Monday, April 30, 2007

Relatives, Rest and Riots

April has been a good month for us. Both sets of parents and Jen’s sister Sarah have been to visit and we’ve been able to experience more of Ugandan culture.

The arrival of our family caused great celebration at Tudabujja, the boys and staff had been counting down the week until they visited. They all had a good time and we took time off work to explore some of Uganda with them. We went to Queen Elizabeth National Park to do a safari which was great fun. We saw hippos, loads of monkeys, elephants, buffalo an unbelievable amount of birds which made our parents very excited and much more. We also went down to relax on Bushara Island, which is located on Lake Bunyoni, potentially the most beautiful area of Uganda (Source: Nathan).

As well as the typical tourist stuff our families had chance to see the inner workings of Tigers club and spend loads of time playing with the boys at Tudabujja which was great. The boys really loved them being here and our families found it hard to leave.

Not only did they get to see the beauty of the Ugandan countryside and the people they also got to experience the crazy and frustrating side of life. Cruising down hills in neutral to save diesel because many of the petrol stations were empty, having to call out a mechanic twice in the same day because of problem with the car, spending hours in traffic jams (although this was entertaining for them as they got to laugh at all the ridiculous things that are transported on the back of a bike like, goats, king sized beds and other bikes). They also got to experience a good old Kampala riot. Thankfully we managed to avoid being caught up in this one as this time it was quite serious with several people being shot and killed which brought the Army out on the streets. There is usually a riot of some description every month or so but this was the biggest since we have been here.

Other than that it has been life as usual. Jen has begun rehearsals for a musical leaving Nathan with more time to watch football (hooray!). We had the privilege of attending our neighbours wedding introduction this weekend. An introduction is a very formal and traditional way of the couple’s families to meet each other. It is as grand as a wedding itself with the whole community, friends and family in attendance and it lasts all day. It is a bizarre yet interesting experience.

Please pray for…

* Health and energy

* The staff and boys at Tigers

* That we will find better priced flights to come home for weddings over the summer.

6 Comments:

At May 03, 2007 10:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just a little note to say how great it was to see you at Easter. We had the best time in Uganda, some amazing experiences we will never forget. I think the rhinos were my favourite, the boda rides were the boys'and Owen loved the madness of Kampala city bus station!
When you come and visit there are lots of end of term things happening including the end of term performance by the infant department, if you fancy that! I'm sure there something else but I can't think of it now, anyhow I imagine you won't want to spend all your time at school!
Loads of love Rachel and the boys!
p.s. I'm still on the look out for a grown up alphabet chart and Owen's still keeping his eyes open for a cheap flight. See you soon.

 
At May 08, 2007 12:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Jen and Nathan

Glad you've been able to get out and about during the last month and that the new farm manager is settling in. Our group from Bradley Stoke is very much looking forward to our two week visit in the summer and is planning for it. The dates are confirmed as 6th-20th August with a mini safari to follow. During the second week (13-17)we hoped to run an activity week with you at Tudabuija. Thoughts at present are that we would centre around the life of Simon Peter. It would be good to talk to you about this and double check that this idea is still a goer. Are you on skype or is there a good time to try and talk on the phone? It would also be useful to have your new e-mail address if you have one.

with love and prayers
Paul Peterson
paulpeterson@blueyonder.co.uk

 
At May 08, 2007 9:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heya, jen and nathan, great to hear from you boths, seems you've had quite a time!
We got a puppy at half term! HE is called Charlie, a black cocker spaniel of working type and is sooooooo cute although he is a monster in descise!
Since the weekend away with pathefinders which im sure you've heard loads about, if not it was the best few days of my life! charlie set us a challenge to find the CU at school or start one up if not! Well long story cut sort. It was suppose to start today but the teacher was away tut tut,, nasty virus going round... So I ended up leading it in the canteen!!! with ten peole from church and others and then we prayed out load!!! wow few soz had to let that out!! There's another on thursday! Am also doing pump sketch in RE tomoorrow please pray 4 me!
Well anyway, life is good and Girls pathfinders Yr8 have started a cell group G.E.M.S. God equals my savour! and thats meeting for the 2nd time on saturday!!!
Missin you both
Thea x x x

 
At May 10, 2007 5:20 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Jen and Nathan,

You guys are doing an amazing job and I've loved reading your blog. Isn't Uganda an amazing and eccentric place. You don't have time to feel tired or bored!!!
I can't wait to see you both in July and I'm determined to find an excuse to come and visit.
Lots of Love Marianne xx

 
At May 10, 2007 9:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi jen, we had a great time, and traffic seems really tame her in Derby
have you spotted any custard creams yet?
hope the parcel arrived. love mum

 
At May 11, 2007 7:25 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello lovelies.

Firstly a massive thankyou for my birthday present- it is of course green and I love it muchly! Your parents and baby Ben delivered it last week.
Glad that things are going so well out there- it all sounds very exciting! My life is sadly not-just plodding on with work and living for the weekends so that I can see Andy!
Been making biscuits with my year 5's this week in topic whilst the year 6's have had major revision- I can honestly say that it was the most stressful experience of my life and I came home wondering why it was I wanted to be a teacher??? (Even more so when they kept giving me them to take home- Arfa can't believe his luck though!). SATS next week so after that hopefully things will be a little calmer.
Can't wait to see you in July- what dates are you back? As I'm nannying for Iggy and the new arrival (exciting) in London once term is over.

Love you loads. Miss you. Big hugs and all that. Oh and check out my profile on facebook.com if you ever get a chance-I'm addicted.

Hannymonster
xxx

 

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