Time off

Malcolm is half way through his 3 months at Kisiizi Hospital, so time for a bit of a break. It also coincides with a visit from our friend, Dr Corrie, from Kiwoko Hospital.

They had a long weekend away on an island in Lake Bunyoni. When they booked the log cabins they thought the island was called ‘Natures Prime Island' – very relaxing. When they arrived they discovered the place had been rebranded ‘Supreme Adventure Camp’!! complete with a treetop assault course and zip wire across the lake.

 

In order not to show up the younger visitors they decided to avoid the course and the zip wire and to remain focused on relaxing.

 

As the lake is at a high altitude it was a bit chilly at night. Fortunately the restaurant included a log fire which was a welcome sight.

 

 

 They didn’t spend all the time doing nothing. On Saturday they got up early to go ‘birding’ around the lake, and to see what the locals were doing.

 

One of the small islands, Punishment island, was used to abandon unmarried pregnant women. There they would die, or be saved to become the wives of poor fishermen who couldn't afford the 'bride-price' normally required to get a bride.

Refreshing waters?

It has been a fun week with Helen and Chris visiting from South Africa. It has meant we have been getting out and about with them rather than working – apart for the day they trekked gorillas.

Chris made quite an impact at Potter’s Village but seemed to worry some of the children.

Malcolm took them for a walk up a nearby hill with views over Lake Mutanda.

Having survived that we went on an outing to Bushara Island on Lake Bunyoni.

On the way we enjoyed some of the breath-taking views, though unfortunately it was a bit cloudy.

Irene, Helen and Chris took the opportunity to get some refreshing swimming in the few lakes which are Bilharzia free (a rather nasty fresh water parasite.)

This week’s proverb from the BBC Africa web-site is from South Sudan:

“Do not complain about the lack of wind, just learn to sail”

"Semahani"

The senior staff at Potter’s Village have told Malcolm that his African name is ‘Semahani’. (Pronounced ‘Say ma ha knee’). He’s very proud of it. He’s not sure what it means but it sounds strong. Leadership? Charisma? Handsome? Semahani!!!


The senior staff of Potter's Village got together to say thank you to Andrew and Laura for the work they did during their holiday (honeymoon!) from the UK. In addition to trekking golden monkeys and climbing the extinct volcano, Muhabura, they painted the new medial centre.

We also took them out last Sunday for drive through the mountains surrounding Kisoro and to Lake Bunyoni where we enjoyed lunch before returning down an almost impassable dirt road.

It was also a week to say thank you to Ezra who officially finished as administrator at Potter’s Village on Friday. He has worked there for many years but decided it is time to move on. To mark his last day the new administrator, Jackie, baked a banana cake (made to Malcolm’s recipe) which Rosie presented.

There was also a new arrival at the children’s crisis centre. Isaac’s mother had just died and his father is a ‘drunkard’ (an alcoholic?). He is 11 months old but only weighs 5.1 kg. His 2 siblings had previously died and his own life was clearly at risk.

This week’s proverb from the BBC Africa web-site is from Ghana:

“A person's character is like pregnancy - it cannot be hidden”



Editor’s note. Malcolm may not realise it, but ‘Semahani’ means ‘trouble’. Most appropriate?