Friday, July 31st- Bike Distribution Day 1!

Two entries about this big day:

“T.I.U.” (This Is Uganda). Often thought of as derogatory, this statment has pushed many close to the edge while still managing to bring out the best in us. This project had “impossible” written all over it when a young, but ambitious Ugandan boy dreamt up the idea of giving bicycles to people in one of the most war torn locations on the globe. Even as we sat around a table in Gulu, Uganda, with a list of tasks needing to be accomplished, there was still an air of doubt as the first set of tasks were assigned.
It is now August 1st and as I sit in my room, 50 individuals (actually 51…funny story) are planning a more efficient future with their new bicycles. As I woke up yesterday morning, I picked up my phone to realize that I still had an hour of sleep left. I was excited. I tried to fight off the butterflies in my stomach as I got ready, contemplating the plan for the day. When it was finally time for us to leave, plans had changed considerably in the mad last minute rush. After another bumpy ride (one I’m sure previous bloggers have already described with impeccable detail) we arrived in Nwoya, the first of two villages to distribute bicycles.
There was clearly a sense of anxiety as the people listened to Kevin as he gave out instructions as to how the proceedings would go. As our list of chosen applicants was brought out, there was a great silence that was only to be broken by the sounds of Kylie and Sofia playing with children nearby. One by one the names were called and one by one the people stood u and made their triumphant walk over to the check in station. The process was going so well, I wanted to giggle. Our cleverly created list (by Kevin, Alyson, Erika and JD aka Steel) which used many calculated formulas to find the perfect candidates was working. And then disaster struck… “Betty A. please come up!” and with this, two Betty’s stood up with huge grins on their faces. Confusion broke out as we tried to figure out who the correct Betty was after realizing the more detailed list (with ages, etc…) was locked in the great Muyambi’s room back at the hotel. So what do we do? We gave them both bikes… because at BAP, we share our love!
After the check-ins we arranged for the participants to undergo a credit management seminar and a bicycle repair workshop before they received the bicycles. With the first 25 bikes, Baker (our great driver) had brilliantly engineered our BAP symbol stencil and painted it on. Even though it was pouring, this didn’t faze the villagers as they proudly collected their brand new bikes and wheeled off. While some yelled at the top of their lungs and emphatically warrior danced their way to their bikes, others merely smiled, thanked us and rolled their bikes away. Although drenched and beaten up, seeing those faces light up as they grabbed their bikes made it all worthwhile. The only thing I regret is not following Sophia’s lead and learning the local language so I could thank them for giving me a chance to make a difference for these amazing people. And as I prepare for another long day of bike giving tomorrow, I cant help but think T.I.U; where lives are changed and where the impossible is made possible.
-Odeke

Friday marked the first day of bicycle distribution. We began the morning by securing the necessary funds from the bank to purchase the bicycles from the distributor. With our lunches packed and forms printed, we departed in the van towards the village of Corner Nwoya. We arrived after approximately an hour and a half drive and were welcomed by the villagers who were awaiting our arrival.
We explained to the people that our decision of what households received a bicycle was difficult, but that if the beneficiaries are honest and remember to make their payments, we will be able to purchase more bicycles for those whom have applied. After reading the list of people who had been granted a bicycle, the workshops began at which the bicycle recipients were educated on the basics of microfinance and bicycle repair. Just when it seemed that the spirits of the villagers could not be any more gleeful, Muyambi arrived with the first batch of bicycles, which were immediately unloaded and their serial numbers recorded. The quality of a few of the bicycles was unsatisfactory due to faulty breaks and unexplained dents; however, a bicycle mechanic was at hand to assist with repairs.
The BAP logo and numbers were painted onto the bicycles with use of a stencil while Muyambi left to retrieve the other twenty five bicycles. While waiting, BAPers played with children, interviewed villagers and continued to make sure the quality of the bicycles were satisfactory. Despite being a dry season in Uganda, the clouds began to blanket the sky and shower rain upon us. The weather climaxed just as Muyambi returned with the last of the bicycles, which truly captured the spirit and mentality of BAP and its members; with stinging rain pouring from the sky and chilling wind stealing our warmth, the BAPers marched towards to the truck to unload the bicycles and make them ready for distribution. No challenge, be it weather, horrendous roads, or frustrating bureaucracy, could ever dissever ourselves from the goal of alleviating poverty and making better the lives of those displaced by war.
It seemed that the unpleasant weather grew tired of our high spirits and began to depart just as we officially handed over the bicycles. Hands were clapping, people cheering, tears disguised by the remaining streams of rain, while BAP’s purpose began to take a concrete form. We left the village wet and shivering, packed in a van on the same uncomfortable road, but unfazed by any displeasure. Our project had truly taken flight. The emotion of bringing an idea through months of hard work and planning to an object of reality served as our warmth and comfort for the long and bumpy drive back to the hotel.

-Colin Thomas