First Firing!

We just finished firing our first batches of test filters—over 500 filters—so it’s an exciting time for SPOUTS! With the help of Sammy, our kiln master from a Kenyan ceramic filter factory, everything went smoothly. After unloading our wares, our employees were proud to see the near-finished product. A photo-op was a must. And, of course, we can’t wait to get back to it after the Christmas break!

Our kiln master at work

To make the week even better, my dad came to visit! He tagged along at the factory and I gave him a taste of the good life—eating posho and beans for lunch every day and riding Ugandan public transit.

Posho and beans. Mmm...

It is safe to say my dad hates riding the bodas

I must say that he passed with flying colors; hiking the Appalachian Trail for a month back in August got him pretty used to a minimalistic lifestyle. Other than a flea epidemic of sorts which prompted a thorough cleaning of the puppies (and ourselves), things went off without a hitch.

 PUPdate:

The puppies are healthy (and now flea-free, we hope) and gnawing on anything and everything. Having eight puppies at my office is kind of like a dream come true for me. Eight full-grown dogs, however, would be a bit too much for us to handle. Luckily, our kiln master offered to take 5 pups back to Kenya which means we have happy homes for all the puppies! Phew! I was starting to get worried…

Jesus Beard:

Being the only white guy in town means I get some attention. Being a white guy with a beard in a country full of Christians means I have a new nickname: Jesus.

Here I am about to get my first haircut from ‘expert hair stylist’ and SPOUTS CEO Kathy Ku. I have to say, it wasn’t half bad.

The next few weeks I’ll be off exploring the touristy side of Uganda and spend Christmas with my pa: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see mountain gorillas, Queen Elizabeth National Park for some savannah action, and a bit of white water rafting on the Nile! I can’t wait!!