This is being typed to the backdrop of the marching band practicing down the road. So imagine sitting in the middle of a high school band practice room but they only have one melody and it repeats itself every three measures and it mostly bass drums counted in 4/4 time. OK – now we’re ready. … Read more
Wow – this place is sooooo quiet! It’s like my home-stay at 8:40 at night. Kinda spooky it’s so quite, but I can hear the crickets and a distant radio. I seem to be going from one extreme to another, but I think I’m going to like this. It’s probably related to the power … Read more
I got an e-mail from a friend this morning that said ” I have given deep thought to your tenure with the PC and have come to a conclusion. You are *#!*##! nuts.” Well now, I reported that that conclusion had been reached years ago and that he should “keep up.” Ah how quickly one’s mood … Read more
That should read, joy in a box store – as in Uchumi. Uchumi is the closest thing there is here to a department store – kind of a mini-walmart. OK, I know what you’re going to say… but let me tell you, it was positively orgasmic walking in. It’s been months in the teasing … Read more
OK – a new adventure everyday here. Today we (my supervisor and I) went to check out the progress on the house and found them painting, replacing window locks, installing wire mesh over the open wall vents that every Ugandan house has, etc. The screens are a big deal because the Mosquitoes are a big … Read more
I cherish the first bit of hope I have felt since arriving in Gulu and Hallelujah the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train! Peace Corps Medical has agreed to fund a motel room for a few days to get me away from the fumes that have made me so ill. … Read more
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