5 Dead Mice

We have mouse traps!

It's really disturbing how much excitement we all get when we catch a mouse; but when you have to clean drawers and counters off multiple times a week and dispose of mouse poop, it is satisfying to know we're starting to make headway in solving this problem. I killed two yesterday: the first was with a bottle of Febreeze I brought with me. The other was accidental. I ran over the poor thing with the wheel on my suitcase reorganizing my room. Thank heaven for guy friends that will kindly clean up the deceased when I'm an emotional disaster in the corner squirming!

HUGE praise: We are getting our roof fixed! We got funding approved to have a new roof installed. Here are a few pics from the thunderstorm this afternoon:

Leaky Roof

Yesterday, I set up my studio in my room. I finally am starting to feel settled in this space. Ready to create!

This weekend, my friend and I are going to explore the outskirts of Gulu. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the landscape farther away from town. Pics to come..

I Miss Her Little Squishy Face!

It Rains

Wow, I just survived my first HUGE thunderstorm here. I'm holding down the fort while Jenn and Kaben are in Southern Sudan for the Independence. Our roof over the living room is just a long piece of metal nailed to some support beams. Every time it rains, our living room gets soaked. Well I haven't seen a rain like this since being here! The wind blew all our windows open and flooded our living room and kitchen. I was dumping buckets as fast as they were filling up, treading through 2+ inches of water. Insanity. But at the same time it felt really good to feel that this is my home...my place to protect.
The power has been out since Thursday, so last night a group of us got together for a Mexican dinner by candle light.
Enjoying the company of my new family. Much love to family and friends at home.

Gulu = Home

Back home and getting more settled this week. Such a good feeling.

The power is out today, so Jenn, her husband, Kaben, and I are at Coffee Hut enjoying a lazy morning before heading to the market for groceries. Last night we all met up at the Invisible Children compound for dinner and farewell for one of the ex-pats. It was awesome to meet so many people who are going to be here for at least a year. New community. Loving this new beginning.

Independence

Happy belated July 4th to all those friend and family in the USA. Wish I could of been there celebrating with hot dogs, fireworks and a lazy Monday.
Instead, my fourth of July began early in Kampala. Funds for fabric finally got transferred from dollars into shillings. So we went to the large outdoor market in search for Spring 12 fabrics. As we were digging through the many piles of printed cotton, ladies began coming over and asking to buy what I was buying. (My boss had already told me this would happen, but I didn't think it would.) The New Yorker in me was outraged! I wasn't about to let my dream of this Spring line get bought up before my eyes!!!
As I hurried to huddle around my selection, both looking exhausted and a bit crazed, I noticed that they didn't seem to get why it is considered rude. There is a design code. But, oh yeah, I forgot. I'm in Africa.
Rules need not apply here.
I think I get it though. Because I'm white, I cause enough of a circus just walking down the street here. I'm also an American woman which has taught me that I'm free, have options, and can live as an equal. Even though I've heard that Ugandan women have more rights than men, I am yet to see an example. These women wanted what I had. Not so much the mountain of fabric..which they still picked over..but rather freedom to live, do, say whatever they like. And be HEARD. RESPECTED. EQUALS.

Times are changing here. Women are becoming empowered through education and skills training. I'm happy to be a part of the progress being made in this country that has much left to be mended.
In less than a week, Southern Sudan will gain it's independence. Be in prayer for those people living in both Northern and Southern Sudan. Violence is only met with more violence. There are already warnings of the violence that could happen. Pray for Africa's newest baby.