I posted a lot of pictures on Facebook - but it occurred to me that not everyone who reads my blog is on Facebook. And, as Mom pointed out, there are not many people pictures on my blog. So here are some pics from training and from site.
The West Nile Peace Corps Group
Sitting in front: Me, Robert (Lugbara teacher), Tiffany, George, Brady
Standing in back: Walter (Lugbara teacher), Tom, Marcy, Anne (Peace Corps staff), Betty
*But Tiffany had her site changed and she's now in a different region.
Party after the Swearing In Ceremony.
(Howard, Holly, me, and Allison)
Me, Katie, and Jenna
Amos, Sister Anne, and one of the local counsel members
at the Set 6 Graduation Ceremony
Two of my students - Sylvia and Neema
*But Tiffany had her site changed and she's now in a different region.
(Howard, Holly, me, and Allison)
at the Set 6 Graduation Ceremony
More to come! I take my camera with me to school everyday (now that I'm a familiar face around the hospital/school compound) and I've got some travel plans over the next couple of months (Peace Corps conferences).
It's SO good to see you! You look great -- even at the swearing-in ceremony when we know you didn't feel well. You continue to amaze us. I hope you're feeling fulfilled with your service at the school. I know you're making a difference in the lives of your students. We miss you and think about you ALL the time. Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteHi kiddo! Merry Christmas!Hope all your dreams and plans come true for u this year! The pictures r awesome! Much love, Aunt Linda and Uncle Jerry Don't know when our card will show up, but we mailed it!Hugs!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, Laura! I especially like seeing your students. A Christmas package from DJ and me is on its way...hope it arrives before Christmas...but if not, know that it is coming. Lots of love to you, Aunt Lynn
ReplyDeleteMerry (early) Christmas Laura!
ReplyDeleteLove, Aunt Lynn
===============================================
T’was the night before Christmas
And, Laura, my niece
Was living in Africa
Bringing the peace.
Over mountains and oceans
She traveled so far
To Kampala, then Arua
Without even a car.
She left her belongings
And her family behind
In search of a treasure
She was sure she would find.
And when she arrived
In the country so new
She was a little bit nervous
But knew what to do.
She held her head high
And went on with her plan
To learn all she could
About this new land.
The food and the language
And the culture was different
But the people were friendly
As on her journey she went.
She learned Lugbara
The language they speak
And lived under a roof
That sometimes did leak.
She boiled lots of water
So that she could eat
Lots of fresh fruits and veggies
But not any meat.
She bathed with a bucket
For clean, hot water she grieved
But she had a toilet inside
For which her aunt was relieved. :)
There were spiders and snakes
She slept under a net
And the goats on the front porch
She will never forget.
The monkeys on the roof
Kept her up through the night
And her bout with Giardia
Gave her a fright.
But she never lost faith
In her reason for going
And her desire to help others
Kept growing and growing.
She taught them about AIDS
And computers and more
And helped the school organize
The data they stored.
Her skills were so needed
By everyone there
That they gave her great projects
And showed her they cared.
Her knowledge was vast
And her smile was bright
And the people she met
Thought she was a delight.
She knew she was achieving
Her goals and her dream
And her fellow peace makers
Were her family and team.
And back at home
Here family was there
Watching in amazement
With love and with care.
Laura is a woman
We would all say
Who is strong and inspiring
In so many ways.
She went far away
To help others in need
She gave them her gifts
And their souls she did feed.
So as Christmas day came
And she was not in sight
We said Merry Christmas to Laura
May YOU be blessed tonight!
Amazing poem Lynn! So beautiful and so true! Merry (early) Christmas!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem about our wonderful amazing Laura!!! Loved this Lynn...and Laura we love u and r proud of u!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting more pictures here because I'm one of those weird Facebook holdouts. :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you health and happiness in the new year from the crew at CDE!
Anna