February 12, 2008 continued;
OK, the plane ride on Ugandan Air is better than KLM. Took less than one hour.
So what will Juba be like? Listening to friends and family I imagine that it might be a bit like our old wild west, but AK47's rather than Colt 45's. And we are landing at high noon.
As we taxi back to the terminal, we pass fallen and disgarded aircraft, helicopters, trucks all a reminder of the past 21 years of war. But there are no guns, no armies, just UN and UNICEF. People are lovely and hospitable. Quit worrying.
The terminal. Imagine a turn of the century out post that has one building, maybe Havana, and every process is done by hand and slowly. I have discovered Sudanese time. There are no watching the clocks. Everyone is in a hurry to wait. Mass confusion getting visa's and passports processed.
Then our driver shows up. All of these vehicles are cross-terrains and needed now. Traveling from the airport, we navigate around large ravines that would swallow my Aveo. There is only one paved road in Juba and it leads to my hotel, The South Sudan. I wish every meeting met along this road. But of course not.
The people are wonderful that greet us. The room, is African and I will be sleeping under a net during the night. Romantic in the US, ncessary to live in Sudan.
There is no time for a shower, we are off to the Cathedral. We arrive at lunch time around 1 PM. Everyone sits under trees. You must wash hands with soap prior to eating and then get in line. Lots of water to drink. Met lots of people. Cathedral is really pretty.
I have been told that May - August is the rainy season. You can only travel when it is not raining. My house must be close to where I will work. So instead of dust, there will be mud. No sandles, but "wellies"
More later and I promise pictures. But they will have to wait until I get back to Kampala to upload.
Grace and Peace.
2/14/2008
Kampala to Entebbe
February 12, 2008
Traveling from Kampala to Entebbe airport, I was able to see all of the scenery that I could not see when traveling from Entebbe two days ago. There are hundreds of crazy drivers, walkers and bikers. I think it was better in the dark.
Traveling out of town I can see that the housing is made up of cinderblocks, or stones, or bricks, or a combination. People add on where needed. But the colors are the brightest blues, yellows, reds, and greens. And the trees have flowers all over them, pink, yellow, fucia. So beautiful as they sway in the trees. As we continue driving, the number of drivers and businesses decrease and I look out over lush green valleys and meadows. Acres of plantans, pineapples, beans go forever. At one point the Lake is 15 feet away. And there are parks and small hotels that sit by the edge.
Houses appear in the mountains, white stucco with red clay roofs. Like our southwest or Mexico, but GREEN surrounds them. I think that I would prefer to live in Entebbe. The gardening would be the best.
The process for getting out of Uganda is much easier than getting in. While waiting, I met two priests and a Bishop heading over for the election. We started to talk and exchanged business cards. He is the deployment officer and accounts specialist from his diocese. Comrades in Arms.
It looks like we will be taking off over Lake Victoria and the UN storage facilities at Entebbe airport. The lake looks beautiful from the air and so I am off to Juba.
Grace and Peace
Traveling from Kampala to Entebbe airport, I was able to see all of the scenery that I could not see when traveling from Entebbe two days ago. There are hundreds of crazy drivers, walkers and bikers. I think it was better in the dark.
Traveling out of town I can see that the housing is made up of cinderblocks, or stones, or bricks, or a combination. People add on where needed. But the colors are the brightest blues, yellows, reds, and greens. And the trees have flowers all over them, pink, yellow, fucia. So beautiful as they sway in the trees. As we continue driving, the number of drivers and businesses decrease and I look out over lush green valleys and meadows. Acres of plantans, pineapples, beans go forever. At one point the Lake is 15 feet away. And there are parks and small hotels that sit by the edge.
Houses appear in the mountains, white stucco with red clay roofs. Like our southwest or Mexico, but GREEN surrounds them. I think that I would prefer to live in Entebbe. The gardening would be the best.
The process for getting out of Uganda is much easier than getting in. While waiting, I met two priests and a Bishop heading over for the election. We started to talk and exchanged business cards. He is the deployment officer and accounts specialist from his diocese. Comrades in Arms.
It looks like we will be taking off over Lake Victoria and the UN storage facilities at Entebbe airport. The lake looks beautiful from the air and so I am off to Juba.
Grace and Peace
2/11/2008
At The Source
I have not seen the Nile, but even on the cab ride from the airport in Entebbe the driver remarked about how Uganda and Sudan are the beginning. He can arrange a trip, lots of people go. Too bad, he says, that I have not allowed enough time to see the history and beauty of his country. After the amount of time spent in the air to get here, next flght will allow time. There are botanical gardens, the tombs of the kings, the lake. Lots.
When I remarked about the street light poles that are not lit, he tells me the history about faction fighting and whomever wins decides if they have enough money for the lights or not. So when driving and he cannot see, he flicks repeatedly between high and low beams. But this is done in traffic and to on coming traffic. There are people walking all over the highway, this was at 11 PM last hight, scooters are everywhere and driving wherever they choose. Add the fact they drive on the opposite side of the road and I will not be driving anywhere.
We drove through lots of small communities and towns. Lots of activity even late at night on Sunday. Lots of shops side by side in what looks like our garages. Selling everything. One town we drove through is where all the second hand parts from Japan come to. Japan ships second hand everything to Uganda and then people come from all over to this region buy appliances, bikes, windows. That is all I could see as we zoomed by.
As we arrived at the bottom of the hills in Kampala before we traveled up to the hotel, we had stopped for a light. Three young girls with babies approached the taxi asking for money. Street people they are called. All others traveling in the taxi told me I would have to get used to this. But at this early stage, it tugged at my heart and soul.
Of course, I also paid the driver of the shuttle only to find out in the morning that they had paid his company. In addition, I paid him twice the rate and tipped him for all the information. But take heart, I did this as well in NYC. Seems that I have to learn this lesson on each continent.
The hotel is amazing. I could not get a good idea about the number of people staying here but there are lots working. Everyone apologizes to me when I ask for something. Another custom I will need to get used to.
I am currently wathcing Al Jazeera TV and that I did not expect. I can watch CNN, BBCnews and this. Fascinating. I am sure that what I am watching would not be reported back home.
I am also watching our election results, the pro-bowl on Sunday. Everyone is talking about the US elections. Hearing all their names in German, Dutch, French, tribal, Italian, Arabic is pretty fascinating. Of course, I do not have any idea of what they are saying. Probably a good thing.
Well, it is the evening of the second night and I am trying to get on this time schedule.
Grace and Peace
When I remarked about the street light poles that are not lit, he tells me the history about faction fighting and whomever wins decides if they have enough money for the lights or not. So when driving and he cannot see, he flicks repeatedly between high and low beams. But this is done in traffic and to on coming traffic. There are people walking all over the highway, this was at 11 PM last hight, scooters are everywhere and driving wherever they choose. Add the fact they drive on the opposite side of the road and I will not be driving anywhere.
We drove through lots of small communities and towns. Lots of activity even late at night on Sunday. Lots of shops side by side in what looks like our garages. Selling everything. One town we drove through is where all the second hand parts from Japan come to. Japan ships second hand everything to Uganda and then people come from all over to this region buy appliances, bikes, windows. That is all I could see as we zoomed by.
As we arrived at the bottom of the hills in Kampala before we traveled up to the hotel, we had stopped for a light. Three young girls with babies approached the taxi asking for money. Street people they are called. All others traveling in the taxi told me I would have to get used to this. But at this early stage, it tugged at my heart and soul.
Of course, I also paid the driver of the shuttle only to find out in the morning that they had paid his company. In addition, I paid him twice the rate and tipped him for all the information. But take heart, I did this as well in NYC. Seems that I have to learn this lesson on each continent.
The hotel is amazing. I could not get a good idea about the number of people staying here but there are lots working. Everyone apologizes to me when I ask for something. Another custom I will need to get used to.
I am currently wathcing Al Jazeera TV and that I did not expect. I can watch CNN, BBCnews and this. Fascinating. I am sure that what I am watching would not be reported back home.
I am also watching our election results, the pro-bowl on Sunday. Everyone is talking about the US elections. Hearing all their names in German, Dutch, French, tribal, Italian, Arabic is pretty fascinating. Of course, I do not have any idea of what they are saying. Probably a good thing.
Well, it is the evening of the second night and I am trying to get on this time schedule.
Grace and Peace
2/09/2008
New Beginnings
This is the first day of the rest of your life.
Catchy phrase. Looks great on posters, greeting cards. Sounds great when you hear it.
There have only been a few days when I believed that this was true. My high school graduation, my wedding, the birth of my daughter. I wept, or seeped as K likes to say, at all of those, like today. But then smiles. I think rainbows should appear around peoples faces as they smile and weep at the same time.
So it begins today traveling to Detroit, Amsterdam, Entebbe and then Juba. And I will be taking a snowman with me. Look for him.
Catchy phrase. Looks great on posters, greeting cards. Sounds great when you hear it.
There have only been a few days when I believed that this was true. My high school graduation, my wedding, the birth of my daughter. I wept, or seeped as K likes to say, at all of those, like today. But then smiles. I think rainbows should appear around peoples faces as they smile and weep at the same time.
So it begins today traveling to Detroit, Amsterdam, Entebbe and then Juba. And I will be taking a snowman with me. Look for him.
2/07/2008
Finally
Finally.
Since last December, I have had to practice keeping secrets. I usually have no problem when they pertain to others, but me, I want to share, and share, and share. Is this a girl/guy thing or a Judi/rest of the world thing. Now everyone can know.
Beginning around May 1, I am taking a four-month sabbatical to Sudan. I will be living and working in Juba in southern Sudan. In order to get ready for this, I will be leaving on Saturday for a 10 day trip. Everything is in place, except for me in my seat on the plane. Lists have been checked, clothes washed, computer, camera, phone all set, cat sitter ready, air borne germ spray and today I bought panic medicine in case the walls of the airplane start to close in. Tomorrow, I get my last shot, meet with the Investment committee, say "See you soon" to colleagues,friends and especially family. My daughter and sister and sister-in-law will be responsible for my emotional fort. My colleagues will take of me spiritually and physically. God has chosen some amazing people for my life. So amazing that I cannot wait to see who is waiting for me on the other side of the planet.
I am asked if I am afraid. If you could see my face you would not entertain that thought. I was just chair dancing to I heard it through the grapevine and Gimme some lovin on The Big Chill CD. I do not think that I am.
The physical things that I will miss: my sleep number bed, my cats, Starbucks, Borders, music and the internet whenever I want it, to name a few. When I return I can elaborate on what I exchanged for them. I have heard a couple of things: generosity and smiles of the people, friendship, different food and drink, cafes to name a few.
What surprises life can bring. Come along with me.
Since last December, I have had to practice keeping secrets. I usually have no problem when they pertain to others, but me, I want to share, and share, and share. Is this a girl/guy thing or a Judi/rest of the world thing. Now everyone can know.
Beginning around May 1, I am taking a four-month sabbatical to Sudan. I will be living and working in Juba in southern Sudan. In order to get ready for this, I will be leaving on Saturday for a 10 day trip. Everything is in place, except for me in my seat on the plane. Lists have been checked, clothes washed, computer, camera, phone all set, cat sitter ready, air borne germ spray and today I bought panic medicine in case the walls of the airplane start to close in. Tomorrow, I get my last shot, meet with the Investment committee, say "See you soon" to colleagues,friends and especially family. My daughter and sister and sister-in-law will be responsible for my emotional fort. My colleagues will take of me spiritually and physically. God has chosen some amazing people for my life. So amazing that I cannot wait to see who is waiting for me on the other side of the planet.
I am asked if I am afraid. If you could see my face you would not entertain that thought. I was just chair dancing to I heard it through the grapevine and Gimme some lovin on The Big Chill CD. I do not think that I am.
The physical things that I will miss: my sleep number bed, my cats, Starbucks, Borders, music and the internet whenever I want it, to name a few. When I return I can elaborate on what I exchanged for them. I have heard a couple of things: generosity and smiles of the people, friendship, different food and drink, cafes to name a few.
What surprises life can bring. Come along with me.
2/04/2008
Catching My Breath
Note to self: Remember to get "acceptable" cash to take on trip
Note to self: Pack camera
Note to self: Recharge computer battery and pack adaptors
Note to self: Find correct sized toiletries to take on trip
Note to self: Find books to read, travel pillow, comfortable clothes
Note to self: Pick out traveling carry on bag for trip
Note to self: Pack passport carrier, include airline tickets, driver's license, cash
Note to self: Pack towel and wash cloth
Note to self: Pack Miso soup
Note to self: Wash clothes
Note to self: Get last shot
Note to self: Pack clothes and shoes
Note to self: Make phone calls
Note to self: Breathe.
This will all come together, I will get packed, I will forget something, the trip will go forward, I will return to an unclean house.
Note to self: Do not clean house
Note to self: Pack camera
Note to self: Recharge computer battery and pack adaptors
Note to self: Find correct sized toiletries to take on trip
Note to self: Find books to read, travel pillow, comfortable clothes
Note to self: Pick out traveling carry on bag for trip
Note to self: Pack passport carrier, include airline tickets, driver's license, cash
Note to self: Pack towel and wash cloth
Note to self: Pack Miso soup
Note to self: Wash clothes
Note to self: Get last shot
Note to self: Pack clothes and shoes
Note to self: Make phone calls
Note to self: Breathe.
This will all come together, I will get packed, I will forget something, the trip will go forward, I will return to an unclean house.
Note to self: Do not clean house
Exhaustion
I am exhausted. Today packed more emotional activity into one day then has been the case in a while. And all of it GREAT.
This morning began with Carnival Sunday at church. Great music (jazz, Italian, Hispanic, taize, spiritual), costumes and revelry as we head into Lent. Furthermore, I get to wear the beads for two more days. Unless you are a child or clown, the beads usually hang around a bedpost or mirror until called into action the same time each liturgical year. Meaning for me: remember today, it will come around on Easter Sunday. HOPE.
Just when I thought I was heading home, I walked uptown with friends to hear Barack Obama speaking in the square. What energy! Singing, cheering, screaming, applauding, you name it. It was there. People from every walk in life, every age, every economic condition, every race. I stood next to an interviewer from Japan, chatted with a reporter from Britain and Ireland, spoke with commentators from Countdown (with Keith Olbermann), producers from ABC TV. For those of us afraid of crowds check out the great pictures and video at www.delawareonline.com Listen to the man. There was the message again..HOPE with an additional inspiration of YES WE CAN.
Which leads into my emotional evening. I am a New Yorker. I am a Giant fan. And I am proud of my New York Giants. I had HOPE and I thought YES THEY CAN. And it came true. Whoopee.
What a buzz by 11 PM tonight. I cannot sleep. So, I am blogging. Is this therapeutic? Will I be able to sleep after writing this down?
One can only HOPE.
This morning began with Carnival Sunday at church. Great music (jazz, Italian, Hispanic, taize, spiritual), costumes and revelry as we head into Lent. Furthermore, I get to wear the beads for two more days. Unless you are a child or clown, the beads usually hang around a bedpost or mirror until called into action the same time each liturgical year. Meaning for me: remember today, it will come around on Easter Sunday. HOPE.
Just when I thought I was heading home, I walked uptown with friends to hear Barack Obama speaking in the square. What energy! Singing, cheering, screaming, applauding, you name it. It was there. People from every walk in life, every age, every economic condition, every race. I stood next to an interviewer from Japan, chatted with a reporter from Britain and Ireland, spoke with commentators from Countdown (with Keith Olbermann), producers from ABC TV. For those of us afraid of crowds check out the great pictures and video at www.delawareonline.com Listen to the man. There was the message again..HOPE with an additional inspiration of YES WE CAN.
Which leads into my emotional evening. I am a New Yorker. I am a Giant fan. And I am proud of my New York Giants. I had HOPE and I thought YES THEY CAN. And it came true. Whoopee.
What a buzz by 11 PM tonight. I cannot sleep. So, I am blogging. Is this therapeutic? Will I be able to sleep after writing this down?
One can only HOPE.
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