Teacher Grace on TV!!

KSFY, a local television station in Sioux Falls, ran a story on Tr. Grace's miracle surgery. You can see the video at this link: Avera Medical Minute: Grateful Patient from Uganda or check out the transcript below. (I'll be honest, it's so touching that it might make you cry.)

By Nancy Naeve Brown
Story Created: Jan 8, 2009 at 6:34 PM CST
Story Updated: Jan 9, 2009 at 7:50 AM CST
Avera McKennan's mission is to provide the highest quality of health care, without limits, to those in need even if they are half a world away. Avera Dr. Leonard Gutnik spear headed a charitable effort to bring a Uganda woman to Sioux Falls to have a deadly optical tumor removed. We met up with a very grateful Teacher Grace (that's what she is called in her native country) before she went home to Africa with a new lease on life.
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Grace says, "Very many things I've never seen in my life. Very many. Like snow. I've never seen snow and I've never been on a plane until this trip."
Grace Lusweswe is a teacher in a small village 20 miles from her home in Uganda. They have very little electricity or running water. They also don't have the medical care we have. For 2 years, Grace says her right eye was trying to come out of her head. She lost vision in that eye, suffered horrible headaches and would get confused easily.
Grace says, "I took medicine for it for two years. No one could tell me what was wrong or what was causing it. Not until it was too late did they tell me I have a tumor and nothing could be done. No doctors in Uganda could perform surgery on my brain so I lost hope.
Hope was restored when Teacher Grace met an American who was volunteering at her school (Arlington Academy of Hope) last spring who just happened to have a lot of connections at Avera McKennan: Internist Dr. Leonard Gutnik with Avera Gutnik and Associates.
Dr. Gutnik says, "My stepdaughter, Charlee Vorhees, was teaching in Uganda for 3 months last year when she met Grace. Charlee started fundraising to help with the tumor Grace had in her eye. Her eye was being pushed out of her head."
Grace says, "All the time I was thinking I'm going to die and leave my children."
She has 5 children ranging in age from 24 to 12.
Dr. Gutnik says, "She was in a lot of pain and no one in Uganda could help. That's when I started talking to the folks at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls to see if we could help Teacher Grace."
Graces journey here was a long one. The flight time alone from Uganda to Amsterdam to DC to Minneapolis to Sioux Falls was more than 23 hours. Grace says it was a trip of a life time, but also a lifesaver.
Grace says, "For the first time to get someone to welcome you like that it's so wonderful."
Avera Neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Puumala and a whole host of staff graciously agreed to help Grace.
Dr. Gutnik says, "Dr. Puumala was so kind, as was Fred Slunecka, (Regional President at Avera McKennan) and all the staff at the hospital to help bring Grace here. Two weeks ago (the middle of December) Dr. Puumala removed the tumor from her eye and brain. Her eye has settled back in to her head. She sees a little bit of light and dark and so this has been a very successful journey."
Grace's prognosis is good. The hope is her vision will be restored, but if doesn't come back completely at least it won't get any worse. Dr. Puumala believes the tumor will stop growing. Her pain and pressure is also gone.
Grace says, "Now when I move my hand below my face I can see a shadow moving. Before I couldn't see anything."
While Grace recovered from surgery she stayed with Dr. Gutnik and his wife Jo Lea who say the pleasure was all theirs.
Gutnik, "It's been a delightful holiday for our family." His wife Jo Lea says, "she is so interesting and a happy person and she really has blessed our lives."
Grace says, "Now it's done (surgery) I'm very happy."
And thanks to Dr. Gutnik and so many at Avera McKennan, Teacher Grace can now set her sight on the future and it looks a whole lot brighter now.
On her trip home, Grace flies out of D.C. where she plans to spend a few days with her friend Charlee and get a tour of our nation's capitol.

2008 and the Holidays

2008 was an incredible year for me. It was one of the most memorable and experience filled years of my life. It has also been one of the most challenging of my 26 years. Replete with travels, work, relationships, family events, hobbies, etc., my world has been richly expanded. I am very blessed indeed. A few highlights include spending several months in the most beautiful village on earth, Bumwalukani, Uganda, my brother's beautiful wedding, visiting family over the 4th of July and celebrating my birthday at home, working at USAID on the President's Malaria Initiative, seeing friends and family in NYC, Utah, Virginia Beach, and of course, DC, loving and having dated a great friend, going through the LDS Temple, and finding medical help for a friend from Uganda who could not be treated there. Through all of these things, I have learned and grown so much.

Those who know me well know that December has been particularly challenging while at the same time, absolutely rewarding. For a moment, I want to focus on the good things that happened last month that have, on a moment by moment basis, reminded how wonderful life is.

I went home to South Dakota. The average high while I was there was 7 degrees Fahrenheit with a few days not breaking zero. The big plus - a WHITE Christmas! Here's the view from the front window of the house I grew up in:

Secondly, I unexpectedly got to be home for 2 weeks and this is why: If you've been reading my blog, you should know about Teacher Grace. She is a friend of mine from Uganda who had a tumor that could not be treated there. I tried everything to help her and finally, Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls offered to take her case. After a struggle to get a Uganda passport and US visa, and organize a hundred other details, she few into Sioux Falls on December 17th for tests, scans, and appointments with doctors and ultimately brain surgery on the 23rd. The diagnosis was a menengioma - a benign brain tumor that would continue to grow and eventually could harm her pituitary gland and was already causing blindness. The surgery went well and she is recovering miraculously. Her story is one of incredible generosity, an undeniable work of God, and tremendous will power of everyone involved to make big things happen for someone in great need. Since I was young, I have believed that great lengths are worth the effort to help people, but I never imagined just how great of length could really be reached by my own influence. The whole thing was by no means my own doing. It was a beautiful miracle that I got to be a part of.

Here's a picture of Grace:

Third, I have learned that somedays do happen! Being Mormon, I have always looked forward to going to the Temple. The lyrics to my favorite Primary Song say, "I love to see the Temple, I'm going there someday." My someday came! In reverence for the sacredness of the Temple, I just want to say it was beautiful and I'm excited to go back! I love the Temple!

Here are a couple pictures of my dad and sister and me at the Winter Quarters Temple:

Fourth, I LOVE ice skating. My dad and I tried out the ol' rusty skates we have at an out door rink the other evening. At first I was cautious, but once I got comfortable, I began to try out spins and turns and arabesques and all sorts of tricks. Finally I was the only person out so I confidently began to glide as fast as I could around the rink. Suddenly, my toe stuck and I crashed! I slid for what felt like several minutes in slow motion. Once I came to a halt, I sat up and breathed it out. My right knee and left hip felt pain, but I knew I was OK. I slowly got up and called it a night. But, I was SO proud of myself! I fell! I fell hard and it didn't hurt me too bad!!! I've always been afraid of falling. As a result, I've been quite risk averse when it comes to physical things like pirouettes in ballet, skiing, cartwheels, roller coasters (yes, I know), and even when walking and running. It was SO cool to fall and survive! :)

Here are is a picture of the battle wounds:

Swollen knee - YIKES! (You should see the bruise, but I'll save you that nasty pic)

Finally, while I was home, I reflected a lot on what I like to do and what I want to fill my time with in 2009. I am excited to start a graduate program. I also want to get back into hobbies like yoga, golf, reading, sewing, cooking, making friends, and everything else I do to explore the world. To start off this effort, I knitted a scarf the other day! Check it out:

Well, as you can see, many good things are happening right now! And I just want to thank all of you for being rad friends and superb family. I can't help but realize that each of you contributes to the abundance in my life! I wish you a Happy New Year and hope yours to be one of learning and love!

Park Like an Idiot

A friend of mine has these stickers and used one the other night when we were in a crowded parking garage. There's something so satisfying about leaving this friendly reminder for that guy with a fancy car who takes more than his share of a parking lot.

Check out the site: http://www.iparklikeanidiot.com/. This is the perfect gift for the person you know who is always complaining about the way people park. They aren't permanent so you can have a free conscience when sticking one on a vehicle.

January in November

I haven't blogged in a long time. So you know how when you get back together with an old friend after a long while, it is sometimes hard to get talking? Isn't it true that the weather is usually a great way to break the ice? Well, here are my weathery chats:

It's November, but it feels like January outside. I was told that I shouldn't think it's cold and I'll feel warm. I keep putting this idea to the test. This is what I've found:

1. It doesn't make it easier to go out the door
2. Once I get used to it, it's true - maybe it isn't that bad.
3. It might not be that bad, but it isn't June outside. It is really COLD!!! So is this mind trick a brink of my integrity? Am I lying to myself?

buurrrrrrrrr!!!! You'd think a South Dakota girl could handle it. I remember walking home from school when it was in the 10s. I remember scraping my windows before and after seminary class. I remember shoveling snow off the driveway with dad. I remember making deep winding snow forts in the banks that would pile up at the end of our driveway.

But, I don't live in South Dakota any more! However, I shouldn't fool myself and think that Washington, DC is going to treat me any better. It is known for it's humid windy winters that bite your bones. No joke - it bites!

I'm beginning to think cold weather gets colder as I get older - doesn't matter where I live.

Hmmm. I wonder how I'd feel about cold weather in Florida...

Great day!

I think I've been smiling for 13 hours today! Lots of great things are happening in my life right now. I love my job, I have sweet roommates, my car works, my room is cute, I get to see and do a lot of cool things, I have a great new hair cut, I can go on and on.

Today, I am especially grateful and have much to be excited about -- I found out that I've been accepted to the MPH program at Johns Hopkins! I'll start classes part time in January. This is such great news!

Updates Galore!

Since it's been a while, so I have a couple updates:


First of all, let me tell you about Teacher Grace. We are closer to a solution for her - a generous hospital and surgeon have offered to cover the expenses free. Right now, we're helping her get a visa and then we'll get her a plane ticket. You know, beyond the fact that Grace was like family for me while I was in Uganda, I feel like I have access to so many resources. If something like this happened to me, I would have urgent care available at my fingertips. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my resources and to bless her life. It makes me that much more appreciative of the happenstance that I was born in this affluent country.



My second update is best explained by a picture:


This is Bryson. I like this picture of him. He is my tall handsome boyfriend. He and I have had a ton of fun this summer enjoying the DC area and going on excursions. We've been great friends for several years and now it's wonderful to be dating him!

Help Teacher Grace!

I received this email from my friend Ruth who is still working at AAH in Uganda. I am very concerned about Teacher Grace's condition. THANK YOU to everyone who has helped so far! I ask all of you who are able or willing to give financially or help medically to consider donating to her cause. Please email me if you are interested!

Dear all,

I want to give you an update on Teacher Grace's medical condition, which is extremely serious. Since my arrival in Uganda, Grace has been moving around the country, from doctor to doctor, seeking a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for the discomfort and swelling she has experienced around her right eye since 2006. By May it became clear that she would have to seek treatment in Kampala, and since then she has made approximately five trips to the Mulago hospital eye clinic. I accompanied her on two of these trips, and experienced first-hand the incredibly long waiting times and low standard of care. However, there is currently a team of visiting eye specialists at Mulago, and this week Grace was able to get an appointment with them. Yesterday she updated me, and the news was not good. The visiting specialist stressed that this is an extremely serious condition that should have been operated on months ago. The official diagnosis is "Orbital apex tumor involving the sinus and extending to the optic nerve." She has almost completely lost vision in her right eye, although that may be reversible. The tumor has been steadily growing, and has extended into the brain. It has become a neurological issue and will require a complex surgery that the specialist insists *cannot be performed in Uganda.* He recommends undergoing the surgery in the US or India. That is all the information that Grace was able to give me. The specialist has asked her to return to her previous doctor at Mulago to obtain a comprehensive final report on her condition, and then see him again so that he can make an appropriate referral. Grace plans on doing this during the first week of the term break (August 18th) and I plan on accompanying her. I am hoping to talk to the specialist and get as much information as possible about the condition and a way forward for Grace. One thing is clear though, she is going to require extensive financial assistance in the near future.

Her expenses have already included several tests and scans, as well as the transportation and accommodation necessary for each trip to Mulago. Charlee has been working hard in the States to raise money for this, and raised $700. I loaned Grace an additional $400. However, the expenses outlined above have already consumed the bulk of this money. Although I need a lot more information, I would imagine that Grace is now facing travel and medical costs in the thousands of dollars. I am wondering what AAH can do to help one of our most valuable staff members. Anyone who has visited the school knows that Grace works miracles with the P1 class and is one of the most consistent and capable teachers we have. I will continue to act as a liaison and keep everyone up to date on any information I can gather.

Thanks,
Ruth

Teaching Kindergarten

I taught kindergarten for a few weeks this summer to do something with my unemployment status. I thoroughly enjoy kids and learning. The glimpse at good ole school days made me nostalgic and question my choice of profession. Here are a couple stories from July 11.

School was awesome today! Today I was in Pre K and the students are crazy. We learned about oceans and when a picture of ocean animals was shown, one student pointed to a whale and said, "That's an orca whale, sometimes it is more commonly known as a killer whale." OK, Mr. Smarty pants! This was the same boy who put on a dress during "choice time."

Today was Fantastic Friday and we started the day with drawing pictures of what we would do if we could do anything on a fantastic Friday. I saw lots of swimming pools. One kid said he would rather watch TV so he drew a TV. When I asked him what his favorite TV show is, he threw both fists towards his head, crinkled his nose, and in a crackly voice he said, "Oh brain, why don't you tell me these things... what is my favorite TV showww?" It was hilarious.

Helping Orphans

The sun-exposed village of Mwaraha sits below a patch of eucalyptus forest on the top of Bunasaba, a foothill of Mt. Elgon in Eastern Uganda. Only subsistence farmers live there. Domestic animals roam freely, matooke trees sway in the slight breeze, and men lounge in the hot afternoon sun. The only road to Mwaraha is a small trail on the ridge of the mountain, from which the view of farm patched countryside in the valley below is dotted with mud huts and glaring tin roofs. Nabutsale Agnes and her six grandchildren live in one of those mud huts. Looking from above, one sees the concrete outline of two coffins. In Uganda, these six children are considered orphans – one or both parents have died.

One hot afternoon in February 2008, I joined a small group of volunteers hiking to Nabutsale’s home to bring the children clothing. Nobody was home when we arrived. The hut had just two wooden chairs in the front room, a few clothes on the line, and a cow in the back yard. A couple chickens scurried off as we approached. The neighbors gathered around us. After our greetings, they stared at us, and we stared at them – a typical exchange for strangers who are mutually fascinated by each other, but have reached their limit of communication. Suddenly, a naked little boy came bouncing around the corner. He shook our hands and the neighbors laughed. Then he went to fetch Nabutsale from her field.

Nabutsale’s eyes lit up when she greeted us. She looked ancient and worn. Her florescent patterned dress was tattered from the fields and her hands were leathered. But she was gracious and grandmotherly. Her entire life revolved around rearing children in the face of poverty.

She was delighted at seeing clothing for her grandchildren. She embraced the awkward bundle close to her chest. She bounced her shoulders and whooped her voice in traditional song and dance, an unexpected energy from a woman that had only moments ago seemed so feeble.

Nabutsale left a strong impression on me. Her belongings were few and the children under her care were many. They had little access to medical care, clean water, and proper nutrition. They were susceptible to infectious diseases and likely victims of the disastrous impact HIV/AIDS leaves behind when it takes lives.

While in Uganda I saw things I had only read about in books. I saw how poverty a traps a family and halts its ability to thrive. I saw bellies burgeoning with schistosomiasis and small legs covered by welts from mosquito bites threatening malaria. I smelled babies who, after a night of high fever, vomiting, and convulsions, had been bathed with Imperial soap before coming to the health center. I saw adults with abdominal pain one day, then dead a few days later. I went to Uganda to teach in a primary school and manage a health center for the Arlington Academy of Hope. I left with a new perspective on humanity, global health, and the challenges facing the world I live in.

Malaria Education

Uganda has approximately 30 million people. In 2003, 12 million cases of malaria were reported in Uganda (globalhealthfacts.org). Malaria affects everyone and most families experience death of a loved one due to this treatable and preventable disease. The country is engaged in many efforts to reduce the disease and treat its victims. They still suffer from it tremendously.

While in Uganda, I saw many NGOs providing services to villages. Shortly after my arrival, I was invited by the local government chairman to watch a “health video” presented by Ox Fam. The entire village gathered in the school yard as Ox Fam vans rolled up. A team of young people got out with props and costumes. I quickly learned that “video” actually meant skits with dancing and singing in the local dialect. The theme that day was malaria. The crowd watched as actors showed them how to properly use mosquito nets and encouraged them to seek medical care when necessary. I was impressed by the way locals were involved in educating their neighbors and fellow tribe members.

Here is a video I took of the event:

Before I left, several friends told me, "Africa will change you." Yes it did. My trip to Uganda gave me a new direction. I am passionate about the work I did there and want to continue it in some way. This week I started working at USAID in the Bureau of Global Health on the President's Malaria Initiative. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to help the people of Uganda and other countries to reduce the impact of malaria and ultimately eradicate the disease.

Favorite African Music

I just thought about the night I went to the Entebbe Resort and ate fried fish and chips. The place felt like it was really swanky in its prime, but still held its respect even though it would now rank low on the scale of modern establishments. It seemed like it catered to sketchy behavior and likely hosted much of it over the years. Maybe the best way to describe it is by comparing it to Mr. Z's in Omaha, NB which is a restaraunt that everyone knows is run by the mafia. The gate to get in is thick steel white doors. The yard is huge and the tables are set up with great distances between them. This is all beach front and has the allure of some 80s beach bar. I had a celebrity sighting there. Bobby Wine - Uganda's foremost popstar. He had an entourage of about a dozen gorgeous women and a few men. I watched him get into his pimped out Escalade and drive off. He had vanity plates that said something typical of a hot shot singer, but I can't remember it now. Anyway, one of his songs was popular on the radio and often got stuck in my head. I found it today on YouTube! Enjoy:

Catching up

As most of my readers know, I'm actually back in the United States. I miss Uganda everyday and think about my memories of it often. I learned so much from my experience there and am ever grateful for the change it made it me. Now I'm ready to start chatting about my life again. I'll continue to share memories from Africa as well as share updates on my current events. Thanks for reading!

Learning to Read

AAH students work very hard to learn how to read. They love our new library and the opportunity to take books home. Meet Nongola Nimrod, a P4 student. He likes to read out loud. He often came to our house after school to see what we had for him to read. He took on everything from short stories to articles in old issues of The Economist. I'm not sure he really understood much of about the context of current events and world issues, but he does say the words correctly.

Uganda must sees - you don't want to miss them!

A visit to Uganda should include many great attractions. Let me show you what I mean.

Mohingo Lodge at Lake Mburo in Southwest Uganda

Perfect pool at Mohingo Lodge

Now this is Africa.Zebras are so wild.Mohingo dining room and reception.Home sweet home for a night.Elands, gazelles, water buck, etc. everywhere.Uganda's crested crane.

And of course, Pumbas.

Sipi Falls in Central UgandaFirst waterfall. Second Falls.
View from inside the cave.
Above the third falls.
Fourth falls.
Third falls.

Our banda -Katie, Ruth and I loved this place.
Our view.

The Equator

0.00 degrees latitude - I'm an official member of the International Equator Club.

And yes, it's really true that water goes clockwise north of the equator and counter-clockwise south of it. And right on the equator, water funnels right down the middle.

Mountain Gorillas! - Northwestern Uganda

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera (yes, I woke up quite bright that day). As soon as Scott shares his pics with me, I'll have some to share.

Murchison Falls - Western Uganda

Scroll down to see safari photos from Murchison.

Uganda Roadwork

Don't be deceived when you hear someone speak about roadwork in Uganda. Your first impression will entail hopes of large scale construction where groups of six men stand around while one fixes the sea of potholes known as roads. Tone it down a bit! In fact change the tone completely. Uganda's roads are a lost cause at this point and only CHOGM could motivate any improvements. But now that CHOGM passed (CHOGM is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which was held in Kampala in 2007 - even the Queen came), Uganda's roads are once again going to pot.

Anyway, when one says roadwork, forget the roads and think exercise. Yes, roadwork is synonymous with jogging or running.

Villagers in Uganda aren't too keen on exercise, and rightfully so, considering that most of their daily work is physically exerting. The only time people ever ran was when a car was coming (get off the road completely in that case), when preparing for circumcision, and when training for football (soccer).

I already stand out; there's absolutely nothing I can do about that. But imagine what a sight it is to see muzungu running. The first couple times Ruth and I went for a jog were in the late afternoon. Bad idea - everyone sits in front of their houses after work. We were quite the spectacle.

One time, we had a trail of about 12 children behind us. All the kids wanted to spend time with us, even if it meant running (usually in their bear feet). As soon as they spotted us, they joined in. Here is Ruth's telling of this experience:

"One evening Charlee and I collected a posse of at least eight kids. As we ran down the dusty road, kids just kept joining in from the sides, running down from the banana trees and out from their houses. They effortlessly kept pace with their bare feet, and looked up at us expectantly. “We go to play football?” one asked. “No,” I managed to pant, “just road work.” He shrugged and kept rolling along. The age range was probably six to twelve. It was all a big game to them. The sun set and it was getting darker and darker. The trees were a black outline against the sky. At one point Charlee started humming the Chariots of Fire theme music, and the kids picked up the tune. We cheered and clapped and did high-knees and made sure everyone got out of the road when a matatu roared by. On the downhill approach to the guest house, we decided to do a little sprint. I went for it, all out, as fast as I know how. A little something inside me wanted to beat the kids. Up came eight year old Joshua on my right. He had no shoes, he hadn’t broken a sweat, and his little legs were spinning like a cartoon character. He kept looking right up at me with a giant smile on his face. He didn’t beat me, because he wasn’t aware it was a race. He just stayed beside me and had a good time all the way home. At the entrance to the guest house we did a quick “Gooooooooooo running club!” and went inside to carbo-load. It definitely beat the hell out of a treadmill. "

OK, back to me:

Another time I went running in my short shorts. I never did that again. All the men in the village laughed at me and cracked jokes with each other as I passed by. I realized they probably thought I was running in my underwear! hahaha!

The solution we found was early morning roadwork - like at 6 AM when the sun started to rise. Fewer folks are out and the kids are headed to school. Initially, we definitely got the "what in the world" looks from the villagers. But they quickly grew accustomed to our morning roadwork and it wasn't a big deal any longer.

Now I'm home and I see people running everywhere. They're all geared up and normal looking. I even went for a jog yesterday, but people still stared! Before I left, I gave my running shoes to Jeniffer, our housekeeper. Without running shoes, I opted for my good old Chacos. I wore them EVERYWHERE (you should see the tan lines on my feet) while in Uganda, so I figure they should work fine for running here. I guess it is kinda strange to see folks running in sandals these days.

I'm Back!

Wow! What an experience! I am so proud of myself for making Uganda happen! Going was the most fulfilling, challenging, and revealing experience I've ever had. I learned so much and in just a few months gained more growth and development than I ever could have imagined. I have much much more to say and tell about my experience so please continue to check my postings over the next few weeks as I wrap up a few more stories.

I was so sad to leave, but it's good to be home and I have much to look forward to.

I still have the same phone number and email address so feel free to give me a buzz or drop me a note. I love talking about Uganda so I want to hear from everyone of you!

Thank you! thank you! thank you! to all who lended support, read my blog, kept in touch, donated money, encouraged me, helped to get me there, and did (and do) many other things for me. SO many people had a hand in my journey to Uganda. I can't begin to tell you all how grateful I am and wish for each of you to know that I appreciate your part in my life!

Now I'm off to my next adventure! What ever that might be...

Silly kids!

Often, children would come and play on with us on our doorstep after school while they were on their way to fetch water. These little guys are so funny!

Be sure to scroll down - I added a few posts today

SO SO sad!!

4-25-08

I can't believe it's already the end of April. Today is the last day of term 1 and my last day at the school. My heart is SO sad. I realized that after my first month of being here, I dove in head first. I forgot about myself and my life and focused entirely on gleaning as much out of and giving as much to Uganda as I possibly could. In doing so, I've experienced what seems like a year's worth of discovery, growth, and fulfillment in just a few months. I'm practically Ugandan these days! (Ha! Not really - I'm coming to realize that I don't know anything about this country yet.) I lived it as fully as I could - I'm even dreaming in Uganda - in doing so I developed friendships, bonds, and a love for this country that I never imagined would be so hard to leave.

I cried last week when I said goodbye to some friends at the health center for the last time. After that rush of emotion, I thought I got it over with and leaving the school wouldn't be so bad. I was flat out wrong. This morning as I made my final trek up the hill to the school, tears came - just before I reach the school there is a small gathering of homes where about a dozen little ones race to greet me every day. They often are snot-nosed and dirty, but I can't help shaking their hands, giving high fives, and picking one or two up in my arms. Today was my last time for this daily treat.

How can I leave? I just don't know how to do it and it breaks my heart. Seeing these faces and hearing, "Mzungu, how are you," from the distance has brought me more joy than I can explain.

I keep telling the students that I want to put all of them in my pocket and take them home. I offered to pack them in my suit case, but they said they might die if we did that. They're probably right! They are sad too. They call me Teacher Jolly. Mostly because it's hard to say Charlee and also because they think I'm happy. I received a note from one that opened with, "Dear Teacher Jolly (Charlee)". I love that! But today I heard over and over again, in combination with tight squeezes, "Teacher Jolly, don't go. Please, come back. Please don't forget me."

I sat with the p6 class on the grass for a long time. They are so smart. I asked them to ask me questions. An hour and a half later we had discussed everything from what the weather is like in US to Obama vs. Hillary.

The hardest part of the day was saying goodbye at the assembly. Of course, we were running on African standard time (about 2 hours later than scheduled). My driver was already waiting to take me to Kampala. And any sort of assembly/ceremony in this country is a huge ordeal usually consisting of 'brief' (i.e 20 minutes minimum) impromptu speeches or remarks from everyone in authority or even present. Finally, I insisted that I had to go. Little did I know, but the students prepared special songs and dances for me and the teachers and Thomas, our headteacher, had a plaque to give me. I was so emotional. Even the LC5 (top local councilman) gave remarks of gratitude to me for my service. Now, that, I admit, was kind of weird considering that I never really met him, but the formality was special. Finally I had a moment to address the school. I just started to cry. Dahh!!!! Crying isn't very common in Uganda so I had 600 kids not knowing what to do.

I was so sad. It's so hard to leave these friends who I have done so much for and who have done equally as much for me. I hope I can come back. One day, I will come back.

Yoga on a Rock

People who know me well know that I love to stretch. I take every chance I can to touch my toes, reach for the sky, or practice yoga. Africa offers amazing, calm places for such pleasantries. On a rock. Over a cliff. Facing a lake. Viewing savanna. At sunrise. Ohmmmmm.....