it is comforted by the rest of the group.

We are writing this whilst getting very excited about what our hostess Sophie has cooked for us tonight, as we are lacking energy after such a long day!

Looking forward to hearing the embarrassing comments at breakfast time tomorrow so keep them coming,


Best wishes from Uganda, love the AfriDACA team!!! xxxxxxxx

























40 comments:

Unknown said...

good pics looks like your all enjoying yourselfes will leave another blog later

Unknown said...

Hi guys sounds like your all having a fab time. Its a shame you cant help everybody but just remember all the great things that you are doing. So you want embarrassing stories well drewby harry, rosie n jacob are missing you and keeping your bed warm haha(these are drews teddies since she was a baby)
Cant wait to see more pics n blogs,
Everybody sends there love.
Love vics n mum, grandma n grandad xxxxxx

Unknown said...

Embarrassing well mommies are missing their little Scooby snacks!!! Haha. Grandad is fully fit and well.
Seriously all you kids are doing a fantastic job and sounds like you are getting the most out of your trip, keep looking after each other. Happy pancake day to you all I will make you a chocolate one when you get home and all your mates 298 ........ speak on the next update one word drew zumba hell! XXXXX

Unknown said...

hi john and the team. hope you are all well, keep up the great work your doing as the kids look like they love it.wallace and gromits babys are walking about , so will be ready to handle by the time your home, then you can pick one to keep. miss and love you loads mum and ste xxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Travis,
Fantastic hearing from you all once again and certainly touches our hearts listening to your stories and makes us all realised how privileged we are.we are all so very proud of each and everyone on you on this incredible journey.
I have been passing on all of your blog news to everyone and they also are so very proud of you all keep up the hard work.
Hope paul isnt missing hatty too much.
Lots of hugs and kisses from mum,dad,tayla,nana and grandad xxxx

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

You're doing a wonderful job and we're very proud of you all! It must be a very emotional experience for everyone, so sad that some children have to be turned away, but the children on the photos look like they're having lots of fun with you all. Jack, we went to see Phoenix Nights last night - it was really funny - all proceeds to Comic Relief. At the very end they put a map on a big screen focusing on Africa and in particular Uganda - it was amazing and made me and your dad think of you all out there. Auntie Annette and Uncle Phil keep asking about you and gran keeps ringing asking if we've heard from 'Our Jack'.
Love you lots - keep up the good work!
Mum, Dad, Lewis and Rocky xxxx

Unknown said...

Can't imagine how you're all feeling bet it's great helping them all! Your nose is looking better Amy! Kendal callings line up has been released and its pretty ace!
Don't worry Tom haven't forgot about you! Going Manc with your lovely mother tomorrow, we are missing you a little I guess but nothing a little retail therapy can't solve mwuha. Hope you're enjoying yourself see you soon
Love Courteney x x x

Unknown said...

Hi Jaden,
Harriet says, she can't wait to see you Sunday! Love looking at all the pictures seeing what you've done! Looks amazing over there! Hope your enjoying it, miss you. Aw! Had some amazing pancakes today. My first one looked like am omelette! Seeing the picture of you with the kids made me really proud to call you my big brother, brought a few tears to my eyes. Great to see pictures of you too Lewis! I think Molly is a tad bit lost without you. Sorry to hear about the touchy subject Sayley! Great to see the smiles on the kids' faces. You guys are doing an amazing job! You should be proud. I know I am. Missing you lots Jaden. Nearly had a little cry this morning about missing you. And I just embarrassed myself! Loving you lots and lots and lots!
Love Katie, and Harriet! Xx

Unknown said...

Hi Nathan,
You missed pancake tues & Andrew's birthday ( oreo cake was yummy ). Don't worry we didn't have any pancakes , we shall wait until you come home. Thanks for the buds , they went down well :D
What a great photo of you. It looks like everyone is having a great time. Please don't let what has happened spoil your experience,everything can be replaced ( phoned cancelled so don't be worrying ). You being safe and well is all that matters. Grandma sends her love and reads the blog every day, you know what shes like on her P.C so no comments from her haha.
Rovers are playing Liverpool on either 7 or 8th March.
Lots of love & hugs.
Mum , Andrew & Lincoln xox.

Unknown said...

Wow it sounds like you're on an emotional rollercoaster!! Be kind to each other, it will all become an amazing memory.
Still no pups yet Mackenzie. We miss you very much. Have noticed a decrease in the amount of washing I'm having to do!!
Love you lots babe. Can't wait to give you a massive hug on Sunday.
Mama xxxx

Unknown said...

You fantastic brave lot.
Every time I read the blog I am in tears.
Partly because of the plight, and partly with joy. Can't describe how proud I am of you all. I am updating everyone at work every day-everybody wants to know how you are getting on

Fabulous you saw a Rovers shirt, we are branching out slowly!!
It's currently 0-0 against Cardiff for anyone interested.
I know some parents have tidied their kids' rooms but Jaden I am not touching yours as I am concerned what might be nesting in there! Something poisonous or likely to bite? Ha ha!!
I have spoken to Harriet & I will pick her up to come on Sunday-but will have Jess in tow too.
Keep each other sane, support each other and you will come out the other side strong, brave, reflective & appreciative of life.
Keep the photos coming.
Love you big man, quiet here without you banging about at all hours & nattering in the phone at 1am when I am trying to sleep.
Love always
mum. Xxxxx

PS-Nutella & banana pancakes made by Simon!! Yum!! :-)

margaret maher said...

You are all doing a good job jodie I am so proud of you love nan and grandad x x

Unknown said...

Hi Tom

Wow what an experience you are having, really nice to read the blog and see photos. Will keep looking in and see how your adventure unfolds. Very proud Auntie, and Holly says Hi.

Love Auntie Leah xxxxx

Unknown said...

PS-Jaden, did you think you would be able to jump on a plane to attend your Orthodontist appt on Thurs?????
I have cancelled & rebooked it for Mid March xx

Lynda Brown said...

Hi Carly and all the team. Sounds like you had a great day and a very busy one. Fantastic pictures and love reading what you have done each day and the experience you are taking in. Proud of you all and savour every moment. Miss you lots Carly love Mum and Dad xxx

Unknown said...

Oh rite Toby we are all missing you loving the pictures guys. Next comment from Dad.

Unknown said...

Hi Travis and team, keep the blogs coming. Great photos and Travis is easy to spot in the crowd with the ginger hair. lol Do they think you are Prince Harry?
I'm missing you lots Son and can't wait to give you a big man hug.
Keep up the good work and don't worry about anything. xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Toby, great to see you doing some work, let's hope it continues when you get home. Thought you should know how your brothers team did Sunday. Winning 2-0 at half time, lost 3-2. Think it's time we give up. At least I am not bad at printing paper planes. Enjoy every second this week. Dad.

Unknown said...

Hi Toby I am loving your ultimate team and just wait and see what I have done :). Cal

Unknown said...

Hi Lewis, Rovers going Wembly? I need to ask your grandad about that 1 as sure you would like to go if that's the case. Ethan and G said is was the best game yet! To see a shirt over there must of felt proud.lol.
It's all good here so don't worry about a thing, just you keep safe and carry on doing the good job you set out to do for those less fortunate, and what a great job you are all doing!
Me and Molly have been in touch and she is really missing you, as am i too but we both know that you are all doing a great job.
Danny, hope you ok too, seeing you both in the photos will make Mick proud i am sure so have sent him the link.
The pics are great, inspirational words and photos from you all, keep up the good work.
Stay safe and look after each other.
Looking forward to the next.
Love Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hey Team afridaca don't u be getting used to this celeb status you seem to have acquired- especially u mr sayle ! Lol - some days are going to b tougher than others but stay strong & keep smiling your amazing everyone of you-I know everyone of us reading your blogs swell with pride at what your doing-love to you all,espically our girl Molls xxxxxxxxxx mum and dad x

Unknown said...

Hi Paul,
Hope you're ok? Lovely to speak to you tonight even though it was brief. I didn't tell Isaac as he was powering around the track chasing a much older girl!! Abi was really pleased to talk to you. She's had a fab time camping and managed to get her 'Sub Zero' badge which was well earned. Bless her! She's gone to bed, after a tough track session, with a cold and sore chest! Lie in tomorrow.
It sounds as though the Acholi children are loving having the team there but it must be so difficult seeing others not involved and obviously struggling with daily life.
Have told others how to track what you are doing so hopefully you'll receive comments from others too.
It was too late tonight for Isaac to do some 'Wally' spotting so he'll look in the morning!
Love you
Em x

Unknown said...

Hi Joe,

You are all doing such a fantastic job....although it must feel hard at times you are all making such a difference to these children.

We are all following the blog and updates daily....Nana is in tears every time she reads it!! Millie and Harry are missing you. (You might of guessed I need help from your 9 year old sister to leave my comment!!!). Have finally ran 10 miles while you have been a way....don`t think your gonna be able to keep up with me now!!!....Lots and lots of love Mum xxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Travis,
Happy pancake day, I ate your share being the pig I am.
Happy 17th 🎂 Birthday Travis, nana will miss sharing her birthday with you for the first time in 17yrs and yes I will eat your peice of cake,it would be rude not to.
Lots of love mum, dad Tayla,nana and grandad
Xxx

Unknown said...

Hey Lewis, I wasn't going to post anything because I think I will embarrass you but everyones telling me to so I have. You look like you are having an amazing time and I'm so proud of you for doing it. I'm missing you loads and I can't wait to see you on Sunday x

Unknown said...

Hello Lorna your doing an amazing job love the blog hope your keeping well we all love and miss you and wait for your safe return xxxx carly xxxx

Unknown said...

Horay my blog worked only took me an hour haha. Can't wait to hear all the amazing story's u have for us xxx Carly xxx

Unknown said...

Oh btw happy pancake day everyone! Mollie we have put pancake day on hold saving it until next Tuesday when we can all flip those pancakes together xxx love you xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Lewis
Your dad hasn't been able to catch up with the blog so on his behalf he sayin, Chin Up bro, onward's and upwards and well done for your amazing time bringing good to others.
Grandad Matt also struggling to get on the and post message but has said,
Hi Lewis and The Daca Crew, reading the blog makes me realise just how lucky you are to be having such a life changing experience. Embrace everything that happens to you while you are there as it will make you a stronger and better person.
So proud of you all.
Love G'ma & G'pa D.xx
Lots of love of to all
Lewis we all miss you incredibly and love you always
Take care and see you sunday
Love Mum, Ethan, Dad, G, G'pa & G'pa D, and Molly. xxx

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy BIrthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Travis,
Happy Birthday to you.
Xxx

nicola maher said...

The latest blog is very touching you guy's are amazing,you all look like your enjoying yourselves, carry on with all your hard work look forward to your next blog xxx

margaret maher said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
margaret maher said...

Hi jodie I love reading your blogs I am so happy that you have all gone out there to help them little children your making there life's so much happier in just a short time love and miss you x x

Unknown said...

Hi Daniel
Hope you are enjoying yourself. Don't let the unpleasant event marr your experience. Possessions can easily be replaced but memories of this trip can't.
Love seeing the photos of everyone.
Love you.
Mum and dad xx

Unknown said...

Hi Daddy.
I really miss you and enjoyed searching the pictures today. Was Alan wearing your 'where's Wally's Windows?'
Love you
from Isaac x x x

Unknown said...

Hi Mollie

Hope you are all well. You are all doing and amazing job x x we are so proud of you and your team. It must be so hard to not be able to help everyone xx keep smiling x love you lots x auntie lisa, uncle dunc Jazz and joe xx

Louise England said...

Hi Uncle Paul,
Love reading your blog-wish I was there with you-One day!!! Look after yourself and give all the children big hugs:))
Lots of love,
Molly xxx

Hello Uncle Paul,
Love you and I am enjoying looking at all the photos of the children you are working with. Played with Abs and Isaac yesterday.
Take care,
Love Heidi xxx

Unknown said...

Hiya Mollie and the gang,great to hear what you are up too and super proud of you xx loving the photos too,can imagine it must he tough,but your doing a faberoo job!! Wish we were there with you! Jenson been walking which is comical,wobbly little dude but ace x he sends a sloppy kiss hehe xx love you loads xx big hugs xx stay safe xx hugs to all xx aunty Chrisi,uncle Tim and Jenson xxx

Unknown said...

Hey happy birthday travis - what an amazing way to spend your 17th birthday - enjoy ! X - the hutchinson clan xxxx p.s eagerly awaiting your next blog gang xxxxxx