Saturday morning Elton, Don and Leon headed to the well site with the local workers to get them started with the new pipe. The rest of the Team relaxed for the morning and hung out at the Compound.
When the men returned we learned that the better quality pipe was also breaking and they were still having difficulties drilling the well. They left the crew in the hands of James, the local supervisor they have been training, knowing they were doing all they could do.
We all loaded up in the rented taxi along with Paul and little Sarah and headed out for sightseeing. Our first stop was Lake Victoria where Paul rented boats to take us to the Source of the Nile. We disembarked on a little island and Byron and Sarah climbed up on a cement marker that was left there to mark the spot. At one time there were natural falls in this spot where one could see a tremendous sight for the Source, but since they built a hydro-electric dam, the falls were flooded. However, you could see the difference in the flow of water at that point and they explained that it was 400 feet deep compared to Lake Victoria which was 10 meters deep.
Our next destination was Bujagali Falls and required the taxi to take some primitive roads. We met a big truck and we were then coated with a thick layer of red dust since the windows are always open. Upon our arrival at the Falls, we climbed down a big hill and wandered around taking pictures and videos. Then we observed some of the local performers. First, the two boys who jumped in upstream and road jerrycans (large plastic jugs) down the rapids. Then an acrobat performed, climbing a pole while he balanced it, using only his upper body strength. He has a crippled leg that is not useable and walks with a crutch. He also performed body contortions for the crowd. Next we boarded a boat that took us across the Nile River to one of the Bujigali Islands so we could see the other side of the Falls, then we went on down the Nile for another stop where we climbed a big hill to see the construction site of the new dam they are building. We passed women and children who were doing laundry in the river and laying it out to dry. The children were having a great time swimming. When we got off the boats, we bought sodas at the little restaurant and enjoyed the local talent playing African music. It was very noticeable that the commercialization of this naturally beautiful spot was very different from the way Americans do it. First, the price for Non-Ugandans was 1000 shillings more than the price for Ugandans, although it was still extremely reasonable at $1.50. The gift shops were two small huts, the restaurant was a beautiful open air spot with a great view of the Falls and rapids. If this had been in the US, the road would have been paved all of the way up with huge hotels and expensive restaurants, high prices and big viewing decks. It was wonderful to see how natural it all was. And is sad to realize that with the building of the new hydro-electric dam, the Bujagali Falls will not be the same. Several commented that they were able to mark something off of their Bucket List after visiting the Falls.
Our last stop was the Amani Baby Cottage so the men could see what the women experienced there. Once again, the babies were difficult to leave for our tenderhearted team member, Jodi.
Upon our return to the Compound, we were greeted by James, the well drilling supervisor and found out they had many more problems with the pipe after our men left and their progress today was about 5 feet. They did break through the layer of rock, drilled really good through a layer of clay, but then ran into another layer of rock. We will have to send pipe from America and look into modifications. The well hole is at about 19 feet and we think we have to go 25 to 30 feet to hit water. Plans are being made to try to explain to him how to finalize the pump installation so he can do it without us being present.
Although it was to be a relaxing day, I think everyone agrees that we were just as dirty, hot and sweaty as on the days we worked, and probably more tired but without the exhilaration of accomplishment.
Our welder, Patrick, brought his wife, Grace, to the Compound today as this was the last day we would see him. He was the one that was so impressed with our Teamwork and tonight wanted all our names and take a picture of us all together along with him and his wife. He intends to teach Ugandans about Teamwork.
Supper tonight was a special treat of fish curry. We closed the evening with all of our Team plus Pam & Paul and Abdu sharing from our hearts with one another around the circle in the court yard. It was a beautiful night to spend outside with your Mission Team Family debriefing.
When the men returned we learned that the better quality pipe was also breaking and they were still having difficulties drilling the well. They left the crew in the hands of James, the local supervisor they have been training, knowing they were doing all they could do.
We all loaded up in the rented taxi along with Paul and little Sarah and headed out for sightseeing. Our first stop was Lake Victoria where Paul rented boats to take us to the Source of the Nile. We disembarked on a little island and Byron and Sarah climbed up on a cement marker that was left there to mark the spot. At one time there were natural falls in this spot where one could see a tremendous sight for the Source, but since they built a hydro-electric dam, the falls were flooded. However, you could see the difference in the flow of water at that point and they explained that it was 400 feet deep compared to Lake Victoria which was 10 meters deep.
Our next destination was Bujagali Falls and required the taxi to take some primitive roads. We met a big truck and we were then coated with a thick layer of red dust since the windows are always open. Upon our arrival at the Falls, we climbed down a big hill and wandered around taking pictures and videos. Then we observed some of the local performers. First, the two boys who jumped in upstream and road jerrycans (large plastic jugs) down the rapids. Then an acrobat performed, climbing a pole while he balanced it, using only his upper body strength. He has a crippled leg that is not useable and walks with a crutch. He also performed body contortions for the crowd. Next we boarded a boat that took us across the Nile River to one of the Bujigali Islands so we could see the other side of the Falls, then we went on down the Nile for another stop where we climbed a big hill to see the construction site of the new dam they are building. We passed women and children who were doing laundry in the river and laying it out to dry. The children were having a great time swimming. When we got off the boats, we bought sodas at the little restaurant and enjoyed the local talent playing African music. It was very noticeable that the commercialization of this naturally beautiful spot was very different from the way Americans do it. First, the price for Non-Ugandans was 1000 shillings more than the price for Ugandans, although it was still extremely reasonable at $1.50. The gift shops were two small huts, the restaurant was a beautiful open air spot with a great view of the Falls and rapids. If this had been in the US, the road would have been paved all of the way up with huge hotels and expensive restaurants, high prices and big viewing decks. It was wonderful to see how natural it all was. And is sad to realize that with the building of the new hydro-electric dam, the Bujagali Falls will not be the same. Several commented that they were able to mark something off of their Bucket List after visiting the Falls.
Our last stop was the Amani Baby Cottage so the men could see what the women experienced there. Once again, the babies were difficult to leave for our tenderhearted team member, Jodi.
Upon our return to the Compound, we were greeted by James, the well drilling supervisor and found out they had many more problems with the pipe after our men left and their progress today was about 5 feet. They did break through the layer of rock, drilled really good through a layer of clay, but then ran into another layer of rock. We will have to send pipe from America and look into modifications. The well hole is at about 19 feet and we think we have to go 25 to 30 feet to hit water. Plans are being made to try to explain to him how to finalize the pump installation so he can do it without us being present.
Although it was to be a relaxing day, I think everyone agrees that we were just as dirty, hot and sweaty as on the days we worked, and probably more tired but without the exhilaration of accomplishment.
Our welder, Patrick, brought his wife, Grace, to the Compound today as this was the last day we would see him. He was the one that was so impressed with our Teamwork and tonight wanted all our names and take a picture of us all together along with him and his wife. He intends to teach Ugandans about Teamwork.
Supper tonight was a special treat of fish curry. We closed the evening with all of our Team plus Pam & Paul and Abdu sharing from our hearts with one another around the circle in the court yard. It was a beautiful night to spend outside with your Mission Team Family debriefing.
In 48 hours we will be on the flight, headed for home.
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