Songs, Dances, and Push-Ups

Our petrifilm test results proved (somewhat) to be valid. This morning we emptied out and cleaned the rainwater tanks. They were filthy. The water was dirty and brown. Yum. Who's up for a nice clean bath? Surprisingly, the water was still clear when you opened the tap...

Afterwards, John took us around for more household surveys. John, Monica, Beccca, and Helen visited some homes by the trading center. All the families there were renting their houses. John also took us to visit one of the former politicians in Ddegeya. This guy had previously stopped Tom, Monica, and Helen on the road to discuss America, tell us that he had traveled through 12 states, and ask if Monica and Helen were Tom's wives. Today, he went on to describe his grand plans to construct a giant personal well to catch surface run-off after we had asked him about water needs for the community. He subtly hinted that we should help him build this well. He introduced us to all of his sons, saying that it would be "good memories for them."

We then went to visit a grandmother, raising her grandson, and found that she made baskets as her source of income. Becca and Helen bought two sets of baskets, which probably provided her with enough money to get some firewood, water, and food for a while. In the middle of our chat with this woman, the politician reappears at her house to give us an offer to sell us up to 5 acres of land for the project at a "good price that I'm happy with." According to John, this is likely to be very expensive. This is not likely to happen. If it did, we probably would be evicting half of Ddegya from their homes.

We came back and had the usual lunch. We had scheduled a meeting with the local council at 3pm, which on African Standard Time is 4pm. The council members and John trickled in by 4pm. The meeting was very productive. We discussed our findings from our trip. The council agreed that the community would be involved with each stage of the project. They asked when we would need labor. We discussed the priority of different projects. Overall, it seems the council is fully onboard with working on the project; a great step in building a strong partnership with Ddegeya.

We decided to treat ourselves, having accomplished a lot so far and indulge in a concert. A concert produced and performed by the children of Ddegeya. It started out as a spontaneous play session and became a formal concert once they realized they had an audience. They were really into it with some great dance moves. Many of them were pretty good singers. They said they learned much of it in school. Becca and Helen decided they wanted to join the star cast after being spectators. The rest of the audience quickly dispersed soon after...

Becca and Helen started dancing with the kids. They have more rhythm than us. However, it quickly turned into a workout session as the kids led us through sets of jumping jacks, push-ups, and one-legged hops. From there it progressed into us playing Ugandan children games, with us having very little idea of what was going on. Unlike most American children's games, none of them were competitive and all had a song. We ran in circles, made bridges, sat-up and down, and tapped each other's heads. All with two babies under foot.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team was doing more civil things like cooking dinner. Peter, Monica, and Pauravi were making chappatis. Pauravi was practicing her chappati rolling skills. Even her grandmother would be proud. She later took up the task of passing on this impressive skill, directing Becca and Helen in the art of making perfect circular chappatis.

Becca and Helen left to ensure the trace of the nerds would be left behind. We realized we had way too many petrifilm tests while packing. Tom walked in and couldn't resist the temptation to continue scientific experiments. We left a few sets of petrifilm tests, whirlpacks, and Quick Swabs along with instructions on how to use them. Half-way through Helen's explanation on how to use stuff, Tom said, "Don't worry, I'll read these all in detail." Enjoy the thrilling late night reading Tom. Tom placed the material on the shelf and marked the space with his signature hat to ensure no one else would take them. We're not sure who would. Maybe, the curious and pestering chicken, Chester. We look forward to interesting rainy season data ( and lighter suitcases).