Written by Dan Bedard

I was awakened by the cousin of the rooster in Kampala. This time just a little earlier. Fr. Dominic’s home is beautiful. It reminded me of when I was in Panama. Tropical layout. Very open. Walking outside, I was met with a view of an open valley with morning fog hovering over the valley and homes on the other side of the hill. It was very warm, 65 deg. It was at this time I met Francis, Fr. Dominic’s dad. With a hand shake and a hug our friendship began. Not knowing what we were saying to each other we had a great body conversation. Fr. Dominic’s mom came out and again a hand shake and hug followed. Alex at this time came out and we had a conversation through interpretation. Francis quickly said his goodbye for he needed to milk the cows. I then met Leticia again as she started her morning routine, sweeping the back area where the kitchen and parents lived. The wood then was split for breakfast. All the food was cooked by fire. Then I met aunt Vastine, mother to Alex who lived on site also. Followed by Louis, Rogers, and more nieces and nephews. As I was heading back inside the home, the back porch had a 2-inch drop which blended and not seeing it, I twisted my ankle and fell over rolling with the door catching me averting a 6 ft drop. With a swollen angle I decided that this was not the time to panic and just worked through it. With Father getting up he went about meeting with his family. We ate breakfast, eggs, raw milk, honey, bread, tea, coffee and mangos. We then backed the car up a 40 deg. Driveway, scraping and spinning the wheel coming out of the compound. We needed to all get out and push the car over the speed bump. No escaping the speed bumps. We quickly figured out the proper procedure to get out of the compound. On departure we all said an Our Father, Hail Mary and a Glory Be. This was said in all our departures when driving. Today was Sunday so we dressed for it. I wore my blue blazer with my K of C tie and Khaki pants. We drove down from one side of the hill onto a dirt road down into the valley and up the other side of the valley up the hill to the parish church. It was just beyond Fr. Dominic’s Rubanda Solidarity School. The church was a mission style church, about 80 years old. One tall tower with a big bell was attached to a very large church which had an open concept inside. The shape was one of the processional similar to some of our older churches that are long and rectangular with the Sanctuary at one end, as opposed to the modern square shaped churches many are familiar with.  We went into the rectory and Fr. Dominic introduced me to all the priests. The district commissioner was also there. He was regarded as the right-hand man to the President of Uganda.

Father had Eudicious sit with me as my interpreter. He also gave me his Sunday Missal so I could follow the Mass. I was well greeted by all. I could feel a lot of eyes on me. As the Mass began, I quickly felt that this was going to be very special. I made my prayers and asked for my three wishes for this was my first time in this church. The music started with the entry of the priests: six all together. The music was incredible with the use of drums, symbols and flutes. The choir consisted of 36 women and men. The church was full, and the participation was very strong. After Mass, an introduction was made to all dignitaries attending the Mass. Huge applause and rejoicing for Fr. Dominic returning home. Lifting of the roof response. Fr. Dominic spoke to the parishioners. Great joy in being home.

Fr. Dominic asked me to speak briefly to the parishioners. I expressed my deepest appreciation of Fr. Dominic in accepting my request to accompany him to his homeland. Also, to Paula, my wife, for having the courage and strength in trusting in God that this was a mission meant by his design. I expressed my love of wife and family and my desire to be of service and coming with an open mind, heart and hands. Fr. Dominic also spoke highly of me. My involvement with the Knights of Columbus and what they stand for (this was all new for all). I also spoke about my agricultural experience as an organic farmer and my desire to learn with everyone. I was well received by all. Traditional clapping of appreciation. The Rector of the seminary, Fr. Charles was my interpreter. The district commissioner then spoke. He expressed his appreciation that an American was among them, and that my knowledge of organic farming should be a gift to them all. “Take full advantage of his time to get to know and learn”, he emphasized.

We then went to his school which he founded 13 years ago and serves as the Director General. Fr. Dominic started this school in 2005 preceded by a one-year study program to find out the reason(s) why it was so common for children to drop out of the only free and government aided school in the community. I was introduced to all the staff and was well received. Robert, the school’s Engineer took us on a complete tour of the school,  both the primary and nursery campuses. I was given the complete history on the gradual construction phases of the school and its future growth and vision. A lot had been done and being worked on in preparation for the opening of the academic school year in two weeks.  The new dormitories were nearing completion. I was told the donors of the Yamba Abaana organization in USA raised the money to construct these new buildings. Demolition and construction was everywhere including the transformation of the former two dining halls into one. Beautiful site in process.

Fr. Dominic introduced me to Sister Brenda, the directress of the school and the one in charge of all the school gardens. We went to see the potential sites for the three gardens. I saw nice areas for a garden but lots of prep work was needed. Soil was very dry and in poor condition at all three sites. I knew this would be a challenge. What was growing there as small plants was struggling. Banana trees were doing well. They introduced me to the pigs’ project by the garden and was told that the school only grows 5% of its own food. The second largest cost to the school is food. Teachers’ salaries was the first. I saw a lot of potentials of growing at least 50% of the school vegetables on site with enriched soil and alternative methods of cultivation.

I was given a bodaboda (motorcycle as locally called) ride home by the Rubanda Solidarity Projects’ coordinator Mr. Rogers. Father stayed  back to have meetings with the school staff as a catch up on all affairs of the school.  At home I got to meet and get acquainted with Fr. Dominic’s family. His mom Agnes and dad Francis, nephews and nieces. Leticia, Alex and Rogers his brother, Bonaventure and Eudicious, Louis and others.  I was given a good tour of the home garden. Met all the family animals and birds. We settled down and I toured them all through my phone and started introducing America to them as they introduced Uganda to me.

Cell battery was a big issue. Used it so much that the battery died at the most inopportune time. Luckily, I had my spare battery charger but even this was not enough most of the time. Everyone was so curious. Very hard to call home. Reception is very poor. I cannot send any pics or videos at this point.

Ate supper with Fr. Dominic at 8:30 pm. 2 hours of conversations and laughter just wrapping up of the day. We enjoyed beef, rice, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, bread with peanut sauce and eggplants. We had hot tea, honey and porridge, pineapples and passion fruits. Bed at 11 pm.

Sunny 79 deg. Rain in the evening ½”.

Woke up @ 5:30 am. Started to call Paula at this time. 15 minutes only. First hot shower in 3 days it was fantastic. Fr. Dominic went out for the day. Various meetings while I went into the home garden.

I spent it with two complete gentlemen, Alex and Louis. Fr. Dominic was hoping both would be interested in learning the organic farming with me. He definitely made the right choice. They quickly showed deep interest in farming.

We toured the garden grounds. Many questions asked about weather patterns, soil conditions, pest and diseases in the area. We had purchased some log books to start a history of the garden sites. Alex drew a map of the site of the garden and the plans of where the garden beds would be and what is grown in them. Also, a history of what kind of compost and where everything came from. Fr. Dominic and I brought to Uganda $600 of Heirloom seeds. The intent is to grow the crops, eat some and harvest the seeds from the rest. These seeds will be used for future use and for resale in the future. This will start a seed saving program and a new industry for revenue. Alex and Louis are very excited about all these new concepts. The sketch includes:

1. Northern exposure
2. Garden design of every rows, beds and layout
3. All crops grown by name
4. Weather patterns for this garden
5. Date planted
6. Date germination
7. Weeding and feeding patterns
8. Watering history
9. And later harvest history

My physical adaptation to the terrain is slow. I twisted my right ankle really bad today again. Very painful. I decided to keep walking on it and keep pushing. No pain no gain. I used my military motto.

I demonstrate the use of the garden claw – his will be slow to accept; I do admit the garden hoe they use is very effective –  cape cod cultivator and hand E-Z cultivator. Both have much promise. We laid out the black plastic. Planted the pea seeds in straight line for a  90 foot row. We used trellises with pole supports. This was all very exciting way to plant for all. We planted squash, 6 beds; cucumbers, 200 seeds in circles; beets 30 foot row; Lettuce mix 30 foot row; Swiss chard, 20 foot row, cabbage 20 foot row, kale 20 foot row and green beans 20 foot row.

We took many pictures with all. We had many spontaneous fire side chats on the sharing of planting techniques.  We used aged cow manure for fertilizer. All helped the grandnephews who worked very hard bringing manure to the planting sites. All were helping to dig up the soil to four inches and pulling up all the weeds and placing them  under the plastic to create organic soil using the sun. We all worked together for six hours.

This was truly a great bonding day for all. Much laughter. We cleaned all the tools then sat down with all and went over all the pictures of my garden and the sites of America on my phone. Very tired, Fr. Dominic arrived, we had supper and shared our day. Bed at 10:30.

Sunny all day 80 deg. Up early. Rooster wake up call. Slept poorly. Very restless. Called Paula talked for 15 minutes. Reception bad.

I met Francis and asked if I could help in the milking of the cows. He was eager to bring me. First time I ever hand pumped milking of a cow. This was a very exciting experience. Cows were patient with me. I extracted 1 cup of milk than Francis took over. 2 quarts of milk for this morning. Cows were in the tail end of giving milk with its calf.

I prepared to go to the garden. Agnes stopped me and told me that a neighbor had died and custom dictates that no one works the gardens in time of mourning. Family neighborhoods form a sort of clan. These clans support each other especially in time of mourning. They visit and give grief support to the family. About 300 families. Almost the size of the valley where the school is located.

We all went with Fr. Dominic to the school. Alex and Louis also joined us. Father had some meetings so I went to the seminary next to the school. There I was given the complete tour of the school and the grounds. I prayed at the seminary chapel. There we meet Fr. Charles Lwanga, the rector of St Adrian’s Seminary in Rubanda who said that Eudicious could use a piece of land where he could start a trial garden using our techniques to save land and grow more produce. We walked the garden terraces. Across the valley hundreds of children with their parents were volunteering in hand hoeing the parish garden. One hundred in a row spaced in 3 rows hand tilled on a hill. They worked for about 3 hours. Alex and Louis did some soil testing at various parts of the gardens. Tested clay areas and sandy areas. Port soil nutrients in general and good Ph in general. Clay area had high moisture levels and sandy low moisture. All the crops were spaced in a poor planting pattern. Much wasted space. Crops in general looked like they were deficient in nutrients. Nitrogen and potash.  We had much conversation. Both were very much interested in the on goings in America.

We were given a ride back by Fr. Charles, the seminary Rector. There was a batch of carrots by his home. Very sweet. Ground was very dry. We ate dinner at the School and Fr. Charles joined us. Much discussion on the customs of our countries: Religious, families and political. We went to Kabale afterwards. About 20 miles away. We bought books for garden record keeping. Rope for the trellis, a blender and a convertor for recharging the phone and of course food shopping. City was a fun experience. Some trying to take advantage of me for not knowing the prices. Overcharging me. Fr. Dominic was my negotiator. Arrived home ate supper. Good conversation afterwards. I had a nice hot wash afterwards. Went to bed about 10:30 Pm

Up at 5:30 am. Rooster wake up. Called Paula. Partly cloudy 61 deg. 76 deg. During day, rolling thunder with rain in the afternoon and ½ in in the evening.

Breakfast and off to the school. We spent the day with Sr. Brenda, the directress of the School showing us the garden.  Alex, Louis and myself analyzed the garden by the piggery house and laid out a map to the site. Using the hand hoe and garden claw we went to work. Applying the trellis wooden staking using the hand axe, we laid out the garden. We planted peas, corn, beets, carrots, zucchini, watermelon, kale, cabbage and green beans. 6 hours of straight work. Sr. Brenda came to get us for diner at the school. Took in a lot of sun today

Fr, Dominic had meetings with his School Management Committee. I sat in on the meetings. I was introduced to Sr. Stella, co-founder and Mr. Rogers, one of the first employees and current general projects coordinator. We also met the bursar, the financial Secretary, Head Master, Immaculate (primary deputy) and Joy (nursery). We went home, had supper and talked about the day. Spent time talking with the family. After supper, Rosette got some bananas, avocado, watermelon and pineapples. Fr. Dominic was very excited about making a fruit mix. It was very good. Went to bed early 10 p

Up at 5 am. Rooster was early today. Called Paula at 5:45. Morning routine is now routine. Father repaired the 2^nd bathroom. The plumber came. This made things easier for me. Father spent time meeting with family members today.

While waiting I spent time watching the aunts preparing and thrashing the beans they had harvested in the fields the day before. About one truck load of beans on the vines. First, they took a stick and pounded the beans on the drying mats. Then they picked whatever pods that was still attached. Vines were then pulled out and given to the goats and calves for them to eat. Nothing is ever wasted. The beans are then placed in a large 2 ft. diameter woven flat pad and then are tossed for winnowing in the air where separation happens between the beans and the shells and left-over stalks. Hand thrashed, all the beans are then hand picked off the mats that were placed on the ground. All these mats were hand made using the swamp grass from the low lands in the valley. I noticed some baskets, so I asked where they got them. These were all made by the family – Fr. Dominic’s sisters. They took out the ones that they had started and gave me a basket weaving lesson. We spent almost one-hour weaving and having a great family time.

All were there. Alex, Louis, Rogers, Bonaventure, all the nieces and nephews, two uncles and two aunts and a few more. Great morning. The family started singing and playing the drums in a “Thank you Dan” for bring them joy. It was a great family moment for all. About 15 family members were present. We took many pics. I showed pics to the family of my garden.

We went to Kabale for the repair of the car. Ms. Goretti, senior matron came with us to assist us in the shopping. We took the car to the garage and went shopping afterwards. The car had a small gas leak and a tie-rod that was loose.

We went to visit Ms. Agnes, primary head teacher promoting a tourism website. There we met another visiting friend helping Agnes’ husband to found a tourism company.

Fr. Dominic and I went to the school and there we sat with the alumni class of 2012 to 2018. All the graduation class alumni class were now arriving. 54 of the 162 graduates. They were very happy in meeting Fr. Dominic. We all spoke to the group including myself. Arrived home and went to bed around midnight.

We toured the grounds to see the last preparations for the graduation Thanksgiving Day, tomorrow. New dormitories were being painted. New bathrooms next to the dormitories were being built along with the new shower rooms. Stairs too were in the final stages after the old stairs were torn down. A retaining wall was also being constructed.

We toured the nursery section. A meeting for the alumni class was scheduled. They have been arriving for an alumni yearly gathering. Officers were elected for the weekend events and Thanksgiving celebration that includes the blessing of the new dormitory and sending off of the graduated class to high school. Debate was started as to what they would like to do in the evening. Either a dance or a debate. A debate was chosen and the topic was about if cell phones are good or bad to society. With Proposers and Opposers the sweet words went, “Technology has done more harm than good”.

We had supper at the school. We stayed late, and went for the debate. We lost power and had to gather in a small room with a single solar light. John (School Maintenance man) was incredible in organizing the alumni. It was very dark and yet John had it all under control. We all had a great and a very high spirited debate with the young alumni. The good was centered on the knowledge that is gained on the information and the speed of communication. The bad was the porn and social abuse that happens in an uncontrolled environment. Fr. Dominic was asked to decide on who won the debate and he chose a tie and I was asked also and I agreed and both of us stated the strength of each side and their reasoning of their arguments. We came home late.

Up at 5 am with the rooster wake up call. I made my 5:30 am call to Paula and was cut off by poor reception. The fog was heavy this morning. I made my rounds greeting all the family members who were all busy doing their morning routines.

Fr. Dominic and I had breakfast and dressed in my Sunday best we went to school.  Fr. Dominic gathered all the alumni students, teachers and staff for the christening of the new dormitory. We all prayed and sang. Fr. Dominic celebrated Mass afterwards. All the alumni students, parents, and administrators attended. We gathered in an overflowed class room, about 200 people were present. This is one example of an event that a function hall could be used for and why we urgently need one.

One of my special desires of my trip was fulfilled when the Chalice that we Knights of Columbus Council #12941 donated to the school with the inscription of the names of our deceased brothers on it was used in the consecration of the body and blood of Christ. In remembrance of Brother Bob Decouteau, Phil Masse and Roger Millette.

The Mass was beautiful. The alumni had a full choir singing with joy. Afterwards the graduation class was prayed over and gifts were given to them (pens and pads of paper). After Mass we were all introduced, and guest speakers spoke. First the administrators. Sr. Stella, the chairperson of the Management and Fr. Dominic, the director were also invited to speak. Fr. Dominic invited me to say a few words afterwards. All great words of encouragement to the alumni class. Lastly, the guest of honor Ms. Scovia Kyarisiima who is a passionate tourism promoter that owns a Tourism tour guide business spoke. In absentia, was Ms. Evelin Kyikafunda who was also a principal speaker to the alumni, together with Scovia, the previous day. Evelin Kyikafunda owns a business plantation (crops farm and animals.) She is also an exporter of baskets and homemade items.  Mingled with all the parents and alumni. Many pictures were taken by all. Meal with all the staff, parents present and guests were served. We then went home to change.

Set out to the Parish to meet Fr. Fidelis. Together with 12 Choir members and Sr. Brenda the TMIY program was pitched. Fr. Dominic asked for introduction by all. He then launched the program in a general sense on how it helped the men, parish and community.

I then explained that the program concept was a family program and how it centers God in the family. Everyone listened intently. Then open questions.

Many asked on how and what it covered in relationship to them. They seemed not to like just the Man in the program and both Father and I quickly changed the title to “That Person Is You, TPIY”, which they liked so much.

Fr. Fidelis then spoke and basically said this is a program that the bishop and he have long been waiting for. A vote was taken, and it was approved by all. A decision of the full presentation was made for the following Saturday. The choir team will be the core team to the group which will be the foot hold to start the program.

We went home, had the meal with the nieces and nephews. We had a great conversation on the success of TPIY. What a great day and yet better days laid ahead of us. Scovia the tourism guide really wanted us to go on a Safari tour which would have been given by her company. I really wanted to go and I kept asking Fr. Dominic if we can make this happen. There really was no more time for both to happen: “Kibeho” or “Queen Elizabeth” wild life tour. Fr. Dominic made a tough decision. Even after 2 years of him wanting to go to Kibeho he decided to let me decide. All my life I wanted to go on a Safari tour. It was so close, and it was my decision. Fr. Dominic was sacrificing his passion for mine.

Tomorrow was day 13 the end of the 2^nd week.