okay...sorry I've been absent forever. As my dad rightly says, I'm lazy. Well, that's not the only reason. But it's one of them. My bad. Anywho, on to some important news...
I got a mini-foosball table!!! To go in my mini-abode! Yup. You read right. If you want, you can re-read the line, but it'll still hold true. As Pervis said, I"m spending my settling-in allowance on the bare necessities. And foosball fits nicely in that category, thank you very much. Now I just have to learn how to play the dam game. And make sure that Tonto doesn't eat the ball. Tricky.
What else..World AIDS Day was this past Saturday. There were many organizations that showed up to do VCT and a bunch of drama/dance skits and such. It was awesome to see a lot of people show up to get the VCT. HOpefully I"ll be able to do a bunch of outreach programs in my 2 years here that include VCT and education/sensitization stuff.
okay. This one is short. Again, my apologies. Presed for time.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
October 11, 2007
Training is starting to wind down really quickly. This week has flown by. At first, I felt as if training would never end. Now, I feel as if there's not enough time to do all the things I need to do to prepare for my LPI and the "Homestay Thank You". We have one more day of official training and that's it. Monday's our language test and we head off for K'la for a couple of days before being shunted out into the real world of a PCV. It's quite scary. It's also hard to think that our group will be split up after next Thursday. We really are a dysfunctional family, and I'll be very sad to say goodbye to everyone. It's especially hard knowing that a lot of my good friends will be on the opposite side of the country.
More Tragedy
We found out today that our APCD is leaving us at the end of the month, pretty much right after we swear in. It's hard to describe what a big impact this has on me, individually, and us, as a group. Jeffrey has been our advocate from the beginning, and he's American, so he understands "where we're coming from", more than an HCN can. That's not to say that the HCNs haven't been awesome, because they have. But, as far as admins go, Jeffrey's the bomb. And now he's leaving us, right at the beginning of our service. It's a hard blow.
October 16, 2007
Training. Is. Over. I moved all of my crap out of the Homestay house, took my LPI, and am now chilling in a pretty decent hotel in K'la. It has running water and a porcelain choo. Plus, I just gorged myself on a ton of awesome food. What more could a girl ask for?
You know you're on US soil when you're freezing your ass off in an obscenely air conditioned room.
We visited the US Embassy today. We met the ambassador's deputy chief, a political officer of the embassy, the program coordinator for USAID, and the cultural attaché. Unfortunately, the deputy director of the CDC-Ug wasn't able to come talk to us. Got to shoot off some e-mails very quickly in their resource room. Pretty sure all those e-mails were somehow secretly read by the government. Good thing they were completely innocuous.
Got to do some shopping in K'la today, too. We're all busy picking up things we think we'll need for our site. It was completely overwhelming and stressful. It's so strange to walk into a big supermarket/super-center after being in a small town like L'wero for so long. I don't really know how to explain the shock of it. It was difficult deciding whether or not to buy the little tablets that clean your toilet bowl! I hate just thinking about it right now. And it pissed me off that a travel-size bottle of Listerine cost the equivalent of US $10. That's messed up. Oral hygiene should not cost that much.
I just can't seem to escape…
Celine Dion's song from Titanic
teaching
Training is starting to wind down really quickly. This week has flown by. At first, I felt as if training would never end. Now, I feel as if there's not enough time to do all the things I need to do to prepare for my LPI and the "Homestay Thank You". We have one more day of official training and that's it. Monday's our language test and we head off for K'la for a couple of days before being shunted out into the real world of a PCV. It's quite scary. It's also hard to think that our group will be split up after next Thursday. We really are a dysfunctional family, and I'll be very sad to say goodbye to everyone. It's especially hard knowing that a lot of my good friends will be on the opposite side of the country.
More Tragedy
We found out today that our APCD is leaving us at the end of the month, pretty much right after we swear in. It's hard to describe what a big impact this has on me, individually, and us, as a group. Jeffrey has been our advocate from the beginning, and he's American, so he understands "where we're coming from", more than an HCN can. That's not to say that the HCNs haven't been awesome, because they have. But, as far as admins go, Jeffrey's the bomb. And now he's leaving us, right at the beginning of our service. It's a hard blow.
October 16, 2007
Training. Is. Over. I moved all of my crap out of the Homestay house, took my LPI, and am now chilling in a pretty decent hotel in K'la. It has running water and a porcelain choo. Plus, I just gorged myself on a ton of awesome food. What more could a girl ask for?
You know you're on US soil when you're freezing your ass off in an obscenely air conditioned room.
We visited the US Embassy today. We met the ambassador's deputy chief, a political officer of the embassy, the program coordinator for USAID, and the cultural attaché. Unfortunately, the deputy director of the CDC-Ug wasn't able to come talk to us. Got to shoot off some e-mails very quickly in their resource room. Pretty sure all those e-mails were somehow secretly read by the government. Good thing they were completely innocuous.
Got to do some shopping in K'la today, too. We're all busy picking up things we think we'll need for our site. It was completely overwhelming and stressful. It's so strange to walk into a big supermarket/super-center after being in a small town like L'wero for so long. I don't really know how to explain the shock of it. It was difficult deciding whether or not to buy the little tablets that clean your toilet bowl! I hate just thinking about it right now. And it pissed me off that a travel-size bottle of Listerine cost the equivalent of US $10. That's messed up. Oral hygiene should not cost that much.
I just can't seem to escape…
Celine Dion's song from Titanic
teaching
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
September 25, 2007
It's so much easier to remember all the bad things that have happened, rather than the good. (I'm trying to remember if it was the same in the States or not. I'm thinking yes.) Maybe it's the nature of the event, bad vs. good. And we tend to focus on the bad. Or maybe it's just me. But it's not something I want to get into the habit of. I want to walk away from this experience and be able to recall all the good things. That's not to say that shitty days aren't going to happen. Life doesn't work that way. I know. But there is a lot of good in it, too. Hopefully more good than bad. And a lot of days that just are.
Things I Don't Understand
people who lie/cheat/steal
people who don't believe in modern day medicine
Runyankore/Rukiga
Illnesses
There are many lovely illnesses that a person can experience while here in Uganda. Many of which you wouldn't get to experience in the States unless you tried really hard to. Our training group has suffered more than any of the other recent groups have, according to Anni and Liz. Either way, we're not fairing very well. Between the 21 of us, there have been at least 5 cases of Giardia, 3 cases of food poisoning, 1 case of amoebic dysentery, several jiggers, odd unidentifiable rashes, bites, and bumps, and "upset stomachs". That being said…
Being sick sucks. Being sick in a place where there is no running water sucks big time. You're already feeling miserable. The added stress of not being able to eat the food you want when you want it, or simply sit/kneel by a toilet when you need to does NOT help. I came down with something recently. No clue what it was, though. All I know is that I LOVE modern-day medicine. Cipro, you rock. You are my hero. I don't know who makes you, but they're a great drug company! I don't even care what I had, as long as it's gone.
Unfortunately, some symptoms have remained. And I might have Giardia. I got to send in a stool sample today. Peeing in a cup is easy. I could do it with my eyes closed, using a pit latrine. Poo-ing in a cup, however, is a pain. It takes a long time, for several reasons. I'm sure you can figure them out on your own. Just know that it's not a pleasant experience.
Jinja
Thanks to the miracle that is Cipro, I was able to make it to Jinja last Saturday (22/09) and enjoy myself. And eat pizza! But I'm getting ahead of myself. I woke up before the roosters on Saturday. I was not happy about it, but I did it. And we headed to Jinja and the source of the Nile at the butt crack of dawn (awesome phrase, btw). On our way to the Nile, we stopped to see Sazibwa Falls and Mabira Rainforest. I also managed to witness the slaughtering of a goat from the bus on the ride to the Falls. Apparently Mabira Rainforest is the only rainforest within Uganda. The Falls were pretty. Very waterfall like. But the most important thing is that we got pizza after the hike!!! (Don't judge until you've been in my shoes.) My stomach was very angry with me afterwards, but it was totally worth it. I ate two slices of spicy, chicken pizza and loved every bite of it. The best part of the day trip was definitely the source of the Nile. GORGEOUS. Absolutely breathtaking. And not as crowded as I thought it would be. There were definitely a lot of other mzungus there. And a really cute senior citizen group tour was there at the same time as us.
September 28, 2007
I leave for my "Future Site Visit" next Tuesday!!! I'm super-excited and super-nervous at the same time. We get back Saturday night, have one more week of full-on training, take our final LPI Monday, the 15th, and then head off for K'la for our swearing in on the 18th. Everything is happening really fast right now, but at the same time, couldn't happen fast enough. I'm SO ready to be out in the field working and living life like a "normal" person.
I woke up this morning not feeling like a real human being. I think it's a combination of constantly being stared at like a freak of nature (which I am, but that's not the point), told when to eat, sleep, and go to class, and called mzungu/mchina/Japan/India/etc on a daily basis. Yes, I am referred to as entire countries on occasion. It's actually kind of amusing. Sometimes.
I Could've Been a Ballerina
I am so graceful, it pains me. Every morning I rinse out my bucket with water, either from a jerry-can (sp?) or the large tin drum out front. On this particular morning, I used a jerry-can. It always amazes me how little children and women, people in general, can carry more than one jerry-can at a time. They are HEAVY. To clean out my bucket, I simply had to carry the jerry-can a whole 3 ft. outside. I, being the graceful person that I am, managed to trip on my own feet, and then over a piece of wood, while trying to carry the water. I managed to spill water all over the floor (luckily the floor's concrete). I think there were a couple of people outside who witnessed this wonderful display of grace and poise. I rock.
September 30, 2007
Ode to the Pup
My puppy died last night. Well, technically, she died this past Tuesday. But I only found out last night. And she also wasn't really a puppy anymore. My pup, Camile, died at the ripe old age of 15. She would have been 16 November 22nd. Or maybe she was 14 turning 15. Either way, she lived a really good, long, happy life. At least, as far as I know she did. She didn't seem to have too many complaints while I was around. And if she did, she didn't say anything to me. I'm sure she would have appreciated more walks and human food. Man could she beg! Cutest face EVER when she begged. Well, she was the bestest dog ever, and I'll really miss her. Just not her stinky, stealthy farts (which she herself walked away from without warning any of us) and sleeping next to her after having been attacked by a skunk.
Things That I Miss
bathing without having to smell the pit latrine
sitting on a toilet while reading a book, or is it reading a book while sitting on a toilet?
a nice, big bowl of cereal with ice cold fat free milk
shorts and a tee/tank top; pants
not being noticed whenever I walk down the street
not being sick
lying around in a park, doing nothing/reading/listening to music
my dog
It's so much easier to remember all the bad things that have happened, rather than the good. (I'm trying to remember if it was the same in the States or not. I'm thinking yes.) Maybe it's the nature of the event, bad vs. good. And we tend to focus on the bad. Or maybe it's just me. But it's not something I want to get into the habit of. I want to walk away from this experience and be able to recall all the good things. That's not to say that shitty days aren't going to happen. Life doesn't work that way. I know. But there is a lot of good in it, too. Hopefully more good than bad. And a lot of days that just are.
Things I Don't Understand
people who lie/cheat/steal
people who don't believe in modern day medicine
Runyankore/Rukiga
Illnesses
There are many lovely illnesses that a person can experience while here in Uganda. Many of which you wouldn't get to experience in the States unless you tried really hard to. Our training group has suffered more than any of the other recent groups have, according to Anni and Liz. Either way, we're not fairing very well. Between the 21 of us, there have been at least 5 cases of Giardia, 3 cases of food poisoning, 1 case of amoebic dysentery, several jiggers, odd unidentifiable rashes, bites, and bumps, and "upset stomachs". That being said…
Being sick sucks. Being sick in a place where there is no running water sucks big time. You're already feeling miserable. The added stress of not being able to eat the food you want when you want it, or simply sit/kneel by a toilet when you need to does NOT help. I came down with something recently. No clue what it was, though. All I know is that I LOVE modern-day medicine. Cipro, you rock. You are my hero. I don't know who makes you, but they're a great drug company! I don't even care what I had, as long as it's gone.
Unfortunately, some symptoms have remained. And I might have Giardia. I got to send in a stool sample today. Peeing in a cup is easy. I could do it with my eyes closed, using a pit latrine. Poo-ing in a cup, however, is a pain. It takes a long time, for several reasons. I'm sure you can figure them out on your own. Just know that it's not a pleasant experience.
Jinja
Thanks to the miracle that is Cipro, I was able to make it to Jinja last Saturday (22/09) and enjoy myself. And eat pizza! But I'm getting ahead of myself. I woke up before the roosters on Saturday. I was not happy about it, but I did it. And we headed to Jinja and the source of the Nile at the butt crack of dawn (awesome phrase, btw). On our way to the Nile, we stopped to see Sazibwa Falls and Mabira Rainforest. I also managed to witness the slaughtering of a goat from the bus on the ride to the Falls. Apparently Mabira Rainforest is the only rainforest within Uganda. The Falls were pretty. Very waterfall like. But the most important thing is that we got pizza after the hike!!! (Don't judge until you've been in my shoes.) My stomach was very angry with me afterwards, but it was totally worth it. I ate two slices of spicy, chicken pizza and loved every bite of it. The best part of the day trip was definitely the source of the Nile. GORGEOUS. Absolutely breathtaking. And not as crowded as I thought it would be. There were definitely a lot of other mzungus there. And a really cute senior citizen group tour was there at the same time as us.
September 28, 2007
I leave for my "Future Site Visit" next Tuesday!!! I'm super-excited and super-nervous at the same time. We get back Saturday night, have one more week of full-on training, take our final LPI Monday, the 15th, and then head off for K'la for our swearing in on the 18th. Everything is happening really fast right now, but at the same time, couldn't happen fast enough. I'm SO ready to be out in the field working and living life like a "normal" person.
I woke up this morning not feeling like a real human being. I think it's a combination of constantly being stared at like a freak of nature (which I am, but that's not the point), told when to eat, sleep, and go to class, and called mzungu/mchina/Japan/India/etc on a daily basis. Yes, I am referred to as entire countries on occasion. It's actually kind of amusing. Sometimes.
I Could've Been a Ballerina
I am so graceful, it pains me. Every morning I rinse out my bucket with water, either from a jerry-can (sp?) or the large tin drum out front. On this particular morning, I used a jerry-can. It always amazes me how little children and women, people in general, can carry more than one jerry-can at a time. They are HEAVY. To clean out my bucket, I simply had to carry the jerry-can a whole 3 ft. outside. I, being the graceful person that I am, managed to trip on my own feet, and then over a piece of wood, while trying to carry the water. I managed to spill water all over the floor (luckily the floor's concrete). I think there were a couple of people outside who witnessed this wonderful display of grace and poise. I rock.
September 30, 2007
Ode to the Pup
My puppy died last night. Well, technically, she died this past Tuesday. But I only found out last night. And she also wasn't really a puppy anymore. My pup, Camile, died at the ripe old age of 15. She would have been 16 November 22nd. Or maybe she was 14 turning 15. Either way, she lived a really good, long, happy life. At least, as far as I know she did. She didn't seem to have too many complaints while I was around. And if she did, she didn't say anything to me. I'm sure she would have appreciated more walks and human food. Man could she beg! Cutest face EVER when she begged. Well, she was the bestest dog ever, and I'll really miss her. Just not her stinky, stealthy farts (which she herself walked away from without warning any of us) and sleeping next to her after having been attacked by a skunk.
Things That I Miss
bathing without having to smell the pit latrine
sitting on a toilet while reading a book, or is it reading a book while sitting on a toilet?
a nice, big bowl of cereal with ice cold fat free milk
shorts and a tee/tank top; pants
not being noticed whenever I walk down the street
not being sick
lying around in a park, doing nothing/reading/listening to music
my dog
October 8, 2007
This morning, as I was walking to training, I saw a man herding a cow…by pushing it.
Wild Animals
The only wild animals I've seen around so far are chickens, goats, pigs, and cows. That's not to say that some of these don't scare me. A chicken actually attempting to kill me yesterday. Flew straight at my head. Screamed like a girl and ran away. And I almost got run over by a cow at one point somewhere around week 5. I just hope I never encounter a snake.
Future Site
Last week was pretty crazy. Got up super early on Tuesday to head out to K'la and on to Mbarara. As usual, the matatu drivers are crazy. But the buses out to Mbarara are even crazier, especially since the roads are actually paved and decent. I have to say, Mbarara is BEAUTIFUL. There are hills, mountains, and trees galore. And a bit less dust than L'wero. I can definitely see myself living in Mbarara. It doesn't hurt that Mbarara is also a bigger town than L'wero. Makes me feel a bit more at home. And there are plenty of hills around for me to pitch my tent on.
Goat Stock
…is the equivalent of Halloween in Uganda. I'm not quite sure if it's a PC thing or not. I want to say yes. Apparently it's a big thing in PC, but we don't get to attend this year since we're newbies and still in training. L Luckily, I still have two years to experience this wonder of a holiday. There are costumes involved, but I'm not sure about the candy. I can live without the candy, but a Twix would be damn good right about now.
Tomorrow is the Ugandan Independence Day. And I still have to go to class. Life blows. My Homestay family is surprised, as are the families of some of my friends. Who works on Independence Day? NO ONE, that's who! I tried to make the argument that by having the day off I would be assimilating into the Ugandan culture and that if I went to "work" on the national holiday, I would be offending the people of Uganda. The trainers didn't buy it.
On that note, I should go to bed so that I'm bright and cheery for my first class of the day. yay.
This morning, as I was walking to training, I saw a man herding a cow…by pushing it.
Wild Animals
The only wild animals I've seen around so far are chickens, goats, pigs, and cows. That's not to say that some of these don't scare me. A chicken actually attempting to kill me yesterday. Flew straight at my head. Screamed like a girl and ran away. And I almost got run over by a cow at one point somewhere around week 5. I just hope I never encounter a snake.
Future Site
Last week was pretty crazy. Got up super early on Tuesday to head out to K'la and on to Mbarara. As usual, the matatu drivers are crazy. But the buses out to Mbarara are even crazier, especially since the roads are actually paved and decent. I have to say, Mbarara is BEAUTIFUL. There are hills, mountains, and trees galore. And a bit less dust than L'wero. I can definitely see myself living in Mbarara. It doesn't hurt that Mbarara is also a bigger town than L'wero. Makes me feel a bit more at home. And there are plenty of hills around for me to pitch my tent on.
Goat Stock
…is the equivalent of Halloween in Uganda. I'm not quite sure if it's a PC thing or not. I want to say yes. Apparently it's a big thing in PC, but we don't get to attend this year since we're newbies and still in training. L Luckily, I still have two years to experience this wonder of a holiday. There are costumes involved, but I'm not sure about the candy. I can live without the candy, but a Twix would be damn good right about now.
Tomorrow is the Ugandan Independence Day. And I still have to go to class. Life blows. My Homestay family is surprised, as are the families of some of my friends. Who works on Independence Day? NO ONE, that's who! I tried to make the argument that by having the day off I would be assimilating into the Ugandan culture and that if I went to "work" on the national holiday, I would be offending the people of Uganda. The trainers didn't buy it.
On that note, I should go to bed so that I'm bright and cheery for my first class of the day. yay.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Genius on Board
September 12, 2007
Nibanyeta Jen. Ninduga NY omuri America. Kwonka hati, ninntuura (…) omuri Uganda. Nyine emyaka babiri n'itaano. Ninkunda kurya na kubyama. Tinkukunda kwega.
I'm supposed to be studying for my first mock LPI that's tomorrow afternoon. But, instead, I'm being a master procrastinator and typing up this post. J At least I have the key phrase down: "Tinkumanya."= "I don't know." hehe Oh, and "Garukamu, mpora mpora". That's important too. "Repeat, slowly." With those two phrases, you can't go wrong!
Mosquitoes
I have been a mosquito magnet all my life. Whenever I went back to Taiwan, I'd come home with a minimum of 12 mosquito bites. My mom, on the other hand, would only come back with about a handful. (Maybe that's why she always brought me with her…?) She said it was b/c I was so sweet. Riiight. We all know that's a bunch of bull. As I'm sitting on my bed, inside my mosquito net, I've come to a brilliant conclusion. I've decided that the mosquito net does NOT help if you've trapped a mosquito in it with you. I'm good, aren't I? Told you. I could've/should've been a Fulbright Scholar, damn it. (That'll be my next venture. Just you wait and see.) My problem now is-how do I get it out without letting another one in? oh well. Good thing I'm still taking my Mefloquine. Sadly, no vivid dreams yet. Good thing-no insomnia. And, of course, no malaria. Although, Anni thinks I might have Giardia. But it's not likely. Thank God for that. I've run out of chocolate. (Giardia meds makes everything taste metallic.)
September 16, 2007
Pretty good week all around! I passed my LPI, received mail, went to K'la, annnnd…I found out my site!
Pig on the Road
On the way back from K'la, we witnessed something fall off the back of an open truck, traveling in the opposite direction. What I originally thought was a sack of grains or some such thing ended up being a pig, whose legs were tied together. The poor thing was squealing its head off, while the owners tried to move it back onto the truck. I have to give the pig credit; even after falling off the truck at a high speed, knocking its head on the ground, and rolling around a bit, it still put up quite the fight! According to my friend, that pig will be all the more juicy/tender after having bounced off the ground. Nice.
Future Site
Not a lot of details to give (for security reasons). I can say that I will be living in the Mbarara District for the next two years, working in a hospital. And I'm super-psyched for my assignment! Mbarara is the second largest city in Uganda, kind of like a mini K'la.
Nibanyeta Jen. Ninduga NY omuri America. Kwonka hati, ninntuura (…) omuri Uganda. Nyine emyaka babiri n'itaano. Ninkunda kurya na kubyama. Tinkukunda kwega.
I'm supposed to be studying for my first mock LPI that's tomorrow afternoon. But, instead, I'm being a master procrastinator and typing up this post. J At least I have the key phrase down: "Tinkumanya."= "I don't know." hehe Oh, and "Garukamu, mpora mpora". That's important too. "Repeat, slowly." With those two phrases, you can't go wrong!
Mosquitoes
I have been a mosquito magnet all my life. Whenever I went back to Taiwan, I'd come home with a minimum of 12 mosquito bites. My mom, on the other hand, would only come back with about a handful. (Maybe that's why she always brought me with her…?) She said it was b/c I was so sweet. Riiight. We all know that's a bunch of bull. As I'm sitting on my bed, inside my mosquito net, I've come to a brilliant conclusion. I've decided that the mosquito net does NOT help if you've trapped a mosquito in it with you. I'm good, aren't I? Told you. I could've/should've been a Fulbright Scholar, damn it. (That'll be my next venture. Just you wait and see.) My problem now is-how do I get it out without letting another one in? oh well. Good thing I'm still taking my Mefloquine. Sadly, no vivid dreams yet. Good thing-no insomnia. And, of course, no malaria. Although, Anni thinks I might have Giardia. But it's not likely. Thank God for that. I've run out of chocolate. (Giardia meds makes everything taste metallic.)
September 16, 2007
Pretty good week all around! I passed my LPI, received mail, went to K'la, annnnd…I found out my site!
Pig on the Road
On the way back from K'la, we witnessed something fall off the back of an open truck, traveling in the opposite direction. What I originally thought was a sack of grains or some such thing ended up being a pig, whose legs were tied together. The poor thing was squealing its head off, while the owners tried to move it back onto the truck. I have to give the pig credit; even after falling off the truck at a high speed, knocking its head on the ground, and rolling around a bit, it still put up quite the fight! According to my friend, that pig will be all the more juicy/tender after having bounced off the ground. Nice.
Future Site
Not a lot of details to give (for security reasons). I can say that I will be living in the Mbarara District for the next two years, working in a hospital. And I'm super-psyched for my assignment! Mbarara is the second largest city in Uganda, kind of like a mini K'la.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
September 8, 2007
Late Night Visit
I spent the night at my friend Caitlin's. As I was leaving her room to visit the pit latrine before bed, she mentioned that there would be cockroaches hanging about. I bravely stated that I didn't mind the cockroaches. It's all part of "the experience". The first cockroach didn't faze me. The second cockroach didn't faze me, either. The third one annoyed me. But as I went to close the door, I found about six cockroaches just hanging out, having a good time. I screamed like a girl and bemoaned my situation. Cockroaches are GROSS. Their little antennas were moving, but they didn't seem to want to leave the latrine. No matter how much I tried to cajole them into going down the hole that is the pit latrine, the more adamant they were to stay put. The sight of their antennas moving is what did me in. I just stood there, with my headlamp aimed at the party of roaches, watching them. They couldn't care less about my presence. It. was. GROSS. I HATE COCKROACHES!!! And I hate the latrine!
September 9, 2007
Today was a good day. I ran for 30 minutes this morning, without wanting to die, and I did my own laundry.
Washers and Dryers
I was in college when my parents bought a new washer/dryer set. My sister called me and told me that on the day they were installed, they sat in front of the machines, watching the clothes spin round, discussing/arguing about the speed at which it spun and how quiet the machines were. They were very happy with their new purchase.
When I go back to the states, I will spend days on end watching the wonder that is the modern-day washer/dryer. I love electricity and running water. Love it. I hate doing laundry by hand. It was "relaxing" in the beginning. But after about the 4th article of clothing, my arms were ready for a break. I don't mind the scrubbing and soaking. Hell, the soaking part's easy! But wringing out the damn clothes…forget it. It's a pain. Literally. Unfortunately, it's the second most important part in washing clothes by hand. If you don't do a good job of wringing out the water, your clothes won't be dry for at least two days. Considering how little underwear I brought with me, that's not an option. I was ready for a nap at the end. But there were still my flips and Chacos to scrub, and my room to sweep and "mop" out. By mopping, I mean getting on my hands and knees and wiping with a rag. That being said, I might devote one day to vacuuming and Swiffering when I get back home. My mother's dream has finally come true…
Late Night Visit
I spent the night at my friend Caitlin's. As I was leaving her room to visit the pit latrine before bed, she mentioned that there would be cockroaches hanging about. I bravely stated that I didn't mind the cockroaches. It's all part of "the experience". The first cockroach didn't faze me. The second cockroach didn't faze me, either. The third one annoyed me. But as I went to close the door, I found about six cockroaches just hanging out, having a good time. I screamed like a girl and bemoaned my situation. Cockroaches are GROSS. Their little antennas were moving, but they didn't seem to want to leave the latrine. No matter how much I tried to cajole them into going down the hole that is the pit latrine, the more adamant they were to stay put. The sight of their antennas moving is what did me in. I just stood there, with my headlamp aimed at the party of roaches, watching them. They couldn't care less about my presence. It. was. GROSS. I HATE COCKROACHES!!! And I hate the latrine!
September 9, 2007
Today was a good day. I ran for 30 minutes this morning, without wanting to die, and I did my own laundry.
Washers and Dryers
I was in college when my parents bought a new washer/dryer set. My sister called me and told me that on the day they were installed, they sat in front of the machines, watching the clothes spin round, discussing/arguing about the speed at which it spun and how quiet the machines were. They were very happy with their new purchase.
When I go back to the states, I will spend days on end watching the wonder that is the modern-day washer/dryer. I love electricity and running water. Love it. I hate doing laundry by hand. It was "relaxing" in the beginning. But after about the 4th article of clothing, my arms were ready for a break. I don't mind the scrubbing and soaking. Hell, the soaking part's easy! But wringing out the damn clothes…forget it. It's a pain. Literally. Unfortunately, it's the second most important part in washing clothes by hand. If you don't do a good job of wringing out the water, your clothes won't be dry for at least two days. Considering how little underwear I brought with me, that's not an option. I was ready for a nap at the end. But there were still my flips and Chacos to scrub, and my room to sweep and "mop" out. By mopping, I mean getting on my hands and knees and wiping with a rag. That being said, I might devote one day to vacuuming and Swiffering when I get back home. My mother's dream has finally come true…
Friday, September 7, 2007
August 26, 2007
I have learned that some things are not sacred in PC, body functions being one of them. Whether or not someone has pooped non-stop or the opposite is a topic in passing. In some cases, it is a rite of passage as a volunteer. Getting a disease is just part of the job.
Your Body is Your Temple
If you have an aversion to bodily functions, skip this part of the post. If not, read on!
I. am. Constipated. Note the capital c. It's there for a reason. I have been constipated since Banana Village. For those of you who don't know, that's since August 7th. Okay. Wait. I've gone once since then. But that's it. Life. Is. Awesome. Anni, our PCMO, suggested that I start taking Metamucil 3 times a day, religiously, until I go. AND, I have to get a suppository. Even more awesome. I'm very excited about this, because I get to do it to myself. According to my friend, this is a lot less traumatic than having a family member do it for you. Definitely a plus. Unfortunately for another one of my friends, she has already come down with Giardia. Note to self: just say no to juice from a bag. It is NOT good for you. So, I count my blessings that I am merely stopped up. I think I'd rather be constipated than have diarrhea and bloating and burps and gas that reek of sulfur. :D
On to non-bodily functioned news…we got to visit current PCVs at their sites this past Thursday through Sunday. I visited Jackie, who is a 3rd year educational PCV.
This included our first "trip" to Kampala. Not that we really got to hang out there. It was more "go to Kampala, try and find the matatu that gets you to the PCV's site, and don't die along the way. Or get lost." Kampala was completely overwhelming after being sheltered in Banana Village and Luweero for 2 weeks. I've forgotten what big city life is like…. but I remember loving it. I think.
Transportation
If you value your life, you might want to try and avoid taking public transportation in Uganda. Actually, you might want to avoid transportation of any kind at all. Including walking. The roads are like Swiss cheese here. Driving in Uganda (on a boda-boda, bike, car, whatever) is like a slalom. If you swerve to avoid one pothole, you inevitably hit another. And the potholes are HUGE. There are chunks of road missing, so I don't even know if you can call these things potholes. Half the time you're driving on the "wrong side" of the road in order to avoid the potholes. On the way from Luweero to Kampala, we passed a bus that was upside down on the side of the road. On the way back from Kibaale to Kampala and Kampala to Luweero, we saw two more trucks flipped on their side. Riding in a sedan taxi is the worst. A normal sedan is meant for 5 people, max. The sedan I rode in held 7 adults and 2 children. And, theoretically, the driver could've squeezed one more person up front. With him. In the driver's seat. While driving stick. Don't ask me how that works, cause I just don't see it happening. (Though others in my group have experienced this phenomenon.) All I know is that I sat in the passenger seat up front, with Jackie, and had the hand-rest pressed into my back (I now have a bruise) and the stick shift shoved up my ass the entire trip.
Rural vs. Urban
I have come to the decision that rural does not equal bad. In fact, I prefer rural to urban. It is quiet, somewhat cleaner, and it's like Cheers: everyone knows your name. Plus, it's quite hard to go unnoticed since you're white. After stepping off the matatu in (insert town), all the locals automatically knew that Julie and I were headed to the local muzungu's, and they pointed us in the right direction. Everyone was really friendly, and Jackie seemed pretty well integrated into her community. The view from Jackie's place was really sweet, too. I wish I had brought my tent with me so I could camp outside at night. There was no need for a headlamp at night, because the moon and stars were so bright. Kampala, on the other hand, was crowded, noisy, and a bit stressful. Rural kicks Urban's ass any day of the week. (unless you're NYC)
It was really exciting to go out and see a current PCV at their site. It reminded me that there's life after Training and that life as a PCV can be pretty sweet. Jackie was totally comfortable at her site, was doing amazing work, and had even decided to extend her service for a third year. And it was great to get out of Luweero and be "on my own". Training is great because we're surrounded by fellow PCTs and learning essential skills. But, at the same time, the training staff dictates our daily schedule. Our lives are not our own. After the visit, I can't help but anticipate the day I get to leave for my own site, be on my own, and finally start working.
Bucket Bath
It is amazing how little water a person actually needs to wash their entire body and hair. I have discovered that taking showers is a luxury and complete waste of water. Hot water is also a luxury, but one that I enjoy thoroughly. Not that I have enjoyed it lately. So, despite the knowledge of how much water I'm wasting while taking a shower, I fully intend to indulge in a LONG, HOT shower when I get back to the States.
Idiot Moment of the Week
I locked myself out of my room. Every PCV is told that their room must have a lock on their door and that we should lock it every time we leave our room, even if it's for a short period of time. I have been following this suggestion religiously, knowing that one day I would end up forgetting my key. Today was that day. Go me! Luckily, I had opened my window before leaving my room. After a failed attempt by Jeremiah to squeeze in through the bars on my window (alas, his head was too big), some other boy managed to squeeze through and retrieve my keys that were sitting on my chair. Mind you, I purposely set my keys on the chair (and not my desk) so that they couldn't be reached from the window. Brilliant. What I learned from this experience…keep your window locked at all times, because not everyone has a big head. And maybe to buy a combination lock.
August 31, 2007
Countdowns are bad. They're not good for your psyche or your morale. And time goes by wayyy too slow if you do them. At least, that's what we were advised. And it makes sense. But, I still found myself thinking about the future again these past few days. Not the near future, but about life after PC, two years from now. It struck me that I would be thinking so far ahead when I haven't even started my PC service. But it's such a hard thing not to do; not because I can't wait to get out of here, but rather, because it's in my nature to do so. I like to make plans (and break them on occasion), have a goal, set a timeframe for things to be done... It's what I've always done. When I was in high school, I thought about where I wanted to go to college. When I was in college, I thought about how I was going to support myself. When I was a Fellow, I thought about what I wanted to do afterwards (teaching surely was not it.) And now, I'm thinking ahead again. But am I really doing myself a disservice for doing so? Am I somehow missing out on the here and now?
September 1, 2007
Today was a good day. My friend slaughtered a chicken and I had good food for lunch. As part of our "education", we had a cooking day. I learned how to make chapati, abatoga (matooke w/tomatoes and onions), ground-nut sauce, beans w/tomatoes and onions, dodo (yes, that's actually what it's called, but you can call them greens if you want), eggplant, guacamole (I know it's not Ugandan, but it tasted damn good w/the chapati), fruit salad, and, of course, the poor chicken who lost its life in Diana's hands. I didn't watch the slaughtering or de-feathering of the chicken. Nor did I eat it. I just didn't have the heart after seeing Kabayo (my language trainer) bring it home and watch it sit in his garage, waiting to be slaughtered. Apparently, Lisandro didn't have the heart to slaughter his group's chicken after having ridden with it tied to his bike. He said the chicken squawked every time he hit a bump and realized that the chicken could feel pain. Chicken slaughtering and de-feathering aside, I had an awesome time. It was fun hanging out with my friends and just talking and listening to music. No pressure to hang out with the Homestay fam or pay attention to lectures/speeches. I felt like an actual human being today. A really full and satisfied one at that.
I also learned how to wash my clothes by hand today. This wasn't as much fun as cooking. But, clean clothes and sheets for sleeping on are a plus. So, I won't complain too much. My arms and hands are tired from scrubbing and wringing things dry. And I think I used the last of the water supply in the house. oops.
The Little Things
It's amazing what things bring joy to a PCT. For instance, I'm happy that I was able to do a "long call" today on my own. Just some good ole fiber, veggies, and fruit. I'm also happy that we received 3-month-old copies of Newsweek. Luckily, I never stole my dad's copy to read back in the States. I'll be entertained for at least 2 days. And, I was able to run for the first time today since I left the States. I only ran for about 15 minutes, but it still felt damn good. And you thought I was easy to please and entertain back then…
Lesson of the Week
I can't weave for shit. We visited an NGO on Wed. and Thurs. Part of their IGAs include making their own soap, baskets, mats, pre-fabbed food, and tapestries. Some of the women were demonstrating how to weave baskets and mats. I did my best to try and weave some of the banana leaves together, but, alas, I am not a weaver. C'est la vie. I can, however, make awesome chapati and guac. If you're ever in my neck of the woods, rest assured, you will not go hungry.
Acronyms/Other
Here's a reference of all those pesky acronyms and other terms I keep using. Sorry if they're annoying. I'll keep adding as I keep using.
PCT-Peace Corps Trainee (i.e.-me)
PCV-Peace Corps Volunteer (i.e.-future me)
PCMO- PC medical officer
APCD- associate pc director
CD- country director
ET- early termination
Med Sep- medical separation
Ad Sep- administrative separation
COS- close of service
Med Evac- medical evacuation
HBHC- home based health care
PWA/PLWHA- People Living With HIV/AIDS
NGO- non-governmental organization
CBO- community based organization
IGA- income generating activity
post- country of service
site- where a PCV lives and serves
I have learned that some things are not sacred in PC, body functions being one of them. Whether or not someone has pooped non-stop or the opposite is a topic in passing. In some cases, it is a rite of passage as a volunteer. Getting a disease is just part of the job.
Your Body is Your Temple
If you have an aversion to bodily functions, skip this part of the post. If not, read on!
I. am. Constipated. Note the capital c. It's there for a reason. I have been constipated since Banana Village. For those of you who don't know, that's since August 7th. Okay. Wait. I've gone once since then. But that's it. Life. Is. Awesome. Anni, our PCMO, suggested that I start taking Metamucil 3 times a day, religiously, until I go. AND, I have to get a suppository. Even more awesome. I'm very excited about this, because I get to do it to myself. According to my friend, this is a lot less traumatic than having a family member do it for you. Definitely a plus. Unfortunately for another one of my friends, she has already come down with Giardia. Note to self: just say no to juice from a bag. It is NOT good for you. So, I count my blessings that I am merely stopped up. I think I'd rather be constipated than have diarrhea and bloating and burps and gas that reek of sulfur. :D
On to non-bodily functioned news…we got to visit current PCVs at their sites this past Thursday through Sunday. I visited Jackie, who is a 3rd year educational PCV.
This included our first "trip" to Kampala. Not that we really got to hang out there. It was more "go to Kampala, try and find the matatu that gets you to the PCV's site, and don't die along the way. Or get lost." Kampala was completely overwhelming after being sheltered in Banana Village and Luweero for 2 weeks. I've forgotten what big city life is like…. but I remember loving it. I think.
Transportation
If you value your life, you might want to try and avoid taking public transportation in Uganda. Actually, you might want to avoid transportation of any kind at all. Including walking. The roads are like Swiss cheese here. Driving in Uganda (on a boda-boda, bike, car, whatever) is like a slalom. If you swerve to avoid one pothole, you inevitably hit another. And the potholes are HUGE. There are chunks of road missing, so I don't even know if you can call these things potholes. Half the time you're driving on the "wrong side" of the road in order to avoid the potholes. On the way from Luweero to Kampala, we passed a bus that was upside down on the side of the road. On the way back from Kibaale to Kampala and Kampala to Luweero, we saw two more trucks flipped on their side. Riding in a sedan taxi is the worst. A normal sedan is meant for 5 people, max. The sedan I rode in held 7 adults and 2 children. And, theoretically, the driver could've squeezed one more person up front. With him. In the driver's seat. While driving stick. Don't ask me how that works, cause I just don't see it happening. (Though others in my group have experienced this phenomenon.) All I know is that I sat in the passenger seat up front, with Jackie, and had the hand-rest pressed into my back (I now have a bruise) and the stick shift shoved up my ass the entire trip.
Rural vs. Urban
I have come to the decision that rural does not equal bad. In fact, I prefer rural to urban. It is quiet, somewhat cleaner, and it's like Cheers: everyone knows your name. Plus, it's quite hard to go unnoticed since you're white. After stepping off the matatu in (insert town), all the locals automatically knew that Julie and I were headed to the local muzungu's, and they pointed us in the right direction. Everyone was really friendly, and Jackie seemed pretty well integrated into her community. The view from Jackie's place was really sweet, too. I wish I had brought my tent with me so I could camp outside at night. There was no need for a headlamp at night, because the moon and stars were so bright. Kampala, on the other hand, was crowded, noisy, and a bit stressful. Rural kicks Urban's ass any day of the week. (unless you're NYC)
It was really exciting to go out and see a current PCV at their site. It reminded me that there's life after Training and that life as a PCV can be pretty sweet. Jackie was totally comfortable at her site, was doing amazing work, and had even decided to extend her service for a third year. And it was great to get out of Luweero and be "on my own". Training is great because we're surrounded by fellow PCTs and learning essential skills. But, at the same time, the training staff dictates our daily schedule. Our lives are not our own. After the visit, I can't help but anticipate the day I get to leave for my own site, be on my own, and finally start working.
Bucket Bath
It is amazing how little water a person actually needs to wash their entire body and hair. I have discovered that taking showers is a luxury and complete waste of water. Hot water is also a luxury, but one that I enjoy thoroughly. Not that I have enjoyed it lately. So, despite the knowledge of how much water I'm wasting while taking a shower, I fully intend to indulge in a LONG, HOT shower when I get back to the States.
Idiot Moment of the Week
I locked myself out of my room. Every PCV is told that their room must have a lock on their door and that we should lock it every time we leave our room, even if it's for a short period of time. I have been following this suggestion religiously, knowing that one day I would end up forgetting my key. Today was that day. Go me! Luckily, I had opened my window before leaving my room. After a failed attempt by Jeremiah to squeeze in through the bars on my window (alas, his head was too big), some other boy managed to squeeze through and retrieve my keys that were sitting on my chair. Mind you, I purposely set my keys on the chair (and not my desk) so that they couldn't be reached from the window. Brilliant. What I learned from this experience…keep your window locked at all times, because not everyone has a big head. And maybe to buy a combination lock.
August 31, 2007
Countdowns are bad. They're not good for your psyche or your morale. And time goes by wayyy too slow if you do them. At least, that's what we were advised. And it makes sense. But, I still found myself thinking about the future again these past few days. Not the near future, but about life after PC, two years from now. It struck me that I would be thinking so far ahead when I haven't even started my PC service. But it's such a hard thing not to do; not because I can't wait to get out of here, but rather, because it's in my nature to do so. I like to make plans (and break them on occasion), have a goal, set a timeframe for things to be done... It's what I've always done. When I was in high school, I thought about where I wanted to go to college. When I was in college, I thought about how I was going to support myself. When I was a Fellow, I thought about what I wanted to do afterwards (teaching surely was not it.) And now, I'm thinking ahead again. But am I really doing myself a disservice for doing so? Am I somehow missing out on the here and now?
September 1, 2007
Today was a good day. My friend slaughtered a chicken and I had good food for lunch. As part of our "education", we had a cooking day. I learned how to make chapati, abatoga (matooke w/tomatoes and onions), ground-nut sauce, beans w/tomatoes and onions, dodo (yes, that's actually what it's called, but you can call them greens if you want), eggplant, guacamole (I know it's not Ugandan, but it tasted damn good w/the chapati), fruit salad, and, of course, the poor chicken who lost its life in Diana's hands. I didn't watch the slaughtering or de-feathering of the chicken. Nor did I eat it. I just didn't have the heart after seeing Kabayo (my language trainer) bring it home and watch it sit in his garage, waiting to be slaughtered. Apparently, Lisandro didn't have the heart to slaughter his group's chicken after having ridden with it tied to his bike. He said the chicken squawked every time he hit a bump and realized that the chicken could feel pain. Chicken slaughtering and de-feathering aside, I had an awesome time. It was fun hanging out with my friends and just talking and listening to music. No pressure to hang out with the Homestay fam or pay attention to lectures/speeches. I felt like an actual human being today. A really full and satisfied one at that.
I also learned how to wash my clothes by hand today. This wasn't as much fun as cooking. But, clean clothes and sheets for sleeping on are a plus. So, I won't complain too much. My arms and hands are tired from scrubbing and wringing things dry. And I think I used the last of the water supply in the house. oops.
The Little Things
It's amazing what things bring joy to a PCT. For instance, I'm happy that I was able to do a "long call" today on my own. Just some good ole fiber, veggies, and fruit. I'm also happy that we received 3-month-old copies of Newsweek. Luckily, I never stole my dad's copy to read back in the States. I'll be entertained for at least 2 days. And, I was able to run for the first time today since I left the States. I only ran for about 15 minutes, but it still felt damn good. And you thought I was easy to please and entertain back then…
Lesson of the Week
I can't weave for shit. We visited an NGO on Wed. and Thurs. Part of their IGAs include making their own soap, baskets, mats, pre-fabbed food, and tapestries. Some of the women were demonstrating how to weave baskets and mats. I did my best to try and weave some of the banana leaves together, but, alas, I am not a weaver. C'est la vie. I can, however, make awesome chapati and guac. If you're ever in my neck of the woods, rest assured, you will not go hungry.
Acronyms/Other
Here's a reference of all those pesky acronyms and other terms I keep using. Sorry if they're annoying. I'll keep adding as I keep using.
PCT-Peace Corps Trainee (i.e.-me)
PCV-Peace Corps Volunteer (i.e.-future me)
PCMO- PC medical officer
APCD- associate pc director
CD- country director
ET- early termination
Med Sep- medical separation
Ad Sep- administrative separation
COS- close of service
Med Evac- medical evacuation
HBHC- home based health care
PWA/PLWHA- People Living With HIV/AIDS
NGO- non-governmental organization
CBO- community based organization
IGA- income generating activity
post- country of service
site- where a PCV lives and serves
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Reality Check
The Pit Latrine
The pit latrine is not my friend. And I don't foresee it ever becoming one. Then again, I haven't contracted acute diarrhea yet, the number one disease in Africa. Still, in that case, I think I will merely be using/abusing the latrine at that point. Based on this hatred of mine, I have moved the flushing toilet or "porcelain choo" to the top of my list of best inventions EVER. My new goal in life is to bring these porcelain gods to every household in the world. People in America "pray to the porcelain god" because they're hungover. I pray to it, because I think it is amazing and deserves to be worshipped. It's mere existence is praiseworthy. From now on, I will not celebrate my birthday, but the birth of the modern day toilet.
Muzungu
The spelling is questionable. But I think I'm right. Then again, I always think I'm right. And I usually am. ;) This term holds a very special place in my heart. I am, for all intensive purposes, a muzungu! yeah! For those who don't know, a muzungu is a foreigner, usually a white person. I'm white! Though, sometimes, I get "China", "Japanese", and a couple of times "samurai". Now, it'd be totally sweet if I were a samurai. Don't really fancy the whole "commit suicide" thing if I fail as a samurai, but the whole sword wielding thing is kind of appealing. I guess. But, overall, I'd rather be referred to as a muzungu than any of the other references to being Asian. Not that I'm not happy about being Asian. Nothing beats homemade Chinese food and being able to talk about people in front of their faces and not having them know what you're saying. Plus, I can use the phrase "no speaka English" if I need to. But, somehow, having random countries and nationalities shouted at me while I'm on my way to/from training is not so amusing. The kids who shout "bye muzungu" are pretty cute. So that's okay. The older guys, not so much.
What's there to eat?
Matooke. That's what. Steamed, mashed plantains. Some of my fellow trainees have come to love matooke. Or, at least, appreciate it. I, on the other hand, have developed an acute aversion to the stuff. I can foresee many a hungry day in my future due to this fact. This is where the granola/clif/luna bars come in handy. (Please send me more!!! No, I'm not kidding.) Cassava is pretty big here, too. It's a starch. Doesn't really have any flavour of its own. Can taste good if soaked in yummy meat sauces. But, otherwise, I try and avoid it, too. They also have this ground peanut sauce thing. Again, I'm not a fan. lol I've turned into the world's pickiest eater! I can say, however, that I really like this chickpea sauce type thing that they make. And I love the fruit whenever I get it. I tasted jackfruit for the first time ever. It's the very large, porcupine looking type fruit in the markets. You just whack it open and scoop out what are basically seed pods. It tastes goood. not too sweet. So if you get a chance, go out and get one!
The Technical Stuff
We have class M-F from 8a.m.-5p.m. with two half our breaks (one in the morning, one in the afternoon), and an hour for lunch at 12:30. We also have classes on Saturday from 8am to around 1pm. I wake up tired and go to bed tired, basically. I think I even eat tired. lol Training is…. strange? We're learning language (I'm learning Runyankore/ Rukiga, which is spoken in the southwest region of Uganda). We also have sessions on cross cultural stuff, history/politics in Uganda, HIV/AIDS technical sessions, and NGO/CBO tech stuff. Basically, I'm in school. Only, I'm on an entirely different continent. And I know that I won't be going home anytime soon, unless I don't cut it/decide to go home. I don't know how to describe it, really. It's PC service, but not. I'm with English speakers pretty much all day. I'm fed by PC. I'm taken care of. But after this is all over, come October, I'll be on my own where I will have to rely on my non-existent Runyankore skills. And feed myself. This part of PC is really quite temporary. But it's all we know right now. We don't know what it'll be like to be on our own where we can't rely on our English or each other. I'm eager to be out on my own so that I can cook for myself and get out into the community and do work. But, at the same time, training is very cushy. Yes, I know you're confused after reading this. I am too. I'm sorry I can't explain the training period any better. I think I'm still trying to struggle with it too. Hell, I've only been here a week. I'll have more on it later, I'm sure.
Home
Ideally, Somewhere, Uganda will become my home for two years starting on October 19, 2007. That's the whole idea. I live and work in Uganda. It's my job, duty, etc. as a PCV. It's been my goal to do this for over a year and a half. And I'm on my way to fulfilling it. One trainee ETd basically the moment we touched down in-country. I'm sad that we weren't able to help her more, as a group. I think it was really hard because it was so early in the game. And she was really quiet. We only noticed something was wrong when she started having anxiety attacks on the plane. And even then, a passenger, not in our group, had to point it out to us. I wish we could have comforted her somehow, made her realize that we were all in the same boat as her. Scared shitless and crazy for embarking on this adventure of ours. But in the end, it's an individual thing. And her fears and doubts were her own. And they were enough to make her turn back. And that's more than OK. Maybe even brave.
I had a discussion with another PCT the other day about the length of our service. She was laughing because she had mixed up the length of our stay here. She thought it was 2 yrs, not 27 months. It's not a huge mix-up, but could be. I originally thought she was going to say she thought it was only 12 months. Thank god she wasn't that far off. The most important thing that came out of our discussion, though, was the fact that it's okay if we "don't make it" and find out PC isn't for us. Pride shouldn't be what keeps us here. Nor should fear (of going home). We are here because we want to be. We are here to do a job. We are here to try and make some sort of difference. And if that changes after having put in all our effort, then that's the way it is. As my friend used to say (maybe she still does…) "It is what it is." I know that my goal right now is to make it through training. After that, my goal is to be able to wake up, get out of bed, and face a new day. It was the same in the States. It'll be harder here on many an occasion. But I hope more rewarding on just as many.
Having said that, I'll be honest and say that I cried for the first time today. I didn't even cry when I said goodbye to my family or friends. Mostly because I knew I would never stop if I started. I definitely wanted to. The tears started falling when I said goodbye to my dad and sister in SF and again to my mom in NY. I know I would've looked like an idiot on the plane/train rides, though. And I'm generally not a crier, many of you know. It's bad for my complexion. ;) But, I cried today. In the room provided me by my very nice homestay family. I cried because I miss my family. I cried because I miss my friends. It's not that I would rather be home. But rather, I miss the ability to talk to those I care about how my life is going. What my day was like. The inane things in life. The ordinary things. The general "What's up, how's it going?" type thing. I can live without the Internet. I can live without TV or electricity. I can even live without the porcelain choo. But I can't live without my family and friends. It is by far the hardest thing so far. Knowing that my life is completely separate at this point in time and will be for a long time to come. It is something I will eventually come to terms with. Just not today.
On a happier, funnier note (more for my sake than yours), I managed to get lost one day last week on the way back from training. Those of you who know me well know that I don't pay attention when I walk. Thinking that I was paying close attention to where I was walking, I thought it inconceivable that I had missed my marker for turning off the main road (a large, yellow, MTN sign, which are MANY it's not my fault!!! oh well.... i'm learning to laugh at my idiocy.
The pit latrine is not my friend. And I don't foresee it ever becoming one. Then again, I haven't contracted acute diarrhea yet, the number one disease in Africa. Still, in that case, I think I will merely be using/abusing the latrine at that point. Based on this hatred of mine, I have moved the flushing toilet or "porcelain choo" to the top of my list of best inventions EVER. My new goal in life is to bring these porcelain gods to every household in the world. People in America "pray to the porcelain god" because they're hungover. I pray to it, because I think it is amazing and deserves to be worshipped. It's mere existence is praiseworthy. From now on, I will not celebrate my birthday, but the birth of the modern day toilet.
Muzungu
The spelling is questionable. But I think I'm right. Then again, I always think I'm right. And I usually am. ;) This term holds a very special place in my heart. I am, for all intensive purposes, a muzungu! yeah! For those who don't know, a muzungu is a foreigner, usually a white person. I'm white! Though, sometimes, I get "China", "Japanese", and a couple of times "samurai". Now, it'd be totally sweet if I were a samurai. Don't really fancy the whole "commit suicide" thing if I fail as a samurai, but the whole sword wielding thing is kind of appealing. I guess. But, overall, I'd rather be referred to as a muzungu than any of the other references to being Asian. Not that I'm not happy about being Asian. Nothing beats homemade Chinese food and being able to talk about people in front of their faces and not having them know what you're saying. Plus, I can use the phrase "no speaka English" if I need to. But, somehow, having random countries and nationalities shouted at me while I'm on my way to/from training is not so amusing. The kids who shout "bye muzungu" are pretty cute. So that's okay. The older guys, not so much.
What's there to eat?
Matooke. That's what. Steamed, mashed plantains. Some of my fellow trainees have come to love matooke. Or, at least, appreciate it. I, on the other hand, have developed an acute aversion to the stuff. I can foresee many a hungry day in my future due to this fact. This is where the granola/clif/luna bars come in handy. (Please send me more!!! No, I'm not kidding.) Cassava is pretty big here, too. It's a starch. Doesn't really have any flavour of its own. Can taste good if soaked in yummy meat sauces. But, otherwise, I try and avoid it, too. They also have this ground peanut sauce thing. Again, I'm not a fan. lol I've turned into the world's pickiest eater! I can say, however, that I really like this chickpea sauce type thing that they make. And I love the fruit whenever I get it. I tasted jackfruit for the first time ever. It's the very large, porcupine looking type fruit in the markets. You just whack it open and scoop out what are basically seed pods. It tastes goood. not too sweet. So if you get a chance, go out and get one!
The Technical Stuff
We have class M-F from 8a.m.-5p.m. with two half our breaks (one in the morning, one in the afternoon), and an hour for lunch at 12:30. We also have classes on Saturday from 8am to around 1pm. I wake up tired and go to bed tired, basically. I think I even eat tired. lol Training is…. strange? We're learning language (I'm learning Runyankore/ Rukiga, which is spoken in the southwest region of Uganda). We also have sessions on cross cultural stuff, history/politics in Uganda, HIV/AIDS technical sessions, and NGO/CBO tech stuff. Basically, I'm in school. Only, I'm on an entirely different continent. And I know that I won't be going home anytime soon, unless I don't cut it/decide to go home. I don't know how to describe it, really. It's PC service, but not. I'm with English speakers pretty much all day. I'm fed by PC. I'm taken care of. But after this is all over, come October, I'll be on my own where I will have to rely on my non-existent Runyankore skills. And feed myself. This part of PC is really quite temporary. But it's all we know right now. We don't know what it'll be like to be on our own where we can't rely on our English or each other. I'm eager to be out on my own so that I can cook for myself and get out into the community and do work. But, at the same time, training is very cushy. Yes, I know you're confused after reading this. I am too. I'm sorry I can't explain the training period any better. I think I'm still trying to struggle with it too. Hell, I've only been here a week. I'll have more on it later, I'm sure.
Home
Ideally, Somewhere, Uganda will become my home for two years starting on October 19, 2007. That's the whole idea. I live and work in Uganda. It's my job, duty, etc. as a PCV. It's been my goal to do this for over a year and a half. And I'm on my way to fulfilling it. One trainee ETd basically the moment we touched down in-country. I'm sad that we weren't able to help her more, as a group. I think it was really hard because it was so early in the game. And she was really quiet. We only noticed something was wrong when she started having anxiety attacks on the plane. And even then, a passenger, not in our group, had to point it out to us. I wish we could have comforted her somehow, made her realize that we were all in the same boat as her. Scared shitless and crazy for embarking on this adventure of ours. But in the end, it's an individual thing. And her fears and doubts were her own. And they were enough to make her turn back. And that's more than OK. Maybe even brave.
I had a discussion with another PCT the other day about the length of our service. She was laughing because she had mixed up the length of our stay here. She thought it was 2 yrs, not 27 months. It's not a huge mix-up, but could be. I originally thought she was going to say she thought it was only 12 months. Thank god she wasn't that far off. The most important thing that came out of our discussion, though, was the fact that it's okay if we "don't make it" and find out PC isn't for us. Pride shouldn't be what keeps us here. Nor should fear (of going home). We are here because we want to be. We are here to do a job. We are here to try and make some sort of difference. And if that changes after having put in all our effort, then that's the way it is. As my friend used to say (maybe she still does…) "It is what it is." I know that my goal right now is to make it through training. After that, my goal is to be able to wake up, get out of bed, and face a new day. It was the same in the States. It'll be harder here on many an occasion. But I hope more rewarding on just as many.
Having said that, I'll be honest and say that I cried for the first time today. I didn't even cry when I said goodbye to my family or friends. Mostly because I knew I would never stop if I started. I definitely wanted to. The tears started falling when I said goodbye to my dad and sister in SF and again to my mom in NY. I know I would've looked like an idiot on the plane/train rides, though. And I'm generally not a crier, many of you know. It's bad for my complexion. ;) But, I cried today. In the room provided me by my very nice homestay family. I cried because I miss my family. I cried because I miss my friends. It's not that I would rather be home. But rather, I miss the ability to talk to those I care about how my life is going. What my day was like. The inane things in life. The ordinary things. The general "What's up, how's it going?" type thing. I can live without the Internet. I can live without TV or electricity. I can even live without the porcelain choo. But I can't live without my family and friends. It is by far the hardest thing so far. Knowing that my life is completely separate at this point in time and will be for a long time to come. It is something I will eventually come to terms with. Just not today.
On a happier, funnier note (more for my sake than yours), I managed to get lost one day last week on the way back from training. Those of you who know me well know that I don't pay attention when I walk. Thinking that I was paying close attention to where I was walking, I thought it inconceivable that I had missed my marker for turning off the main road (a large, yellow, MTN sign, which are MANY it's not my fault!!! oh well.... i'm learning to laugh at my idiocy.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Philly
Since arriving in Philly, I've eaten the requisite cheeseteak (albeit a chicken one-very tasty), bought some forgotten items, taken my first dose of malaria prophylaxis (no vivid dreams yet, but maybe in my next blog...), and enjoyed my own hotel room (only one of two people in the group with their own room)!
AND, I've met the rest of my group. There are a total of 22 of us in the group. We are all health volunteers. PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief), to be more specific. There's one married couple. There are 18 girls and 4 boys in the group. Everyone in the group seems cool so far. I guess it's hard to tell, since we've only been together for less than 48 hrs. I'm sure that we'll turn into a perfectly dysfunctional family in no time.
The process of getting to know each other and getting acquainted with the Peace Corps actually reminds me a lot of the Teaching Fellows-being thrown into a situation where you're totally unpreprared, know no one, but the other people in your group are in the same exact boat as you, and will be your lifeline for the next two years. Only this time, I'll be on an entirely different continent and not speak the local language.
We leave for JFK tomorrow morning at 11. I get to be in charge of other people's passports and tickets! hehehe They obviously don't know me that well if they're letting me be in charge of such things... I arrive in Uganda on August 8th at 10 p.m. , and get bused to a resort called "Banana Village"! We get to hand out there for 4 days there before they ship us off to Luwero for PST (pre-service training) for 9 weeks.
Adieu for now. I'll post again when I'm by a computer with Internet!
AND, I've met the rest of my group. There are a total of 22 of us in the group. We are all health volunteers. PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief), to be more specific. There's one married couple. There are 18 girls and 4 boys in the group. Everyone in the group seems cool so far. I guess it's hard to tell, since we've only been together for less than 48 hrs. I'm sure that we'll turn into a perfectly dysfunctional family in no time.
The process of getting to know each other and getting acquainted with the Peace Corps actually reminds me a lot of the Teaching Fellows-being thrown into a situation where you're totally unpreprared, know no one, but the other people in your group are in the same exact boat as you, and will be your lifeline for the next two years. Only this time, I'll be on an entirely different continent and not speak the local language.
We leave for JFK tomorrow morning at 11. I get to be in charge of other people's passports and tickets! hehehe They obviously don't know me that well if they're letting me be in charge of such things... I arrive in Uganda on August 8th at 10 p.m. , and get bused to a resort called "Banana Village"! We get to hand out there for 4 days there before they ship us off to Luwero for PST (pre-service training) for 9 weeks.
Adieu for now. I'll post again when I'm by a computer with Internet!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Morning of
I'm really tired, but I'm awake anyways. My train leaves for Philly in 3 hrs. 59 min. and counting.
I'm not ready. I'm not ready to say goodbye to my family. to my dog. to my friends. or to my really comfy bed and soft, not -so-fluffy pillow.
I'm scared shitless right now of what I'm about to do. But I know that the excitement will come once I arrive at Staging and see the rest of the people who will be with me for the next 2 years of my life.
I'm not ready. I'm not ready to say goodbye to my family. to my dog. to my friends. or to my really comfy bed and soft, not -so-fluffy pillow.
I'm scared shitless right now of what I'm about to do. But I know that the excitement will come once I arrive at Staging and see the rest of the people who will be with me for the next 2 years of my life.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Packing
I'm all packed!!! okay, well, almost all packed. Just a couple more items need to be collected and shoved into my duffel. :)
For future reference for those of you joining PC-Ug...here's my list: (the rest of you can skip this, unless you're curious how one packs for 2 years)
1 6,250 cu. in. duffel, 1 2,500 cu. in. backpack, and 1 small Timbuktu messenger bag
1 jacket
1 sweater
1 formal dress
4 skirts (below the knee)
1 pair khakis
1 pair track pants
2 button down shirts (short sleeved)
3 plain cotton tees
1 moisture wicking tee
2 sets of pjs (shorts/short sleeves)
2 pairs hiking socks
2 pairs running socks
5 bras
10 pairs underwear
2 bathing suits
1 hat
1 pair nice-ish shoes
1 pair chacos
1 pair flip flops
1 pair sneakers
1 pair hiking boots
2 flat sheets
2 pillow cases
1 regular towel, 1 camping towel, 4 pill towels
1 stuffed animal (go ahead and laugh)
2 pairs glasses
1 pair sunglasses
8 toothbrushes
3 tubes toothpaste (2 regular, 1 travel)
2 things of moisturizer (1 regular, 1 travel)
1 tube of Aquaphor (like petroleum jelly)
1 large jar facial scrub
1 solid thingy of shampoo (Lush)
1 mini bottle conditioner
1 razor with 24 replacements
1 thing of sunscreen
nail clippers
4 tubes of chapstick
1 yr. supply of tampons
1 Nasonex spray
1 eyedrop dispenser
8 tablets Singulair
1 makeup compact
4 pieces of jewelry (earrings, necklaces)
1 watch
3 hair ties
1 travel sized tube of rolaids
1 bottle DEET (100%!)
1 bottle camp suds (all purpose)
1 hairbrush
2 p. tent
0 degree bag
1 duck pack (rain cover for backpack)
booties, snorkel, and mask (for diving/snorkeling)
1 travel wallet (that fits Passport)
Leatherman
travel alarm
shortwave radio (handheld)
SteriPen (water treatment)
laptop
iPod
digital camera, plus spare battery
cell phone (unlocked)
1 roll duct tape
1 travel sewing kit
Solio charger
headlamp
1 pack AAA batteries
4 AA batteries
6 dvds
1 little handheld game
1 deck of cards
chargers for everything electronic
2 gb jump drive
dive log/certification
journal
1 5-subject notebook
2 pens, 1 pencil and refill lead
date/address book
16 pg. book of photos
travel guides (Lonely Planet E. Africa/Trekking in E. Africa)
LP Swahili dictionary
16 envelopes
16 US stamps
1 large book of random puzzles (crossword, word search, etc.)
3 luggage locks
1 locker lock
3 luggage tags
3 D-rings
1 Platypus (1 litre)
1 nalgene (1 litre)
PC Handbook and Staging papers
22 passport photos
2 passports (PC and personal)
1 set measuring cups (collapsible)
3 1-gallon ziploc bags, 12 sandwich ziploc bags, 5 quart-sized ziploc bags
2 packs of gum
$500 cash
credit/atm card
Now that I've written out this list, I find it a miracle that all this crap fit into my bags. I owe you, Sally.
For future reference for those of you joining PC-Ug...here's my list: (the rest of you can skip this, unless you're curious how one packs for 2 years)
1 6,250 cu. in. duffel, 1 2,500 cu. in. backpack, and 1 small Timbuktu messenger bag
1 jacket
1 sweater
1 formal dress
4 skirts (below the knee)
1 pair khakis
1 pair track pants
2 button down shirts (short sleeved)
3 plain cotton tees
1 moisture wicking tee
2 sets of pjs (shorts/short sleeves)
2 pairs hiking socks
2 pairs running socks
5 bras
10 pairs underwear
2 bathing suits
1 hat
1 pair nice-ish shoes
1 pair chacos
1 pair flip flops
1 pair sneakers
1 pair hiking boots
2 flat sheets
2 pillow cases
1 regular towel, 1 camping towel, 4 pill towels
1 stuffed animal (go ahead and laugh)
2 pairs glasses
1 pair sunglasses
8 toothbrushes
3 tubes toothpaste (2 regular, 1 travel)
2 things of moisturizer (1 regular, 1 travel)
1 tube of Aquaphor (like petroleum jelly)
1 large jar facial scrub
1 solid thingy of shampoo (Lush)
1 mini bottle conditioner
1 razor with 24 replacements
1 thing of sunscreen
nail clippers
4 tubes of chapstick
1 yr. supply of tampons
1 Nasonex spray
1 eyedrop dispenser
8 tablets Singulair
1 makeup compact
4 pieces of jewelry (earrings, necklaces)
1 watch
3 hair ties
1 travel sized tube of rolaids
1 bottle DEET (100%!)
1 bottle camp suds (all purpose)
1 hairbrush
2 p. tent
0 degree bag
1 duck pack (rain cover for backpack)
booties, snorkel, and mask (for diving/snorkeling)
1 travel wallet (that fits Passport)
Leatherman
travel alarm
shortwave radio (handheld)
SteriPen (water treatment)
laptop
iPod
digital camera, plus spare battery
cell phone (unlocked)
1 roll duct tape
1 travel sewing kit
Solio charger
headlamp
1 pack AAA batteries
4 AA batteries
6 dvds
1 little handheld game
1 deck of cards
chargers for everything electronic
2 gb jump drive
dive log/certification
journal
1 5-subject notebook
2 pens, 1 pencil and refill lead
date/address book
16 pg. book of photos
travel guides (Lonely Planet E. Africa/Trekking in E. Africa)
LP Swahili dictionary
16 envelopes
16 US stamps
1 large book of random puzzles (crossword, word search, etc.)
3 luggage locks
1 locker lock
3 luggage tags
3 D-rings
1 Platypus (1 litre)
1 nalgene (1 litre)
PC Handbook and Staging papers
22 passport photos
2 passports (PC and personal)
1 set measuring cups (collapsible)
3 1-gallon ziploc bags, 12 sandwich ziploc bags, 5 quart-sized ziploc bags
2 packs of gum
$500 cash
credit/atm card
Now that I've written out this list, I find it a miracle that all this crap fit into my bags. I owe you, Sally.
Monday, July 16, 2007
I'm so excited....
I made reservations today to get to Staging in Philly. I have my train ticket!!! I arrive in Philly at 12:10 on Sunday, August 5th for 2 days and then head back to the city to JFK for one of the longest plane rides in my life. Also very exciting. I figure I won't be able to feel my butt for a good day or so. Which could be a good thing. Who knows where they'll be sticking those damn needles...
And, as a bonus, my PC passport still has the visa for Tanzania! Hurrah for free visas!
And, as a bonus, my PC passport still has the visa for Tanzania! Hurrah for free visas!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Reality is sinking in...
I think we have reached the end of the PC saga in terms of getting to Africa....I finally received my Staging Kit today! That means I get to book a plane ticket to Philly for Staging. WOOHOO! Staging will be on August 5th and 6th, and I fly out to Uganda on the 7th. (For those of you unfamiliar with PC lingo, "Staging" is another way of saying "waiting", "to fill out paperwork", and "be stuck with multiple needles that hurt like hell".)
Now I just have to figure what (not) to pack. And what "dress shoes" are.
Now I just have to figure what (not) to pack. And what "dress shoes" are.
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