I’ve been in Gulu two weeks now and it seems an eternity. I’m a fairly resilient person and have dealt with a number of challenges rather decently in my life. But some sneak up on you through the tiny little crack in the back door – or in this case – the cracks in the … Read more
Seems the news of Obama sending troops to deal with the LRA in Uganda has created quite a stir and caused some alarm. Having had a son in Iraq, I know how news in the US papers causes alarm for loved ones abroad – when you’re not on the ground and have only your imagination … Read more
Lordy the smoke is thick tonight – there is always something burning: plastic, goat hide, something… But tonight is improved by that fact that I managed spaghetti in the few minutes of electricity and discovered gas has arrived!!! I paid, got a receipt and will have a real honest-to-goodness functional stove by tomorrow night. Now … Read more
TGIF – don’t know why that would make a particular difference, but it does. It means I have a weekend to be with friends, not feel guilty about not being productive (still learning the ropes at the organization) and get hand laundry done. Amazing how fast things get dirty here – just putting them on … Read more
Today was an interesting day – I went in a bit late because I was told everyone would be busy readying for a meeting with the funders and I would meet-and-greet. So I dressed accordingly, though by the time I tried to iron my clothes the electricity was off again, prompting me to put on … Read more
Red dust is the prevailing characteristic of this place. I’m sorry, but it’s the most ubiquitous of characteristics. Some places in Africa have Baboons (we passed some stealing fruit from a fruit stand after crossing the Nile), some have tea plantations (west near the Rwenzori mountains), some have exotic animals. We have dust and this … Read more
Finally! Today was the swearing in ceremony held at the home of the Charge d’Affairs for the Ambassador to Uganda. With best friends, Bill, Holly and Betty: we made it. Beautiful setting, moving ceremony and we are celebrating tonight. Moving to Gulu town tomorrow early and trading out my internet modem for a new network … Read more
So it rained heavily last night (no surprise there – it IS the rainy season), making the hike into the training site especially fun – waist high grass and deep mud, punctuated by foot-deep puddles, cow pies, ornery cows and chomping goats along the trail. One volunteer was lifted off the ground on the horns … Read more
Things are wrapping up with training and we are all so ready to go to our sites. But as I prepare to leave my Home Stay family, I leave with a bit of sadness. I’m attached to this lovely family who have taken in this Mzungu and welcomed me as one of their own. There … Read more