We have come to expect there to be riots on Mondays and Thursdays (random days, I know), I really don't understand all of the reasons why, I just understand that people are fed up with the rising gas and food prices so they started the "Walk to Work" campaign. The people here are not allowed to protest in any way, so the police have been getting involved with tear gas, rubber bullets, and taken to beating the rioters. It has been really scary not knowing whether anything would spark into something big.
On Friday we were going to go to an crocodile farm and hold baby crocodiles. On our way, we had to stop at the US Embassy to get Visas for us to stay here for another 3 months. As soon as we walked into the Embassy, there was an announcement over the intercom telling us that it would be wise not to leave the Embassy until further notice because of riots getting close. This came as a shock, because the riots were only planned for Monday and Thursday. We also became very worried because we had brought with us someone from our ward, and since he is Ugandan, he couldn't come into the Embassy; we had left him in the car on the road. We had no way of communicating with him because they had taken our phones.
Eventually they came on the intercom again and told us that we were in a lock-down and were not allowed to leave. We could hear gunshots really close as well. I guess it was a good thing that we were in the Embassy during the whole event, I'm not sure what would've happened if we were elsewhere. We weren't sure how long we would have to stay, so we went up to the cafeteria to wait. It just so happens that the Royal Wedding was on TV, so we got to watch most of it, because we were there for about 3 1/2 hours. It was such a funny thought thinking that we were watching Kate and Will get married when there were riots outside. :)
Eventually, it was safe to leave and Moses (the guy from our ward) and our car were safe. It was so unnerving driving home and seeing black marks on the road were there had been fires and power lines cut down.
I think I really almost lost it. It made me miss the comfort and secure feelings back home. We are just praying now that we will all be safe because we have no clue when or where things will spark up. So if you are reading this, pray for peace here in Uganda! We could use it. :)
Jumping to a totally different subject; Eric left on Tuesday and headed back to Provo to the MTC. He was set apart on Monday night at the Stake Presidents house. They fed us dinner (which was really good) and also gave Eric a cake that had RWH (Return With Honor) on it. It was such a sweet night.
We woke up at 4:30 to drive him to the Entebbe Airport. I know that he will be the best missionary ever! It is just so sad that I won't see him for another 2 years. He has been such a great influence on me. Especially while I have had some hard days, he has always found a way to comfort me. I love my brother!!!!! :)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
April 25th
I have had such a fun time so far this Easter Holiday (that sounds so British!!).
On Thursday: We didn't go to school because it was child pick up day ( all of the boarding schools near all ended on the same day), so there would be lots of traffic and there was suppose to be riots. There was some things out in Masaka, but luckily not in Mukono. I ended up going up to Alyssas house and chilling with her for the afternoon. We watched Harry Potter and decided that we would have a marathon and watch all of them while were out of school.
On Friday: We went to the children's rehabilitation centre for children with physical disabilities. I had such a fun time. We coloured with them and played games. They are such sweet children!! We are so blessed with the medical help that we can receive. They didn't let their disabilities stop them from having good attitudes.
Saturday: I was in charge of babysitting the kids while my parents and Eric went to Stake Conference in Kampala. I absolutely love babysitting!!! We went to the Scully's to colour Easter eggs, and then we had an Easter egg hunt. It almost felt like we were back home!
Sunday: We had Stake Conference. It was amazing!!! Elder and Sister Watson of the seventy were there. I also happen to see a gorgeous missionary!! No joke, he was so cute (it might be because I rarely see any white boys, so when I do find one, they happen to be pretty cute). :) Luckily, I got a picture of him so I can look at him whenever I want too. (don't worry, I'm not boy crazy)
I have been trying to treasure ever possible moment with Eric because he leaves on Tuesday to go back to Provo to the MTC. Mom has made it a reality as she has been crying non-stop for about 3 days. I know that he will be a fantastic missionary!! Not seeing him for 2 years will be hard though. I guess it's just weird to think that when he gets back, I will be a senior! Crazy.
I can't believe that we only have 3 months!! How time flies.
On Thursday: We didn't go to school because it was child pick up day ( all of the boarding schools near all ended on the same day), so there would be lots of traffic and there was suppose to be riots. There was some things out in Masaka, but luckily not in Mukono. I ended up going up to Alyssas house and chilling with her for the afternoon. We watched Harry Potter and decided that we would have a marathon and watch all of them while were out of school.
On Friday: We went to the children's rehabilitation centre for children with physical disabilities. I had such a fun time. We coloured with them and played games. They are such sweet children!! We are so blessed with the medical help that we can receive. They didn't let their disabilities stop them from having good attitudes.
Saturday: I was in charge of babysitting the kids while my parents and Eric went to Stake Conference in Kampala. I absolutely love babysitting!!! We went to the Scully's to colour Easter eggs, and then we had an Easter egg hunt. It almost felt like we were back home!
Sunday: We had Stake Conference. It was amazing!!! Elder and Sister Watson of the seventy were there. I also happen to see a gorgeous missionary!! No joke, he was so cute (it might be because I rarely see any white boys, so when I do find one, they happen to be pretty cute). :) Luckily, I got a picture of him so I can look at him whenever I want too. (don't worry, I'm not boy crazy)
I have been trying to treasure ever possible moment with Eric because he leaves on Tuesday to go back to Provo to the MTC. Mom has made it a reality as she has been crying non-stop for about 3 days. I know that he will be a fantastic missionary!! Not seeing him for 2 years will be hard though. I guess it's just weird to think that when he gets back, I will be a senior! Crazy.
I can't believe that we only have 3 months!! How time flies.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
When life gives you lemons, make Lemonade!
There has been some pretty strange things that have happened lately.
For the first time, we had a riot scare at school. During Art on Thursday (the last class of the day), a teacher came in and told us that there had been riots happening all day and they were pretty close to our school.
Back ground about the riots: Because the gas prices have been so high, people have rallied and organized a thing where they "walk to work." Since the people aren't allowed to peaceful protest, the police have gotten involved with tear gas and rubber bullets. So on Thursday, Besigye (the main opponent of Museveni), organized one of these walks and he got shot in the hand with a rubber bullet. Things went into ciaos from there.
Anyway,the teacher said that it was best if we all left asap. School was pretty much over because everyone started to trickle out. Luckily we made it home safely because there had also been riots in Mukono. It all gave us quite a scare. After hearing stories of people being thrown from their car and watching their car burn. :)
On top of there being riots, we come home and my mom tells us that 3 baby Cobra snakes have been killed (meaning that there is probably a nest around somewhere). If I wasn't scared because of the riots, the snakes through me over board. My mom has been paranoid ever since, screaming at us when we leave the door open, or constantly telling us that we need to spray or watch were we step. Hopefully we survive all of the riots and the snakes!!!
On Friday, we had to go to school (we were hoping that we wouldn't have to go because of the riots). In all, it was an ok day. Swimming was terrible. If you are reading this, you are probably thinking what a wimp I am thinking swimming is torture. But you have no idea. It isn't exactly what you think it is, it is swimming laps! Coming from a state where we really don't swim properly, we just splash around; and moving to a school were everyone has been swimming since they were little. Luckily, we have been doing life-safety so it hasn't been too bad.
After school, we went to this rehabilitation centre for kids with physical issues. It was so fascinating!!! There were so many kids! One girl had metal things connected to her knees because her bones were messed up. It was so hard to watch these kids play. I had so much fun. I would love to go back and spend the day there.
We finally got to watch conference! It was so good! I loved it! I feel like it was directed to me personally. I have been having issues with drawing the line in serving people here. I have my answer now. I am so grateful for the general authorities of the church. I know that they are called of God. I am grateful for such a wonderful religion!!
For the first time, we had a riot scare at school. During Art on Thursday (the last class of the day), a teacher came in and told us that there had been riots happening all day and they were pretty close to our school.
Back ground about the riots: Because the gas prices have been so high, people have rallied and organized a thing where they "walk to work." Since the people aren't allowed to peaceful protest, the police have gotten involved with tear gas and rubber bullets. So on Thursday, Besigye (the main opponent of Museveni), organized one of these walks and he got shot in the hand with a rubber bullet. Things went into ciaos from there.
Anyway,the teacher said that it was best if we all left asap. School was pretty much over because everyone started to trickle out. Luckily we made it home safely because there had also been riots in Mukono. It all gave us quite a scare. After hearing stories of people being thrown from their car and watching their car burn. :)
On top of there being riots, we come home and my mom tells us that 3 baby Cobra snakes have been killed (meaning that there is probably a nest around somewhere). If I wasn't scared because of the riots, the snakes through me over board. My mom has been paranoid ever since, screaming at us when we leave the door open, or constantly telling us that we need to spray or watch were we step. Hopefully we survive all of the riots and the snakes!!!
On Friday, we had to go to school (we were hoping that we wouldn't have to go because of the riots). In all, it was an ok day. Swimming was terrible. If you are reading this, you are probably thinking what a wimp I am thinking swimming is torture. But you have no idea. It isn't exactly what you think it is, it is swimming laps! Coming from a state where we really don't swim properly, we just splash around; and moving to a school were everyone has been swimming since they were little. Luckily, we have been doing life-safety so it hasn't been too bad.
After school, we went to this rehabilitation centre for kids with physical issues. It was so fascinating!!! There were so many kids! One girl had metal things connected to her knees because her bones were messed up. It was so hard to watch these kids play. I had so much fun. I would love to go back and spend the day there.
We finally got to watch conference! It was so good! I loved it! I feel like it was directed to me personally. I have been having issues with drawing the line in serving people here. I have my answer now. I am so grateful for the general authorities of the church. I know that they are called of God. I am grateful for such a wonderful religion!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
"Keep smiling- it makes people wonder what you're up too"
So instead of writing really boring posts about the past couple of weeks (besides school and 2 track meats,nothing has happened), I am going to share some of the little things that have made life enjoyable here (not in any particular order).
*One night, we had invited over someone for dinner. My mom was gone so my dad was in charge of making dinner. He decided to make pizza. Now, my dad is normally a really good cook; but for some reason, that night wasn't his night. I think it was all of the stress of trying to impress our guests. :) Anyway, he asks me to go in and kneed it when it has risen. I go in and look at the dough, it is literally liquid. I tell him it needs more flour. He looks at it and says, "No, it needs yeast." So he added yeast into the bowl. I was laughing my head off and told him it didn't need yeast. Luckily the pizza turned out ok.
My mom was sitting in our front room with some people from our ward one day, and she said to Peter, "Look! I have gotten skinnier!" Peter reply's, "Oh, no!! You are not skinnier!" I guess we forget that here the people actually like bigger people. Like the sign that we pass ever day going to school, "Gain Hips and Bums" :)
One thing that has been really enjoyable is being able to share the gospel with all of my friends at school. One day during Maths, I was talking about my religion with a guy sitting next to me. He asked me if we still practice polygamy. I told him that we didn't. His response was, "Dang it(maybe other words), I would've joined your religion if you still did polygamy." You gotta love what people think about Mormons.
As I mentioned before, we have had 2 track meats. The second one was at ISU (another international school here). I guess after watching me run, some of the boys in my class, noticed that I run with my thumbs up. They then have taken the opportunity to make fun of me. Now when ever they see me, they give me a thumbs-up. I guess I'll have to change the way I run. :)
How do I explain the boys in my class? I have learned to have quick reflexes from being here only a month. They think it is super funny to poor water on your chair while you are sitting there. It makes it look like you have peed your pants. I guess I have become the target because I am new. I literally have to be on the edge of my chair for Chemistry and PE Theory. Luckily, they haven't gotten me yet!
So taking of peeing, my neighbor Alyssa recently got two bunnies. They are the cutest little things on the planet! I went over one day to hold them (it makes me miss my cat even more!)with her. As I was holding Anya (the gray one), I happen to feel something warm on my arm... she had peed on me! Then to my horror, only about 2 minutes later, she peed on my again! That was about all I could handle for one day. I am trying to forgive her for it....
On Sunday, the women in our ward received feminine hygiene kits. Their reaction to the bags were totally different than what I had expected. I was thinking they would be happy, but quiet at the same time. Boy, was I wrong. They were so happy about it. We took their picture and Sister Tina was telling everyone to "be proud of your bags!" It looked like they were modeling them. I absolutely love the people here!
"Need a Lover? Call *********"- is a sign that we pass everyday to and from school. I have the urge to call the number on it and find out what they would do.
Now, I am just counting down the days until Easter Holiday. :)
*One night, we had invited over someone for dinner. My mom was gone so my dad was in charge of making dinner. He decided to make pizza. Now, my dad is normally a really good cook; but for some reason, that night wasn't his night. I think it was all of the stress of trying to impress our guests. :) Anyway, he asks me to go in and kneed it when it has risen. I go in and look at the dough, it is literally liquid. I tell him it needs more flour. He looks at it and says, "No, it needs yeast." So he added yeast into the bowl. I was laughing my head off and told him it didn't need yeast. Luckily the pizza turned out ok.
My mom was sitting in our front room with some people from our ward one day, and she said to Peter, "Look! I have gotten skinnier!" Peter reply's, "Oh, no!! You are not skinnier!" I guess we forget that here the people actually like bigger people. Like the sign that we pass ever day going to school, "Gain Hips and Bums" :)
One thing that has been really enjoyable is being able to share the gospel with all of my friends at school. One day during Maths, I was talking about my religion with a guy sitting next to me. He asked me if we still practice polygamy. I told him that we didn't. His response was, "Dang it(maybe other words), I would've joined your religion if you still did polygamy." You gotta love what people think about Mormons.
As I mentioned before, we have had 2 track meats. The second one was at ISU (another international school here). I guess after watching me run, some of the boys in my class, noticed that I run with my thumbs up. They then have taken the opportunity to make fun of me. Now when ever they see me, they give me a thumbs-up. I guess I'll have to change the way I run. :)
How do I explain the boys in my class? I have learned to have quick reflexes from being here only a month. They think it is super funny to poor water on your chair while you are sitting there. It makes it look like you have peed your pants. I guess I have become the target because I am new. I literally have to be on the edge of my chair for Chemistry and PE Theory. Luckily, they haven't gotten me yet!
So taking of peeing, my neighbor Alyssa recently got two bunnies. They are the cutest little things on the planet! I went over one day to hold them (it makes me miss my cat even more!)with her. As I was holding Anya (the gray one), I happen to feel something warm on my arm... she had peed on me! Then to my horror, only about 2 minutes later, she peed on my again! That was about all I could handle for one day. I am trying to forgive her for it....
On Sunday, the women in our ward received feminine hygiene kits. Their reaction to the bags were totally different than what I had expected. I was thinking they would be happy, but quiet at the same time. Boy, was I wrong. They were so happy about it. We took their picture and Sister Tina was telling everyone to "be proud of your bags!" It looked like they were modeling them. I absolutely love the people here!
"Need a Lover? Call *********"- is a sign that we pass everyday to and from school. I have the urge to call the number on it and find out what they would do.
Now, I am just counting down the days until Easter Holiday. :)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Our house
I can't figure out how to post this video. Check out a video tour of our house (or the kids side of it) at ericinuganda.blogspot.com
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