Update;7-26-10

So we have the economy cabin reassembled. That’s the first story of the ferry. The boat looks fairly strange with all the joints waiting for fiberglass. The second floors sit leaning up against each other on top of the boat. Each day we get closer to the end. We have started the part where we cut holes all over the boat for vents and water intakes. After I pushed the first piece out I yelled “stop blowing holes in my boat!” it seemed fitting all things considered.

The student interns we have hired are all Ugandan engineers freshly graduated from university. But none save one have ever held a job. So basically they have the theories of how things work in their brain but have never seen the actual functioning. They have the work experience of most American 16yos (which is to say, none) but a much higher maturity level. It’s very interesting to teach them carpentry and how to use tools. We have had some interesting times when we ask for a tool by name and they give us a blank look instead. It isn’t even a specialized tool either. It’s just that they either have never heard of the tool, or they have never heard our name for it. Things like an open ended wrench (they call it a spanner), or a Phillips screwdriver (plus-sign or star, as opposed to minus sign). We informed them that actual star screwdrivers are different. Unfortunately, it’s the same with all our Ugandan workers, not just the students. I inventoried the tools one day with a worker. I would call out the name, and how to spell it, and he would write it down and also on a little cheat sheet which he took home and memorized.

So our group here has changed a bit. Only Bryce and I remain of the Americans. Jon-Paul and Rob both left last week. Our cook has stayed with us, and we have elevated her title to goddess of all things edible and tasty. We have Nicholas our faithful foreman and interpreter who lives nearby. Francis also lives nearby, but should not be confused with mo-zay (old man) Francis who is our driver. He prefers to clean the car at least 2x a week in his spare time even though we live on a dirt road. Then we have opus, who changes his hair style every week but wears a yellow bucket hat over it constantly to protect it.

Then our student interns. Paul, who I swear should have gone to seminary instead of becoming an electrical engineer. The guy talks constantly, either about scripture, or about how we need his help. he has one of the slenderest builds I have ever carried by a guy. Therein lies the joke when he offers his help to Bryce. The others are mechanical engineers. Chris, who has held a job and somehow has a very steady personality. He is quiet, but has a great sense of humor and irony. He shakes his head every time Paul starts talking again. Vianney, who is even quieter than Chris, and taller than the others. His English is the most understandable. Those two never complain, even though both have had malaria since meeting us. Then comes Moses, the small one. Blyce is arways his fliend, but blyce arways makes fun of his accent. All are faithful born again believers who don’t drink, smoke, or swear and don’t believe in spontaneity.

The last addition to our team here has been cloud (spelled Claude). He has traveled a bit and knows a bit about western culture which the others have somehow missed completely. Things like Rudolf the red nosed reindeer and Winnie the pooh and Zeus. He was a Buddhist monk in Thailand for a while, but has since decided to go with Catholicism out of respect for his family. He has asked how to read the bible so I supplied him with his first. His accent is the hardest to understand. Try to imagine a French African with elements of Thai and a southern twang.

I have gotten some interesting comments this week. “Julia, you must be half man.” Or “if only we were as peaceful as you look when you lie down.” I continue to surprise Ugandans for some reason.

Bryce and I get to go away next weekend to get a break. Western Uganda here we come. Hopefully we see the animals on a safari. My first African safari. Ill let you all know how it goes.