Building Rocket Stoves!

This morning we had a PCV come to show us how to construct a Rocket Stove and i was a bit skeptical at first, but it was a success! (So far anyway, it takes about two months to dry for use.)

I always have a million things to say when i am not in front of a computer, but the minute i sit down and try to compose a blog, i space out. Hmm... lets see...

I'll start with the wonderful weather we have been having. I think the rainy season started late this year but it finally began. It has been really cool this past week. I have really enjoyed the sun and the warmth so far, but the breezes and sound of rain have been really comforting. It makes it hard to focus and stay alert in class when all i want to do is curl up somewhere with some african milk tea and read a book... But it has been a nice break from the sun. After the long, uphill bike ride home i am not as drenched in sweat as i usually am! ;)

Last weekend we were invited to visit the Ambassador's home in Kampala and he and his wife were very nice. We even got to go swimming! It was a trainee's birthday so other very talented trainees made some delilicious no bake cookies and we really had a great,sweet-filled day.

Last week we also visited a Primary Teachers College and got to tour their campus and teach some classes. The PCV who works there is really involved in all the goings on and is currently in charge of their computer lab and giving computer classes. He teaches math and Social Studies and seems to have developed a great rapport with the students and teachers there. It was very encouraging.

Another source of encouragement was a presentation we heard about Straight Talk. They are an organization that works with the youth in Uganda to encourage healthy life skills and decisions. They create radio programs and publish newsletters (different ones geared towards different age or interest groups) and have workshops and youth geared festivals. Most of their publications seem to be written and created by young people. So they are trying to encourage youth participation, peer education, and youth empowerment as well. I think it would be a great program to have at home too. After i heard the presentation i wanted to get out in the community and start working!

So we will be through with training pretty soon and it will be sad to part with the other volunteers that i have met, but i think we are all pretty excited and geared up to start our jobs.

I do have one teeny tiny request though.... Could you maybe pretty please write a letter to me.... Maybe you have and it is still on the way so thank you in advance, i'm sure i will be ecstatic when i receive it--Just a small connection from home feels really great and i really miss everyone! The other volunteers are really great though and it helps to have a support group of people who are so wonderful.

I miss you and hope you are enjoying the spring! I'm kinda bummed that i'm going to miss the bluebonnets off spur 408. Hopefully i'll get a nice picture of the pretty texas spring i'm missing... ;)

All my love :)