Thanks TSA

Thanks, TSA

The TSA has been falsely reviled.  Hours of waiting, they say.  Intrusive searches.  Profiling. Pat downs.

And yet, I just sailed through JFK with 10 other people in my group, all together, in about 20 minutes.

No one was profiled or patted.  No one detained or disrobed. 

Thank you TSA.

I had what I think was a brilliant idea of putting my shoes in my bag when I took out the computer. I stuck my belt in too, and only needed two bins.

I looked behind me—shoes in a bin, computer, wallet, keys. Four bins or more per person.  Amateurs.

I decided then and there that there are two kinds of people- people who use two bins or fewer, and those who use an excessive number of bins.                                                                                  

You can tell so much about a person by the number of bins they use.

If the lines are slow, I blame the multi bin people.

I think the TSA searches them more—they are the ones who are profiled.

And rightly so—anyone with such disregard for the line behind to shove five nearly empty bins through the scanner is probably a sociopath.

We Have Arrived!

We are safely tucked in at the Gorilla African Guest House but...our luggage is still in Ghana. We expect it to arrive tomorrow night and it will make us likely move around few days. The adventure has only begun!!

Hard to Believe....We're heading to Uganda!!

We are ready to board the plane to Uganda!! 8 amazing students & 3 very tired but excited chaperones!!

"Learning Service"

For the past few months, we have been preparing for our work in Uganda.  Last weekend, we sorted and packed the shoes and books we have collected.  All packed- we have over 500lbs of donations!  We also planned our lessons and practiced schoolyard games to play with the many children we will meet at our three partner schools.

Most importantly, we have explored the culture and issues found in the Kisoro region of Uganda.  The establishment of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (where Dr. Aa and I trekked gorillas last summer) was important for conservation, but resulted in many challenges for the local Batwa and Bantu people. Through readings, videos and interactive activities, we have only begun to understand the complexities life in Kisoro. Working on the ground with the Mgahinga Community Development Organisation (MDCO) will teach us so much more.

We have also explored the meaning of service learning....or in the words of Daniela Papi (who I met at a global educator training with Where There Be Dragons) "learning service". We wrestled with the questions of "Why go to Africa?" when we can do service in the US and "How do we not fall into the voluntourist trap?". Even checking out Savior Barbie's parody Instagram account helped us grapple with the responsibilities of being informed global citizens.

By partnering with local leaders like Grace Mugisha at Kyibumba Women's Center & School, Godfrey & Festo at MDCO as well as developing a relationship with Katarara Primary School, we will learn more than we can ever teach. We have studied, learned about the local community, checked our privilege and go forward with immense humility and gratitude!

Five days to go!!

Donations for Ugandan Schools

With just over a month until we leave for Uganda, we are collecting items to take the various school where we volunteer.  Here is a list with some specifics:

Women's & Children's Shoes: The Kyibumba Women's Center and Nursery School are always in need of new and gently used shoes.  All shoes types of shoes and sizes are welcome.

New or Used Laptop Computers: Katarara Primary School's computer program has really taken off since our first trip in 2014. Additional laptops will help the school support this program that has brought technology to the students and teachers.  If donating an older laptop, please remove personal files, but keep programs like Microsoft Office if possible.



Computer games (CDs) or Movies on DVD for Young Children

Children's Books:  the Mohler/Payne and Muro/Sailor middle school advisor groups are helping us with the collection of new and used children's books.  Inspired by the #1000BlackGirlBooks movement started by 11yr old Marley Dias, we are especially interested in collecting books that the Ugandan children can relate to such as ones with African or African American characters. Word books for younger children will help the Kyibumba Nursery School.

Learn More About #1000BlackGirlBooks

Video About Marley Dias' Book Drive- Shown at All School

Marley Dias on Ellen

Marley Dias on the Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore

Want to Purchase New Books with Diverse Characters?

Children's Africa Books

Children's Books with African American Characters

#1000BlackGirlBooks Suggested Books

Beatrice's Goat- the story of a Uganda girl and her goat from Heifer Project

Monetary Donations: We will gladly accept any donations to help us purchase other supplies needed for our service work.  Cash or checks (write "Uganda Donation" in the memo) can be given to any of the chaperones:  Jen O'Brien, Andy Aavatsmark or Jessica Payne or sent directly to the Business Office with a note the donation is for the Uganda Service Learning Trip.

Questions?  Contact Jen O'Brien

Uganda, here we come!!!

2016 Kick Off!!

With the sale of goods bought in Uganda on David Watkinson Day, we are kicking off the June 2016 service learning trip!!  In Uganda, we will continue to work with Katarara Primary School and the school and women's center run by Grace.  We will also work with the Mgahinga Community Development Organization at one of their school, mushroom farming and planting trees as part of their reforestation work.  With applications coming in November...and can't wait to see the service team that forms!