New home
on Thea's Blog (Uganda), 21/Jul/2009 07:56, 34 days ago
So far my job has involved a lot of sitting around in the office, either discussing with Vickie how we can pull RFPJ out of the mire, or tapping away at the computer trying to put our ideas in to words. I wouldn’t say this office life is exactly like the UK - the constant scratch of marabou and magpie claws on the tin roof, the cacophony of sounds from the street, the wafts of diesel fumes and smoke coming through the windows, is not exactly W1 - but I am starting to wonder when I’m actually going to venture out in to the real world outside.So when Esther offered me the chance to go with her to the orphanage she works at on Saturday, I was pretty keen. This was set up by Carol, an philanthropic American lady who runs Youth Encouragement Services, and houses 30 children from 6-16 who are either orphans or whose parents can’t take care of them. Most of them are HIV+, but the motherly matron, another Vickie, keeps them healthy through regular pill-taking, huge, nutritious meals, lots of rest and as much fun as can be provided. Esther and I were there to help out with the latter, but only after a good dose of soul food in the form of Esther’s Sunday school session. I was a little concerned that Esther’s picture of a smiling, bearded white God would lack cultural relevance, but the kids impressively gave their full attention and answered Esther’s questions brilliantly (especially the little girl who announced that God lived in a banana tree to much hysterical laughter). Afterwards the real fun began. We played with bubbles, drew pictures and got deeply involved in a brick-building game. Esther bought all the kids a donut which went down very well. It was a little knackering after a long week in the office, but great to be doing something a bit more hands on.On Saturday afternoon I packed my bags and said goodbye to my grand, airy house and garage boys, and trundled two doors down to Esther’s house. I decided pretty early on that I’d rather trade luxury and space for a bit of company and since Esther was living alone in another massive house just next door, it seemed to make sense to live together. Esther and I seem to have quite similar tastes (early nights, cheesy films, eatingtasty food etc.), and although we also have some differences (she’s a born again Christian, for example) I’m pretty confident we’ll get along just fine. If not, it’s a big enough house to get lost in for some time if needs be. I’ve planted some coriander, parsley and mint in empty water bottles and I’m seriously contemplating getting some chickens.