Noble Rites

I am flying tomorrow to Uganda. I had a mini adventure today revisiting Stevenage to purchase some last minute products and hair cut. The heat has been a good warm up for Africa. It has been pretty unbearable. I have had good practise wearing my sunglasses and hat and applying sun lotion. I wonder if the heat will be sustained throughout my 4 week absence? I wonder how much hotter it can be 30 miles from the equator?

I have busied myself this past week drumming up some support for the Dewe project through some interesting groups in Sheffield. I spoke to the Sheffield FC based charity "Boots for Africa" who have donated 11 pairs of boots, 2 footballs and pumps. I had an enjoyable visit to their ground and met their lively team who seem to be doing loads to help out in various community projects. Boots for Africa endeavour to spread usefulness through football and I am more than happy to help this cause. Dewe project organiser Sam says the boots will be gladly welcomed. I am tempted to build a goal as well if this is an option. This evening, I have been squeezing the boots into my luggage.

I have also been given some learning materials from Learn for Life where I currently do the keyboard teaching. These are mainly ESOL materials that should be of some help for anyone wanting to get on with learning english. Learning english is one of the best ways the young Ugandans can make sure they get on in the education system so this should be of use.

Millingtons in Sheffield also donated me some music, a tambourine and other bits and bobs to make noises with. Again, this should provide things that can be left and be of use even after I'm gone. It should be fun trying to get all the instruments going at once.

My next step tomorrow morning is to take the bus from Stevenage to Hatfield and then from Hatfield to Heathrow and then to get on the aeroplane at 3pm. Luckily, I am not flying on Willie Walsh's British Airways. Assuming all this happens seemlessly, I will be then looking forward to the next opportunity to post. Sam tells me everyone at the project is very excited about my visit. I am a little daunted.