Always Look On the Bright Side of Life!

Apparently there are 2 types of people in this world: Glass half empty people and glass half full people. If you’re not sure which type you are then come to Uganda and it will no doubt become quickly apparent!

We are trying our best to be the latter, although this does, at times, take a bit of conditioning! One thing is clear, the longer we are here the better we are at looking on the lighter side of every challenge!

For example:

(1) Some might complain about having a very limited power supply. We say “hoorah” for our monthly electricity bill of only 6 pounds!

(2) Some might see a flooded football pitch as a serious obstacle to football excellence. We however welcome the opportunity for developing Masaka’s very first water sports project (and we played a competitive football match on it anyway)!

(3) Some (Sarah) might find the infestation of (killer) grasshoppers in our house a bit too much to bear. Others (Tim) see it as an opportunity to test their stalking prowess and lightning reactions, not to mention a tasty snack at the end!

(4) Some might find the idea of spending two solid days washing dirty football kits a bind.  We welcome the sense of fulfillment, and the silky smooth hands!

There are some situations where a silver lining may be hard to see. For example, our friend spent the night in a prison cell for having failed to upgrade/downgrade (you decide!) his UK driving license to a Ugandan license. We suspect his wife struggled to see the positive side, especially since he was not given a phone call, so simply didn't come home one evening, leaving her fretting all night. However, perhaps in his situation, we might see a good opportunity to practice our Luganda? And, of course, it's a great story to tell the grandchildren! Still, best get on with sorting out our driving licenses, eh?

So if you need a place to hone your sense of optimism, you are most welcome to join us in Masaka! To quote “The Life of Brian” (who, let us be clear is NOT the Messiah, but a very naughty boy), “Always look on the Bright Side of Life! Do do, do do do do do do!”

Lost in Translation? The joys of Luganda AND Sarah does some work!

Greetings friends and family, today we hope to share with you the joy and wonder of learning Luganda (the language spoken by the Baganda people who live in this area of Uganda, the kingdom of Buganda – we kid you not).  Whilst we are striving to improve, our efforts are not without associated difficulties.  A sample to whet the appetite:

Mukama Afuga: the Lord Reigns!

Mukama Afuuka: the Lord becomes...

Mukama Afuka: the Lord passes urine!

Subtle changes can make all the difference as you can see!

Luckily I think expectations for our Luganda skills is limited, so actual offense-causing is similarly limited.  It is fortunate for us that the people of Uganda are forgiving and friendly!

We also thought we might update you on what we are doing work-wise, in case you think all we do is entertain people by mispronouncing Luganda, and cruise the streets in Barry the Beefy Badboy Beast! Timmo will update you on his work another day, but I will talk a little bit about what I have been doing. 

I have been working at Kitovu hospital on the children’s ward and in outpatients, but have also been to Mulago hospital in Kampala to start to learn more about clubfoot management (using manipulation and bracing, which is cheaper and more effective than surgery). 

Working on the children’s ward involves accepting that at least 50% of my patients burst into tears immediately on seeing me, which is a bit disconcerting – I think perhaps they fear I am a ghost (perhaps I should work on the tan a bit).  And at least 70-80% of the mothers burst into laughter when I try out my Luganda.  Sigh.

But it is good working there – very rewarding, although scary at times.  I am regularly out of my depth (managing comatose malaria patients, commencing anticonvulsant drugs, scratching my head over starting TB treatment, wondering what to tell a mum whose baby appears to have a genetic disorder, trying to decide which sick children needs the oxygen concentrator most – the list goes on), but then spend most evenings fervently searching books, and the net, for management strategies and up to date research.  I am learning a lot and am really very thankful for good internet access!  

Barry The Beefy Badboy Beast!

Many of you may recognise this picture of an exuberant Jamal, from Slumdog Millionaire, post-voluntary dive into a pit latrine.  Before we continue, might we reassure you that this is not one of the things that we have delighted in since arriving in Uganda (yet).  However, we were reminded of this scene, on a recent excursion to visit the project farm, on a typical day during Uganda rainy season.

Tim, having got the church pick-up stuck in the mud, gallantly proceeded to try to escape, whilst our friend Rob (amongst other manly individuals) endeavoured to push.  Neither had realised that the wheels have a catch that needs to be turned in order to engage the 4WD.  So Rob ended up looking much like little Jamal, or perhaps even Augustus Gloop after a dip in Willie Wonka’s chocolate River.  Happy days!

Which leads us on nicely to Barry!  Still traumatised by the premature demise of our elderly rover, Ethel just prior to our departure to Uganda, (may her metallic carcass rest in peace), we have been on the hunt to find a fitting Ugandan equivalent! We therefore would now like to proudly introduce our Toyota Rav 4, which we have named Barry The Beefy Badboy Beast (a.k.a. Bazza)!

Barry was purchased from the wife of a Catholic priest (get your head round that one if you can!) and is a welcome addition to our family.  We feel extremely blessed to have found him, since he has all the main requirements: 

• 4WD;
• 5 doors (easier to put car seats in, when the need arises in the future!); 
• Boot space for medical supplies;
• A youthful sprightliness, that understates the 170,000km on his clock!

We hope that seeing his photo will entice you from far and wide to come and enjoy the soft caress of his seats on your booty!