Well I knew that eventually I would get some kind of stomach illness that would have me fighting for the bathroom. But I didn't think it would be food poisoning..
Every Sunday a few from our group will cook for us because our cook has the day off. Morgan, Rob and Rachel made us a nice meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans. It wasn't done till 7 so we were all starving. We started eating and it wasn't until halfway through the meal that we realized that our meat wasn't cooked all the way. I don't know how we missed it. I was just thinking that most Ugandan chicken dishes have had a weird texture so it must be something about skinny chickens.. So now all of us are waiting for the possible food poisoning to set in from eating raw but slightly warmed chicken. 15 students with possible food poisoning and 3 bathrooms.. doesn't sound like a fun night to me. We may have to follow Dr. Stockley's advice and sit in the bathtub and rinse off when its over. sounded funny when we were all feeling fine.. disgusting.
And the worst part is that even if I don't get food poisoning I will still throw up. The placebo effect and my hypochondriac tendencies will have me believing I am sick anyways. So yay. Here's to throwing up.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Photos from today
Don't touch the elephant.. metal in the sun ... I burnt my hand.
I LOVE this burger...
We were so happy to have our taste of the US. Read the blog below to hear about my day!
Our Day at Garden City
It's Saturday, so we made sure to sleep in nice and late. After a breakfast of banana bread and pineapples dipped in Nutella, I headed out with Janae, Emily, Susan, Linda and Shelby. We were on our way to Garden City which is a big shopping mall filled with fellow Mzungus :) We needed a bit of a change, so we decided to do something very American... go to the mall! We started walking and realized that today, like yesterday, was also going to be a very hot day. Shelby, Susan and I decided to break off from the group and get a matatu ride to Garden City instead of walking for 45 minutes under crazy sun. We are NOT lazy...we walked 6 miles yesterday and at least 2 miles every day of the week. We figured that we would make it to the mall before the other group... We were so wrong.
On the way to the find a matatu, a boda boda (motorcycle) driver stopped us. He tried convincing us for a very long five minutes that we should get a ride with him. We kept telling him that we aren't allowed to ride them and we would get sent home. Shelby thought we should have taped the conversation to show as proof of our commitment to following the rules! I needed to exchange a $100 bill for Ugandan Shillings so we stopped at Western Union and I got almost 200,000UGsh.. Felt rich carrying such big bills! We decided we needed a Fanta (imagine me needing a soda!!) so we stopped at a street vender for one. They made us sit and drink it there so that they could have the bottles to sell back. I woke up with a runny nose and the place didn't have a single napkin for me! We walked down farther to the place where the matatus normally congregate and felt proud for being able to safely cross the street. Then we got into a matatu heading for downtown Kampala.
We were stuck in traffic and my nose was running... I hate the sound of sniffing so I was miserable. Shelby noticed the car stopped next to us had tissues on the dashboard. She leaned out the window and asked if she could have some. The couple was confused at first but then handed her a few tissues which Shelby gave to me. A life saver, but I couldn't believe she did it! But then we were still stuck in traffic and it was really awkward that the car was still next to us. In the city we found another taxi park and asked for matatus to Garden City, a Ugandan guy grabbed my had to show me the way and lead us off. We got dropped in sight of the mall and walked the rest of the way.
At the mall we met the rest of the group that had been there at least half an hour before us. We were going to go get pizza but then we realized that what we thought was Pizza Hut was really Pizza Hot, so we kept looking. Then we found heaven on earth - Cafe Java- a wonderful restaurant with American meals and AIR CONDITIONING. Hopefully this doesn't come out wrong, but the place was full of white people eating burgers and it felt like we were in the US. I got a BBQ burger. It was amazing. Never have I been so happy for a burger. Then we went to the movie theatre but realized the movie times didn't match our schedule, so we shopped instead.
Shelby, Susan and I made the same mistake of breaking off to find a matatu instead of walking home. We got a matatu heading to the center of town which would be near the matatu park that would take us home. We then made another mistake of handing the conductor our money before we got to the destination. almost immediately we stopped and he said we were there. So then the three of us were lost in the middle of the city with no idea where we were. We asked for directions and walked for half an hour and then finally found something familiar and got to the matatu park. we got yelled at for trying to walk through a little cafe to get to the matatus. Then we sat down in the correct vehicle and waited for the thing to fill up with passengers. We were SO happy to finally get home and laugh around the dinner table about our days. The heat probably got to our heads becasue we were all so silly at dinner. (We also announced that the boys will be cooking dinner for us on Valentines day)
Me and a few people watched The Office for a few hours. made me miss Thursday nights at Messiah. Now I am chilling out and trying to cool off. I hope my runny nose goes away. also: Savannah Club where people go dancing and partying burnt down yesterday.. I never got a chance to go :( Now we will have to find a new place!
Sandy got to New Zealand okay, so now all of my school friends are at their study abroad places and we are keeping up through blogs and skype from our different corners of the world. Got to talk to my family just now for an hour. I love hearing from them. Love you guys!
On the way to the find a matatu, a boda boda (motorcycle) driver stopped us. He tried convincing us for a very long five minutes that we should get a ride with him. We kept telling him that we aren't allowed to ride them and we would get sent home. Shelby thought we should have taped the conversation to show as proof of our commitment to following the rules! I needed to exchange a $100 bill for Ugandan Shillings so we stopped at Western Union and I got almost 200,000UGsh.. Felt rich carrying such big bills! We decided we needed a Fanta (imagine me needing a soda!!) so we stopped at a street vender for one. They made us sit and drink it there so that they could have the bottles to sell back. I woke up with a runny nose and the place didn't have a single napkin for me! We walked down farther to the place where the matatus normally congregate and felt proud for being able to safely cross the street. Then we got into a matatu heading for downtown Kampala.
We were stuck in traffic and my nose was running... I hate the sound of sniffing so I was miserable. Shelby noticed the car stopped next to us had tissues on the dashboard. She leaned out the window and asked if she could have some. The couple was confused at first but then handed her a few tissues which Shelby gave to me. A life saver, but I couldn't believe she did it! But then we were still stuck in traffic and it was really awkward that the car was still next to us. In the city we found another taxi park and asked for matatus to Garden City, a Ugandan guy grabbed my had to show me the way and lead us off. We got dropped in sight of the mall and walked the rest of the way.
At the mall we met the rest of the group that had been there at least half an hour before us. We were going to go get pizza but then we realized that what we thought was Pizza Hut was really Pizza Hot, so we kept looking. Then we found heaven on earth - Cafe Java- a wonderful restaurant with American meals and AIR CONDITIONING. Hopefully this doesn't come out wrong, but the place was full of white people eating burgers and it felt like we were in the US. I got a BBQ burger. It was amazing. Never have I been so happy for a burger. Then we went to the movie theatre but realized the movie times didn't match our schedule, so we shopped instead.
Shelby, Susan and I made the same mistake of breaking off to find a matatu instead of walking home. We got a matatu heading to the center of town which would be near the matatu park that would take us home. We then made another mistake of handing the conductor our money before we got to the destination. almost immediately we stopped and he said we were there. So then the three of us were lost in the middle of the city with no idea where we were. We asked for directions and walked for half an hour and then finally found something familiar and got to the matatu park. we got yelled at for trying to walk through a little cafe to get to the matatus. Then we sat down in the correct vehicle and waited for the thing to fill up with passengers. We were SO happy to finally get home and laugh around the dinner table about our days. The heat probably got to our heads becasue we were all so silly at dinner. (We also announced that the boys will be cooking dinner for us on Valentines day)
Me and a few people watched The Office for a few hours. made me miss Thursday nights at Messiah. Now I am chilling out and trying to cool off. I hope my runny nose goes away. also: Savannah Club where people go dancing and partying burnt down yesterday.. I never got a chance to go :( Now we will have to find a new place!
Sandy got to New Zealand okay, so now all of my school friends are at their study abroad places and we are keeping up through blogs and skype from our different corners of the world. Got to talk to my family just now for an hour. I love hearing from them. Love you guys!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday Market is AMAZING!!!!!
Last night was a lot of fun. After our Owning Poverty session I hung out in my room with my five roommates and we spent hours just laughing and joking. It felt so good to laugh hysterically at ourselves and our difficulties getting used to using "squatty potties". I really love my new friends here. These girls are so great! They should all go to Messiah too!
I also found out something awesome. Susan who is my "travel buddy" (ie. we are responsible for each other when we travel) is from Georgia. When we get back to the states in May we are both on the same exact flight to Atlanta, where I will then fly to Boston! Yay! Now I will have someone to hang out with back in Phoenix and I wont have to say goodbye to all of my friends at once!
We were able to sleep in today because we didn't have morning class- nothing better than that!! After lunch we started walking to class. We immediately felt the heat. Normally it takes at least 5 minutes before we start sweating, but today was EXTRAORDINARILY hot. Our director, Grace, said that this is the hottest it ever gets here. I made a point of using my long stride to get ahead of everyone else so that I could get a seat next to the fan in class. We discussed one of our books for a while, but got let out early because we were hot and tired and everyone wanted to go to Friday market!!
When we got to the guest house I decided I didn't want to go to Friday market because I was really hot and I didn't want to walk 2miles to get there in this crazy heat. The girls convinced me that I should go, so we decided that we would try to find a matatu to ride there. We ended up walking the entire was to the market because for some reason not a single matatu drove past us. It wasn't so bad. At one point we walked passed a group of children who shouted "Mzungu, Mzungu, Mzungu!!!!" at us and followed us for a block. They were adorable.
Friday Market is set up around the train tracks. Tent after tent are laid out on the ground with crafts, clothes, jewelry and other wonderful things to buy. I literally went crazy. Everyone back home knows I LOVE to spend money. Well set me loose in Africa because even though I spent all the money I had on me and bought a ton of stuff, I still only spent about $25. Every person sitting on their mat would call out "Sister! Sister! You are welcome my dear! Come I will give you a good price". How do you resist that?? I bought a dress, necklaces, and some gifts for people at home. When I didn't have any money left I was ready to go back. So we hiked the 2 miles back home again and were late for dinner. Thankfully there was still food left. We sat around the table and talked about the deals we made and the haggling we did. Its funny that we feel the need to haggle things so much when they are still so much cheaper than those things would be sold for in the US.
It's Friday night. Susan is an absolute saint and not only bought Whip It for us all to watch, but also found out who sings our new favorite song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxZfjOh16UI . Check it out. We might chill out here or go to the Savannah Club to dance. It's been an amazing day in Uganda.
I also found out something awesome. Susan who is my "travel buddy" (ie. we are responsible for each other when we travel) is from Georgia. When we get back to the states in May we are both on the same exact flight to Atlanta, where I will then fly to Boston! Yay! Now I will have someone to hang out with back in Phoenix and I wont have to say goodbye to all of my friends at once!
We were able to sleep in today because we didn't have morning class- nothing better than that!! After lunch we started walking to class. We immediately felt the heat. Normally it takes at least 5 minutes before we start sweating, but today was EXTRAORDINARILY hot. Our director, Grace, said that this is the hottest it ever gets here. I made a point of using my long stride to get ahead of everyone else so that I could get a seat next to the fan in class. We discussed one of our books for a while, but got let out early because we were hot and tired and everyone wanted to go to Friday market!!
When we got to the guest house I decided I didn't want to go to Friday market because I was really hot and I didn't want to walk 2miles to get there in this crazy heat. The girls convinced me that I should go, so we decided that we would try to find a matatu to ride there. We ended up walking the entire was to the market because for some reason not a single matatu drove past us. It wasn't so bad. At one point we walked passed a group of children who shouted "Mzungu, Mzungu, Mzungu!!!!" at us and followed us for a block. They were adorable.
Friday Market is set up around the train tracks. Tent after tent are laid out on the ground with crafts, clothes, jewelry and other wonderful things to buy. I literally went crazy. Everyone back home knows I LOVE to spend money. Well set me loose in Africa because even though I spent all the money I had on me and bought a ton of stuff, I still only spent about $25. Every person sitting on their mat would call out "Sister! Sister! You are welcome my dear! Come I will give you a good price". How do you resist that?? I bought a dress, necklaces, and some gifts for people at home. When I didn't have any money left I was ready to go back. So we hiked the 2 miles back home again and were late for dinner. Thankfully there was still food left. We sat around the table and talked about the deals we made and the haggling we did. Its funny that we feel the need to haggle things so much when they are still so much cheaper than those things would be sold for in the US.
It's Friday night. Susan is an absolute saint and not only bought Whip It for us all to watch, but also found out who sings our new favorite song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxZfjOh16UI . Check it out. We might chill out here or go to the Savannah Club to dance. It's been an amazing day in Uganda.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
There's Nothing Like a Field Trip
It's Thursday which means FIELD TRIP day! I really do love taking one or two classes a day and then going on cultural field trips at least one day a week. This is the life! I went to bed earlier last night after watching a movie with the girls. Breakfast at seven was a rushed affair, and we were loaded onto the bus at 7:45 and ready to go! I sat next to Susan on the bus, my lovely "travel buddy" and friend. We picked up Dr. Mpaji on the way to our first stop.
We went to the Catholic and Anglican shrines for the Christian martyrs that were burned by the King. When the King's pages began converting to Christianity, they told him that their real King was in heaven and that they would not work on Sundays so that they could pray to God instead. The King took this as a great offense and eventually decided to kill them. These poor men were tied to a tree and tortured, but they refused to give in and denounce their beliefs. One of the Christian's had an uncle in a position of power who offered to hide him, but the man refused and said that he would die with his Christian brothers and go to Heaven. after being tortured, the men were wrapped in bundles of sticks and laid feet first in the fire to burn slowly and painfully from the feet up. They died singing songs of praise to God. Hearing these stories make me proud of the bravery of these young men. I also can't help but wonder if I would have had the courage to be tortured and burned alive for my faith. I like to think that I would, but hopefully I will never have to do find out. At the Catholic shrine we all went in and knelt at the alter that sits on the place where the fire had been built. Ryan said a prayer and we all bowed in respect to the place and God who was with us there. At the gift shop I bought myself a wide and floppy hat that was hand made out of some type of grass.I liked the way it looked, but I feel a bit ridiculous with such a large thing on my head. It served me well for the rest of the day as we hiked around in the blazing hot sun.
We drove for an hour to a special waterfall. On the way we drove on this really tiny and dusty road passed little huts in the middle of nowhere. Little children would see our bus and run towards us waving - so adorable. At the waterfall we all had to go to the bathroom. There was an outhouse that smelled absolutely terrible. Inside there was a tile floor with one tile missing to reveal a hole below. I am starting to used to the good old "squat-and-aim". I had no problem, but a few people refused to use it. We hiked to this really pretty waterfall. It was smaller than I had expected, but still very pretty. The water there is said to have healing powers and people come to get blessings as well. Some genious in our group told the tour guide that we wanted to take the rock climbing route, so we scrambled up rocks to get to the top of the waterfall. I was sure that my clumsiness was going to get me killed. The top was really pretty as well and we saw a little hut that someone had made by putting fabric over a crevice in the rocks. We hiked to a tea plantation that was really pretty, and then to a cave. The cave has a snake living in it tat people think is sacred, so they bring it offerings of eggs to eat. hoping to get a blessing from it. We got back and relaxed before getting back on the bus.
I was starting to doze off on the bus when all of a sudden our bus swerved to the side of the road. What happened can only be explained as the Ugandan version of a rest stop. All of a sudden a group of 10-20 people surrounded us and started reaching in our windows holding water bottles and food to sell us. Some guys carried sticks with cooked meat wrapped around them. The meat actually looked really good but I wasn't about to buy it. Susan had the window seat and she was so startled by the man who opened her window and shoved water at us that she yelled at him. haha! I laughed for a long time after we got back on the road because I didn't expect those words to come out of her sweet southern mouth! :) Driving anywhere here is terrifying! The bus driver would pass cars and then continue driving on the wrong side of the road until he had to move over again. We have seen only one stop sign in our whole time here. I slept on the rest of the ride home.
Now I am back at the guest house. It is super hot and it was nice to change to shorts and out of my hiking boots. Today was a very dusty day. I just blew my nose and out came mud! Ohhh Africa..
We went to the Catholic and Anglican shrines for the Christian martyrs that were burned by the King. When the King's pages began converting to Christianity, they told him that their real King was in heaven and that they would not work on Sundays so that they could pray to God instead. The King took this as a great offense and eventually decided to kill them. These poor men were tied to a tree and tortured, but they refused to give in and denounce their beliefs. One of the Christian's had an uncle in a position of power who offered to hide him, but the man refused and said that he would die with his Christian brothers and go to Heaven. after being tortured, the men were wrapped in bundles of sticks and laid feet first in the fire to burn slowly and painfully from the feet up. They died singing songs of praise to God. Hearing these stories make me proud of the bravery of these young men. I also can't help but wonder if I would have had the courage to be tortured and burned alive for my faith. I like to think that I would, but hopefully I will never have to do find out. At the Catholic shrine we all went in and knelt at the alter that sits on the place where the fire had been built. Ryan said a prayer and we all bowed in respect to the place and God who was with us there. At the gift shop I bought myself a wide and floppy hat that was hand made out of some type of grass.I liked the way it looked, but I feel a bit ridiculous with such a large thing on my head. It served me well for the rest of the day as we hiked around in the blazing hot sun.
We drove for an hour to a special waterfall. On the way we drove on this really tiny and dusty road passed little huts in the middle of nowhere. Little children would see our bus and run towards us waving - so adorable. At the waterfall we all had to go to the bathroom. There was an outhouse that smelled absolutely terrible. Inside there was a tile floor with one tile missing to reveal a hole below. I am starting to used to the good old "squat-and-aim". I had no problem, but a few people refused to use it. We hiked to this really pretty waterfall. It was smaller than I had expected, but still very pretty. The water there is said to have healing powers and people come to get blessings as well. Some genious in our group told the tour guide that we wanted to take the rock climbing route, so we scrambled up rocks to get to the top of the waterfall. I was sure that my clumsiness was going to get me killed. The top was really pretty as well and we saw a little hut that someone had made by putting fabric over a crevice in the rocks. We hiked to a tea plantation that was really pretty, and then to a cave. The cave has a snake living in it tat people think is sacred, so they bring it offerings of eggs to eat. hoping to get a blessing from it. We got back and relaxed before getting back on the bus.
I was starting to doze off on the bus when all of a sudden our bus swerved to the side of the road. What happened can only be explained as the Ugandan version of a rest stop. All of a sudden a group of 10-20 people surrounded us and started reaching in our windows holding water bottles and food to sell us. Some guys carried sticks with cooked meat wrapped around them. The meat actually looked really good but I wasn't about to buy it. Susan had the window seat and she was so startled by the man who opened her window and shoved water at us that she yelled at him. haha! I laughed for a long time after we got back on the road because I didn't expect those words to come out of her sweet southern mouth! :) Driving anywhere here is terrifying! The bus driver would pass cars and then continue driving on the wrong side of the road until he had to move over again. We have seen only one stop sign in our whole time here. I slept on the rest of the ride home.
Now I am back at the guest house. It is super hot and it was nice to change to shorts and out of my hiking boots. Today was a very dusty day. I just blew my nose and out came mud! Ohhh Africa..
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I can't follow advice! (or do my homework)
If you read the post before this, then you know that Doctor Stockley came to give us a very entertaining lecture on health and safety while we are in Uganda. One thing that he stressed over and over was to GET SOME SLEEP. Our immune systems are already fighting off all sorts of things that we aren't used to, so being sleep deprived is a BAD idea. I clearly can't follow advice. I am still finishing my homework and it is 1am. Everyone except my good friend Emily is in bed. We are commenting to each other how nice it is to find someone so much like ourselves. Both of us are feeling stressed because it's so hard to get homework finished. I mean none of us are really here because we want to take classes. We are here to experience Africa and confront poverty...stuff like that. It is also hard to do homework when you look out the window and see a tropical paradise in the back yard, or when the heat makes it so easy to doze off. I really do enjoy my classes, and i will do well in them, I just am so frustrated that it is so difficult for me to do my work! I should have been in bed hours ago! shame on me!!! Okay, now that I have publicly chastised myself, I am going to print off my paper and get a few hours of rest.
Dr. Stockley - this may be crude but it's what he really said!
So we didn't have morning class today and it was wonderful to sleep in. I put some laundry in the washing machine and had a yummy breakfast of Nutella on toast and pineapple.
Dr. Stockley came at 10 to talk to us about safety in Uganda. We were warned before he came that he was a character and that the offensive things he might say are not Food for the Hungry supported. I found the guy hilarious. He made a few comments about Americans being ignorant, but I know that it is often true, so I wasn't offended.
Dr. Stockley has been in Uganda for over 30 years. He has never had malaria or gotten sick with anything more serious than an amoeba. He said that most of the clinics here will diagnose any fever as malaria, so we should come to him and he will be able to give us a more accurate diagnoses. Here is what we learned:
1. Motor vehicle accidents cause the most deaths out of anything in Uganda. (cars, matatus, and boda bodas)
2. Murder is the 2nd cause of death. To avoid being murdered, don't get involved in politics, money laundering, drug deals, or going out with the wrong people.
3. The leading cause of why people end up leaving early is chronic fatigue. In the first month of being here we have no immunity and will almost definitely get diarrhea. Many people feel tired and sick for a long period of time and start to believe that there is something wrong with them, so they go home. He said we shouldn't try to be heroes, if we are tired, go to bed! We aren't going to save the world while we are here and we can do more if we take the time to rest when we need it. (very good advice)
4. HIV, STDs and other sexually transmitted diseases are easily prevented by not having sex. DUH! He said, "if you can't keep your knickers up, don't come to Africa". While the statistics say that only 9% of people have HIV, the people who have infections are the ones that are most likely to be the ones that tourists would sleep with because "if the aren't safe, they're interested, and if they are safe, they wont be interested". Probably wont be an issue for our group, but he said that many tourists who believe they are smart about stuff like this easily fall pray to the charming African men who in reality sleep with a different easy Mzungu every night. enough said
5. 30% of us are going to get an amoeba here. We will come in for our end check up and give a stool sample and some blood and then get treatment for what we pick up here. Great... Now I am paranoid.. I can't wait to experience my first case of diarrhea.. not! Haha Dr. Stockley said when it starts coming out both ends, the best thing to do is just lay in the bathtub and rinse it off when you are finished.." hahaha I hope none of us get to that point
We talked about how the Ugandan medical system is really bad. In order for Ugandan to be able to say that their doctors were superior, they lowered the pass score to a 30%. The doctors here are often incompetent. Needless to say that after all of this I will be visiting Dr. Stockley for anything I need here
one last thing: Mom, you will be happy to know that the Doxycyline I am taking actually prevents 12 diseases that I could pick up! And the typhoid tests are not accurate becasue they test for antibodies, which we all have after getting the typhoid vaccine...so even though we wont get it, we would test positive.. interesting
Dr. Stockley came at 10 to talk to us about safety in Uganda. We were warned before he came that he was a character and that the offensive things he might say are not Food for the Hungry supported. I found the guy hilarious. He made a few comments about Americans being ignorant, but I know that it is often true, so I wasn't offended.
Dr. Stockley has been in Uganda for over 30 years. He has never had malaria or gotten sick with anything more serious than an amoeba. He said that most of the clinics here will diagnose any fever as malaria, so we should come to him and he will be able to give us a more accurate diagnoses. Here is what we learned:
1. Motor vehicle accidents cause the most deaths out of anything in Uganda. (cars, matatus, and boda bodas)
2. Murder is the 2nd cause of death. To avoid being murdered, don't get involved in politics, money laundering, drug deals, or going out with the wrong people.
3. The leading cause of why people end up leaving early is chronic fatigue. In the first month of being here we have no immunity and will almost definitely get diarrhea. Many people feel tired and sick for a long period of time and start to believe that there is something wrong with them, so they go home. He said we shouldn't try to be heroes, if we are tired, go to bed! We aren't going to save the world while we are here and we can do more if we take the time to rest when we need it. (very good advice)
4. HIV, STDs and other sexually transmitted diseases are easily prevented by not having sex. DUH! He said, "if you can't keep your knickers up, don't come to Africa". While the statistics say that only 9% of people have HIV, the people who have infections are the ones that are most likely to be the ones that tourists would sleep with because "if the aren't safe, they're interested, and if they are safe, they wont be interested". Probably wont be an issue for our group, but he said that many tourists who believe they are smart about stuff like this easily fall pray to the charming African men who in reality sleep with a different easy Mzungu every night. enough said
5. 30% of us are going to get an amoeba here. We will come in for our end check up and give a stool sample and some blood and then get treatment for what we pick up here. Great... Now I am paranoid.. I can't wait to experience my first case of diarrhea.. not! Haha Dr. Stockley said when it starts coming out both ends, the best thing to do is just lay in the bathtub and rinse it off when you are finished.." hahaha I hope none of us get to that point
We talked about how the Ugandan medical system is really bad. In order for Ugandan to be able to say that their doctors were superior, they lowered the pass score to a 30%. The doctors here are often incompetent. Needless to say that after all of this I will be visiting Dr. Stockley for anything I need here
one last thing: Mom, you will be happy to know that the Doxycyline I am taking actually prevents 12 diseases that I could pick up! And the typhoid tests are not accurate becasue they test for antibodies, which we all have after getting the typhoid vaccine...so even though we wont get it, we would test positive.. interesting
Monday, January 25, 2010
Turning point?
I stayed up way too late Sunday night talking to people from home. I think I am slowly adjusting to not being in the loop with everyone, but I still at a point where I really need the reassurance of my friends and family and I am not quite ready to give up the internet. We ate and packed a lunch for school. This week our house keeper bought cheese and meats so that we don't have to walk home for lunch. History and Religion was a good class. Our professor is absolutely adorable. I can't tell how old he is because Africans tend to look young, thin, and not show their age. I think he is probably closed to 60years old. He tells us stories about the different clans. He is from the grasshopper clan, and when he talks about his childhood he will bounce up an down in his chair almost like a grasshopper and it's really funny. The poor guy never got to taste a grasshopper because he is in the grasshopper clan and he is not allowed to eat them. Some interesting things to note: you cannot marry somebody from your same clan because they are all your brothers and sisters. A father does not shake hands with his daughter-in-law because if they become close, the father might fall in love with her. They keep their distance, respectfully. Your father's brothers are also your father, and your siblings' children are also your children, which makes it difficult when doing introductions for guests to know who is actually the real parent to a child. It is all just so interesting!
Our lunch break was awesome becasue we didn't go home for lunch. I ate and then read some of the homwork for the next class. I fell asleep next to the pool and it felt like such a luxury just to lay out in the sun with a skirt and a tank top. Guaranteed that if I was at home, I would be bundled up and freezing. I am so glad to be away from winter, and living in what today felt like a tropical paradise. In our second class we had a discussion about whether Africans should write in English or their native language. We also talked about whether it is giving in to the Western world and colonialism for them to write in English. My honest opinion is that they should be able to write in whatever language they want without being criticized. Writing in Eglish isn't giving in. That kind of thinking is all in a person's head! Writing in English allows African literature to reach audiances around the entire world, including Africa where English is often the only language people have in common. It was heavily debated and I am really learning that I don't know a whole lot about the world or literature. It is frustrating when I am trying to state my own opinions about things and others roll their eyes and then shut down my ideas, and I can't really do anything about it because it isn't my area of interest or great knowledge. There are a few people in our group that like to argue. I've decided that I really don't like to argue anymore. I just want to feel like everyone can say their opinions and be respected, which for the most part is the case, but the classroom discussions frustrate me. I talked with a few people and we decided that we needed to have a Bible study because we don't feel like we have gotten enough of that on this trip so far.
We got back to the house and all of us vegged out for the afternoon. Dinner was sweet meatballs and rice. As usual it was an amazing meal, though I really don't want to eat my vegetables right now. I might start taking my multivitamins soon. We had pumpkin cake again, and I am so addicted to it! I had a great chat with Shelby, then Emily and Susan joined us. Janae and Cassie came in as well and we had some really great girl-talk. Then the guys came to get us for our Bible study.
It wasn't really a Bible study. It was just the Christians on our trip sitting with each other and venting how we are feeling. It was a much needed talk. I think our consensus is that we have gotten too comfortable with how comfortable we are here. We have a few experiences of seeing the poverty around us, but most days we just go to class and come back to our oasis of a guest house. We are realizing that we really need to be intentional about going out and making relationships with people. We could easily coast through this semester without putting ourselves in any uncomfortable experiences. We decided that from now on we are going to put ourselves out into the community. We decided that since we are becoming a family we will start encouraging each other more as well. I also threw in that I need more hugs :)
The rest of the evening was a lot of fun just hanging out and talking and laughing with each other.
Our lunch break was awesome becasue we didn't go home for lunch. I ate and then read some of the homwork for the next class. I fell asleep next to the pool and it felt like such a luxury just to lay out in the sun with a skirt and a tank top. Guaranteed that if I was at home, I would be bundled up and freezing. I am so glad to be away from winter, and living in what today felt like a tropical paradise. In our second class we had a discussion about whether Africans should write in English or their native language. We also talked about whether it is giving in to the Western world and colonialism for them to write in English. My honest opinion is that they should be able to write in whatever language they want without being criticized. Writing in Eglish isn't giving in. That kind of thinking is all in a person's head! Writing in English allows African literature to reach audiances around the entire world, including Africa where English is often the only language people have in common. It was heavily debated and I am really learning that I don't know a whole lot about the world or literature. It is frustrating when I am trying to state my own opinions about things and others roll their eyes and then shut down my ideas, and I can't really do anything about it because it isn't my area of interest or great knowledge. There are a few people in our group that like to argue. I've decided that I really don't like to argue anymore. I just want to feel like everyone can say their opinions and be respected, which for the most part is the case, but the classroom discussions frustrate me. I talked with a few people and we decided that we needed to have a Bible study because we don't feel like we have gotten enough of that on this trip so far.
We got back to the house and all of us vegged out for the afternoon. Dinner was sweet meatballs and rice. As usual it was an amazing meal, though I really don't want to eat my vegetables right now. I might start taking my multivitamins soon. We had pumpkin cake again, and I am so addicted to it! I had a great chat with Shelby, then Emily and Susan joined us. Janae and Cassie came in as well and we had some really great girl-talk. Then the guys came to get us for our Bible study.
It wasn't really a Bible study. It was just the Christians on our trip sitting with each other and venting how we are feeling. It was a much needed talk. I think our consensus is that we have gotten too comfortable with how comfortable we are here. We have a few experiences of seeing the poverty around us, but most days we just go to class and come back to our oasis of a guest house. We are realizing that we really need to be intentional about going out and making relationships with people. We could easily coast through this semester without putting ourselves in any uncomfortable experiences. We decided that from now on we are going to put ourselves out into the community. We decided that since we are becoming a family we will start encouraging each other more as well. I also threw in that I need more hugs :)
The rest of the evening was a lot of fun just hanging out and talking and laughing with each other.
Pictures from this weekend
The Ndere women dancing! You wouldn't believe how fast they can shake their rears!
Really handsome head drummer. These guys were SO skilled!
Emily and I excited to watch the Ndere troups!
Charles and I walking to look at the hospital.
One of the many huge birds that walks around. Their wing span is so long!Go to Facebook to see my complete album. :)
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Church and Ndere troups
We got up and got ready for our first day of church with our assistants. Charles was at the guest house at 9am to get us. He seemed to be in a bad mood when Morgan decided not to go with our group. (She isn't Christian, and doesn't feel comfortable going). So Charles was quiet and seemed kind of angry on the walk to find a ride. We got a matatu into downtown Kampala and walked to church.
My high school friends will get a kick out of this: One thing I am learning to do in Uganda is walk SLOW! I normally like to be at the front of a group and I am told I walk very fast. Here I make sure that I am behind our Ugandan guide so that I can pace myself (which means about a fourth of the speed I am accustomed to). Africans walk so slow!
Church was awesome. We went to Kampala Pentecostal Church. It reminded me of the church I attend at college. We sung lots of songs that I knew and it was great. They had a fantastic gospel choir and we were all moving and clapping. One song really hit home and made me get teary -"..when we see you we find strength to face the day. In your presence all our fears are washed away..". I really needed to hear those words AND put them into practice. The service was about being ready for the Lord when he comes. It was really warm inside and I felt faint, so I downed my water bottle.
Charles brought us to see his university. We walked around as saw the craziest huge birds just walking around. I'll put pics up later. Then we went to lunch at this little restaurant. I had fried chicken and french fries. Of course I had to go to the bathroom again. The little boy that was our waiter took me out back to my second meeting with the "squatty potties". The door didnt lock so while i was squatting, I was also holding the door in place with my head. haha. Then the boy told me to wash my hands with a gross piece of soap and brown water. You can imagine how I felt about that, since I am such a germaphobe! Charles had us take charge of the matatu riding on the way home.
I took a nap and then we had a quick dinner before heading to watch the Ndere Troup. We rode a bus to the theatre. The Ndere troup were a bunch of really talented musicians and dancers that dressed up and danced and played for us for FOUR hours! They were amazing!! The guy who ran the show was a really funny man who described everything to us and made funny jokes. the funniest part was when he had members of the audience come down front. He arranged them from darkest skin to lightest. The man with the darkest skin was from the troup and he was from Northern Uganda. The point was demonstrating how God meant for us all to be black, but he started with Northern Uganda and ran out of paint. He used a little bit less on other Africans and Middle Easterners. When he got to Asia, God noticed that the people liked to bow when they greeted each other, so while they were greeting him he painted the top of their heads with the rest of his paint (which is why they have black hair). God was out of paint when he reached the Europeans and Americans but "don't fear USA, Jesus will return one day and you will finally get to be the right color!" . haha I got a kick out of that story. He made fun of the US a lot but it was very funny. It was like he was talking to me when he said "You can tell who is from a developed country by how fast they walk. They look like they are training for the Olympics!". It was a very fun night.
Now it is late and I need to get some sleep before school tomorrow. I feel myself adjusting more every day! It helps that the guest house feels like home!
My high school friends will get a kick out of this: One thing I am learning to do in Uganda is walk SLOW! I normally like to be at the front of a group and I am told I walk very fast. Here I make sure that I am behind our Ugandan guide so that I can pace myself (which means about a fourth of the speed I am accustomed to). Africans walk so slow!
Church was awesome. We went to Kampala Pentecostal Church. It reminded me of the church I attend at college. We sung lots of songs that I knew and it was great. They had a fantastic gospel choir and we were all moving and clapping. One song really hit home and made me get teary -"..when we see you we find strength to face the day. In your presence all our fears are washed away..". I really needed to hear those words AND put them into practice. The service was about being ready for the Lord when he comes. It was really warm inside and I felt faint, so I downed my water bottle.
Charles brought us to see his university. We walked around as saw the craziest huge birds just walking around. I'll put pics up later. Then we went to lunch at this little restaurant. I had fried chicken and french fries. Of course I had to go to the bathroom again. The little boy that was our waiter took me out back to my second meeting with the "squatty potties". The door didnt lock so while i was squatting, I was also holding the door in place with my head. haha. Then the boy told me to wash my hands with a gross piece of soap and brown water. You can imagine how I felt about that, since I am such a germaphobe! Charles had us take charge of the matatu riding on the way home.
I took a nap and then we had a quick dinner before heading to watch the Ndere Troup. We rode a bus to the theatre. The Ndere troup were a bunch of really talented musicians and dancers that dressed up and danced and played for us for FOUR hours! They were amazing!! The guy who ran the show was a really funny man who described everything to us and made funny jokes. the funniest part was when he had members of the audience come down front. He arranged them from darkest skin to lightest. The man with the darkest skin was from the troup and he was from Northern Uganda. The point was demonstrating how God meant for us all to be black, but he started with Northern Uganda and ran out of paint. He used a little bit less on other Africans and Middle Easterners. When he got to Asia, God noticed that the people liked to bow when they greeted each other, so while they were greeting him he painted the top of their heads with the rest of his paint (which is why they have black hair). God was out of paint when he reached the Europeans and Americans but "don't fear USA, Jesus will return one day and you will finally get to be the right color!" . haha I got a kick out of that story. He made fun of the US a lot but it was very funny. It was like he was talking to me when he said "You can tell who is from a developed country by how fast they walk. They look like they are training for the Olympics!". It was a very fun night.
Now it is late and I need to get some sleep before school tomorrow. I feel myself adjusting more every day! It helps that the guest house feels like home!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Day in Owino Market
I thought Ugandans liked to party when I heard their loud music on week nights. But Friday nights are insane! The music from one of the nearby clubs was blasting till 4 or 5 in the morning. I ended up not going to a club last night. Instead I hung out with half our group and had some great conversations. We played an intense game of spoons. Then the girls and I watched "Ghost of Girlfriend's Past" on my laptop. It was a really nice and relaxing evening. It is so nice to be in warm weather where you can get in bed and lay on top of the covers. It was hard to sleep with the loud music
I woke up to a thunderstorm again. We met our Ugandan guides at breakfast. Five guys from the local university came to show us how to use the public transportation. I was in a group with Morgan and Ryan and our guide's name was Charles. He was really nice.
We walked down to the bottom of the big street off our road and flagged down a Matatu (taxi). They are basically vans packed with people. We rode into downtown Kampala. Charles showed us the matatu parks that we would need to know if we ever came by ourselves. He gave us a tour around the city and then we got lunch. At the restaurant we got all the native Ugandan foods. Everything was very starchy. It kind of had the texture of potatoes but with no real flavor, and then beef chunks in a sauce. I started feeling really sick, probably from dehydration, but the smells were overpowering so I almost threw up. I asked the waiter for the nearest bathroom and he took me out to a shed in the back. There was a toilet seat in the ground and it was full of stuff. The smell was off the hook and I had to squat very carefully to not fall in. I knew that I could not throw up in that bathroom so I held it down and went back to the table.
We got to Owino market and it was not what I expected. I thought maybe it would be a large open field with people selling things at tables. That was NOT at all what we experienced. Charles lead us into this maze. Basically it was a bunch of little booths with roofs but they were so close together that it seemed like one roofed in building with 2 foot wide little stone paths that were filled with mud from the rain. It was dark and hot and very very crowded. I was unfortunatly in the back of our line. People would reach out from their stand and grab my hand and tell me to buy something. I was called "Mzungu" (white person), "lady", "sister", "beautiful", "my future wife", "American", and then finally "white monkey". I was uncomfortable when people grabbed my hand because I felt myself slipping farther away from my group, even though they were only a few feet ahead, there were so many people that I couldn't see them. At one point a guy grabbed my wrist and wouldn't let go. I kept pulling and he would pull me back. Finally I twisted my arm and yanked with all my strength and ran to catch up with my group. I don't think the guy really meant me harm, but I think some locals find it funny to intimidate the white people. We were given 1000UGsh to buy something unique for our unique item contest. We bought a cool loofa that is made out of the peel of a fruit that falls from a certain tree. I was very happy to get back on the matatu and get back to the guesthouse.
I changed out of my super sweaty and muddy clothes and then came down to the dining room to talk with the Ugandan guys. They were really friendly and we talked about politics and college and our lives. We are going to church with Charles tomorrow.
Dinner was tacos with lots of guacamole . I am every day SO BLESSED to have a fantastic cook. I hope that when I have my internship I will be able to eat the food. I am normally not a picky eater, but my stomach is not happy here in Africa. We all sat around the table and talked for a long time and looked up our states on Urban Dictionary for a good laugh. I love being able to have good conversations, and it is starting to feel like a little family... almost :)
Emily and I had dish duty tonight and cleaned up. Now I am skyping and writing this blog. I need to go do some homework soon.
Much love !
I woke up to a thunderstorm again. We met our Ugandan guides at breakfast. Five guys from the local university came to show us how to use the public transportation. I was in a group with Morgan and Ryan and our guide's name was Charles. He was really nice.
We walked down to the bottom of the big street off our road and flagged down a Matatu (taxi). They are basically vans packed with people. We rode into downtown Kampala. Charles showed us the matatu parks that we would need to know if we ever came by ourselves. He gave us a tour around the city and then we got lunch. At the restaurant we got all the native Ugandan foods. Everything was very starchy. It kind of had the texture of potatoes but with no real flavor, and then beef chunks in a sauce. I started feeling really sick, probably from dehydration, but the smells were overpowering so I almost threw up. I asked the waiter for the nearest bathroom and he took me out to a shed in the back. There was a toilet seat in the ground and it was full of stuff. The smell was off the hook and I had to squat very carefully to not fall in. I knew that I could not throw up in that bathroom so I held it down and went back to the table.
We got to Owino market and it was not what I expected. I thought maybe it would be a large open field with people selling things at tables. That was NOT at all what we experienced. Charles lead us into this maze. Basically it was a bunch of little booths with roofs but they were so close together that it seemed like one roofed in building with 2 foot wide little stone paths that were filled with mud from the rain. It was dark and hot and very very crowded. I was unfortunatly in the back of our line. People would reach out from their stand and grab my hand and tell me to buy something. I was called "Mzungu" (white person), "lady", "sister", "beautiful", "my future wife", "American", and then finally "white monkey". I was uncomfortable when people grabbed my hand because I felt myself slipping farther away from my group, even though they were only a few feet ahead, there were so many people that I couldn't see them. At one point a guy grabbed my wrist and wouldn't let go. I kept pulling and he would pull me back. Finally I twisted my arm and yanked with all my strength and ran to catch up with my group. I don't think the guy really meant me harm, but I think some locals find it funny to intimidate the white people. We were given 1000UGsh to buy something unique for our unique item contest. We bought a cool loofa that is made out of the peel of a fruit that falls from a certain tree. I was very happy to get back on the matatu and get back to the guesthouse.
I changed out of my super sweaty and muddy clothes and then came down to the dining room to talk with the Ugandan guys. They were really friendly and we talked about politics and college and our lives. We are going to church with Charles tomorrow.
Dinner was tacos with lots of guacamole . I am every day SO BLESSED to have a fantastic cook. I hope that when I have my internship I will be able to eat the food. I am normally not a picky eater, but my stomach is not happy here in Africa. We all sat around the table and talked for a long time and looked up our states on Urban Dictionary for a good laugh. I love being able to have good conversations, and it is starting to feel like a little family... almost :)
Emily and I had dish duty tonight and cleaned up. Now I am skyping and writing this blog. I need to go do some homework soon.
Much love !
Friday, January 22, 2010
A cooler day in Uganda
Last night it finally rained. I woke up to flashes of lightening and booms of thunder. Standing at the glass door to our porch I couldn't even see the rain but I could tell it was falling in sheets. I went back to bed and continued sleeping. We got up around 10 because our first class was cancelled. It was a nice and relaxing morning and then I was lucky enough to be near Kate when she offered four of us a car ride, and therefore didn't have to walk up the hill this morning with my sad blistered feet.
In class we had discussions about the books we have been reading. It was interesting. Our group has a lot of strong personalities. Everyone seems in the mood to discuss/argue. I can totally appreciate it but at a certain point I get irritated by having personal opinions shut down. I think that something about the heat and living with people 24/7 has started to make us get a little grouchy and irritated with each other. I will admit that I have to stop myself sometimes from saying things to the people that are frustrating me. I think these are just the challenges of living with people.
The walk home was a lot easier today. We came back and all relaxed for a while before dinner. We had yummy fish and cookies. Now everyone is talking about going to the Savannah club tonight. A group has been going every night, but I haven't been there yet. I have a feeling that Friday nights are gonna be pretty crazy and fun. I'm excited. Then I think Susan, Emily and I are going to have an American movie night and try to feel a bit more at home. I am starting to feel more comfortable here which is great. I really want to be able to let go of saddness and embrace this opportunity.
In class we had discussions about the books we have been reading. It was interesting. Our group has a lot of strong personalities. Everyone seems in the mood to discuss/argue. I can totally appreciate it but at a certain point I get irritated by having personal opinions shut down. I think that something about the heat and living with people 24/7 has started to make us get a little grouchy and irritated with each other. I will admit that I have to stop myself sometimes from saying things to the people that are frustrating me. I think these are just the challenges of living with people.
The walk home was a lot easier today. We came back and all relaxed for a while before dinner. We had yummy fish and cookies. Now everyone is talking about going to the Savannah club tonight. A group has been going every night, but I haven't been there yet. I have a feeling that Friday nights are gonna be pretty crazy and fun. I'm excited. Then I think Susan, Emily and I are going to have an American movie night and try to feel a bit more at home. I am starting to feel more comfortable here which is great. I really want to be able to let go of saddness and embrace this opportunity.
Have you been thankful today?
Were you thankful today?
Do this for me:
Go to you kitchen and turn on the light. Did it turn on? Walk past your fully stocked refrigerator to the cupboard or dishwasher and get yourself a cup. Now turn on the faucet and fill it up. Does clean water come out and fill your cup? Would you be able to drink this water and not get sick? If your answer is Yes to any of these questions you have a reason to be thankful. I am realizing while living in Uganda how much I take for granted the most essential and important things that we have in the "economic north".
How amazing is it that we don't have to buy filtered water. EVERY sink or spout in our house would produce clean and filtered water. Taking a shower? Isn't it nice to know that if you get some of that water in your mouth you wont end up with a parasite or diarrhea? Really though, think about how awesome it is that any place in our houses where we can turn on water, we can feel safe drinking from it. Of course that water is rarely good enough for us so we go out and buy bottled water because it tastes better. It is such an adjustment to not be able to drink the water here. I have to keep my mouth shut tight when I am showering, use hand sanitizer after washing my hands it I will be eating with my fingers, and walk downstairs to get water from the filter for brushing my teeth (so far I haven't messed up and contaminated my brush). I wonder if I will cry when I get home and don't have to stress about getting a parasite. I don't say any of this because I want anyone to feel bad for me, or feel guilty about how much they have. I just realize that I am so lucky even at this guest house to have a bottle of filtered water, whereas many of the locals do have to use dirty water and risk sickness every day. We have SO MUCH to feel lucky about.
Do this for me:
Go to you kitchen and turn on the light. Did it turn on? Walk past your fully stocked refrigerator to the cupboard or dishwasher and get yourself a cup. Now turn on the faucet and fill it up. Does clean water come out and fill your cup? Would you be able to drink this water and not get sick? If your answer is Yes to any of these questions you have a reason to be thankful. I am realizing while living in Uganda how much I take for granted the most essential and important things that we have in the "economic north".
How amazing is it that we don't have to buy filtered water. EVERY sink or spout in our house would produce clean and filtered water. Taking a shower? Isn't it nice to know that if you get some of that water in your mouth you wont end up with a parasite or diarrhea? Really though, think about how awesome it is that any place in our houses where we can turn on water, we can feel safe drinking from it. Of course that water is rarely good enough for us so we go out and buy bottled water because it tastes better. It is such an adjustment to not be able to drink the water here. I have to keep my mouth shut tight when I am showering, use hand sanitizer after washing my hands it I will be eating with my fingers, and walk downstairs to get water from the filter for brushing my teeth (so far I haven't messed up and contaminated my brush). I wonder if I will cry when I get home and don't have to stress about getting a parasite. I don't say any of this because I want anyone to feel bad for me, or feel guilty about how much they have. I just realize that I am so lucky even at this guest house to have a bottle of filtered water, whereas many of the locals do have to use dirty water and risk sickness every day. We have SO MUCH to feel lucky about.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Our first day off
Today was our first day off. Class was cancelled and Dr. Stockley couldn't visit us, so we were given the day to ourselves. I slept until 10 which felt amazing. This morning I was feeling sad when I went online and saw some of my friends pages and got some messages and emails. I talked to mom last night and she said the hard thing is that if I talk to my friends every day, I am also saying goodbye to them every day. I burst into tears while eating breakfast. I don't want to be sad and homesick, I really do put it out of my mind most of the time, but there are people I really wish I could see and hug.
We were given some money to go find something for lunch in town. Nine of us went down the street to this Ethiopian restaurant. We ordered three dishes to share and some drinks. The food was served on trays. The tray was covered first with a thin spongy bread and then on top of that were the bowls of sauce. We were instructed by our friendly waited to pour the sauces on the bread and then eat little pieces of it. It was an interesting experience. I didn't like the taste of it, but yeah.... it was interesting. Not to mention my stomach has been acting up since I got here so hopefully I wont feel sick later. our entire meal for nine of us came to about 50,000UGsh which is around $25.
We walked down the street and ended up going down an alleyway into a more residential area. THe houses are little shacks and there is trash and the smell of urine everywhere. Some men kept shouting at us from their motorcycles, "My sister! My friend! Come let me take you where you are going!". We obviously said no, but I really wouldn't have minded a quick lift up the hill. It go really hot out. The thunder from this morning didn't produce any of the rain we hoped for. We loked in a few shops. I want to buy myself some carved african animal figurines. Maybe tomorrow at "Friday Market" where all the artisans bring their stuff.
We got back from our walk and are now doing some homework for tomorrow. I sat on the edge of the bath tub and scrubbed my feet. I really hope my blisters dont get infected because some of them are really bad, and the roads are so dusty and dirty. Last night I realized that my bag of bandaides got spilled on and they were all ruined. So today I bought some new ones for 9,000UGsh. A little pricey for bandaids but I need them. Here is a picture of my bright ruby bandaids. You cant see them all. I feel like Dorothy with her ruby slippers... if I click my heels will I get to visit home?
We were given some money to go find something for lunch in town. Nine of us went down the street to this Ethiopian restaurant. We ordered three dishes to share and some drinks. The food was served on trays. The tray was covered first with a thin spongy bread and then on top of that were the bowls of sauce. We were instructed by our friendly waited to pour the sauces on the bread and then eat little pieces of it. It was an interesting experience. I didn't like the taste of it, but yeah.... it was interesting. Not to mention my stomach has been acting up since I got here so hopefully I wont feel sick later. our entire meal for nine of us came to about 50,000UGsh which is around $25.
We walked down the street and ended up going down an alleyway into a more residential area. THe houses are little shacks and there is trash and the smell of urine everywhere. Some men kept shouting at us from their motorcycles, "My sister! My friend! Come let me take you where you are going!". We obviously said no, but I really wouldn't have minded a quick lift up the hill. It go really hot out. The thunder from this morning didn't produce any of the rain we hoped for. We loked in a few shops. I want to buy myself some carved african animal figurines. Maybe tomorrow at "Friday Market" where all the artisans bring their stuff.
We got back from our walk and are now doing some homework for tomorrow. I sat on the edge of the bath tub and scrubbed my feet. I really hope my blisters dont get infected because some of them are really bad, and the roads are so dusty and dirty. Last night I realized that my bag of bandaides got spilled on and they were all ruined. So today I bought some new ones for 9,000UGsh. A little pricey for bandaids but I need them. Here is a picture of my bright ruby bandaids. You cant see them all. I feel like Dorothy with her ruby slippers... if I click my heels will I get to visit home?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Feeling sick
I didn't sleep last night because my stomach was burning. I thought I was going to throw up but I never did, it was just an intense burning in my stomach. This morning I still wasn't feeling well, so Kate gave me an antacid pill and that helped a little. We are thinking it was probably my Doxycycline (malaria pills) making me feel sick. Now I am nervous to take it again because every day it makes me feel worse.
It was thankfully a little bit cooler outside when we walked to class this morning. I didn't feel as sweaty or as tired. After 3 hours of sleep I found it very difficult to keep my eyes open. The first class dragged on because I couldn't pay attention or stay fully awake. Then our teacher offered to give a few of us a ride back. I was all for not walking down the hill when I was feeling sick so I got in his car. He is the nicest guy. It was scary driving around the rotary with cars flying by. I napped before and after lunch and then we walked back again. We established that it is longer than a mile to get to class. Plus it's up hill.
We had a guest speaker in our literature class. He is a renowned orator in the area. He talked to us about oral literature and told us a story and some proverbs and riddles. He was super interesting and I easily stayed awake during this class. We are going to be doing a project where we go out and listen to people tell us stories and present our findings about oral literature. Should be cool. The Ugandans seemed to get a big kick out of watching me and two of my friends try to cross the street. After getting our ice cream we almost got hit by so many cars and when we were able to cross we ran. I don't really mind being a source of entertainment I guess. :)
Back at the house we had a nice relaxing afternoon. A bunch of us laid in the upstairs lounge and just talked about life. I love getting to know my new friends. I feel like I could be on vacation here and then I realize I have homework to do. I wish I didn't.
I hate how vast the time difference is between here and home. I just wanted to be able to call home and talk and get some sympathy about feeling so sick but I cant. And I think part of what is making me feel sick is stress. the stress of being in another culture, making all new friends, missing my family, missing school, and still getting over a break up is screwing with my head and emotions. All of us here have our moments where we want to break down. Just nice to know that everyone feels this way. I just took my malaria pill and now I am worrying about whether I will sleep tonight or if I will have stomach pains again. Tomorrow we don't have school. Dr. Stockley is visiting us to give us some warnings about health and safety. I hear he is a riot. I will ask him about my stomach.
It was thankfully a little bit cooler outside when we walked to class this morning. I didn't feel as sweaty or as tired. After 3 hours of sleep I found it very difficult to keep my eyes open. The first class dragged on because I couldn't pay attention or stay fully awake. Then our teacher offered to give a few of us a ride back. I was all for not walking down the hill when I was feeling sick so I got in his car. He is the nicest guy. It was scary driving around the rotary with cars flying by. I napped before and after lunch and then we walked back again. We established that it is longer than a mile to get to class. Plus it's up hill.
We had a guest speaker in our literature class. He is a renowned orator in the area. He talked to us about oral literature and told us a story and some proverbs and riddles. He was super interesting and I easily stayed awake during this class. We are going to be doing a project where we go out and listen to people tell us stories and present our findings about oral literature. Should be cool. The Ugandans seemed to get a big kick out of watching me and two of my friends try to cross the street. After getting our ice cream we almost got hit by so many cars and when we were able to cross we ran. I don't really mind being a source of entertainment I guess. :)
Back at the house we had a nice relaxing afternoon. A bunch of us laid in the upstairs lounge and just talked about life. I love getting to know my new friends. I feel like I could be on vacation here and then I realize I have homework to do. I wish I didn't.
I hate how vast the time difference is between here and home. I just wanted to be able to call home and talk and get some sympathy about feeling so sick but I cant. And I think part of what is making me feel sick is stress. the stress of being in another culture, making all new friends, missing my family, missing school, and still getting over a break up is screwing with my head and emotions. All of us here have our moments where we want to break down. Just nice to know that everyone feels this way. I just took my malaria pill and now I am worrying about whether I will sleep tonight or if I will have stomach pains again. Tomorrow we don't have school. Dr. Stockley is visiting us to give us some warnings about health and safety. I hear he is a riot. I will ask him about my stomach.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Pictures for people who can't use Facebook
This is our classroom at a recreation center/spa that is a mile away up a large and impossible hill
This is us finally getting home to the guesthouse after a long walk from school
Watching the rain/hail come towards us.. but it never actually reached us
The view outside our classroom
The gate to FHGo to Facebook for a more complete album
Also I was told that there is a monkey outside who likes to come in when we leave the windows open. haha
Have you heard? Africa is HOT!
First day of classes..done.
We got up at 7 am and all of my Messiah College mornings made it easy for me to get up and get ready in less than ten minutes. We had breakfast and then took a "first day of school" picture. I put on my new choco sandals and we were on our way.
I am realizing that I definitely fall into the category of lazy Americans... We walked a mile to school, up a HUGE hill. A mile on the highway at home takes 2min, but we walked. It took close to 30minutes but it felt like it took hours because the heat was so oppressive (and it was morning!). I feel like I am going to get heat stroke halfway up the hill. If the heat doesn't get me, one of the crazy drivers is going to run me over. Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way. haha.
We had our first class in our conference room that has three walls and then a nice view of the outside. We put on some fans to keep the air flowing, but we were all drenched in sweat. Our first professor is a really cool guy. He said that he wanted to treat us like visitors for the first few days of class, and then he would put us to work doing homework. At first it was hard to understand what he was saying, but he had a beautiful accent. We were talking about Africa traditional culture and religion. It was super interesting.
Country: Uganda
The people are called: Buganda
The language: Luganda
There are 52 clans in Uganda. They all have a symbol. Our professor was telling us how his clan is the grasshopper clan, which means that he is not allowed to eat a grasshopper. He said it is the saddest thing to be a child and see all of your friends feasting on delicious grasshoppers and not be allowed to eat one. Tragic I'm sure... He said it was too bad that he belonged to a tribe with the most delicious symbol. All in all an entertaining first class
Then we walked a mile back to the guest house in the even more intense heat. Lunch was great, though it was hot potato soup. I almost had a break down when I had to put my sandals on again to walk another mile in the heat. I really do not do well in extreme temperatures. My sandals have many straps.. and all of them have made blisters, so basically my feet look like two big sores. Walking up the little mountain again was miserable, I fell once into the little drainage ditch, but thankfully I didn't land on any glass.
We had our second class which is Post Colonial African Literature. I felt like I was going to pass out from heat and general exhaustion. It was a 3hr long class. Our teacher is really cool, she is actually considered a great contemporary African poet. She is a saint in my book because she isn't requiring that we write a huge paper for the class. One memorable quote from that class was when she said that "In African literature, truth is stranger than fiction". Halfway through class we heard thunder and watched rain and hail come in a wave towards us, unfortunately it never reached us, but it did cool the air down a bit.
Walking back from class we stopped for another ice cream. Then we went into the attached store and I bought some shampoo and conditioner. I didnt think of this at first but it is really nice that the official language is English.. it means we can find our way very easily.
The dinner we just had was amazing as usual. It was sweet and sour chicken. Yummm . And more pumpkin cake which is my new weakness. We got some major reading assignments for literature class. So I guess I have to do them. I would rather be in bed or soaking my blistered feet.
We got up at 7 am and all of my Messiah College mornings made it easy for me to get up and get ready in less than ten minutes. We had breakfast and then took a "first day of school" picture. I put on my new choco sandals and we were on our way.
I am realizing that I definitely fall into the category of lazy Americans... We walked a mile to school, up a HUGE hill. A mile on the highway at home takes 2min, but we walked. It took close to 30minutes but it felt like it took hours because the heat was so oppressive (and it was morning!). I feel like I am going to get heat stroke halfway up the hill. If the heat doesn't get me, one of the crazy drivers is going to run me over. Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way. haha.
We had our first class in our conference room that has three walls and then a nice view of the outside. We put on some fans to keep the air flowing, but we were all drenched in sweat. Our first professor is a really cool guy. He said that he wanted to treat us like visitors for the first few days of class, and then he would put us to work doing homework. At first it was hard to understand what he was saying, but he had a beautiful accent. We were talking about Africa traditional culture and religion. It was super interesting.
Country: Uganda
The people are called: Buganda
The language: Luganda
There are 52 clans in Uganda. They all have a symbol. Our professor was telling us how his clan is the grasshopper clan, which means that he is not allowed to eat a grasshopper. He said it is the saddest thing to be a child and see all of your friends feasting on delicious grasshoppers and not be allowed to eat one. Tragic I'm sure... He said it was too bad that he belonged to a tribe with the most delicious symbol. All in all an entertaining first class
Then we walked a mile back to the guest house in the even more intense heat. Lunch was great, though it was hot potato soup. I almost had a break down when I had to put my sandals on again to walk another mile in the heat. I really do not do well in extreme temperatures. My sandals have many straps.. and all of them have made blisters, so basically my feet look like two big sores. Walking up the little mountain again was miserable, I fell once into the little drainage ditch, but thankfully I didn't land on any glass.
We had our second class which is Post Colonial African Literature. I felt like I was going to pass out from heat and general exhaustion. It was a 3hr long class. Our teacher is really cool, she is actually considered a great contemporary African poet. She is a saint in my book because she isn't requiring that we write a huge paper for the class. One memorable quote from that class was when she said that "In African literature, truth is stranger than fiction". Halfway through class we heard thunder and watched rain and hail come in a wave towards us, unfortunately it never reached us, but it did cool the air down a bit.
Walking back from class we stopped for another ice cream. Then we went into the attached store and I bought some shampoo and conditioner. I didnt think of this at first but it is really nice that the official language is English.. it means we can find our way very easily.
The dinner we just had was amazing as usual. It was sweet and sour chicken. Yummm . And more pumpkin cake which is my new weakness. We got some major reading assignments for literature class. So I guess I have to do them. I would rather be in bed or soaking my blistered feet.
Monday, January 18, 2010
First day in Uganda
For breakfast we were all excited because there was Nutella!! We gathered around the table and met the staff and listened to the rules. Grace, the program director, told us that GoEd is not continuing past this semester!!:(:( Apparently FH really wants to spend its money on aid and relief, not on educating.. I guess I understand. I feel bad for everyone who has put lots of time into starting these programs. They assured us that they want to go out with a bang. Our SLC (student life coordinator), Kate, said that all of us "smiley" girls need to know that we can say "no" and be firm when we are hit on (which is going to happen often apparently). She said we need to be able to be rude if we have to. Then she said "Yes Kendall, I'm talking to you right now". haha. Seems like I have a reputation for being too nice here already. :)
We all put our money and passports in the safe, learned how to use our new cell phones, and then got some money to exchange into Uganda shillings. We walked down to the Western Union Bank. At first I thought the weather was perfect, but after a 20minute walk in the blazing sun I was sweating bullets. The exchange rate is about 1900 shillings to a dollar. I feel very right walking around with 100000 bills. We had an excellent lunch and then went on an even longer walk to the recreation center which is where our classes will be held. It was a long, up-hill walk to get there. I really never get exercise these days so I am a bit worried about myself. It takes a half hour in the blazing sun and we will be doing that walk in the morning, back for lunch, to our afternoon class, and then back again. Classes at Messiah really spoiled me because it never took me longer than 5-7min to get to class. The cool thing is that the rec center is letting us swim in their outdoor pool on the days we have classes. Today we swam and it felt wonderful, but then I was completely wiped out and realized I still had to walk back. We stopped at a Gelateria for Italian ice cream on the way back. I really feel like I am in Haiti. It looks very much the same. We got called "Mzungu" (white person) today many times. People yell it when we walk down the street. I wish I knew what else they were saying. I took a nice nap when we got back. I tried talking to Mom on skype but the internet connection is bad. I keep forgetting the time difference as well. I'm really missing people..
When I woke up I felt like a hippo had sat on me. I don't know how I got downstairs for dinner but I was really feeling the jet lag. Dinner was FABULOUS. One of the former vegitarians in our group said it was the best meat she's had. haha. Our cook is fantastic. We had Roast beef and real mashed potatoes, vegitables and her famous pumpkin cake. I could barely lift my fork but I had to keep eating because it was so delicious. Then people went to play volley ball and I unpacked. I feel a bit anti-social right now blogging instead of playing cards, but I really feel like I need a mental break. I'm a people person, but even I have my limit. :) I just want to go to bed!
We all put our money and passports in the safe, learned how to use our new cell phones, and then got some money to exchange into Uganda shillings. We walked down to the Western Union Bank. At first I thought the weather was perfect, but after a 20minute walk in the blazing sun I was sweating bullets. The exchange rate is about 1900 shillings to a dollar. I feel very right walking around with 100000 bills. We had an excellent lunch and then went on an even longer walk to the recreation center which is where our classes will be held. It was a long, up-hill walk to get there. I really never get exercise these days so I am a bit worried about myself. It takes a half hour in the blazing sun and we will be doing that walk in the morning, back for lunch, to our afternoon class, and then back again. Classes at Messiah really spoiled me because it never took me longer than 5-7min to get to class. The cool thing is that the rec center is letting us swim in their outdoor pool on the days we have classes. Today we swam and it felt wonderful, but then I was completely wiped out and realized I still had to walk back. We stopped at a Gelateria for Italian ice cream on the way back. I really feel like I am in Haiti. It looks very much the same. We got called "Mzungu" (white person) today many times. People yell it when we walk down the street. I wish I knew what else they were saying. I took a nice nap when we got back. I tried talking to Mom on skype but the internet connection is bad. I keep forgetting the time difference as well. I'm really missing people..
When I woke up I felt like a hippo had sat on me. I don't know how I got downstairs for dinner but I was really feeling the jet lag. Dinner was FABULOUS. One of the former vegitarians in our group said it was the best meat she's had. haha. Our cook is fantastic. We had Roast beef and real mashed potatoes, vegitables and her famous pumpkin cake. I could barely lift my fork but I had to keep eating because it was so delicious. Then people went to play volley ball and I unpacked. I feel a bit anti-social right now blogging instead of playing cards, but I really feel like I need a mental break. I'm a people person, but even I have my limit. :) I just want to go to bed!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
First nights sleep
Just woke up from my first night's sleep in Africa. It was warm and humid so I woke up feeling sticky and my skin looks all dewy and gross. haha I guess dewy will be the new style here. The water has been going off an on, so I wasn't surprised this morning when on of the girls yelled from the bathroom that she was in there covered in soap with no water. I went downstairs and got kind of lost, walking into our guestkeepers' quarters, and accidentally into a bathroom full of our naked African cooks.. being a very modest person, I quickly apologized and ran out, tho they didn't seem embarrassed. One of our housekeepers was moping in the dining room and I asked her if there would be water and she said if there wasn't any, probably not. So I went back up to the bathroom to tell my friend. I tested the sink and there WAS water, my friend I guess just didn't realize that you had to push the handle up - haha :) something I would do. To her credit, turning the handle to the side had yielded a bit of water in the first place. My only concern here is that some of our group may not realize yet that we need to conserve water. We are not in America where you can take 30min showers. Here we need to be very conscious of using as little as possible. That means turn the water on to get wet, turn it off while you later up, then turn it on to rise. If it's not immediately hot, don't leave it running for 5 minutes!!!! I might have a cow!
When I first laid down in bed last night it was hard to sleep, tho I was exhausted. My blankets and sheets are clean but they have that smell of things that are dried on a clothesline in a humid country - kind of moldy .. I'm sure all of my clothes will be smelling this way soon so I need to get used to it. I also get paranoid in beds that I don't know about bugs. We already saw a big spider yesterday and I didn't want on in my bed with me! The bunk bed sways when Emily gets in the top bunk so hopefully it all stays in one piece (and I do too!). the fan in here didn't do anything, the mosquito netting wouldn't let it through. I woke up around 5am thinking it was time to get up and then went back to sleep. My times are all off. Now I am waiting for the other girls to get clean so I can take my quick shower. I can't wait to see what we are eating today. I also hope that don't have us traveling anywhere, I just want to stay in one place please!
I miss people at home. Last night I was up late talking to my favorite Messiah guys and gals. sometimes I get a little sad thinking about them. I will try to be on skype to talk to mom and dad.
When I first laid down in bed last night it was hard to sleep, tho I was exhausted. My blankets and sheets are clean but they have that smell of things that are dried on a clothesline in a humid country - kind of moldy .. I'm sure all of my clothes will be smelling this way soon so I need to get used to it. I also get paranoid in beds that I don't know about bugs. We already saw a big spider yesterday and I didn't want on in my bed with me! The bunk bed sways when Emily gets in the top bunk so hopefully it all stays in one piece (and I do too!). the fan in here didn't do anything, the mosquito netting wouldn't let it through. I woke up around 5am thinking it was time to get up and then went back to sleep. My times are all off. Now I am waiting for the other girls to get clean so I can take my quick shower. I can't wait to see what we are eating today. I also hope that don't have us traveling anywhere, I just want to stay in one place please!
I miss people at home. Last night I was up late talking to my favorite Messiah guys and gals. sometimes I get a little sad thinking about them. I will try to be on skype to talk to mom and dad.
In Africa!!!!!!! - and completely overwhelmed
Hello from Uganda!!
We just pulled into the FH compound about 45 minutes ago and then we all took out our laptops and wrote home.
Our trip: We left Friday night from Phoenix and took a very long flight to London. I tried really hard to sleep but I was sitting next to an adorable little boy who kept waking me up...not so adorable after a while.. British Airways is really nice. We had TVs on the back of the seats in front of us and so I watched a few movies and slept. I was that one person who was paranoid of getting a blood clot because, and so i was always up stretching in the aisles. How is it fair that first class got beds??? We got to London around 2pm their time and spent 2 hours finding the right bus to get to the hotel. We went out to this wonderful restaurant for dinner and then I went to bed. We woke up about an hour later to our leader, Kate, asking what time it was. We all freaked out for a minute but then found out it was still night. This morning we met at 6:30 and had another long wait for the correct bus. The airport was stressful as always. Then we had our second 9hr flight to Entebbe. I watched a few movies and then read my last book for class. It was crazy seeing the moving map with our plane above the continent of AFRICA!!
When we landed we went through customs but it was really relaxed. Our leader took all of our passports and visa applications and got those approved while we all got our luggage.. I was surprised that they let that happen. We all loaded everything onto our hired bus and drove an hour to the guest house. It reminded me of Haiti a bit, but a little nicer. Of course it was the middle of the night and there also weren't many people out on the streets. We pulled into FH and we have a gorgeous guest house. I am in a room upstairs with 7 other girls. We all got a basket gift with some information, a piece of candy and our new cell phones inside. I quickly claimed my bottom bunk and came down to the dining room to email home.
Right now I am feeling extremely overwhelmed. I am tired, hungry, relived, sad (after looking at Facebook at all of my friends), a little homesick, but very excited. It makes for a strange feeling that is confusing. Hopefully after some sleep I will feel more refreshed and secure.
More later! Love you all!
We just pulled into the FH compound about 45 minutes ago and then we all took out our laptops and wrote home.
Our trip: We left Friday night from Phoenix and took a very long flight to London. I tried really hard to sleep but I was sitting next to an adorable little boy who kept waking me up...not so adorable after a while.. British Airways is really nice. We had TVs on the back of the seats in front of us and so I watched a few movies and slept. I was that one person who was paranoid of getting a blood clot because, and so i was always up stretching in the aisles. How is it fair that first class got beds??? We got to London around 2pm their time and spent 2 hours finding the right bus to get to the hotel. We went out to this wonderful restaurant for dinner and then I went to bed. We woke up about an hour later to our leader, Kate, asking what time it was. We all freaked out for a minute but then found out it was still night. This morning we met at 6:30 and had another long wait for the correct bus. The airport was stressful as always. Then we had our second 9hr flight to Entebbe. I watched a few movies and then read my last book for class. It was crazy seeing the moving map with our plane above the continent of AFRICA!!
When we landed we went through customs but it was really relaxed. Our leader took all of our passports and visa applications and got those approved while we all got our luggage.. I was surprised that they let that happen. We all loaded everything onto our hired bus and drove an hour to the guest house. It reminded me of Haiti a bit, but a little nicer. Of course it was the middle of the night and there also weren't many people out on the streets. We pulled into FH and we have a gorgeous guest house. I am in a room upstairs with 7 other girls. We all got a basket gift with some information, a piece of candy and our new cell phones inside. I quickly claimed my bottom bunk and came down to the dining room to email home.
Right now I am feeling extremely overwhelmed. I am tired, hungry, relived, sad (after looking at Facebook at all of my friends), a little homesick, but very excited. It makes for a strange feeling that is confusing. Hopefully after some sleep I will feel more refreshed and secure.
More later! Love you all!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Sitting in The airport. - last few hours in the USA
We got the famous picture with the jeep that's inside the Food for the Hungry office.
Today was a very emotionally exhausting day. Not only was the morning stressful for me, but then Orientation took its toll as well. We listened to a guy named Bo White talk about relationships, and then one of the other leaders started calling him out in public and tearing apart what he had to say. The guy was actually being pretty mean to Bo right in front of us. I got really distressed because I didn't understand why he was being so mean to the guy that had just presented to us. After Bo stormed out they called him back in and said it was all an act to demonstrate broken relationships. I was horrified and very distressed, and then that with everything else that I have been stressing and worrying about caused me to burst into sobs in front of everyone. well.... now everyone knows I'm a basket-case. hahahhaa
We all got assigned a prayer partner that works at FH and will be praying for us this semester. My prayer partner is Brittani and she is a sweetheart :) We all ate and asked questions and had difficult discussions about stuff we are gonna have to deal with in Africa. Then we said goodbye to the girls going to Mekong and we left for the airport.
Thank GOODNESS we got here 4 hours early. We got to the counter and found out that our tickets were the lowest "class" so we can only have one checked bag. not good cuz we all had 2... some of them were bags of mission supplies for the organization. So we got charged $60 per extra bag. bummer!! Security was stressful. The people weren't very nice either.. And they call this the friendliest airport.. At least they have internet. The whole group is on their laptops getting our last fix before Africa.
Goodbye USA. I'll miss you!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Loooong day of Orientation
Well, I am sooooo tired. I wouldn't even be writing this if I didn't have to wait a while after taking my malaria pill to lay down.
We started at 7:20am and took the "light rail" to the street that Food for the Hungry is on. We listened to some people talk. Watched a cool movie that made us think about stereotyping. We had to write "our story" and share it with a small group. We ate and asked questions of our panel. Then we had to go with a team into the city and create a presentation from interviewing people. We interviewed a lot of homeless people for ours and the consensus is that Phoenix is a good place to live on the streets because there is always food being provided and it is warm. We ate dinner and presented and now we are finally back at the hotel.
If I sound less animated it is because I feel sick to my stomach. I'm trying hard not to throw up my malaria pill again. Now I need to get all my bags together and ready to go. We just found out we can only bring on one carry on bag so I need to put all my important stuff into just one.
Haiti Update: All the kids at the orphanage lived through the earthquake, but the orphanage building is in ruins so they are now living on the streets. I really hope they can get off the streets soon and into safety. Here is a clip of some people talking about the quake. The voice of Keziah Furth is played, She is one of our friends who is down there. PRAY PRAY PRAY! http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=9548961
This will be the last post until either London or Uganda. Pray that we have safe flights and that I don't get blood clots from sitting too long, or throw up from my malaria meds.. aye yey yey.
Love you all. Good Bye USA <3
We started at 7:20am and took the "light rail" to the street that Food for the Hungry is on. We listened to some people talk. Watched a cool movie that made us think about stereotyping. We had to write "our story" and share it with a small group. We ate and asked questions of our panel. Then we had to go with a team into the city and create a presentation from interviewing people. We interviewed a lot of homeless people for ours and the consensus is that Phoenix is a good place to live on the streets because there is always food being provided and it is warm. We ate dinner and presented and now we are finally back at the hotel.
If I sound less animated it is because I feel sick to my stomach. I'm trying hard not to throw up my malaria pill again. Now I need to get all my bags together and ready to go. We just found out we can only bring on one carry on bag so I need to put all my important stuff into just one.
Haiti Update: All the kids at the orphanage lived through the earthquake, but the orphanage building is in ruins so they are now living on the streets. I really hope they can get off the streets soon and into safety. Here is a clip of some people talking about the quake. The voice of Keziah Furth is played, She is one of our friends who is down there. PRAY PRAY PRAY! http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=9548961
This will be the last post until either London or Uganda. Pray that we have safe flights and that I don't get blood clots from sitting too long, or throw up from my malaria meds.. aye yey yey.
Love you all. Good Bye USA <3
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Welcome Dinner
Well there isn't very much going on at this moment so I am blogging again... this is my 15th post before I even leave!
My room is ridiculously hot. I took an hour nap before orientation started and I was completely zonked out. When I woke up, for some reason I thought it was the next day and that everyone had left without me so I jumped up and who knows what I was saying. Then I realized that my poor roommate was still in the room and it was only an hour later.
We went downstairs and met the group. There are about 15 of us total, 3 of which are guys. 3 girls are going to Mekong, Thailand instead of Africa with us. So it's a lot tinier than I expected, but everyone is very friendly. We walked to the park and had a welcome BBQ. We did some ice breakers which were hard because I can't remember names at all. They talked to us for a while during dinner and gave us our schedule. I am really liking everything I hear about Food for the Hungry. Then they dismissed us. We leave tomorrow at 7:20am for more orientation stuff :/
I am super sleepy but I want to make a good impression by being social with everyone so I feel like I should go do something, but I am happy just to relax with my roommate :)
More tomorrow for sure... I love blogging:)
My room is ridiculously hot. I took an hour nap before orientation started and I was completely zonked out. When I woke up, for some reason I thought it was the next day and that everyone had left without me so I jumped up and who knows what I was saying. Then I realized that my poor roommate was still in the room and it was only an hour later.
We went downstairs and met the group. There are about 15 of us total, 3 of which are guys. 3 girls are going to Mekong, Thailand instead of Africa with us. So it's a lot tinier than I expected, but everyone is very friendly. We walked to the park and had a welcome BBQ. We did some ice breakers which were hard because I can't remember names at all. They talked to us for a while during dinner and gave us our schedule. I am really liking everything I hear about Food for the Hungry. Then they dismissed us. We leave tomorrow at 7:20am for more orientation stuff :/
I am super sleepy but I want to make a good impression by being social with everyone so I feel like I should go do something, but I am happy just to relax with my roommate :)
More tomorrow for sure... I love blogging:)
Phoenix!!
It has been a long but exciting day already! Now I am in Phoenix Arizona!!
My family got up at 2:15am and drove to Logan airport. I had no problems checking in or going through security. The only concern I had was that my bags are going to to be too heavy for me to carry myself. I REALLY should have packed them in a rolling suitcase. It was sad saying goodbye, but I was so tired and focused on getting where I needed to be that I didn't let it get to me. I think a few weeks in I will have a bad case of homesickness... but I hope it goes by quickly.
My flight from Boston to Memphis was actually really great. I sat next to a really nice guy who just graduated from a college in Boston, and we had a great conversation the whole way! It was really nice to have someone to talk to. In Memphis I got some breakfast and watched the news.
There was a really terrible earthquake in Port au Prince, Haiti. It was a category 7 quake with around 25 or more aftershocks that were category 5. My adopted brother and sister are still in Haiti waiting for their paperwork to go through and their orphanage is right in that area. I am really really worried about the safety of everyone we know there and the country as a whole. They don't have any kind of emergency workers to respond to stuff like this, so it's pretty devastating for such a poor country. It was sad to see the capital's palace with the roof caved in. I remember driving past it a few years ago when I was there. Pray for Haiti!
On my flight to AZ it was definitely a God thing that I got seated next to another girl who was going with Go Ed! I thought she might be, but then she took out on of our reading books and I knew for sure! We had some nice conversations and then put our heads on the tray tables and napped for the rest of the flight. When I got my baggage I knew that without a doubt I will not be strong enough to carry my stuff by myself. A security guard took my bag and helped me find the place to meet the shuttle. He was very nice and said "God bless you on your trip" when he left. The shuttle came and picked me up, and then I recognized Janae and Ryan at a different stop and we picked them up as well. I really hope we weren't supposed to tip the driver because none of us can really afford that right now... Hopefully they understand.
At the hotel we signed in and got our room keys. They gave us a map and a bus route so that we know how to get to FFH tomorrow. I got to my room and met my new friend Susan from Georgia. She has the sweetest accent and it makes me almost start talking with an accent too for some reason :) We turned in paperwork and then the 4 of us went to a Fair Trade coffee shop to eat. I got a chicken curry salad sandwich. There was no room inside so we sat outside in the warm sun on the ground. It was GLORIOUS to be out of the cold. Now we are in our room relaxing and using the internet. I am absolutely exhausted. We are all meeting to start orientation at 4:30 downstairs so until then I think I will rest a bit. Tonight we are having a BBQ!
My nervousness from last night is gone. I am SO excited to be here!
That's all for now! Love you all!
My family got up at 2:15am and drove to Logan airport. I had no problems checking in or going through security. The only concern I had was that my bags are going to to be too heavy for me to carry myself. I REALLY should have packed them in a rolling suitcase. It was sad saying goodbye, but I was so tired and focused on getting where I needed to be that I didn't let it get to me. I think a few weeks in I will have a bad case of homesickness... but I hope it goes by quickly.
My flight from Boston to Memphis was actually really great. I sat next to a really nice guy who just graduated from a college in Boston, and we had a great conversation the whole way! It was really nice to have someone to talk to. In Memphis I got some breakfast and watched the news.
There was a really terrible earthquake in Port au Prince, Haiti. It was a category 7 quake with around 25 or more aftershocks that were category 5. My adopted brother and sister are still in Haiti waiting for their paperwork to go through and their orphanage is right in that area. I am really really worried about the safety of everyone we know there and the country as a whole. They don't have any kind of emergency workers to respond to stuff like this, so it's pretty devastating for such a poor country. It was sad to see the capital's palace with the roof caved in. I remember driving past it a few years ago when I was there. Pray for Haiti!
On my flight to AZ it was definitely a God thing that I got seated next to another girl who was going with Go Ed! I thought she might be, but then she took out on of our reading books and I knew for sure! We had some nice conversations and then put our heads on the tray tables and napped for the rest of the flight. When I got my baggage I knew that without a doubt I will not be strong enough to carry my stuff by myself. A security guard took my bag and helped me find the place to meet the shuttle. He was very nice and said "God bless you on your trip" when he left. The shuttle came and picked me up, and then I recognized Janae and Ryan at a different stop and we picked them up as well. I really hope we weren't supposed to tip the driver because none of us can really afford that right now... Hopefully they understand.
At the hotel we signed in and got our room keys. They gave us a map and a bus route so that we know how to get to FFH tomorrow. I got to my room and met my new friend Susan from Georgia. She has the sweetest accent and it makes me almost start talking with an accent too for some reason :) We turned in paperwork and then the 4 of us went to a Fair Trade coffee shop to eat. I got a chicken curry salad sandwich. There was no room inside so we sat outside in the warm sun on the ground. It was GLORIOUS to be out of the cold. Now we are in our room relaxing and using the internet. I am absolutely exhausted. We are all meeting to start orientation at 4:30 downstairs so until then I think I will rest a bit. Tonight we are having a BBQ!
My nervousness from last night is gone. I am SO excited to be here!
That's all for now! Love you all!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Cold Feet?
Okay its 8pm. I leave my house in 6 hrs for the airport. I need to go to be and get some sleep but I am freaking out A LOT.
This is my dream. I've always wanted to go to Africa. This trip is a year in the making. I am psyched. So then why is it that I am hours from going and I am suddenly getting so scared and second guessing if this was a good idea or not? I'll be leaving my family, my friends, my school, my country...everything I know and love. And not just for a few weeks... for a few MONTHS. ahhh! So now the strong attitude that I have been wearing so that other people wont freak out for me is starting to slip and I am seriously panicking.
Just gotta keep telling myself this is what I want and I am going to love it. I can do this.
Dear God, Be with me. Keep me safe. Help me to do what you have asked of me with a cheerful heart and an open mind. Let me be a blessing to everyone I meet. And PLEASE, bring me back again to the people I love. Amen
This is my dream. I've always wanted to go to Africa. This trip is a year in the making. I am psyched. So then why is it that I am hours from going and I am suddenly getting so scared and second guessing if this was a good idea or not? I'll be leaving my family, my friends, my school, my country...everything I know and love. And not just for a few weeks... for a few MONTHS. ahhh! So now the strong attitude that I have been wearing so that other people wont freak out for me is starting to slip and I am seriously panicking.
Just gotta keep telling myself this is what I want and I am going to love it. I can do this.
Dear God, Be with me. Keep me safe. Help me to do what you have asked of me with a cheerful heart and an open mind. Let me be a blessing to everyone I meet. And PLEASE, bring me back again to the people I love. Amen
Last Day ! Time for the nerves to kick in..
Last night I had my best friends over for a going away dinner thing. It was really spontaneous, but ended up being a lot of fun. We ate and talked for hours with my parents. Everyone kept stressing to me that they worry about my safety and that sometimes I am too trusting of people in general, and should exercise more caution while I am away. Everything said was well noted, and I really will try to be less trusting/naive.. Though it really is in my nature to think the best of people.
Today the nerves are really setting in. I woke up feeling weird and stressed. Then I was actually able to swallow my malaria pill, but I took it on a very empty stomach so I got really sick and ended up throwing it up :( I'm getting nervous that this is going to be a problem and I wont be fully protected because I can't keep the medicine down. Hopefully when I am on the plane i wont experience the upset stomach.. that could be an issue.
I got my hair cut. It only happens maybe three times a year so it really needed it. Now I have what seems like a million last minute things to take care of and no energy to make it happen. This time tomorrow I will be almost to Phoenix, AZ for Orientation. Then hopefully the excitement will carry me through the weekend and I wont be completely run down when we get there.
I just got exciting news talking to Charith, who works with FFH. She said we will be getting a hotel in England for our 16hr layover!! That means I will get to see London! Yay!
Prayers for some peace and calmed nerves would be handy right now.
Today the nerves are really setting in. I woke up feeling weird and stressed. Then I was actually able to swallow my malaria pill, but I took it on a very empty stomach so I got really sick and ended up throwing it up :( I'm getting nervous that this is going to be a problem and I wont be fully protected because I can't keep the medicine down. Hopefully when I am on the plane i wont experience the upset stomach.. that could be an issue.
I got my hair cut. It only happens maybe three times a year so it really needed it. Now I have what seems like a million last minute things to take care of and no energy to make it happen. This time tomorrow I will be almost to Phoenix, AZ for Orientation. Then hopefully the excitement will carry me through the weekend and I wont be completely run down when we get there.
I just got exciting news talking to Charith, who works with FFH. She said we will be getting a hotel in England for our 16hr layover!! That means I will get to see London! Yay!
Prayers for some peace and calmed nerves would be handy right now.
Monday, January 11, 2010
1 Day until I leave!
1 DAY!!!
Actually I think my counting is a bit off. I do have one full day left. It is Monday evening and I leave at 6am Wednesday morning, so tomorrow is my last day at home. But its more like 37 hours.
Today I got up really early and went to the local library. I was able to buy a temporary library card for $15 expensive dollars to check out A River Between for me to read. I read that for a while at home and then went with my friend Rachel to Walmart to get some MORE last minute things. Got some extra passport pictures taken (why do they always come out so bad??). I got myself a nice clear, plastic portfolio binder to hold all my important documents in one place.
As I was gathering all of my necessary documents I realized something, my yellow fever card and medical forms were nowhere to be found. i could remember seeing them in a pile on the dining room table a week ago but then a bunch of junk mail got put on top and some of it got thrown out. I spent about 45minutes flipping out and searching everywhere for these documents. How could I come this far and then lose the most important papers that I have!? I finally realized how hungry I was, so while looking up the number of the nearest travel clinic to see if they could express mail me a new one, I opened the cupboard to find a snack. What do I find hidden in the cupboard behind a stack of bowls???? My yellow card and missing health form!! Thank you God for making me so hungry at that moment that I needed to open that cabinet! What a relief! I really thought I wasn't going to be able to go!
So now I am all set!
a side note: "Walmart" keeps coming up with red squiggles underneath it....shouldn't that be part of the dictionary by now??
Actually I think my counting is a bit off. I do have one full day left. It is Monday evening and I leave at 6am Wednesday morning, so tomorrow is my last day at home. But its more like 37 hours.
Today I got up really early and went to the local library. I was able to buy a temporary library card for $15 expensive dollars to check out A River Between for me to read. I read that for a while at home and then went with my friend Rachel to Walmart to get some MORE last minute things. Got some extra passport pictures taken (why do they always come out so bad??). I got myself a nice clear, plastic portfolio binder to hold all my important documents in one place.
As I was gathering all of my necessary documents I realized something, my yellow fever card and medical forms were nowhere to be found. i could remember seeing them in a pile on the dining room table a week ago but then a bunch of junk mail got put on top and some of it got thrown out. I spent about 45minutes flipping out and searching everywhere for these documents. How could I come this far and then lose the most important papers that I have!? I finally realized how hungry I was, so while looking up the number of the nearest travel clinic to see if they could express mail me a new one, I opened the cupboard to find a snack. What do I find hidden in the cupboard behind a stack of bowls???? My yellow card and missing health form!! Thank you God for making me so hungry at that moment that I needed to open that cabinet! What a relief! I really thought I wasn't going to be able to go!
So now I am all set!
a side note: "Walmart" keeps coming up with red squiggles underneath it....shouldn't that be part of the dictionary by now??
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Malaria Pill Nonsense
Here is a confession: Not only am I terrified of shots, but I can't swallow pills either. I am now entering a semester where I will have to take at least on pill every day for 4+ months!!! Ahh!
I just took my first malaria pill. It's not very big at all so I attempted to swallow it but it just kept projectile-y popping back up! so then I crushed it up and had to roll it in a piece of bread and chew it and swallow. EWWW. That was the nastiest tasting stuff ever! And then once I got that down and brushed my teeth I started feeling sick like I wanted to throw it up. That pill just did NOT want to stay down! Too much information?? That's okay.
Here's to a new and not so pleasant routine... :-P yuck
I just took my first malaria pill. It's not very big at all so I attempted to swallow it but it just kept projectile-y popping back up! so then I crushed it up and had to roll it in a piece of bread and chew it and swallow. EWWW. That was the nastiest tasting stuff ever! And then once I got that down and brushed my teeth I started feeling sick like I wanted to throw it up. That pill just did NOT want to stay down! Too much information?? That's okay.
Here's to a new and not so pleasant routine... :-P yuck
2 DAYS LEFT!
Two Days left until I leave!!
Okay I'm sure anyone who is reading these is getting sick of the packing updates so I will keep this brief. I PROMISE that this time next week I will have a more interesting things to say.
I went to Kohls and Target for a swim suit and toiletries. With the pile of things in the guest room growing i am really afraid I wont be able to carry it myself.
Church was good. It was nice visiting with everyone one last time and getting hugs and encouragement. There are always two reactions when you say you are going to Africa:
1. "Oh WOW! That is so exciting! I'm so jealous, that is such a wonderful opportunity!!"
or
2. "Really? Wow that sounds really dangerous. please be careful.. Have you ever seen Hotel Rwanda? "
:) haha. I am happy to receive either response.
Okay I'm sure anyone who is reading these is getting sick of the packing updates so I will keep this brief. I PROMISE that this time next week I will have a more interesting things to say.
I went to Kohls and Target for a swim suit and toiletries. With the pile of things in the guest room growing i am really afraid I wont be able to carry it myself.
Church was good. It was nice visiting with everyone one last time and getting hugs and encouragement. There are always two reactions when you say you are going to Africa:
1. "Oh WOW! That is so exciting! I'm so jealous, that is such a wonderful opportunity!!"
or
2. "Really? Wow that sounds really dangerous. please be careful.. Have you ever seen Hotel Rwanda? "
:) haha. I am happy to receive either response.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
3 Days! .. and the panic sets in!
So with three full days left I am not sure how all of this is going to come together!
Here is my crisis: A River Between- my other predeparture reading assignment, did not arrive. I checked the tracking information and it wasn't even sent yet!! We also ordered the book through inter library loans but it wont arrive till TUESDAY which gives me maybe 24 hours in which to read an entire book and do all the assignments. This book is out of print so it wont be in any stores. I did find it at a local college so basically I am going Monday morning and spending the entire day in there reading it. Pray that it all works out!
Today my mother and I found some lightweight pants/capris, some conservative dresses, and a skirt. We also went to our favorite shoe store - Evans, and bought me a pair of Chacos which are really nice and comfy walking sandals. I anticipate them being my favorite shoe in Africa.
We are really not sure about which suitcase to choose. It's funny how that has become such a stressful subject for me. I'm fairly weak when if comes to upper body strength. I need to be able to carry all of my bags by myself. No problem if they are on wheels, but they have to be light weight for when I can't roll them. I think duffel bags wold be best because they are more flexible that the hard sides of the square rolling ones, but our duffel bags would not have a rolling option. ...Probably not an interesting topic for a blog, but it really is the 2nd biggest worry on my mind, after the reading.
I need to have everything packed and ready to go tomorrow night (Sunday). My flight to Phoenix leaves at 6am from Logan airport, which means i should be there at 4, which means leaving my house at 2am. My sleep schedule is going to be completely messed up after all of the traveling. By the time I get to Africa I will have flown from Boston to (some connecting flight), to Phoenix, one day of orientation, Phoenix to London, 15 hr layover in London, London to Entebbe Uganda and then to our guesthouse. I wont know night from day by then!
On that note I think I will take a nap! :)
Here is my crisis: A River Between- my other predeparture reading assignment, did not arrive. I checked the tracking information and it wasn't even sent yet!! We also ordered the book through inter library loans but it wont arrive till TUESDAY which gives me maybe 24 hours in which to read an entire book and do all the assignments. This book is out of print so it wont be in any stores. I did find it at a local college so basically I am going Monday morning and spending the entire day in there reading it. Pray that it all works out!
Today my mother and I found some lightweight pants/capris, some conservative dresses, and a skirt. We also went to our favorite shoe store - Evans, and bought me a pair of Chacos which are really nice and comfy walking sandals. I anticipate them being my favorite shoe in Africa.
We are really not sure about which suitcase to choose. It's funny how that has become such a stressful subject for me. I'm fairly weak when if comes to upper body strength. I need to be able to carry all of my bags by myself. No problem if they are on wheels, but they have to be light weight for when I can't roll them. I think duffel bags wold be best because they are more flexible that the hard sides of the square rolling ones, but our duffel bags would not have a rolling option. ...Probably not an interesting topic for a blog, but it really is the 2nd biggest worry on my mind, after the reading.
I need to have everything packed and ready to go tomorrow night (Sunday). My flight to Phoenix leaves at 6am from Logan airport, which means i should be there at 4, which means leaving my house at 2am. My sleep schedule is going to be completely messed up after all of the traveling. By the time I get to Africa I will have flown from Boston to (some connecting flight), to Phoenix, one day of orientation, Phoenix to London, 15 hr layover in London, London to Entebbe Uganda and then to our guesthouse. I wont know night from day by then!
On that note I think I will take a nap! :)
Friday, January 8, 2010
4 Days!
Four Days till I leave!
I'm caught between wishing I were leaving now so that I could just GET THERE ALREADY, and feeling like there is not enough time here to do what I need to do and buy what I need to buy. Ahh! The guest room has been taken over by me and all my stuff.
As you can see from the picture above i am going to have a little bit of difficulty fitting it all in one suitcase and a backpack... And on top of that can I even carry all this stuff by myself? Hope so.
I picked up my Malaria pills today and deposited my last paychecks from school I'm a little confused about the medicine because it is Doxycyline, which is supposed to be correct, but the information on it doesn't mention anything about being used to prevent Malaria.. so hopefully I got the right stuff? I'll have to call the pharmacy and ask.
I will be done with Things Fall Apart soon, but the other book is out of print and hasn't arrived yet.. its supposed to be pretty big so I am worried about getting these assignments done for our first class. It's gotta get here!
Once again I am thinking about all my girls who are already at their destination or who are getting ready to go... It's going to be an amazing semester, and we all need to go in with a heart full of excitement and eagerness to learn and get immersed in our new culture. We can do it!
I'm caught between wishing I were leaving now so that I could just GET THERE ALREADY, and feeling like there is not enough time here to do what I need to do and buy what I need to buy. Ahh! The guest room has been taken over by me and all my stuff.
As you can see from the picture above i am going to have a little bit of difficulty fitting it all in one suitcase and a backpack... And on top of that can I even carry all this stuff by myself? Hope so.
I picked up my Malaria pills today and deposited my last paychecks from school I'm a little confused about the medicine because it is Doxycyline, which is supposed to be correct, but the information on it doesn't mention anything about being used to prevent Malaria.. so hopefully I got the right stuff? I'll have to call the pharmacy and ask.
I will be done with Things Fall Apart soon, but the other book is out of print and hasn't arrived yet.. its supposed to be pretty big so I am worried about getting these assignments done for our first class. It's gotta get here!
Once again I am thinking about all my girls who are already at their destination or who are getting ready to go... It's going to be an amazing semester, and we all need to go in with a heart full of excitement and eagerness to learn and get immersed in our new culture. We can do it!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
5 days! That's only enough for one hand!
Everyone put out one hand and wave it! That's how many days I have till I leave! 5!! I cant believe it...still!
Today I need to get a notary to sign that I signed my study abroad contract. I also need to finish the first of the two books I have to read.
Our Pre-departure Books:
A River Between
Things Fall Apart (so far so good)
Here's something cool that you might not know. I may be missing Messiah a little bit, but pretty much ALL of my best friends are studying abroad right now as well! I don't have to feel like I am missing anything because we are all off having amazing experiences and then we will all come back together again in the fall! In case you are interested, here is a list of my best buddies, where they are going, and a link to their blogs! (in no particular order, I love them all)
Mary Kate- Thailand
http://mkinthailand.blogspot.com/
Sandy- New Zealand
http://sandyinnewzealand.blogspot.com/
Laura- Philly
http://laurandthecity.blogspot.com/
Sari- Washington DC
Deanne- England
http://deanneinengland.blogspot.com/
Brittany- England
http://myadventuresacrosstheatlantic.blogspot.com/
I'm going to miss my girls so much! But I can't wait to read their blogs and see them again this summer for a big welcome home to all of us weekend!
So far Deanne, Brittany and Mary Kate are already at their destinations :) It makes me all the more anxious to be on my way!
Today I need to get a notary to sign that I signed my study abroad contract. I also need to finish the first of the two books I have to read.
Our Pre-departure Books:
A River Between
Things Fall Apart (so far so good)
Here's something cool that you might not know. I may be missing Messiah a little bit, but pretty much ALL of my best friends are studying abroad right now as well! I don't have to feel like I am missing anything because we are all off having amazing experiences and then we will all come back together again in the fall! In case you are interested, here is a list of my best buddies, where they are going, and a link to their blogs! (in no particular order, I love them all)
Mary Kate- Thailand
http://mkinthailand.blogspot.com/
Sandy- New Zealand
http://sandyinnewzealand.blogspot.com/
Laura- Philly
http://laurandthecity.blogspot.com/
Sari- Washington DC
Deanne- England
http://deanneinengland.blogspot.com/
Brittany- England
http://myadventuresacrosstheatlantic.blogspot.com/
I'm going to miss my girls so much! But I can't wait to read their blogs and see them again this summer for a big welcome home to all of us weekend!
So far Deanne, Brittany and Mary Kate are already at their destinations :) It makes me all the more anxious to be on my way!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
6 Days
Something about the one week count down makes me want to have a post for each day just so I can write how many days left till I leave.
My friend Meaghan lent me a lot of helpful stuff that I might need like a small camping pillow and more sturdy backpack. It's really nice to be able to borrow things instead of buy them. At this very moment I am going to sit down and try to read an entire book and do all the assignments for it in what's left of today. Ambitious? Probably.. This is what happens when you put things off... they come back to kick you in the butt when you don't have much time to do them. Well, maybe that isn't true, I do have a full six days to read these books.. but right now i would rather be making this blog prettier or doing something more fun.
To all my friends back at Messiah : Yay for the first day back at school! I hope it went well. I can't believe I wont be back there for 9 months! (unless I visit in May). I love that place, so I will definitely miss it. It will be weird to take a break from Business classes and take only GenEds for a semester.
Did I ever say what courses I would be taking? Here's the list:
1. African Traditional Culture and Religion (Uganda)
2. Post Colonial African Literature (Uganda)
3. Issues of Peacebuilding (Rwanda)
4. Social Context for Development (Rwanda)
- Cross-Cultural Studies Practicum (Wherever I am placed)
This semester looks like it is going to be SO interesting!
That's all for now!
My friend Meaghan lent me a lot of helpful stuff that I might need like a small camping pillow and more sturdy backpack. It's really nice to be able to borrow things instead of buy them. At this very moment I am going to sit down and try to read an entire book and do all the assignments for it in what's left of today. Ambitious? Probably.. This is what happens when you put things off... they come back to kick you in the butt when you don't have much time to do them. Well, maybe that isn't true, I do have a full six days to read these books.. but right now i would rather be making this blog prettier or doing something more fun.
To all my friends back at Messiah : Yay for the first day back at school! I hope it went well. I can't believe I wont be back there for 9 months! (unless I visit in May). I love that place, so I will definitely miss it. It will be weird to take a break from Business classes and take only GenEds for a semester.
Did I ever say what courses I would be taking? Here's the list:
1. African Traditional Culture and Religion (Uganda)
2. Post Colonial African Literature (Uganda)
3. Issues of Peacebuilding (Rwanda)
4. Social Context for Development (Rwanda)
- Cross-Cultural Studies Practicum (Wherever I am placed)
This semester looks like it is going to be SO interesting!
That's all for now!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
7 days!
After a very difficult and emotional start to the new year, I am trying to bring back my excitement about the spring semester. Looks like I wont be juggling a long distance relationship anymore, so I am trying to at least be thankful for that. Being dumped, especially when it was so unexpected, left me reeling. So now I am in recovery mode, because I don't want this to affect my excitement about studying abroad, or make it harder for me to adjust in Uganda. Prayers for healing and guidance would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to think of the positives, so I'm telling myself how good it will be for me that I wont be emotionally as attached to the US and trying to live in two places at once to keep up a relationship. I'll be missing my family and friends, but I know that they wont be going anywhere.
So on that note I would like to celebrate the fact that in 7 DAYS.. ONE WEEK.. I will be on my way to Orientation!!
Yesterday I went shopping for some more of the things I need. We have been confused about DEET. The packing list said 100% deet is a necessity for bug spray, the travel nurse said that is way too dangerous, the guy at EMS sports said 100% if I don't want malaria, my GoEd contact said that is way too much. so... I guess I will bring both 100% and something a bit more normal. I also got a raincoat that was way too expensive, so I hope that the rainy season really puts it to use. It's hard to figure out what to bring. I have a pair of shoes for every occasion but very limited space. How to choose between hiking boots, tennis shoes, flip flops, dress shoes, dress sandals..etc. They all were on the list.. but I do need to be able to carry these bags.
All of my stuff is laid out on the guest room bed so that I can start packing. I really need to get going on my pre-departure homework assignments as well!! I can do it!
Step 1: [insert positive attitude here]
Step 2: get up and do it!
Okay I'll be writing more soon! Love you all!
So on that note I would like to celebrate the fact that in 7 DAYS.. ONE WEEK.. I will be on my way to Orientation!!
Yesterday I went shopping for some more of the things I need. We have been confused about DEET. The packing list said 100% deet is a necessity for bug spray, the travel nurse said that is way too dangerous, the guy at EMS sports said 100% if I don't want malaria, my GoEd contact said that is way too much. so... I guess I will bring both 100% and something a bit more normal. I also got a raincoat that was way too expensive, so I hope that the rainy season really puts it to use. It's hard to figure out what to bring. I have a pair of shoes for every occasion but very limited space. How to choose between hiking boots, tennis shoes, flip flops, dress shoes, dress sandals..etc. They all were on the list.. but I do need to be able to carry these bags.
All of my stuff is laid out on the guest room bed so that I can start packing. I really need to get going on my pre-departure homework assignments as well!! I can do it!
Step 1: [insert positive attitude here]
Step 2: get up and do it!
Okay I'll be writing more soon! Love you all!
Friday, January 1, 2010
12 Days!
Hey Everyone!
12days until I leave MA! I can't believe it! That is less than two weeks!
Can you believe that I am still having a hard time fully grasping that I am going? It still hasn't hit me. Maybe it will when I get off the plane in Uganda... or maybe when I am getting ready to come home in May.
There is so much to do in the next week to get ready. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers!!
12days until I leave MA! I can't believe it! That is less than two weeks!
Can you believe that I am still having a hard time fully grasping that I am going? It still hasn't hit me. Maybe it will when I get off the plane in Uganda... or maybe when I am getting ready to come home in May.
There is so much to do in the next week to get ready. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers!!
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