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Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:12:51 +0300
From: Lisa Stewart <beachplumlisa@bellsouth.net>
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X-ASG-Orig-Subj: Trip to Uganda Part 2
Subject: Trip to Uganda Part 2
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Status:   

The yearly meeting we went to was in a tiny village 10 minutes by tarmac 
and 60 minutes by dirt road away from Mbale where we stayed. The purpose 
was to help members understand the role of a treasurer and update the 
meeting to keep records in account books, open a bank account and 
encourage all around transparency. Muhanji has a background of many 
years in banking so he was perfect for the role and I did my usual 
overview describing unprogrammed friends and intertwined how testimonies 
impact  stewardship of funds. John and I both were certain to stress 
integrity, peace and especially equality of women. Everyone, youth and 
elders, men and women,  sat in rapt attention taking notes in the little 
note pads we brought. For a time I held a baby so her mom could write. I 
was happy to see three women with babies who were still nursing. When I 
had an infants I barely left the house much less walk for miles with 
them in a sling on my back. And when I did leave, I carried a bag filled 
with diapers, wipes, lotion, pacifier, baby food, etc etc etc. These 
ladies carried nothing. I mean nothing except, in some cases, a small 
purse.

The drive back to Mbale, an hour or more over a dusty dirt bumpy road in 
the pitch dark was an exercise in trust and faith. How John knew where 
to go, where to turn and did not hit any bike riders or cows sleeping in 
the road, I do not know. I thought to myself that four months ago I 
never thought I would be driving around the Uganda countryside in the 
middle of the night with absolutely no clue about where I was. Somehow, 
it was not frightening, though. I thought this is all part of the 
adventure I signed on for.

We finished up our seminar the first day so on the second morning John 
gave a seminar about Right Sharing of World Resources. The Uganda YM had 
applied unsuccessfully  for an RSWR  grant a few years ago and had with 
them all the old correspondence. That was so fortunate because we were 
able to point out how and why it was done incorrectly. RSWR gives micro 
grants as seed money for small business partnerships, mostly among 
women. I was thrilled to be a part of encouraging self empowerment among 
these beautiful Quaker women . If they follow through, Muhanji agreed to 
assist them with the details before they submit their proposal. This 
would be a first for RSWR in Uganda, although they are very involved in 
Kenya. I always call donations to RSWR a gift that keeps on giving 
because part of the program includes recipients paying  off their loans 
into a fund that finances others.

In the afternoon the YM conducted its fund raiser toward an office for 
the YM. Until now they have  been operating out of briefcases, which is 
one of the reasons they have been floundering.  The fund raiser 
consisted of the school choirs giving performances and some speeches 
before the donations wee brought forth. The local MP (Minister of 
Parliament), a charming politician who grew up in this village, was the 
guest of honor and participated cheerfully.

The clerk had said the day before that Friends should contribute 
whatever they were able  - several shillings, a few cents or even a 
chicken. Little did I know he was serious. At first people came up with 
varying amounts and pledges of shillings, either from individuals or 
meetings. Then slowly people came with all kinds of things, including 
banana trees, squawking chickens and bleating goats. It was a scene to 
behold that I am happy to say I have on film. In the final tally they 
had collected enough cash and pledges to equal almost $2000.00 US (not 
including what they will get from the sale of the chickens and the 
goat). And to top it off, the MP offered temporary office space in his 
building. This was an exciting boost for them after their travails.

Friends there were wonderful and went out of their way to welcome me. 
After each speech they even started to give what the clerk called "a 
silent American Quaker clap" that I had told them about by raising their 
arms and twiddling their fingers after every speaker. I was so curious 
about the typical Ugandan women's dress, something much more voluminous 
than a Kenyan dress. It has two parts, a skirt and something of a very 
full overdress. They tie it with what looks very much like a Japanese 
obi with the bow in the front. They are lovely.

The ride home went without a hitch and I slept well that night. This 
week we have some things to do and I need to think about gathering up my 
stuff and getting some goodies to bring home when I leave in 12 days! 
Love and Light to all,  Lisa/Mom/Grammy



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