I Love America

It is Friday, July 10, and I am grateful to not have to go into school today. I don't teach classes on Friday at SSB, which is nice because it allows me to relax, catch up on errands and just hang out. Ryan, Kate and I have been socializing every afternoon and sometimes well into the evenings. I think that maybe I shouldn't so much, but I am only here for a short time and want to experience everything possible. As the philosopher Jon Bon Jovi said, "I'll sleep when I'm dead."

We played trivia last night at Bamboo again, and the team that I was on won!!! We rocked it, and I don't mean to gloat, but I was the one who correctly named the scotch that is named after a tea cutter-- Cutty Sark (thanks for drinking alcohol, Dad)-- and the emporer who allowed Christianity to occur (I even knew that one over two history teachers!!). We had the choice of receiving 4 t-shirts or 4 meals from Bamboo; we all wanted the t-shirts, but they did not have any more. We were so bummed. However, according to legend, they have amazing banana pancakes, so I think we will go get those one morning.

We are going to MEND today for a tour. MEND is an IC project that is similar to the bracelet campaign. IC has found young females who were abducted by the LRA and either forced to be a child soldier or a child bride; most have had children from this experience. IC has trained them to sew, and so now they make handbags that are then sold around the US. Some of you may remember the purses from when IC roadies came to Ridge View last September. We are going to see their operation, which I am super excited about.

If you teach in the US, consider yourself fortunate. I know that you are probably snickering right now as you read this, but it is so true. To teach in this country can so completely frustrating. I am sure that part of it is because I am coming from America where the supplies and opportunities are endless, but at the same time, these teachers and students are at SUCH a disadvantage. The curriculum is ridiculous, the infrastructure is pitiful, and the supplies-- well there aren't really any except for chalk. I am amazed that teachers can have any success here, but they make it work. I promise that I will never again not appreciate my computer, my printer, the copier, the dry erase board, Staples or Office Depot, etc. American teachers and students are so lucky despite whatever issues they have. Any American has access to resources to make his or her life better; if they choose not to use them, well, that is another story. In Uganda as I am sure it is in other African countries, those resources are either non-existent or extremely limited. For all of America's problems, we are lucky to live there.

Besides, in America we have full toilets with seats you can actually sit on. If nothing else, love America for that.