Footing. That’s the term used to refer to walking in Uganda. And I’m beginning to believe it is a community development strategy par excellence no matter where you live.

People, most people anyway, use footing to travel around Adjumani, the town in Northern Uganda, where we live in temporarily. Of course there are other modes of transportation; boda boda (motorcyle), bicycle, even taxis and small “buses” modeled after the old Toyota Previa. But those are all expensive for the un and under employed - that is most of the workforce in town. So footing is the main mode of travel between home, market, church, neighbors, and field. Anytime of day or night, except I suppose, after midnight, you will see crowds of people lining the streets, out footing.

Under 3 Weeks 'Til Take Off

Cathy, Sarah and I board a Delta/KLM flight to Entebbe, Uganda on September 21. On the way we'll make a week-long stop in Alborg, Denmark to visit our daughter, Elli.

Introducing a Strategic Partnership

Through a new and strategic partnership with Lahash International Second Stories will send Clark, Cathy, daughter Sarah, and 2011 Summer Intern, Rick and his wife Haley Baker to Uganda for about 1 year starting in October 2012.

This is a huge opportunity for Second Stories! In brief, this partnership will benefit us through applying the community development principles we train others to engage in, it will give us experience in Aquaponics, a potential business/income stream for Second Stories, and it will be a time of invaluable personal and family enrichment for the team members. 

            This is it. The last week. I'm having to say goodbye every time I turn around and I'm constantly on the verge of tears. For this blog we were told to reflect on the past ten weeks and to share some of the things that have really stood out to us.

            The thing that has stuck out to me from the very beginning is the importance of being in close proximity to people. The first thing we discussed was Trinitarian Theology. If you all remember I didn't understand and was taking it as a personal insult. Since then I've been wrestling with Trinitarian Theology and thinking about the importance of being in relationship with people. Second Stories really pushes being a part of your family and community. Clark describes these groups as "the people you belong to."