Our final blog post is supposed to be what we learned about journalism, theology, the world and ourselves. Because this is so broad, I am going to try to use a list with a comment for each day I spent … Continue reading
I know that everyone has talked a lot about the fact that the people in Africa have nothing, but are willing to give everything. My favorite example of this was when we were leaving Lira for Murchison Falls. As our … Continue reading
Ever since my coca-cola obsession began when I was about 8-years-old I have loved and collected signs. These are all of the signs that I saw that I thought were funny, beautiful, intriguing or inspiring while in Africa that I … Continue reading
This is what I will miss about Africa: The smells. Both good and bad. The life and movement of the people and the cities. Street shops and street signs. The wonderful tasting fruit. Palm trees in cornfields. All of the … Continue reading
We ate our last meal in Africa at a hotel near the airport in Entebbe where we interviewed Herbert. This was the only time the whole trip that we got to order individually. I found it interesting that although there … Continue reading
I got really sick this morning. I tossed and turned all night and kept waking up freezing cold, which admittedly was strange because it was about 80 some degrees and there was no air conditioning. I remember touching my forehead … Continue reading
Today after we had a break at the Safari Resort to hang out and blog, we had the option to go to ride to the top of Murchison Falls and hike around. Initially, I thought it was a little strange … Continue reading
I hope that it doesn’t sound naive to say that the moment I landed in Africa, I started planning how I would move there. I have complete intentions of spending at least two (but maybe more) of my remaining years … Continue reading
Africa was scary and enthralling at night. It was my favorite time to ride the bus and I secretly hoped that our day would last long enough that we would have to be out at night. One of our days … Continue reading
The things I learned are too numerous to offer a complete list. My teachers in middle and high school always discouraged using the word “things,” it shows a lack of creativity and specificity. But I cannot anchor down what I … Continue reading
Upon returning from Uganda we have discussed the difficulty in deciding how to best react to the poverty we witnessed in such places as Ave Maria and Abia. Also, reading some of the personal stories of those who are sacrificing … Continue reading
As I look through the pictures from my trip, I am reminded of the smoke that permeated the air from all the burning waste. This sight was especially noticeable in Kampala, where from afar the city seemed as if it … Continue reading
Place Description The Farm View Country Resort was the place we stayed throughout the duration of our trip in Uganda. Nicknamed the “Haven Away From Home,” it was located in the outskirts of Lira, one of the most populous cities … Continue reading
This blog starts a series of several blogs that have been in the making since my last days at Uganda. For some time, I was unsure how to finish each of them. This lack of finality was coincident with my … Continue reading
Life in Uganda Post Before this trip, I never knew how to ride a bike. Embarassing, yes, but since my uncle got hit by a car when he was learning as a child, my mom never bothered to teach me. … Continue reading
To be completely honest, I really wasn’t that religious before I went on this trip. I don’t go to mass, don’t read scripture, and lost track of the daily habits of the religion I am supposed to belong to. I … Continue reading
Being a typical American, I’ve found myself watching a lot of T.V. Whether I be watching shows to pass the time or watching something that generally interests me, the only thing that is guaranteed is that I will be at … Continue reading
(Written June 22) I’m writing this in a Crepe shop in the middle of Amsterdam. The buildings here embellished with classic dutch lines and clean architecture. There are white people everywhere. Muzungu’s everywhere. I constantly am thinking about where I … Continue reading
Packing can be difficult for a trip. You basically have to condense your wardrobe into those few articles that are a necessity to you, packing clothes and supplies depending on the type of environment you plan on visiting. However, people (like myself) don’t really … Continue reading
Time is a funny thing. You can be in one place one moment, living a spectacular experience, and then you can be back into the same scenarios that you live every day. Those unique experiences become memories, memories that are … Continue reading
(Written June 19) Today we are leaving Lira to take some needed relaxation within the boundaries of Murchison National Game Park, the largest national park in Uganda. From where we were in Lira, this massive landscape of a reserve is … Continue reading
I wish I had access to a video or sound clip of the song that most likely began to play in the heads of any member of the trip whose eyes glanced over this post. It was a song sung … Continue reading
It’s crazy to think that exactly a month ago, we were arriving in Kampala, dazed and exhausted from travelling across the globe. I’m getting on yet another plane tomorrow, except rather than going off to another daring adventure, I am … Continue reading
(From a journal entry on 6/15, with a note saying: don’t blog this one, you’ll worry mom) Listening to “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley I don’t think I can put together the words that will do any kind of justice to what … Continue reading
Several of my fellow classmates have already written amazing blogs about water, so the concept might be hard to live up to, but I will give it a shot. Going from watching women and children walking alongside busy roads with a … Continue reading
(From an dateless journal entry while in Lira) It is hard to believe the United States does not celebrate the sport of soccer in the same way in which many other countries of the world do. It is also a … Continue reading
Whenever I think about myself in terms of what I know (or at least, what I assume I know), I always think of trees. Trees are fascinating structures to me. Most trees have more than one branch, and from these … Continue reading
I think I learned more about the world and theology than anything else on this trip. I’m already a journalism major so I had the whole blogging part down – ask Carol. To be honest, the theology part I was … Continue reading
It’s crazy to think that a girl like me had the opportunity to travel all the way from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to see the magnificent Murchison Falls in Uganda. Even stranger is the fact that someplace across the world … Continue reading
We’ve come to the end of the formal Backpack Journalism class — the five weeks of class, travel in Uganda and working on the film, blogs and other writing is nearly over. We had a last toast at the now-traditional … Continue reading
Even though we have lost the majority of our readers because the blogs are no longer the only proof we are still alive, I still needed to write this final one. While in Uganda, we typically celebrated the accomplishments of … Continue reading
Everybody knows when you come home from any kind of travel excursion, you bring back souvenirs. Little trinkets, T-shirts, keychains, flags, mugs, postcards, and magnets with the name of your destination typically return home with you. While there is absolutely … Continue reading
I think that it was O’Keefe that said someone should blog about time. Maybe he meant how it is the only thing that the poor have that the rich want. Maybe he meant how easily it can be warped by … Continue reading
It was a journey I wished we didn’t have to make. I accompanied Teresa Dorsey on the first leg of her long journey home on her way to face the unthinkable. Her beloved mother, Cynthia Early Dorsey, had died. Teresa … Continue reading
I haven’t blogged in a long time. But I have been journaling and now that I am back I feel like I can finally put them on the internet. Here it goes… From June 14th: Those who know me well, … Continue reading
It’s hard to put a finger on why, exactly, the dynamic of relationships among cultures varies so greatly. After a simple misunderstanding during my interviews, I think I’m a little closer to solving the mystery. While interviewing the family at Abia … Continue reading
Talking one night in Lira with an Austrian man, he commented that the biggest problem he sees in Uganda is a lack of foresight in the significance of the future. He provided the example of a plumber arriving to his … Continue reading
Driving through the game park, I could never get tired of watching galloping giraffes, lounging elephants, and all sorts of other charismatic fauna. Seeing the leopard hunt a herd of gazelle was like watching Planet Earth unfold 10 yards from me … Continue reading
There seems to be a lot of criticism when it comes to people like me and my “privileged” life. I know that some critics have accused college-aged kids who travel to the developing world of doing it solely so they … Continue reading
We successfully completed yet another 20+ hour travel day and in honor of that accomplishment, I figured I would create another list of observations for the journey home. I always feel like I’ve done something wrong when going through customs and … Continue reading
I’m not exactly sure what to make of this feeling I’ve had today. It’s 3am in the morning, I can’t sleep due to my internal clock thinking it’s around 11am, and I’ve been feeling this way ever since I landed … Continue reading
This song was a favorite of my mothers. She lived by this prayer and inspired me to do the same. Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow … Continue reading
I’m at a loss and I don’t know where to begin. Ironically, when I am at a loss for words, I ramble on longer because it takes me so long to find the words to make my point. So, be … Continue reading
Most of the group will be home relatively soon. A couple are in Amsterdam. I am back in Paris. I miss them all, already. For the smart-alecky friend that says the leopard cannot be proven to be a leopard without … Continue reading
It’s weird to think that our journey in this country is almost over. But even though we may be going home, a part of us will always be here and with these people. I find it hard to believe we … Continue reading
We saw a leopard. Unfortunately, I had my camera set to a slow shutter. Fortunately, I was still able to aim the lens. I think Jason got a good pic We see tons of baboons. This guys stole the food … Continue reading
My last post might have been a bit grim. I thought I’d lighten it up with some pics: This is Murchison Falls. It is a double exposure (one for the sky and one for the water), but honestly, it was … Continue reading
Carol asked me how big the giraffe exhibit is at the zoo in Omaha. My immediate response was to tell her that it was small – but I’m pretty sure it’s because I had just seen about 50 giraffes roaming … Continue reading
I was called by an African name last year: Mama Apio. Fitting because it means elder twin, which I am. And an honor to be recognized in that way. My African name has been repeated often this year and the … Continue reading
Water is a necessity for life. We need it to survive. the people of Uganda need water to survive. But, getting water that is clean to drink here is much more difficult than going to our faucets, refrigerators, or hoses … Continue reading
To say this trip has been an emotional roller coaster would not only be slightly cliche, it would be an understatement. It’s more like the roller coaster broke down while we were upside down…then it started to pour rain. I’ve … Continue reading
How great is our God, how great is our God.
I’m going to go ahead and say that most people in the United States have the privilege of watching their children grow and mature successfully into adulthood. Likewise, most children in the United States have the opportunity to learn from … Continue reading
One of the things I remember from my childhood, as I’m sure most people probably do, is fear of the Boogeyman. Even as I think about it now, I’m not entirely sure where the story comes from. All I know … Continue reading
Okay. I’ve been threatened to keep this short, so here it goes. No promises, Carol. (Written Sunday) Yesterday we went to Lira’s Catholic cathedral to shoot some film of their choir. The mixed 25-people strong Ugandan choir really put out … Continue reading
One of the things that’s been on my mind lately is a kid I met back at Ave Maria. We met when Heidi and I were given two of their boat-shaped string instruments and attempted to learn how to play. … Continue reading
There’s so much going on in Uganda, it’s almost a living, breathing thing. If it was able to speak, it would constantly be offering wisdom. I’m going to try to translate for those who may not be lucky enough to … Continue reading
Last year, we had several conversations about how death is everywhere here. This year, we’ve had similar discussions, but definitely under different circumstances. Last year, we went to Barlonyo, a village of Internally Displaced Persons, or an IDP camp. It … Continue reading
I wish I had a fun old pic of you to post, Dad. I won’t be back for nearly another week, though, so it will be too late by then, really. Just know I love you and I will see … Continue reading
Today I decided to try something a little different. I’m not really a fan of the whole blogging thing (which I probably should start being given the depressing future of journalism in that medium), so I’m trying to find ways … Continue reading
Transplanting yourself into a foreign setting can shake your physical world so much that the only thing left that’s readily accessible is emotion. Every once in awhile, there’s a moment that changes the way you see things for the … Continue reading
Happy Father’s Day dad, I love you. I’m very grateful and blessed to have you in my life. I hope you, mom, and Whitney are doing great back home. I can’t wait to get back and tell you all about … Continue reading
After coming to Uganda last year and seeing what I saw, I knew that I was blessed; however, this time around has really impacted me by helping me realize how blessed I truly am. For instance, 1/3 of the students … Continue reading
Every place we have visited so far has involved a warm and fairly extravagant welcoming. Songs, dances, handshakes, and even hugs are all given to us the second we step off the bus. If you think about it, that would … Continue reading
During this trip, we have seen much song and dance. Communities and groups are constantly performing for us. We as a group are in constant awe in the hospitality and welcoming that we receive from communities that have seen much … Continue reading
I don’t think you can understand good and evil exclusively. I think also that in some cases, you can see moments of pure goodness in the middle of the worst kind of evil. Look at a man like Joseph Kony … Continue reading
The title of this post has nothing to do with the content. It was just something I tweeted last week. I don’t have much to say beyond this: Every year I worry students will be selfish adolescents or fail to … Continue reading
We went to Abia again today to get more interviews but ended up watching at least a dozen more performances before we finally got to do them. Both of the people we interviewed were teachers and talked about why they … Continue reading
I have been appointed by the group to post this note. One of our students had to fly home today to deal with a family emergency. At this point we wish to respect the family’s privacy, but they are deeply … Continue reading
Since we’ve been in Lira, we’ve been staying in a hotel called the Farm View Country Resort. Nicknamed “The Haven Away From Home,” the grounds have many traditional straw and wood huts placed around the grounds, a huge western brick-built … Continue reading
The filming process has begun and I must say that I missed it. Our first day of filming consisted of going to a vocational school called Ave Maria which is in Lira. It was an intense day of filming not … Continue reading
I’ve been pretty vague about my “solo” project so far. In November, I started working with Dr. Zuegner to develop an idea and write a grant proposal. The project I eventually proposed is a multimedia website that shows the effect … Continue reading
Before I start I would like to thank everyone for their comments and support on the website. While I do not have much time now to reply and converse now, know that your writings and thoughts do not go unnoticed. … Continue reading
I have been on this journey with the 2012 Backpack Journalism team, I feel the presence of many — last year’s wonderful group and our first team that went on this experiment to the Dominican Republic. But none so strongly … Continue reading
It’s a lovely morning in Lira. I’m sitting on the little porch of the hotel. A mother chicken just weaved her way by, followed somewhat erratically by six or seven chicks. (Not sure, they move pretty fast to count.) I … Continue reading
The last two days have been jam packed with activities ranging from watching Dr. O’Keefe become an elder (it’s always great to see an authority figure dressed in leopard print holding a bull tail), getting a grass skirt wrapped around … Continue reading
“It’s you and me singing the same song right now and maybe this will bring us together somehow, and maybe there’s a million people all singing along…and maybe someone’s saying a prayer for the first time. That’s enough reason to … Continue reading
After visiting the Ave Maria school in Lira, and hearing the students there sing, I think I felt more comfortable than anything else. Most people feel overwhelmed when witnessing a welcome and presentation like that, but for me, I was … Continue reading
Most days of the week, I’m not sure I really believe in God. Moments like today though, well, read on. Today we were treated to several performances put on by the Ave Maria Vocational School here in Lire. Some were … Continue reading
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Honest, this one was a real sign. It was written on a green tiny stand/shack with raw meat hanging in the window. Nairobi Flies Skin carroding bugs Do not smash them, tuck net in. Or you’ll be sorry. Transitions Proud … Continue reading
Do we take time in our lives to realize the extent of events around us and the entirety of what is actually occurring in others lives? In the United States we are so busy. We have every minute of every … Continue reading
“Better. Simple. Life” From Sunday June 17th & Wednesday June 27th
“Spare Parts” From Friday June 22nd.
“Condition Permanent” From Thursday June 21st.
“Your identity” From Thursday June 21st & Sunday June 24th
“Every Meal is a Story” From Wednesday June 20th.
“Diamond Bakery” From Tuesday June 19th.
“Part of You. From the Start.” From Friday June 15th.
“Moonlight Butchery” From Monday June 18th.
What I learned about journalism, theology, the world and me
Burns
Fire
The Farm View Country Resort
Kindling
What is that contraption with two wheels? Oh, yeah, a bicycle.
What I learned about Journalism, theology, the world and me
This Commercial Break
Muzungu Culture
The 1%
A Memory Not Forgotten
Jeepers, We’re on a Safari!
Be Free
Home Again, Home Again
Broken Hallelujah
Washed by the Water
Soccer Madness
Trees
Lessons from Uganda
From Sioux Falls to Murchison Falls
Blessed to be a witness
A Toast to the Team
Souvenirs
“Water is Life” from Friday June 15th
Celebrating a life
“I am fine. Here is proof” From June 14th
The luxury of love as we know it
Church and State
Forest and People Part 2
Privilege
Notes From the Window Seat: Round Two
Coming “home”
Prayer of St. Francis
I’m down, but I’m not out…
The group is over the Atlantic (and more pics)
The promised land
Oh, two more pics of animals:
Pics of animals and water and such
Don’t feed the animals
The gift of a baby chick
Stones Over Rushing Water
There’s a Reason You Are Here
A sight not everyone sees
By grace we shall live
The Boogeymen are coming.
The Church Lady
Pink.
If Uganda could speak
Lucky…
Happy Father’s Day
Can I get a Hand?
Leaving Lira
Dad
Blessed
Our Dear Lovely Visitors
We are greeted with music
Shattering
I wouldn’t mind being so pound foolish if I were at least a bit penny wise.
The circle of life
Status update
Nicole
Busy, Busy, Busy
Chronicles of Abia
May children inherit the kingdom of heaven
A tree grows at Ave Maria
Enjoying my morning coffee
Certainly
The other side of the radio
Sunshine, the world, and all your dreams
Ave Maria, Full of Grace.
We love comments
“Standard Quality Pork Joint”
Take the Time