Had such an amazing time last night. A friend of mine, Justine, had invited me a couple of days ago to go take Latin dance lessons. I was debating it for days, thinking if these white boy hips would really fancy taking on Latin movement. I usually stick to the unstructured, hop around type of dancing, and have had no formal training in any styles. I decided why not give it a try. Am I ever glad that I did. It was to start at 6PM, and I showed up on the dot, to nearly hear the sound of crickets chirping....haha the place was empty, and the class consisted of the cutest 75 year old dance instructor (he used to compete Internationally in Latin dance competitions) and 3 other students. In the crowd of employees at this bowling alley (and for some reason there were plenty), I stuck out like a sore thumb, trying to get my hips to move to some cha cha. Before I knew it, more and more people piled in, and sure enough we had a group of 15-20 people all giving it their all. My inhibitions dropped, and I found myself liberated on the dance floor, sweating buckets, and letting out tons of laughs and smiles. Was partnered up with Prosy, a lady with quite a charm and nack for Latin dancing. She taught me all she knew and before we knew it, we were creating our own little spotlight, taking huge strides all around the dancefloor, bumping into other couples, over exaggerating the Latin flare, flipping of the head, over extension of the legs, stiff upright posture, I felt Latino. Aai Yaai Yaai!!! We learned the Cha Cha, the Waltz, the Jive and finished up with some Salsa. Before I knew it I was mixing styles, and acting like a goof, again, onlookers cracking up that a Mzungu was strutting his stuff.
Movement is a wonderment, and now that my hips have been initiated, they crave for next Wednesday to roll around, so I can let lose once again. It is taking these chances, stepping outside of what we normally conform to in our regular life activities, and embracing something new that really livens the soul. I love it!
8/28/08
8/27/08
Kampala: A wonderful Place to Live
Streets bursting at the seams, traffic creating a chaos of cars unbound by lanes, motorcycles and bikes swerving in and out between cars, filling any gaps and space that exist on the roads, cars spewing thick clouds of black smoke, police in their berets whistling loudly with arms waving hastily as if it is going to make things move any quicker, large hordes of Matouke (plantain) traveling on bikes and trucks, grassy nooks with ladies selling bags of groundnuts and the most random trinkets, Matatu (small buses) with the coach screaming locations loudly from the window, Maraboo storks awkwardly flying (looks like a mix between a giant vulture, a pelican and a flamingo) perching themselves on the most fragile branches, people dressed in the most professional business attire, zebra crossings (cross walks) with people dodging traffic like we’re part of the frogger game, security guards everywhere you look sporting a rifle, shotgun or AK47, lovely red dust everywhere, pot holes and speed bumps making any transport journey a case for minor whiplash… hahah. this is Kampala. A place I have truly come to love. A place where the chaos seems to bring me to a deeper state of peace, where with all the hustle, bustle and busyness, one can detach and observe. It is exciting, enthralling and forever a surprise around each corner. I wish I could better articulate and describe this place. This place of ultimate beauty and excitement.
On a completely random note, I may be going up to visit projects next week for a week or so. I will be traveling up to Nebbi and Arua (check out a map on google image). It’s my hope to become acquainted with the field officers, further understand the implementation side and where things can be improved/where new opportunities exist, get a deeper view of the beauty of the countryside and the hearts of the people, do an ad hoc assessment of the impact of tractor use on soil compaction, nutrient leaching, sub soil fungal networks, biodiversity, erosion, etc through interviews with non project farmers (currently the project wants to pilot tractor use to upscale production, but an environmental assessment has not been done and thus this is on hold. I really would like to know the impacts and be able to advise whether tractor use would be viable both economically and environmentally for the given context). Should be an exciting trip and will be really nice to get outside the city and see the Uganda I have been told so highly about.
Will keep you updated on things.
Love ya lots
On a completely random note, I may be going up to visit projects next week for a week or so. I will be traveling up to Nebbi and Arua (check out a map on google image). It’s my hope to become acquainted with the field officers, further understand the implementation side and where things can be improved/where new opportunities exist, get a deeper view of the beauty of the countryside and the hearts of the people, do an ad hoc assessment of the impact of tractor use on soil compaction, nutrient leaching, sub soil fungal networks, biodiversity, erosion, etc through interviews with non project farmers (currently the project wants to pilot tractor use to upscale production, but an environmental assessment has not been done and thus this is on hold. I really would like to know the impacts and be able to advise whether tractor use would be viable both economically and environmentally for the given context). Should be an exciting trip and will be really nice to get outside the city and see the Uganda I have been told so highly about.
Will keep you updated on things.
Love ya lots
8/26/08
African Leaders
Today was an interesting day at the office. Right before lunch a colleague (john) came in and talked to another colleague (Rohna), and somehow the issue of the government came up in discussion between the three of us.
John made a very convincing point. He said "the ongoing success of dictators maintaining power in Africa is to get people to sing Poverty." He was saying that governments preach about ending poverty, yet it is in their grander plan to keep poverty expanding, for the more you allow poverty to exist, the more people begin to become desensitized to it, and for people living in poverty to just accept poverty as a reality, something that can't be changed, something that people dont have rights to rise above out of. He followed much of the maltheusian theory of the hierarchy of needs, stating that while people are in poverty, all they can think about is their basic needs and can't begin to think about collectively demanding democracy, and trying to change the current system. He said leaders strategically keep poverty to maintain their dominance. He was also telling me of the opposition towards the leader. That if he stepped down from power, he would not be able to stay in the country as he would have a death warrant with most people and people would beat him in the streets, his family would denounce him, etc. It has always confused me about these scenarios, that if so many people dislike oppose a leader, and were being neglected by the system, why an undercurrent hasn't arisen. John was also talking about the fact that even if you don't believe in the leader, you must always support them and become part of the majority. If you don't you face the possibility of being picked up by secret men and never seen again. This was a shock to me. In my head I truly thought Uganda was much more liberal. Freedom of speech here is like walking on egg shells. Newspapers poke and jab at the government, but in a way that isn't too controversial and is just behind the lines of overstepping. They really fear being arrested and detained. I really had no idea things were this way. I guess arriving here at first, I saw things as very liberal, and there were political cartoons so I figured freedom of speech was a given right, but hearing John talk about needing to really watch what you say and where you say it really suprised me. He was telling me that since Uganda has taken on the British system of rule, whoever is in power is not accountable to anyone for anything, and cannot be called out on issues.
We also got talking about how divided Uganda is from region to region and between tribes. He was saying that the number one issue of not having a national identity among the tribes is the lack of a universal language. Yes English is present, from the ties of colonialism, but tribal dialects and languages are still the majority of languages used outside of kampala.
In my head all of this is a blur. My thoughts on universalism and citizenship to mankind, all being one are by no means an accepted notion here. what is good is that things are ripe to spread this message, and spread it I shall!!! :)
Anyways just wanted to share what I have gleaned on the political system here so far. I know this is just a surface glance at the system, but it is what I have hear thus far. Will try and get more info and learn more about it through discussions with people.
Will relay more info soon.
Lubs ya
John made a very convincing point. He said "the ongoing success of dictators maintaining power in Africa is to get people to sing Poverty." He was saying that governments preach about ending poverty, yet it is in their grander plan to keep poverty expanding, for the more you allow poverty to exist, the more people begin to become desensitized to it, and for people living in poverty to just accept poverty as a reality, something that can't be changed, something that people dont have rights to rise above out of. He followed much of the maltheusian theory of the hierarchy of needs, stating that while people are in poverty, all they can think about is their basic needs and can't begin to think about collectively demanding democracy, and trying to change the current system. He said leaders strategically keep poverty to maintain their dominance. He was also telling me of the opposition towards the leader. That if he stepped down from power, he would not be able to stay in the country as he would have a death warrant with most people and people would beat him in the streets, his family would denounce him, etc. It has always confused me about these scenarios, that if so many people dislike oppose a leader, and were being neglected by the system, why an undercurrent hasn't arisen. John was also talking about the fact that even if you don't believe in the leader, you must always support them and become part of the majority. If you don't you face the possibility of being picked up by secret men and never seen again. This was a shock to me. In my head I truly thought Uganda was much more liberal. Freedom of speech here is like walking on egg shells. Newspapers poke and jab at the government, but in a way that isn't too controversial and is just behind the lines of overstepping. They really fear being arrested and detained. I really had no idea things were this way. I guess arriving here at first, I saw things as very liberal, and there were political cartoons so I figured freedom of speech was a given right, but hearing John talk about needing to really watch what you say and where you say it really suprised me. He was telling me that since Uganda has taken on the British system of rule, whoever is in power is not accountable to anyone for anything, and cannot be called out on issues.
We also got talking about how divided Uganda is from region to region and between tribes. He was saying that the number one issue of not having a national identity among the tribes is the lack of a universal language. Yes English is present, from the ties of colonialism, but tribal dialects and languages are still the majority of languages used outside of kampala.
In my head all of this is a blur. My thoughts on universalism and citizenship to mankind, all being one are by no means an accepted notion here. what is good is that things are ripe to spread this message, and spread it I shall!!! :)
Anyways just wanted to share what I have gleaned on the political system here so far. I know this is just a surface glance at the system, but it is what I have hear thus far. Will try and get more info and learn more about it through discussions with people.
Will relay more info soon.
Lubs ya
8/22/08
Be open to the Universe
I can't even describe the emotions I feel today in what has unraveled. A lot of the time I try to remain open and in tune with what the universe can bring. Open to the positive things that arrive in life, the negative things, the challenges, and the moments for personal growth to evolve. I went for a long walk today, deep breathing along the way, keeping my eyes open for people who gave off a certain energy that I was drawn to and really trying to open up and connect with these people as I walked. Met a lady randomly walking in my direction and got her to teach me some Luganda. Exchanged some laughs, smiles and a shared joy for living in Kampala. Continued on my way and asked a lady (Connie) with her child (Miracle) "wasuze otya" (literally how was your sleep, as a greeting to ask in the morning). She didn't understand me as she had just recently moved to Kampala from Tororo (an eastern city in Uganda). She had told me about her life and moving here, some of the frustrations of leaving her husband and how people in her neighbourhood won't mind their business. I guess in many cases with society being so communal here, it is very common for people to constantly be in others business. She told me it has been a dream of hers to move to Canada, where one can live alone and not be judged, and can just live out their life in peace and happiness. she told me of her joy of trying to build a new life and striving to find happiness in the struggles she is facing. Connies heart was wide open, and the connection I felt with her, I have not experienced anywhere else here. It was as if I was talking to my own mother. There was an extreme level of comfort, trust, openess and beauty in the way we were talking and exchanging energy and her eyes remained in contact with me the whole time (a rare thing to find here. Eye contact is much less directive here). I got introduced to her daughter Miracle, and through interacting with her, really noticed she was not doing well and was extremely sick. I asked Connie if she was sick, and she informed me that she believed that Miracle had Malaria, and had a high fever for days and has been very out of it, staring into space. She was telling me of the burden this has placed on her, as she truly thought it was malaria, and had no means of paying for treatment or doctors visit. The look in Connie's eyes was of true fright, a look of sorrow at the thought that it may be a reality that she loses her daughter. I suggested we walk to a clinic together and get things checked out, offering to pay for things if it would help her. We went to the clinic and it did turn out that she was positive for Malaria. The doctor informed me of the severity of the situation. My heart purged all these emotions that this serendipitous moment arrived out of nowhere, where I truly could make an impact in the lives of a small family that really desperately needed help. We got Miracle the treatment and prescriptions she needed and got a bed net to prevent further problems down the road. Hugging is very much a cultural taboo in public in Uganda, and almost never between man and woman. We left the clinic and Connie broke out into tears and gave me the biggest hug I have ever gotten. It was a moment of blessing, a moment where the universe brought two souls together where a real positive, immediate impact could be made on the gift of life. This is a moment I will never forget. A moment I will cherish for life, and a time where it really hit home that the smallest action can have the biggest impact imaginable.
We parted paths shortly after and our gaze continued to connect as the distance between us extended. Her smile, and the open expression of her heart will always stay with me.
Words really can't describe what today's gift means to me.. :)
We parted paths shortly after and our gaze continued to connect as the distance between us extended. Her smile, and the open expression of her heart will always stay with me.
Words really can't describe what today's gift means to me.. :)
8/20/08
Football Frenzy
Today was by far the most fun I have had so far in Kampala. It was a blessing.. After work I got home and wanted to go out for a walk and check out the neighbourhood some more. Right next to our house, where there is usually a security guard training camp, I noticed a big group of kids playing football (soccer), around 8 of them.. These kids were so full of spirit, so in love with the game, so interested that a Mzungu knew how to play. I had the absolute time of my life. I can't remember all their names, but Heillery, Peter, Samuel, Amwani, Assan, and Ian were soo soo cute. I have found my after work activity. They said they play everyday from 4-sunset, so if I can make it, I will be there everyday. I was looking for a chance to get to know some neighbors better, and the doors have fully opened. Onlookers and parents laughing their heads off at my weak football skills, kids lifting their arms above their head screaming "OHHH Mzungu" when I would miss the ball, or get the ball stolen. hahaha The passion, innocence and playfullness in a childs eyes, with the curiousity, freedom from bias or judgement and the love of just playing and having fun, makes connecting with children an ultimate bliss. I forgot all else. Forgot about the problems in the world, forgot about everything else in life but that exact moment. I was in the now, was full-heartedly connected with the children, and in that I found a level of happiness I have not yet experienced here. I have found my engagement. One of the fathers Tony Braxtons was heavily interested in making a Canadian friend. When I told him I was Canadian, his eyes lit up like wildfire. I am really hoping to form a close relationship with Tony and these kids. See a side of life and Kampala I have never seen before..... a side I want to see much much more of!!!
:)
8/18/08
Droplets Daze
When it rains here, it literally pours buckets. It is the most soothing sound of heavy, Forest Gump style raindrops pounding away at metal sheeted roofs. It is rhythmic and melodic in form; natures’ wondrous symphony and percussion playing for all the onlookers that seek to escape its wetness. This is no light rain, this is torrential, monsoon style rain and just when you thought it couldn’t get any heavier, it seems to pick up in intensity, banging even louder as it hit’s the roof. I have heard that the rain dictates life here. That if it is raining, all activity for the day is an instant right off. Meetings get cancelled, arrangements for lunch literally call for a rain cheque. In Kampala, this phenomenon is year round, unpredictable and oh so exciting. I love it when it rains. The change in pressure, temperature and mood all leads one to the wondrous craving of curling up under a blanket on the couch with a good book or a movie. I love to sit and close my eyes and just listen; listen to the quiet voice of plants letting out a tiny sigh of relief that they can be replenished and grow further to the skies. There is nothing more soothing, comforting and relaxing then the sound of rain. Even the smell of a rainy day is relaxing.
So on this rainy day, I hope your spirits are soothed too, and that you find time to take in the relaxing feelings that accompany natures beautiful gift.
So on this rainy day, I hope your spirits are soothed too, and that you find time to take in the relaxing feelings that accompany natures beautiful gift.
8/17/08
Inevitable Horizon
Thoughts of the highest contemplation, emotions flowing with mountainous sensation,
Democratic intention, falling to the wayside at the onset of wars mention.
Bullets flying past baby’s bottles,
the jarheads’ adrenaline junkie fix at full throttle,
and all for resource gain,
for expanding the hegemonic geopolitical plane?
It’s a measureless shame,
and it’s all of humanity to blame.
Human rights violations at an all time peak,
so many silenced by force, with no voice to speak.
Liberties taken away with oppression as the beasts force,
a timeline of humanities history shows consistent remorse.
Each voice must be heard, for this world belongs to all,
Governments ears need to open, leaders listening to humanities call.
The golden age is nearing its long awaited appearance,
but in your own heart you must usher in its’ clearance.
Must embrace the loving nature that humanity has always intended to live,
must open the gates to your heart and soul and continuously strive to give.
Give in any way possible, for the nature of giving multiplies,
paying it forward lifts the veil of illusion from our own eyes.
We are on a path that needs positive reinforcement,
one that embraces unified cooperative endorsement.
One that places idealism at the forefront of visionary progression,
one that acts on realism, leading to widespread positive succession.
Each positive action forming the foundation for the golden age,
Beauty growing out of scars, universal love taking center stage.
Keep hope at the forefront of your outlook and intention,
And a world of peace and prosperity will gain its’ retention.
The stepping stones are being laid, the path is clearly paved,
The seeds of change have sprout, an action many have craved.
A new dawn is arising, the horizon of possibility is breaking,
Share of your heart, and take part in the World Peace staking.
Go now in peace and find yourself in a world positively evolving,
Spin your world of hope with others, and the reaction will continue revolving.
Love you all lots!!
Democratic intention, falling to the wayside at the onset of wars mention.
Bullets flying past baby’s bottles,
the jarheads’ adrenaline junkie fix at full throttle,
and all for resource gain,
for expanding the hegemonic geopolitical plane?
It’s a measureless shame,
and it’s all of humanity to blame.
Human rights violations at an all time peak,
so many silenced by force, with no voice to speak.
Liberties taken away with oppression as the beasts force,
a timeline of humanities history shows consistent remorse.
Each voice must be heard, for this world belongs to all,
Governments ears need to open, leaders listening to humanities call.
The golden age is nearing its long awaited appearance,
but in your own heart you must usher in its’ clearance.
Must embrace the loving nature that humanity has always intended to live,
must open the gates to your heart and soul and continuously strive to give.
Give in any way possible, for the nature of giving multiplies,
paying it forward lifts the veil of illusion from our own eyes.
We are on a path that needs positive reinforcement,
one that embraces unified cooperative endorsement.
One that places idealism at the forefront of visionary progression,
one that acts on realism, leading to widespread positive succession.
Each positive action forming the foundation for the golden age,
Beauty growing out of scars, universal love taking center stage.
Keep hope at the forefront of your outlook and intention,
And a world of peace and prosperity will gain its’ retention.
The stepping stones are being laid, the path is clearly paved,
The seeds of change have sprout, an action many have craved.
A new dawn is arising, the horizon of possibility is breaking,
Share of your heart, and take part in the World Peace staking.
Go now in peace and find yourself in a world positively evolving,
Spin your world of hope with others, and the reaction will continue revolving.
Love you all lots!!
8/15/08
Passion fruit
Had a rather funny conversation with my roomie Aafke about passion fruit. As we sat there spoons digging into seeds that seemed to be covered with sugary phlegm, we decided upon passion fruit being the oyster of fruit. Hard exterior shell, gucky inside that resembles what my brother and I call lung butter; thick, stringy mucus. While this isn’t the most pleasant topic to write on, I do believe it deserves attention. The passion fruit, small and unnoticed, I believe to be a much underappreciated member of the fruit family. If oysters are to be praised for their deliciousness (all else about them is somewhat disgusting), then I think passion fruit should also gain a prestigous position on the podium of fruit. :)
Completely random, this I know, haha, but I promised Aafke I would make a posting about this.
Promise to write something more profound soon. ;)
Love ya
Completely random, this I know, haha, but I promised Aafke I would make a posting about this.
Promise to write something more profound soon. ;)
Love ya
8/13/08
The Goldfish and Me
Living like a goldfish in a fishbowl with no rocks, caves or fake plants to hide among, I feel like I’m continuously being observed. It’s as if there is one giant neighbourhood watch program underway and I have been scribed as the main suspect. I know this is a sheer reality of living abroad, being a Mzungu minority, but at the same time it can feel extremely uncomfortable from time to time. I was just thinking today while walking, that I felt like some strange animal on display at a Zoo. Walking the streets, eyes continuously staring in curiosity, children screaming “Muzungu Muzungu” (white white), being asked why my skin is this colour, so ugly, why is it not brown like everyone else. While it is for the most part playful in nature, I now feel through these experiences, that I now wholeheartedly understand the inner emotional crippling that racial discrimination causes.
I passed one young man, and said hi to him and smiled, asking how his day was going. He stared at me with the most hostile eyes, burning me deeply to the core. A look of hatred, a look of disgust at my presence in his space. We maintained contact for a good 15 seconds and his face and energy has found itself engraved in my mind. It is a frustration when you want to just be yourself and be open and expressive and you meet a wall of assumptive preconceptions from others. It may be he was just having a bad day and my friendliness was an annoyance, or it could have been a deeper racial stereotype of me just being another white visitor to his native land, a link to a colonial past that still has scars in the minds of a painful history. It is these kinds questions that float through the mind of a visitor to a distant land. I am however, noticing that this sort of contemplation is pointless and serves me no purpose but to further cloud an already confused mind. Haha However, they are thoughts that are hard to avoid, in a time when one is trying to find their place, their position, their sort of niche in a new land.
I wonder if it will ever be possible for this fish to jump outside of the bowl!!! Only time will tell..
I passed one young man, and said hi to him and smiled, asking how his day was going. He stared at me with the most hostile eyes, burning me deeply to the core. A look of hatred, a look of disgust at my presence in his space. We maintained contact for a good 15 seconds and his face and energy has found itself engraved in my mind. It is a frustration when you want to just be yourself and be open and expressive and you meet a wall of assumptive preconceptions from others. It may be he was just having a bad day and my friendliness was an annoyance, or it could have been a deeper racial stereotype of me just being another white visitor to his native land, a link to a colonial past that still has scars in the minds of a painful history. It is these kinds questions that float through the mind of a visitor to a distant land. I am however, noticing that this sort of contemplation is pointless and serves me no purpose but to further cloud an already confused mind. Haha However, they are thoughts that are hard to avoid, in a time when one is trying to find their place, their position, their sort of niche in a new land.
I wonder if it will ever be possible for this fish to jump outside of the bowl!!! Only time will tell..
8/12/08
The Beauty of Life
My heart feels like an open canvas, letting the random strokes and colours of life paint the canvas as it progresses, each day revealing a little bit more vibrancy and detail to the larger picture of life. Each stroke coming with a different purpose, some much deeper and darker, representing the subtle hardships that we go through on a day to day basis, and other lighter strokes, rich in wholesome colour signifying the onset of a lesson learned or a passionate truth discovered, or the depth of having an engaging, somewhat enlightening conversation with a fellow human being. This canvas is endless, continuously evolving, and forever becoming more and more beautiful as we sail ourselves down the river of life.
A river greatly represents oneself, and ones path here on Earth. A river is formless, moving in one general direction, but able to branch off into streams and tributaries, each lending itself to new directions, new possibilities, unbounded and undiscovered territory where ANYTHING is possible. This shapeless, formless, open-directional reality is what makes living so amazing. It’s what makes this very moment in time so special. I am now discovering that when we place a dam on our life, a point in the river where we harbour future directions from freely developing, we find ourselves in a state of stillness, of motionless life, where the amazement of the world becomes ordinary, where excitement turns to drab, where ones ability to look outside oneself becomes crippled. I am excited to break free of my subconscious dams that have kept me in a state of clingy comfort, and to go boundless into the open, hoping that my river leads me to the vast depths of the limitless ocean of life and the universe beyond.
As I sit here, sniffling away my flu, chugging back copious amounts of cough syrup, bails of Kleenex stretching the landscape of my room, I pause in great thanks for the world around us. The intricacy of life is mind boggling. Take a moment to look inside yourself, look around the room where you currently are, peer outside a window, take a long heartfelt gander at the world in your presence. Think just how intricate, detailed and in clockwork everything is. It is a constant wonder how any of this is possible. How humanity has come so far in innovation that I can sit here in Africa with my thoughts, and relate them to the rest of the world with a click of a button. It is an ever fascinating time to be alive and an extremely significant time to take what we have been given and truly shape ourselves and the world around us into the most caring, collaborative, humble place we can create.
Random Thought!!!!
I was thinking that what we truly believe is the world that is shaped in reality. It has been said by Darwin that the survival of the fittest is the reality of nature and is inherent in all aspects of life. This universally shared notion of reality maintains us being pegged against one another, lacking a sense of cooperative sharing on a universal scale. Humanity is constantly plagued by unending self interest, by a burning desire to benefit oneself over the needs of all those around us. Is this inherent, or has this become reality because of a universally share notion that we have all come to accept? What would the world be like if we all stepped back and gave collaboration, cooperation and sharing a chance. A place where we consistently step outside ourselves and into the lives and needs of others. People may say, “then my own needs wont be met”. But if we were all reaching out to one another, other peoples kind efforts would be meeting our relative needs. It is also important for us to define need in this case. Do we really need all the false illusions that championed marketing campaigns tell us we need to live life? How often do you see people slaving away to make a top notch income, so that they can go buy things that they don’t need in the first place. Does it bring happiness, fulfilment, a greater sense of meaning? We are all part of this vicious cycle, and it is deeply engrained in our minds. No doubt the world would become a brighter place if we rebuilt communities in our midst, placed focus on sharing with one another rather then the fear that has been fabricated to separate us apart. People may say this is extreme idealism, but what is a future without having a positive vision of what we want to become as citizens of this Earth.
May we all begin to wake up,
May we all begin to cooperate,
May we all see the shared benefit of one another,
May we all see that this planet is for ALL, not a select few,
May we all just be…
Sorry for the randomness. Peace and lots of Love
A river greatly represents oneself, and ones path here on Earth. A river is formless, moving in one general direction, but able to branch off into streams and tributaries, each lending itself to new directions, new possibilities, unbounded and undiscovered territory where ANYTHING is possible. This shapeless, formless, open-directional reality is what makes living so amazing. It’s what makes this very moment in time so special. I am now discovering that when we place a dam on our life, a point in the river where we harbour future directions from freely developing, we find ourselves in a state of stillness, of motionless life, where the amazement of the world becomes ordinary, where excitement turns to drab, where ones ability to look outside oneself becomes crippled. I am excited to break free of my subconscious dams that have kept me in a state of clingy comfort, and to go boundless into the open, hoping that my river leads me to the vast depths of the limitless ocean of life and the universe beyond.
As I sit here, sniffling away my flu, chugging back copious amounts of cough syrup, bails of Kleenex stretching the landscape of my room, I pause in great thanks for the world around us. The intricacy of life is mind boggling. Take a moment to look inside yourself, look around the room where you currently are, peer outside a window, take a long heartfelt gander at the world in your presence. Think just how intricate, detailed and in clockwork everything is. It is a constant wonder how any of this is possible. How humanity has come so far in innovation that I can sit here in Africa with my thoughts, and relate them to the rest of the world with a click of a button. It is an ever fascinating time to be alive and an extremely significant time to take what we have been given and truly shape ourselves and the world around us into the most caring, collaborative, humble place we can create.
Random Thought!!!!
I was thinking that what we truly believe is the world that is shaped in reality. It has been said by Darwin that the survival of the fittest is the reality of nature and is inherent in all aspects of life. This universally shared notion of reality maintains us being pegged against one another, lacking a sense of cooperative sharing on a universal scale. Humanity is constantly plagued by unending self interest, by a burning desire to benefit oneself over the needs of all those around us. Is this inherent, or has this become reality because of a universally share notion that we have all come to accept? What would the world be like if we all stepped back and gave collaboration, cooperation and sharing a chance. A place where we consistently step outside ourselves and into the lives and needs of others. People may say, “then my own needs wont be met”. But if we were all reaching out to one another, other peoples kind efforts would be meeting our relative needs. It is also important for us to define need in this case. Do we really need all the false illusions that championed marketing campaigns tell us we need to live life? How often do you see people slaving away to make a top notch income, so that they can go buy things that they don’t need in the first place. Does it bring happiness, fulfilment, a greater sense of meaning? We are all part of this vicious cycle, and it is deeply engrained in our minds. No doubt the world would become a brighter place if we rebuilt communities in our midst, placed focus on sharing with one another rather then the fear that has been fabricated to separate us apart. People may say this is extreme idealism, but what is a future without having a positive vision of what we want to become as citizens of this Earth.
May we all begin to wake up,
May we all begin to cooperate,
May we all see the shared benefit of one another,
May we all see that this planet is for ALL, not a select few,
May we all just be…
Sorry for the randomness. Peace and lots of Love
The excitement of Travel
Traveling is one of the most enriching, eye opening, educational experiences you will encounter, far beyond the reach of any text book, any descriptive novel, any told story. When the mind and body step out of the realm of comfort experienced through living in our own culture, or own social niche, or own enclosed bubble that we call home, we become absorptive like a sponge, become as receptive as an eye to light in the darkness,open to possibility, to random synchronicity, to inner growth and change. An unseen world opens and although we experience "culture shock" as we adapt to the new environmental stimuli, we find ourselves in a place where we can begin to share in differing global realities, further discovering the ultimate truth.
Having the opportunity to live in a developing country again, has reawakened a part of myself that has been shoved deep down within myself, veiled in the falseness of the cushy lives we take for granted in the developed world. Emphasis is placed more on the collective, helping one another, diving into each other lives on a deeper level, much more so then the mainstream individualistic focus of life back home. While this individualistic model may spread with the increasing scope of capitalism and materialism that is taking the globe by storm, for now it is a blessing to be living in a more collaborative society. A society where even greetings take minutes as each party asks the other about the health of their families and things going on in their lives. It is not my intention to seem like I am bashing Canadian or North American "culture", for I do love living in Canada. I do, however wish we could be living in a model, much like that of Uganda..
Enough of that stuff. :) I went to the Baha'i temple the other day.. All I can say is WOW.. The temple was extremely beautiful, not to the size or magnitude of the Lotus temple in India, but so so beautiful with an amazing energy. Kampala is a very loud, busy city, so to get away to a place of peace and quiet and to sit in a temple (no one else around) and pray and meditate, was just what I needed. While praying in the temple, I could almost hear my thoughts echo off of the walls, reverberating peaceful intentions and vibes into the cosmos. if not for the distance, and the terrible road to the temple, I could see myself visiting everyday. Walking the gardens, and getting the opportunity to meet some of the local Baha'i's was just what I needed to feel even further connected to Uganda. Hearing stories of whole villages discovering the faith and coming in the hundreds to convert to this beautiful, inclusive faith brought a smile to my heart.
It consistently amazes me with the constant hardships many Ugandans have gone through in the recent past, how resilient Ugandans are as a people and how inspired they are at creating and maintaining a peaceful society for now and the generations to come... I remember walking past a church on my way to catching a boda to the temple and hearing the passion, enthusiasm and sheer energy coming out of the voices of the parish almost brought me to tears. The energy was something I had never felt before. Again it goes to that true sense of collaboration and cooperation here among people.
I have the flu now and have been bed-ridden for 2 days now. It is quickly making its' way through Kampala and many people are falling Ill. Once I recover I will have more stories to tell as the richness of experiences continue to unfold.
I have to make a 30 minutes presentation next week on incorporating environmental issues into NGO programming and the modalities of doing such. It is going to be a very senior level partnership meeting with CCA, UCA, Swedish Cooperative Centre and a Norwegian organization.Little nervous, but hoping I can pull it off. Wish me luck!!! ;)
Love you all
Having the opportunity to live in a developing country again, has reawakened a part of myself that has been shoved deep down within myself, veiled in the falseness of the cushy lives we take for granted in the developed world. Emphasis is placed more on the collective, helping one another, diving into each other lives on a deeper level, much more so then the mainstream individualistic focus of life back home. While this individualistic model may spread with the increasing scope of capitalism and materialism that is taking the globe by storm, for now it is a blessing to be living in a more collaborative society. A society where even greetings take minutes as each party asks the other about the health of their families and things going on in their lives. It is not my intention to seem like I am bashing Canadian or North American "culture", for I do love living in Canada. I do, however wish we could be living in a model, much like that of Uganda..
Enough of that stuff. :) I went to the Baha'i temple the other day.. All I can say is WOW.. The temple was extremely beautiful, not to the size or magnitude of the Lotus temple in India, but so so beautiful with an amazing energy. Kampala is a very loud, busy city, so to get away to a place of peace and quiet and to sit in a temple (no one else around) and pray and meditate, was just what I needed. While praying in the temple, I could almost hear my thoughts echo off of the walls, reverberating peaceful intentions and vibes into the cosmos. if not for the distance, and the terrible road to the temple, I could see myself visiting everyday. Walking the gardens, and getting the opportunity to meet some of the local Baha'i's was just what I needed to feel even further connected to Uganda. Hearing stories of whole villages discovering the faith and coming in the hundreds to convert to this beautiful, inclusive faith brought a smile to my heart.
It consistently amazes me with the constant hardships many Ugandans have gone through in the recent past, how resilient Ugandans are as a people and how inspired they are at creating and maintaining a peaceful society for now and the generations to come... I remember walking past a church on my way to catching a boda to the temple and hearing the passion, enthusiasm and sheer energy coming out of the voices of the parish almost brought me to tears. The energy was something I had never felt before. Again it goes to that true sense of collaboration and cooperation here among people.
I have the flu now and have been bed-ridden for 2 days now. It is quickly making its' way through Kampala and many people are falling Ill. Once I recover I will have more stories to tell as the richness of experiences continue to unfold.
I have to make a 30 minutes presentation next week on incorporating environmental issues into NGO programming and the modalities of doing such. It is going to be a very senior level partnership meeting with CCA, UCA, Swedish Cooperative Centre and a Norwegian organization.Little nervous, but hoping I can pull it off. Wish me luck!!! ;)
Love you all
8/7/08
digging in the red clay
Highlight of the day was definately when I finished work, I stopped by a makeshift outdoor garden store (guess you could call it that. Row after row of various tropical plants growing in old milk or garbage bags).. The young guy working there was exceptionally nice and showed me through all the plants, both of us smiling as we noticed we had a great shared passion for horticulture. I found the African Violets (my favourite plant to date) and my heart melted. I have been a long time propogator of these back home, and to find them here, brought a little piece of home back to my heart. I bought the african violet, bought an avocado seedling to plant in our front yard, and bought some tiny soil baggies to germinate my Chocolate Habanero pepper seeds in. The soil here can be extremely fertile, but also very hard and full of clay, which gives it that lovely deep reddish brown colour that spreads most of the continent. I spent a good 2 hours, sweating profusely, doing backbreaking digging in the clay to soften and break it up to make room for my eventual habanero plants.. It reconnected me to a passion I was missing since arriving. I absolutely love the fact that the weather here is pretty much perfect all year round and can support plant growth sustainably, meaning I can be a constant gardner and not have to pack everything in for winter like back home (so exciting for me. hahaha)
My friend Laura Macchione arrived from Canada yesterday, and is currently on her way over for dinner. will be nice to reconnect with old friends and share the experiences of adjustment here.. I still can't believe she is here, nor can I believe Kevin O'neill is soon to be on his way either (another friend from Humber). have a little piece of IPMP here!!!
Tis it for now!!! just really glad to be working with plants again, so thought I would share..
My friend Laura Macchione arrived from Canada yesterday, and is currently on her way over for dinner. will be nice to reconnect with old friends and share the experiences of adjustment here.. I still can't believe she is here, nor can I believe Kevin O'neill is soon to be on his way either (another friend from Humber). have a little piece of IPMP here!!!
Tis it for now!!! just really glad to be working with plants again, so thought I would share..
8/6/08
Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped
Another serendipitous day… I spent the morning moving into my house and getting things set up, rested for a bit and then early afternoon went in to the Garden city (mzungu mall). Took out some cash to pay for rent and then went up to the internet café. I was sharing equal frustrations with a girl (Leslie, a professor at the University of Northern Texas) next to me (internet is light years behind north American dial up here). We got to talking, and it turns out she was here doing research on something called bark cloth, a fabric made from tree fibres that is being used in local handicrafts. We exchanged stories of being here thus far, and passed each other numbers. She took off and soon after called and asked if I wanted to come with her to the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped. What an incredible place!!! I have never felt anything close to what I felt inside myself today. The children at the school were so full of joy, living life in such an empowering environment. The staff were absolutely incredible. They have started an income generating project to raise funds for the school, and the students who can not afford to pay for school fees. To get this going they have developed a very efficient and effective vocational training program, where beads are made from clay, shaped and glazed by some of the older students living there, and created into such beautiful necklaces and bracelets. The quality and uniqueness of the crafts are something I have not seen in the markets here. On top of this they also make leather products, purses made out of this bark cloth that Leslie is researching, and they die and tailor shirts as well. I was amazed to see the wonderful atmosphere in the vocational room. I participated in the bead making with the children for about 2 hours. They put so much effort and enthusiasm into teaching me each step of the process, from grinding the clay rock, to adding the water, to shaping it to the perfect size, to poking the holes, kilning them, glazing and eventually stringing them. We shared many laughs, heard many stories of peoples families and what struggles they have had living with disabilities. It was a very eye opening experience. After being there for a while, I noticed they started to make signs and decorate the school and many kids were gathering and getting ready to do a performance. It turns out Shaggy (the reggae artist) was coming to visit the school 30 minutes later. The kids performed such a beautiful dance routine for shaggy and the crowd of onlookers (some moving with such passion in their wheelchairs. Huge smiles from cheek to cheek) you could see how happy they were to be just living and expressing themselves. Words can’t describe how beautiful it was and how much of an impact it has left on my heart. I Haven’t been brought to the point of crying of joy in a long time. It was crazy, how off one conversation with a random person, all these doors opened and my eyes have opened up to such an inspirational place where real change is being made in the lives of so many who are usually forgotten or stigmatized in society. I discussed volunteering at the school and Joy (the head lady) was very pleased to have another volunteer aboard. They are in dire need of more volunteers to work with the physical therapist program or the occupation therapist program. I also found out they have a games coordinator as well as someone who teaches the children how to garden (I was so pleased to hear this, as I would absolutely love to do this.) Leslie really became a close friend so quickly and it feels like a huge blessing to have met her.. I believe we are meeting for lunch next week and will be off to the school next Wednesday, if I can get time off work. I am hoping to be able to make an arrangement to leave work on Wednesdays at 1, so I can make it to the school from 2-5. We will see if this can work out. I would love to be able to return to this school weekly.. I am having a shirt tailored by them (Nehru collar style) with a beautiful hand died fabric they have made…
I am hoping to become close with Leslie, as she truly has left the biggest impact on my heart I could have ever wished for. She leaves august 23 to return home to her husband and life in Houston. L It has been incredible so far, and people here truly understand the concept of networking and just being open to helping one another get accustomed and settled and embracing the experience fully.
A little side note, shaggy came up to me while making beads and talked to me, shook my hand and said “Blessings” in his strong Jamaican accent. Lots of cameras and video crew around.. Haha would be hilarious if I end up in the Kampala paper.. If anyone ends up traveling to Kampala, visiting this school for a couple of hours and getting to know the children is an ABSOLUTE must!!
Mokwano!!!
I am hoping to become close with Leslie, as she truly has left the biggest impact on my heart I could have ever wished for. She leaves august 23 to return home to her husband and life in Houston. L It has been incredible so far, and people here truly understand the concept of networking and just being open to helping one another get accustomed and settled and embracing the experience fully.
A little side note, shaggy came up to me while making beads and talked to me, shook my hand and said “Blessings” in his strong Jamaican accent. Lots of cameras and video crew around.. Haha would be hilarious if I end up in the Kampala paper.. If anyone ends up traveling to Kampala, visiting this school for a couple of hours and getting to know the children is an ABSOLUTE must!!
Mokwano!!!
8/5/08
Life on a Boda
A boda; Ugandas motorcyle taxi. Hundreds and hundreds of boda drivers waving and trying to get your fare throughout the day. There is nothing like climbing on the back of one, and placing all trust of your life in the hands of a skilled boda driver. It is liberating, it congeals a sense of fully letting go and embracing the moment, the now, the present emotion of freedom from thought; regular thoughts that is.. I must be honest and say the thought of one day shitting my pants on one is a bleak reality. Driving on one, is like watch a mouse running through its burrowed trails in a field; swiftly weaving in and out of traffic, dodging cars, turning on a dime, all at the speed of sound.. They are fast, exhilerating, powerful machines, affordable and the best known way in Kampala to make it through the "Jam" that plagues every city street. Around every corner you come face to face with a system of driving that if it were to be transposed to North America, all that would result is one huge series of car pile ups... Yet here, everything moves in clockwork, everyone knows there place, putting faith in when to go and when to stop, it makes no sense how it works, but it works with ease here. This is a feeling I will never forget..... a place where within all the chaos and busyness of Kampala, one can somehow find great inner peace...who knew.... on the back of a crotch-rocket!!! Hells Angels, if you ever read this, I now understand your lifestyle. Maybe one day I will be destined to be a greesey, long-haired, bandana-wearing, leather sporting, hog hound!!! oowwww owwww!!! with the open road and my harley, life is bliss. If not for a moment in my dreams!!!
Arrived and Settling in
I recently arrived in beautiful Kampala, Uganda on Sunday, August 2.. The adventure so far has been one of drastic adjustment. While it isnt anything new for me to live in a developing country, it still comes with shock to see the overall difference between the lives of so many people and what I take for granted back home in Canada.. It is so easy to forget in Canada, how everything that we have in our daily lives, all the things right down to our garbage collection system, is not even a near off dream for most people around the world. Garbage collection here is privatized, and you must pay to bring it to the dump, so it isnt uncommon at night for people to dump garbage on side roads.. Burning is also common here, especially of plastic bottles.
The issues of food security and the rise in oil prices is heavily apparent here. Fuel here is almost 1.40 per litre, and the cost of rice, maize and beans has risen by 30% just this year alone. Poor harvests in the North due to flooding last year and drought this year, have left communities heavily food insecure and it is getting to the point where 1,000,000 people in the north region are beginning to require emergency food aid. I am hoping to be able to network with the WFP here and try and do some volunteering on the side. This is sort of my larger goal to work with them in the future, so planting the seeds now will help with this venture.
Arriving at 2:30AM and showing up to a completely empty guest house was a little unsettling at first. CCA's director for Africa, Terry Macdonald, a nice fellow, pounded on my door at noon and brought me out for a wonderful welcoming to Kampala. We had a delicious buffet under lush Banana (matouke) trees, and then went on a 2 hour tour of the city, pointing out the main government buildings, Mzungu (white) shopping areas, and some fun places to go once settled. I was still at this point very uncomfortable with randomly walking the streets and finding my boundaries. Needless to say, adjustment has come very quickly here, and I am everyday further venturing into the busy, chaotic streets of Kampala. Whether by foot, or bouncing and swerving on the back of a Boda (motorcyle taxi), Kampala is a great place to be.. The people are friendly, welcoming, warm hearted and will go out of their way to help at any time. There is sometimes a sense of pseudo-kindness, somewhat of a show put on because I am Mzungu. However, this may be just something that expats internalise as they find their bearings here. Really trying to just keep an open mind and not form any judgements of the culture and why people do the things they do.
Overall so far, I would recommend coming here to anyone who has a chance. There is much to see in terms of Safaris, national parks, rafting, and a vibrant, lush countryside. I will be traveling up to Gulu, one of Uganda's most effected areas of Joseph Kony's LRA led blood bath. The extent of the mutilation, oppression and downright inhumane horror will no doubt leave a deep scar on the people for many generations. I hope my travels there will further help me understand the context and the experiences and stories of the people who had to witness and fall victim to these acts of violence.
Much more to come. Not too sure how to organize my thoughts as there is so much I could write on, so these blog entries may be sort of disorganized, but I hope you enjoy reading them!!
Take care
All my love from Uganda
The issues of food security and the rise in oil prices is heavily apparent here. Fuel here is almost 1.40 per litre, and the cost of rice, maize and beans has risen by 30% just this year alone. Poor harvests in the North due to flooding last year and drought this year, have left communities heavily food insecure and it is getting to the point where 1,000,000 people in the north region are beginning to require emergency food aid. I am hoping to be able to network with the WFP here and try and do some volunteering on the side. This is sort of my larger goal to work with them in the future, so planting the seeds now will help with this venture.
Arriving at 2:30AM and showing up to a completely empty guest house was a little unsettling at first. CCA's director for Africa, Terry Macdonald, a nice fellow, pounded on my door at noon and brought me out for a wonderful welcoming to Kampala. We had a delicious buffet under lush Banana (matouke) trees, and then went on a 2 hour tour of the city, pointing out the main government buildings, Mzungu (white) shopping areas, and some fun places to go once settled. I was still at this point very uncomfortable with randomly walking the streets and finding my boundaries. Needless to say, adjustment has come very quickly here, and I am everyday further venturing into the busy, chaotic streets of Kampala. Whether by foot, or bouncing and swerving on the back of a Boda (motorcyle taxi), Kampala is a great place to be.. The people are friendly, welcoming, warm hearted and will go out of their way to help at any time. There is sometimes a sense of pseudo-kindness, somewhat of a show put on because I am Mzungu. However, this may be just something that expats internalise as they find their bearings here. Really trying to just keep an open mind and not form any judgements of the culture and why people do the things they do.
Overall so far, I would recommend coming here to anyone who has a chance. There is much to see in terms of Safaris, national parks, rafting, and a vibrant, lush countryside. I will be traveling up to Gulu, one of Uganda's most effected areas of Joseph Kony's LRA led blood bath. The extent of the mutilation, oppression and downright inhumane horror will no doubt leave a deep scar on the people for many generations. I hope my travels there will further help me understand the context and the experiences and stories of the people who had to witness and fall victim to these acts of violence.
Much more to come. Not too sure how to organize my thoughts as there is so much I could write on, so these blog entries may be sort of disorganized, but I hope you enjoy reading them!!
Take care
All my love from Uganda
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