NEW ARRIVALS in GULU

September 14-20

Changes! Changes! Changes!

Around 12:30 PM on September 14 Sisters Patty Clune and Pat Murphy were sent off from Carondelet to the airport with a blessing by the Sisters and Employees (and a few others who came for the occasion).  At the airport we were also blessed to be assisted by a marvelous baggage handler who made life easier for us as we checked all five suitcases plus a container of water filters.  The remainder of the trip was smooth, including the changing of planes in Atlanta and Amsterdam.

 

Tabernacle at Notre Dame

At the Entebbe airport only Sister Jo Ann and our driver, Bernard, met us because we needed all the sitting space for luggage!  The place we stayed was close to the airport, so it didn’t take long to get to the Notre Dame lodging, greet Sisters Marion and Fran, and then fall into our beds! Neither did it take long to realize that mosquitoes were a real threat in this area, so we all needed to be extremely vigilant!  We were awakened to the familiar sounds of roosters, storks, and goats. A little while later the voices of the nursery school children on the grounds were added!

The five of us spent the next day together before heading out to dinner and the airport again. This time we said our goodbyes at the restaurant.  While we were eating, Bernard went back and picked up the luggage, so only he traveled to the airport with Sisters Marion and Fran.  It was both happy and sad as you will certainly understand!  When we retired to our rooms we discovered that there was no water available for anything!

 

Jo Ann driving between Kampala & Entebbe

Stones to keep cars from driving on this half of the road while being repaired

Our greeters near the Nile

The following morning was Thursday, our day to drive to Gulu!  We were ready to roll by 8:30 AM.  After stopping for a bite to eat and an actual restroom break for about 45 minutes, we continued on, arriving at our house in Gulu about 4:30 PM.  We had expected a quicker trip since they are working on the road, but it still took over 7 hours!

Sister Jean Abbott warmly welcomed us “home” both at the door and with a welcome sign in our rooms.  Esther, our cook, arrived shortly afterwards, so it was a great homecoming!  After supper we unpacked some of the items, separating clinic and personal things into various places before again falling into our more permanent beds.  It is worthy of note that we have been "home" for one full week this evening!

While Friday was a “lay-low” day, Saturday was a day of celebration beginning with a special brunch prepared by Jo and Jean who had decorated the dining room and prepared a big breakfast for Pat’s birthday.  Jo Ann, Pat, and Patty took a walk to visit Sister Agnese up at the Animation Center, but met her driving down the road to go to town.  We had a short visit with her and laughed a lot. 

Jean  has been busy at Caritas training and writing grants with them. The work is not easy to accomplish due to cultural expectations and differences.

Patty and Pat have also begun plans for Water with Blessings.  They have their first meeting to understand  "local protocol" on Friday morning .

Later in the evening we had a marvelous spaghetti and meat sauce meal (sauce prepared by Jo), with homegrown avocados and lettuce, along with garlic bread!  We certainly enjoyed ourselves!  And to make the day even more special we viewed a Woodland Kingfisher sitting on our laundry pole. Here is a picture of this type bird.

Sunday morning found us worshiping at the Chapel in our compound with Fr. Jino and the Catechists who are taking courses. The music they can make together is inspiring. Without any written music they harmonize and play homemade instruments.  After Mass, Fr. Jino came out to welcome us.  He seemed to remember both Patty and Pat, and promised Pat that he had work in mind for her…. She thanked him but remarked that she knows how to say “no” if necessary!  He laughed and indicated that is good!

Monday morning Jo Ann drove Pat and Patty to the maternity clinic for their first look.  Besides seeing all of the beautiful construction and landscaping, observed that the staff members were excited to have Sister back!  Jo Ann had been gone two weeks dealing with issues that needed to be dealt with.  And then we saw the babies and their parents!

Mother and child

 

         

Sr. Jo Ann and Lamara Jo Ann at 6-week check

There were two newborn boys present with their parents and aunties. Pictures are included here! So far 110 babies have been birthed at the Maternity Clinic - 5 since we arrived. Many others received pre and post birth care.  

Parents and child

The day finished happily with a visit from Father Joseph who used to be in charge of our compound. Father Jino came for a visit the next evening, so we've been kept busy!

 

That’s it for this edition!  See you later! Blessings on all of our readers!