Tall blonde back from Africa.

Well I'm back.Wanted to email from Kampala but the electricity was down.So here are my thoughts .
We accomplished all the things we wanted to find out ,fix and gather.What have I learnt.How can we call Africa a third world,what is a third world,is that just us being arrogent Westerners thinking we have it all right and they don't and all they can do is learn from us.Africa has the same problems,currupt politicians the break up of families,the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.We have something to learn to from them.openness,helping each other,reaching out.I hope I can convey what I have learnt not in an arrogent fashion but humbley and with a passion to get others to understand Africa and how we can learn from each other.How African's hold up the importance of education and strive to get an education wheras we are complacent and take so many things for grantedMaybe if we Westerners stop thinking of Africa as a 3rd World but as Africa we can be open to each other.
Coming back I want to try and raise enough money so the kids from the "slum" can go to school all day and we could provide them with a good breakfeast so they will get one good meal a day.I think it is feasible to feed all the children(32) plus a cook will be $2,000 for the year approx.So that is my next gaol.
I will put up some pictures soon Sue

Well I don't think we will see any animals as there are non in Kampala.The sun was shining all day.The lights went out when we were walking home this happens alot and the pollution is bad from the crazy traffic.Will write mor tmorrw

Pouring in Uganda

What a day it is so hard to discribe.Some of the boys from the ex street kids came to meet us and we walked to there place.The shops are just shed's they open up and sale anything you can imagine.After ging to the American Embassy we went to the boys place they hang out in.To get there the "slum" we had to go through was unimaginable.It was peltting and the women were hudled together tryng to cook,sell things with chickens running around and tiny kids.So near the affluence of the Embassy.
When I was lying in bed listening to the thunder and rain all I could think of were the people in the "slums"that is what they call it.With their linking roofs mud everywhere drains and sewage being washed arund and so many squeezed into one room.It breaks yur heartWe had an amazing tme hanging out with the boys and yung men making jewerry to sell.playing cards and hearing their terrible stories.They are amazing.We are so lucky.
Annie has done us a special deal withe the hotel and we pay only $1.25 for ur evening meal.
If any kid is reading this.The children go to school from 7.30am to abut 6.00 to 6.30 pm!!!!!!!!
Time is running out.Sue

Pouring in Uganda

it's raining in Kampala

The tall blonde is now in Africa! she arrived safely in Kampala this morning, and met up with Annie & Bonny two Ugandan friends. Oh yes, it is raining in Kampala!

Mt. Kadam, Uganda

Well I will soon be saying goodbye to all this snow and will be enjoying temperatures of 30C!

I am very excited but nervous and our house is full of lists for Nick about what the kids should or can eat,their activities etc

My kids dentist was amazing and gave me 90 toothbrushes and toothpasts to give to the children and ex-street boys. So I had to get out my large case.

While there I'm also meeting Bonnie who is starting up another African Children's choir after being one himself,that will be very exciting.

My next entry will be in Uganda.!

Me going to Africa

Okay, in this map of Africa I am travelling to Kampala,Uganda.It is amazing how things have unfolded and after meeting with Judith here in Montreal we decided to work within her school.
I'm off very soon ,Feb 4th, and am excited and nervous.The journey is pretty long .I leave on the Monday but arrive on the Wed. but half the journey will be done with Drew.He is a dancer that studied at the Julliard.NYC.

The purpose of Drew and I going before the others in July/Aug.is to set up things.Talk to people we will be working alongside and see what the best things to start.We are also going to hook up with a branch of the African Children's choir and see if we can do something together.
Below is some info. about the project etc. for those who aren't sure why I am going.
This is my first time having a blog so please bear with me.

Thanks Sue

"emerge’s Red Hippo Arts Project has as its goal, bringing the arts into the lives of impoverished children who don't have an outlet to explore their creativity and emotions in a healthy way. We believe that the arts are a therapeutic release from the pressures of the world, and bringing the arts to children who contend with the daily struggles of poverty will not only help their mental state of mind, but also bring healing to their souls and a renewed spirit in their lives.

The Red Hippo Arts Project will be partnering with the In Need Home Foundation in Kampala, Uganda, working with the children and youth that cared for by the In Need Home. All of these children are orphans, either living in the refugee camp known as Namuwongo, or a slum housing location known as Nsambya. The In Need Home Foundation is a registered non-profit organization in Uganda, providing services to the needy within Kampala. The focus of In Need Home is primarily on the women and children of Namuwongo and the youth of Nsambya."