Washing Clothes

Phew…washing clothes is hard work here. There are no washing machines or dryers. Everything is washed by hand and then dried in the sun. On Saturday morning Pikachu decided to see what it is like to wash clothes by hand even though he doesn’t wear clothes himself. And now after all of the scrubbing, twisting, and ringing he is glad he doesn’t wear clothes that have to be washed each week. It is going to take him a few days just to rest his sore arms.

We Miss Briaunna!

Pika on a Piki Piki

Most days to move around Pikachu just walks from place to place. But yesterday Pika got to ride on a Piki Piki (motorcycle). He wanted to go out to the new land where his house is being built to check out the progress and it is too far to walk. As he sat on the Piki Piki he was a little scared because the roads are rough and bumpy here, but the driver went nice and slow. Pika also wished he had worn sunglasses because the dust kept getting in his eyes. The wind blew in his face as they made their way up and down a few small hills before reaching the land. They past many people walking into town from their gardens or homes. Some people carry large loads of firewood on their heads. They also passed many bor holes on the way, which are deep wells that people use to pump up ground water. Pika was glad for the experience of riding on a Piki Piki, but definitely prefers walking as his main form of movement.

Pika Making Bread

On Tuesday morning before school Pika got up bright and early to go and help his friends make bread. He arrived just in time to help roll the dough into small balls. After the balls of dough sat for a bit to rise, he then helped press down the dough into small flat circles. From this point on he watched the dough get put in the oven. Within minutes the flat doughy circles became puffy bready goodness. Pikachu was so amazed at the process and how his friends take time each morning to make hundreds of these round breads for some of the local restaurants. The oven that they use is made of bricks and mud and gets really really hot. As Pika sat and watched all of the dough they prepared get baked his friends let him eat to his stomachs content. MMM...nothin better than fresh warm bread!

Pika At School

Pika woke up on Monday morning very excited for his first day of school. He was also feeling a bit worried that he would stand out because he doesn't have the school uniform. All the kids here wear uniforms to school, but Pika got special permission to come without a uniform because they do not make them in his size. The school pikachu attends is only a short walk away. He is in the P1 class which is similar to 1st grade. There are 100 other students in his class. Everyone was so friendly and helped make sure he knew what to do. They made room for him on their little benches made from tree branches and made sure he could see the chalkboard. Oh and his classroom is under a tree outside. Pika likes this because it is nice and cool in the shade, but at the same time he gets distracted really easily by the people walking by and all the noises from nearby neighbors. When he first arrived to school he had an English lesson, even though he already speaks English well and a math lesson where the teacher taught simple subtraction. He noticed that many of the students had these small sticks they used for counting. He made a mental note that when he got home he would have to gather some small sticks to bring to school the next day. At 11am each day there is an hour break where the kids can play games or go across the road to the market to get mandazi (bread) for a snack. Pika decided for his first break he would stay on school grounds and play football (soccer) with some of the boys. After break he had one more lesson and then it was time to go home. He can't wait to go back again!

These pictures were taken after school was out and all the children went home because kids here flock when they see a camera.

New Experiences

Pika hiddin out in the garden.

Boilin some water for tea.

Pika had a wonderful time in Uganda, but is now glad to be back in Mundri. This last week he had the opportunity to learn more about how local people live here. A local kitchen is not like those in the U.S. with a stove, oven, refridgerator, and dishwasher. People here cook mostly outside using a fire and 3 stones or a local charcoal stove. Also every dish has to be washed by hand and all food eaten within the day or else it will go bad because of no refridgeration. Many people here also grow their own food in their gardens. People grow maize (corn), ground nuts, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and lots of other things. Pika was amazed at the effort that is put behind each meal every day and now appreciates more the luxuries he has had in the past.

Pika in Bundi

Bundibugyo is not an easy place to get to. The drive around the Ruwenzori Mountains is bumpy and beautiful. Pika was happy that he had the window seat so that he could look down into the valley at Semliki River. On the way he also saw black and white monkeys in the trees. While in Bundibugyo he got to visit many people, sit on the porch and play games with the neighborhood kids, and help distribute food to mothers who are HIV positive. Each place he visits his eyes are open more and more to the importance of sharing the Lord’s unconditional love. He may not have much to offer, but he can share the truth and try his best to imitate his Father. Even though Pika was only in Bundibugyo for 3 full days he left thanking the Lord for all the people he met and really had a great time. He would love to visit again someday. Now it’s off to Kampala.

Here is Pika resting in the bed he slept in while in Bundibugyo.

You have to look carefully at this picture to see Pika sitting on one of the chairs in front of the house where he stayed.