Wednesday 23 October 2013

Uganda 2013: Its hard work but the rewards are so many.


A day in the jungle;

It's the second day of teaching, as much of a cliché it is to say; words can't describe how amazing this is. To teach children that want for nothing and that are happy to walk away with just a pen in their pocket. Today's lesson was on the subject of the Jungle and it's animals. With worksheets, puzzles and colouring, we had a day that the children would definitley remember. Nicole arrived late last night and it feels good knowning all of us are together. With all of us finally here, our lessons can now run smoothly, with Nicole raring to go after the long flights, she led the lesson. Within the lessons we did puzzles that Lexy cut up, we spent most of our time trying to figure out how to piece together a picture of a sloth. The children loved the animals and the word searches, Susannah sat with the boys and helped – we have a feeling she enjoyed it more than the class, however the answers were on the sheets and after catching one of the boys cheating, Sarah sat down and scribled out the answers. We are bonding well with the children and it's heartbraking to hear their lifestories. I don't think any of us realised how so much devastation could happen in live's so young.
After break we started to decorate t-shirts. All the children loved it and the classroom filled with laughter and music. Glitter and paint spread everywhere and all of were having so much fun. We helped the kids with their tops and then had them all sign ours. They were able to stick fabric and glitter, tie fabric, paint and cut their t-shirts. Each of them were so excited about sharing what they'd made and wanted us to write on their tops too!
We had lunch and went straight outside to set some lanterns off with everyone, but because Jimmy isn't as much of a man as he likes to think he is, he wasn't able to send them off, well maybe it was the wind that stopped them going up.. If he'd let us draw a glitter moustache on his face, they may just have worked. We then had a mini olympics where we set up relay races. We split the children into four teams and had them running with mini bean bags on their heads, had egg and spoon races, jumped in sacks and then did a three legged race. Even Michael, the teacher, was having a histerical time!! We also did a a game where you stand in a line, holding hands and have to get a hoop from one end to another without letting go of their hands.
We spent our free play outside dancing to music and doing all sorts of gymnastic moves. Nicole and Susannah tried some interesting moves and dances and even managed to get their legs on each others shoulers at the same time while standing on the other legs! We even had some cartwheeling and wheelbarrow races going on! All in all it was a very fun and entertaining day!

Written by Nicole and Susannah. - so glad I'm finally here knew all the trouble would be worth it in the end, and it 100% is - Thanks for the message dad! It's amazing here! Tell Sara she'll become a duplicate of me if she wears another item of my clothing haha!

Hi mummy, its Ali! I just wanted to say hi quickly and hope you're okay. I'm loving it here and might not come back! tell April i say hello and would love to hear from her but remind her the messages get read out to the group so nothing rude haha!!! also tell her that Kub is having fun! love you all lots and lots and nillions and lots more :) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

p.s Claire Wilson can you please tell Julie Moorey that she needs to write on the blog!! Thank you :) xxx


Retrak – Today was are second day working with the boys in club house. As we arrived we noticed the word had got Around town that the white people were at the club house  as there was more boys then usual. It was great to see so many boys willing to learn with us and joining in different activities. The boys loved to get stuck in and play different games, colour, read, have fun with bubbles and generally getting involevd and have fun. Not only did we put smiles on their faces and memories in their mind, they did the same for us as a team aswell!

As we approached lunchtime we knew most of the street children, that were unable to stay overnight, they were just about to leave due to not understanding that we would be back.
We had to keep strong throughout the day as boys came and left as we knew what they would be going back to. Even a simple thing like the smell of their clothes as they walked past, brought back the memories of their sad reality and our freshly new experienced things that we saw and smelt on the outreach walk. It hurts to know that children as young as 4 are on the streets doing drugs to stop the pain of their tramatic present and past. Being on this one of a life time trip makes us want to help and do more and i hope that this week is just the beginning for us all.

It was amazing to see troughout the day how greatful they were for the simple things that they were getting involved in and recieveing, we could see it on their faces. Yestarday the children were very weary of use it was nice to see the children open up and beggin to trust use more as they have not been able to trust for a long time. As we are getting to know the boys it is impresive at how intellgant they really are, and that clubhouse is the first step towards there succes. we are so thankful that we get to go back tommorow and hopfully they will stop seeing use as americans ;)

By
Crystal Brown and Abi Matthews 

PS Paul S writes. you should all be so proud of your daughter, sister, girlfriend and wives!! (me and jimmy are doing ok to!) Every morning I read out the messages you send so any words or embarrassing stories about them feel free to add! we have a good laugh. All are healthy and getting into a rhythm of hard work with great rewards. Enjoy the blog!































25 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey Jess it would be really nice to see some pictures with you in them for a change love dad x

Lois said...

Hi Hannah, can't believe you left home nearly one week ago! Looks like you're still having an amazing time. Keep up the good work. Grandma, dandan and nanny keep asking about how you're getting on. Emma and me STILL have you're cold. Hope yours has completely gone now. Dad sends his love and say he's on a higher Simpsons level than you now! We all love and miss you and are looking forward to Prezzo next week, yum! Emma says she's covering for you in rock challenge at the moment and the rumour is that you are now stage crew! Take care and have a good day. Mum, dad and Emma xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Crystal you look like your coping better than me. I am missing you tons. Would be good to see more pics with you in them. I'm sure you hide when you see the camera. Hope you got my last message. Everyone says hello and lol, Tina, Judy and Ness all say hi and send there love and prayers. Can't wait to see you Monday and give you a massive hug. Love you millions. Mum. Xxxx

Unknown said...

hey Cobi
I like your little chamelion on your badge have fun and enjoy working with the kids they all look very happy to be with you and everyone else( you look very glad to be there) see you laterxxx enjoy your sandwiches love lana xxxx
Hello Cobi, Sarah and Yas coming round tonight so going to show them the blog. The foam fights look fun!! wish I was there, I am jealous of all of you. Weather is so bad here today Lana nearly got blown over in P.E!! Love you loads Mum and Dad and animals xxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Iya Babz (you'll never guess who this is)! Thanks for the heads up Ali, but I was waiting until Miss Daisy decided to contribute to the blog.... 😜 I can see that you are all having a fabulous time and that the tans are coming along nicely. I'm sure you are all experiencing life enhancing as well as life changing moments and so wish I could be there with you. Take care baby girl, missing you so much! Mumma 😘

Unknown said...

Hello alex! Sending you a BIG hug sis! U Sound super busy over there! Hope Ur enjoying it all & not 2 much of a emotional wreck;) U are making a difference to them, however small U may think, it still gives them a bit of hope-& hope can do wonders! keep being strong & keep up the good work! We all love & miss you lots x PS can you start photo bombing people picture's;)Lots of love lily-muma-sisters-nephews & nieces xx

Unknown said...

Hi Hanna
Don't faint but I've actually managed to do this myself. It was so good to see such a wonderful close-up of you yesterday. I've been looking at the photos everyday hoping to see you in full view. I'm so glad everyone seems to be having such a good time. The shaving foam activity looks hilarious.

Grandma and grandad were asking about you today. They say they're thinking about you and praying for you (as they always do).

I have some carrot and walnut cake waiting for you in the freezer when you get back. Keep enjoying yourself and learning loads. Lots and lots of love, Mum xxxx

Peter Timblick said...

Hi Sarah, were enjoying all the blogs especially yours. I am not sure if you got my first comment ... We are extremely proud of you, what you are doing is amazing. It must be really fantastic to be able to play a part in changing people lives in the way you are. Love you lots and looking forward to having you home. Even the dishwasher is missing you :-) love Mum, Dad and Dan..xxxxx

clive said...

hey rianne hope u ok , keep up the good work u r doing u all seem to be enjoying yaselfs and are doing such a wonderful thing so proud of you princess,i hope ya farts arnt keeping ya roomies awake at night ....lve you so much xxxx dadxx

Unknown said...

Hey Cob! Hope you're having the lovliest time. Can't wait to hear all your stories. Looks so amazing, makes me all emotional reading all your messages and hearing all the different things you've been doing! Make sure you treat them and show a back flip! See you when you get home, lots of love Yasmin! Keep up eating those sandwiches ;) PLEASE READ THIS OUT IN THE MORNING!xxxxxxx

Unknown said...

hi re. the fridge is missing you( rick cant find it because you are not in front of it with the door open!)but ruby has taken your place. she now stands there with the door open for about 15 mins . she is so your sister!.the washing machine is enjoying its holiday,who needs a beach!and the dishwasher still cant unload itself(you will have to work on that when you get home)unfortunately we have two escapees its ben and Gerry we will try to find them before you get back oopps!loving you babe. cant wait to see you on Monday. you are all doing an amazing job and should be so proud of yourselves.just to remind you any clothes you wont use when you get home leave behind every little helps. love to, all mummy and richardxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Abi, You should be proud of yourself. Loving the pictures, im sure if Nan could use the internet properly she would write you a message ;) Love you loads, see you soon. Charlotte xxxx

Unknown said...

Helloooo Chelsea!!! Yes i'm finally leaving a comment on the blog! I hope that you are having an absolutely amazing time and by the looks of the pictures and the blogs you really are having quite an adventure! I can't wait for you to return and tell me all about what you've been up to in Uganda! I miss you so much and I can't wait for a massive hug when you to return! I love you lots and lots! And remember i'm very proud of you From your Jod! See you soon! xxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Em lovely to see you looking so well you are doing a great job.Had a good eve with Simon he is keeping busy and getting things organised for Sat .I've now got a choice of three costumes!Updates and photos are great keep them coming.Take care lots of love mum and dad xx

jane west said...

Hello Jess
Hope you are enjoying the fantastic experience and using all the pens paper games and bits and pieces you have collected over the past few months.
lots of love mum and Adam
PS Adam actually admitted this morning that he misses you!

Unknown said...

Hi Hannah! missing you more and more! glad to see you're still enjoying yourself out there! Keep up the good work. It's boring coming home from school every day alone :( hahaa! Nice to see some pictures of you out there, love these blogs. keep safe and keep having fun! Lee loves and misses yous ;) xxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Sue,

Nice to catch a photo of your face this time! (most of the others with you in were of your back!). Love reading the blog and seeing what you are receiving as well as giving. See you soon.
David, Josh and Hannah

Unknown said...

Hi Heather, how many children can now do the splits? Hope you went easy on them - maybe you could teach Paul!!!! Sounds like you are all being kept busy. The photos show lovely smiley faces on you helpers and the local children - keep up the good work. Love you lots Mum xxx ps) YOUR dog Skye rolled in a smelly dead fish yesterday on the beach. Shame you weren't here to shower him - it was horrible !!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

hiya lorraine photos are good not that u in many hiding r u?? and u all look like ur havin fun cant believe u been gone a week already, weather not too good here thunder and lightin storm amber didnt like it thou,going now love u loads and missin u more mum xxxxxxxxxxxx big hug xxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Ali xx everything is good here. Apart from missing you so much. Nanny, gingrog, auntie kazi, Oatis and April are all following your blog too and we are all SO proud of you and the difference you're making to lives out there. Keep up the great work my special baby girl. I love you. See you Monday. Love Mum xxx ps are you sure Saturday morning is too soon to wait at college for you!!!!????? Xxxx

Jay fergs said...

Hay Nicole hope ur having fun been looking at all the pics .. Proud ov u babba miss u lot ur bear xxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Lou, Looks like great fun out there. Hope your enjoying working with the kids again. All ok here. Jonty fine . Missing you loads but will see you soon . Take care love you lots mum xxxx

Unknown said...

hi nicole we are sooo glad you got there babe we saw the photo of you and you looked shattered bless you have a really lovely time and we miss you loads love you so much baby girl love stacey xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

hi babe sooo glad you go to uganda safe we seen the picture of you and you looked shattered have a really great time i no you will make the most of it love and miss you so much take care babe see you soon stacey xxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

hi nicole glad you got there ok was a bit disappointed no one got in touch to say you got there safely.have seen the pictures hope to see more of you.i no you will make up for lost time hope you have a really good time .miss you and love you millions see you soon love mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx