Cat's out of the bag . . . I'm HOME!!!

I can't believe how long it's been since I have written last. So much has happened. There was meeting after meeting, facilitating discussions, activities with the students at both primary and secondary schools, visiting with guests (one was an Infectious Disease Doctor!), being stuck inside because of the rain, freezing my butt off when it reached down to 75 degrees, walking around the island, being tested for malaria (negative!), and so much more. But the biggest event, I AM HOME!!! After more than 24 hours of traveling (not including boat or land travel, just flying and layovers), meeting great people in the airport (even a law student from SC in Brussels), and finally breaking my flip flop in Washington D.C's customs area, flight delays, Starbucks coffee, and being starred at for wearing flip flops and a tank top when obviously the weather requires more warm cloths such as a coat and scarf, I am home safe, and sound...and a little cold.

I flew in last week, a little earlier than originally planned. The past few days I have been at home recovering from jet leg, unpacking, organizing and cleaning stuff, watching the shows on DVR, digging through my tubs of clothes to find stuff that will fit- my final weight gain was ten pounds, spending time with Brent and the kitties, and at all cost avoiding the Internet!

Saying good-bye was harder than I thought. I figured that since I had a few days in between leaving the islands, saying good-byes, and when my flight left that it would be easier, like an extended slow goodbye. I left the island on a Tuesday and spent the day in Jinja. Shanna was to head home on Wednesday, so Shanna, Ruthie, and I drove up to Kampala to spend the day before going to the airport. That night they dropped me off at the Matoke Inn. Even though I had 3 days before I flew home, I lost it during the goodbyes. Being in a room with 3 to 4 girls for the past weeks, it was strange to have a room again to myself and to be surrounded by quietness the next few days. Very lonely. But much needed time to just get lost in my thoughts.


After these few days of quiet and readjustment it's time to get back to the American life. Yep, flushing toilets. It's funny the little things that you miss when your gone and the things you miss when you get back... the pit latrine is one of them.
It seems so surreal that I am back, or that I even spent almost 8 weeks in Uganda. Almost like a dream. I keep expecting to wake up and be back under my mosquito net on the island, or wake up at home with my luggage by the door ready to head to the airport.


There are so many people, places, and experiences to describe and funny stories to tell, I do not know where to begin. So you guys ask away!

An Unexpected Greeting in Lingeria Village

Today Shanna and I walked to one of the villages, Lingeria. On our way out of the SHIM camp, Keeky asked if we heard the loud disturbance outside. A man from Katonga, was caught stealing a mattress. A large crowd was surrounded the man as they escorted him to Lingeria where the island’s jail is located. A local told Keeky, “We do not tolerate thieves here.” Keeky and I thought it ironic about their quick response to thieves but lack of response to the defilement of their daughters.

The purpose of going to Lingeria was it gave us something to do while the women’s bible study was going on, walking to Lingeria requires us travel towards the top on the hill of the island allowing for some spectacular views and photos, we could buy soda and biscuits (cookies), visit women and children in the village, take more photos, visit the primary school, and I could talk to Madam Jan. Madam Jan is very passionate about preventing defilement and has an interesting story about speaking out against a man who had defiled a girl and in the end her young daughter, around 3 years old, was murdered with poison. Madam Jan invited me to speak to a class tomorrow at 9am. Which is early. Breakfast is at 8:30, and then the 20 minutes walk up the hill and rocks. But it is worth it. Amanda the breakfast cook may cook early, if not I have packed plenty of oatmeal and as long as I get a cup of coffee I am good to go!

We completed our much needed tasks, with spare time to sit by the water and enjoy our soda and biscuits listening to the “waves” crash among the shore line. Storm clouds are rolling in rather quickly. Whoever said it was dry season was mistaken. The past week it has been raining every day, it even hailed yesterday! As we were walking back, I noticed a large crowed by the prisons. Me being me, nosey, I have to see what is going on. In the midst of the small people that has gather, the LC1 from the other village is here. This man I have tried several several times to meet one-on-one. Anyhow, he proudly showed us the man and his wife who was caught stealing the mattress. The mattress was on the other side of the room. This room is similar to my hut in Niger. The wife was not at all happy. They told the men that they stole is because they were poor. The men in the group asked us to take their photo, they want it in the paper. They had the man and his wife come out and hold the mattress! I couldn’t believe. Over a mattress, which here is a large piece of foam, and nothing over their young daughters being raped. But emotions aside and I didn’t have the time to start a public health teaching session, the rain clouds were getting closer and crossing over the rocks in the rain is dangerous, I took the picture. The wife refused to hold the mattress or look at the camera. I would not want to be that man locked in a room with her!

The whole point of the this blog was to share that I met on the men who helped saved the boat and my life! I noticed this man had what looked like burns on his right forearm. The skin was pink in areas and appeared to be healing. I asked the LC1 what happened to his arm. Turns out that he was the assist pilot on the boat that I was on. Assist pilot means that he “drove”. “steered” the boat since the regular pilot was not able to work that day. His name is Wakori from Kytonga, one of the villages on the island. I shook his hand and fighting back the tears, thanked him for his courage for saving the boat, explaining to him that he saved my life and everyone’s life that day and I am so grateful for him. My parents from American send their greetings. (meaning thanks, love, etc) His face lit up, being know me in American?!?!The LC1 told me the other man, the conductor (who takes the money from people and whatnot) was badly burned. He was able to return to his village last Monday. His name is Kasimu from Marindi village. Finally a way to track this man down to properly thank him. It will be a true honor to meet this man and his family.



P.S. I heard about the snow in South Carolina . . . did I mention I am sunburned from today's visit to Lingeria :p

Dobson Volunteer Service Program and Donations

Before I left for Uganda I applied for the Dobson Volunteer Service Program. This program can fund up to 50% of the cost in exchange for a minimum of 10 presentations. Presentations are used to educate others in not only your experience but also the importance of volunteering.

I recently found out the Dobson Executive Board selected me!!! They have awarded me the highest amount possible: funding for 50% of my trip. What a huge huge blessing!Eve more so because I had to pay out-state tuition this semester, which I did not budget when was planning for the trip in the fall. Because of the money situation, I had debated about whether or not to come until the week prior. Trying to determine if it was going to be worth it, and how I was to pay the bills from when I graduated and when I got one of those big-people jobs my dad keeps telling me to get.
Beyond the money is the the opportunity to educate others. When I come home from Peace Corps Niger, I was able to give presentations. My friend Jerilyn alllowed me to speak to her high school English class. I had a blast reliving moments and seeing the students faces with some of the pictures and stories. The students were not only learned about another culture and way of life, but I was able to reflect more of my experience and how I grew through preparing for the presentations and the students' questions and comments.

I do not have the paperwork with the requirements for reimbursement yet, it was sent to my home. I do know that I am required to demonstrate dedication to the initiative by raising the remaining funds. As you may know, most expenses were paid for prior to my departure and donation of tangible things were given to me at Christmas. Leave it to me to try to raise money for the trip during the middle of my trip. What can I say, I was meant for and adapted very well to Africa's concept of time.

Brent, my boyfriend, has been kind enough to figure out how to set up a donate button on my blog. He placed it in the top center of the page.
I do not have the exact total for my trip, it was only an estimate prior to my departure. The estimate was between $4,200 and $4,500. An actual total will be determine within my first of being home. My goal is to raise $2,000. I do not have a time frame because I do not know the requirment details. If donations exceed this amount, I want to donate the additional funds to SHIM, intended for the man who saved the boat and my life. I am still waiting for updates of his medical status, as well as who he is and where he lives. If this is not possible then funding for future anti-defilement projects.

Thank you all for your support, prayers, and encouragement.

Hugs from across the ocean . . .




"The Dobson Volunteer Service Program is a capstone service experience at the University of South Carolina. Participants engage in meaningful service internships and have the opportunity to make a positive impact in communities that have limited means to care for themselves in South Carolina and other locations, both inside and outside the United States. The University of South Carolina community has a strong ethic of service and continually engages in service locally, nationally, and internationally. The program is available to USC undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty who meet selection criteria. Participants compete through an application and interview selection process. The goals for all participants engaged in the Dobson Volunteer Service Program are to develop an increased sense of civic responsibility and academic self-confidence; achieve higher grades; enhance leadership ability; develop critical thinking skills; and to deepen their understanding of national and community problems. By combining formal study with service to the community, students find that their learning takes on greater depth and meaning."


http://www.sa.sc.edu/stlife/dobson.htm

Week 7

Happy Monday!!!
I can not believe it is already March and I am starting my 7th week. Time has flown. It seems the days can last forever where the weeks go by like days.

I only have a few moments to write. It has been raining the past few days so electricity on the island is scare. The SHIM building is run by solar panels. So if there is no sun, there is no battery life for lights and charging phones, laptops, etc.

I have started working with the high school students on the island. They are just like American kids. The first activity with them, Experiencing Violence, they were given a scenario and were to come up with a 3 minute skit, drama, or song that let up to the scenerio. Luckily, Shanna was recording with the video camera because wow, these kids took it to the next level. A few times I almost peed my pants!!!
The skits were easily 10 minutes and full of excitement. With my American mind, I was sure that the teachers were going to ask me to leave, or not come back. But the teachers enjoyed them! They said that it helped them get to know their students better. There were over 100 students,so we did not have enough time to finish the groups. This afternoon, I am going done to the school to finish up the lesson, and reconfirm Friday's time.

The practicum is going well. The more information I gain, the more confused I become. Luckily, Gloria, a Ugandan SHIM staff member, is on the island this week. Gloria has been a lifesaver. She understands my exotic accent and my English. So she can translate my English to Ugandan English and Lunganda.

Health wise, everything is going well. Still gaining weight. I figure with my schedule when I return home, I'm just stocking up!
I have this fabulous flip flop tan on the top of my feet. That, my arms, and my face is the only thing that is tan. Fortunately I am hearing that it isn't that warm in Columbia yet.

Well I am off to visit a mother in one of the villages. She has a fabulous story/history that I will share later. But her 3-4 months baby girl, who was born several months early, came down with malaria this week. She is back from the hospital, but still sick.

Ugandans + Me + Boat Fire = Not a Good Morning

I know that I have not written in 2 weeks, so many exciting things and funny stories have happened. The weekend I wanted to blog, there was a minor incident on my boat ride from the Island to the mainland. Thus, I have been spending what time I can in quite time. I know me quite? Sitting still? Wow. It's shocking to me as well. It should be video taped, but that would be a rather dull video.

The boat story:
Now when I say boat, I mean a large canoe with an engine. Lingeria Island is 15 miles from the mainland, Jinja, by public boat it takes about 2 hours.
Also, Ugandans do not like water, and they can not swim. Lake Victoria is also very polluted. In some areas it would be like swimming in diarrhea. Everyone knows how I feel about Diarrheal Diseases.

Friday, February 19th, I was traveling from the island to mainland. The boat from one of the three villages, Kytonga, (Ki-tone-ga) was to leave at 9am. This boat was known to be reliable, on time, and seldom breaks down. I am told that being on a boat when it breaks down in the lake is no fun. I can imagine. We are near the equator, light reflects off the water, there isn't a breeze when you aren't moving.

Of course, I was running a little late this morning. Ruthie, and Shanna walked me down to the shore. We arrived right at 9am. To our luck, the boat was a little late. I was carried onto the boat, and sat. It took time to unload and load people and their stuff. Ruth and Shanna stood there until my boat was out of sight. I later found out they were standing there praying. Shanna had a bad feeling about me but did not know why. The boat was packed. I was sitting on huge bags of grain, as where many other people. Typical Uganda travel, no personal space and very crowded.

Meanwhile the Lingeria boat, also on the same island, is known to be usually late, and break down. This morning it was on time at 9:30am. I know this because I saw it pass where I was waiting. Thinking to myself, go figure. The early boat is late and the late boat is on time. As quickly as the thought came, it left. I went back to working on my tan and reading.

Also this day, I was carrying with me 3 life jackets to bring to the SHIM office for their visitors coming on Saturday, two of which are Ugandans. Life jackets are always carried on the SHIM's private boat, but rarely on the public boat. I was nervous that I might have too much stuff and I may be charged more. Luckily, not a big deal, and I used them to prop my feet on as they were laying onto the bags of grain. There was no room for my feet to touch to bottom of the boat. I had a "window seat" so to speak, so I noticed the boat was riding very low in the water, meaning more of the boat was under the water compared to usually.

Half way through the 2 hour trip, the boat stopped. Boats will do this to coast and save on gas. So I wasn't worried, or concerned. Although I do not really think it saves on gas, we only coast for a few minutes, maybe 10. I kept reading my book.
We are almost to shore, maybe another 8 to 10 minutes. The boat stopped. Hmmmmm. That was a little odd, but this is Uganda, who knows.
All of sudden people start screaming, the boat starts rocking and people are trying to move to the front. I turned around, I saw heavy black smoke. The back of the boat was on fire. Not good. Not good at all. The boat continues to rock and almost tips over several times. The grain/corn bags we were carrying, I believe this helped balance the boat when people were frantic. The flames were even larger. My mind was thinking, when do I jump in the water, not if, but when. But Ugandans cannot swim. If I jumped first, I was worried that they may follow, thus causing several people to drown. Second, I didn't want to blow up, but I am a mzungu (white/foreign person) I do not know how bad the fire was or if this is normal or what.

My first response, I found my cell phone, called Amanda at the office and told her to have people start praying, the boat is on fire. People were screaming in Luganda, I do not know what they were saying. Some people were screaming, we are going to die. My thought was yes, the boat will explode or we we go into the water, they will drown and I may drown. I am still somewhat calm, mentally, even though my body is shaking. I can see things but they are not clear. It was like my adrenaline was running high that my some senses were heightened and others had to decrease. I start untieing the 3 life jackets. I selfishly put on one. A young teenage boy turns to me and say, "madam, help me, please save me." I gave the life jackets.
If we had to jump into the water, I would have to leave everything I brought with me, my laptop, phone, money, all my paperwork, camera, everything from the past 4 weeks would have been lost. My life or things, I would have picked my life. However, I was also nervous that I would have been drown by the people given that I had a life jacket and I could swim. I can only help so many people, and frantic people I don't know how that would have worked out. We were quite a swim away from shore.

What seemed like 20 minutes, may have only been 5 to 10 minutes. When I first thought of jumping into the water, something told me to stay. Be still. Be calm. As if God had his hand on my shoulder telling me to wait. Trust me. Which at first, this may sound odd, but the spiritual growth I have had while I am here
. . . well let's just say God has been blunt with me. He knows me, I need that "Duh, slap in the face," kind of thing.

A man, I may never see again, was brave and wise enough to throw the burning jerry cans (2 or 3) of oil into the lake. Another man starts to slowly paddle the boat away from the flames. We are maybe 2 feet away from the fire. The flames are only getting bigger. I have never been in a situation like this, nor have I seen on "Man verses Wild" so I have no idea is the flames could still reach the boat. In my mind, I am not safe until I am on shore, then with SHIM, then back on a flight home, then back in my own home.

Another larger boat is behind us. At first I thought it might be pirates. Yes there are pirates on Lake Victoria. But it was the lingeria boat! The come closer, they were going to help us! As the boat was trying to get close to us, they ended up hitting our boat, almost tipping it over. The front of our boat scrapped along across their boat. People on both boats starts screaming. I have no clue what. But regardless of language you could hear the fear of the people on both boats. If we were to get on this boat, is there enough room, would it tip? The boat comes back. A man from the other boat, grabs my things, then grabs me onto their boat. I am shaking to much to try to move around the bags of grain, and the wooden seat without being clumsy. They manged to get most people onto their boat. A few men were left on the other boat. We are now several feet from the fire.

As we are riding into shore, the man who threw the cans of oil into the water was standing at the front of the boat. His face turned and our eyes met. The pain and fear in his eyes will forever be burnt into my thoughts. I saw his arms, the majority of his skin, was gone, there was no more black. It was whiter than white. I could see his skin at the edges of his burn peeling back. It was easily 3rd degree burns. I can not even come close to image the pain he was in. The breeze hitting his burns would have to be almost unbearable. Then knowing the kind of care that is in Uganda compared to the States. Even writing this, my heart goes out to him, and I can see him pain-filed eyes, and I am helpless.
This man will forever be my hero. He saved our lives. He prevented the boat from exploding. If he had waited a moment later . . . I do not know what would have happen.


Andy, Keeky's husband, met me at shore. As soon as I saw him, that is when I lost it. I cried hysterically, I shook like i was having a seizure, I'm sure there was some kind of panic attack. After I calmed down, I was told a friend of ours from another organization was on the boat that saved us. He told us that the engine caught fire that led to the jerry cans of oil to catch on fire. The man was taken to the hospital. I was originally told that out friend took him, but I later found out that he took another man to clinic. We are hoping we can find out who he is. We believe we know what island he is from. From his bravery, I do not know the consequences. Regardless if he worked on the boat, i.e. owner or boat driver, he will not be able to work, thus will be earning money, will not have money to feed his wife and children and so forth. The possible efforts are endless.

After arriving at the office, I only stay a few moments. I continued my trip to Kampala. I was suppose to have a meeting Friday with Mr. Lwanga but it was canceled that afternoon and we were going to try to reschedule while I was in town. I am staying with the Golembeski family, resting, having quite time, and joining in their activities to keep my mind occupied.

I am still absorbing everything in, so my thoughts are not clear yet, but I felt I needed to let everyone know. Physically I am okay. Mentally and emotionally I am drained. I am still trying to sort things out, putting myself in their shoes. Feelings their emotions and thinking their thoughts. What I do know, God worked several miracles that Friday morning.

The passage I have been marinating on is: Isaiah 66:13. "As your mothers you, so I will comfort you." I am not very open about my Christianity, but yesterday I truly felt the hand of God on my shoulder when I was on the boat. He kept my mind calm and relaxed. He told me to wait, be patient, do not jump yet. I am my father's daughter, I react over little things not big things. But it was God's hand that kept me from jumping and a level head. He also gave that man the courage to risk his own life to save others.

The other passages that have brought me peace and ability to ride a boat again- not public but SHIM's private boat.

" In my distress I called upon the Lord, to my God, I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears." - Psalm 18:6.

"Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead." - 2 Corinthians 1:9


To reemphasize, I am safe. My coping is through avoidance and humor. Which is hard to do, hence why my writing is always better, more honestly and emotionally filled.

update on health

I am feeling much better today. I am just waiting for my energy to return to normal.

On another plus side, I have gained a few pounds! Have to love the carb diet: potatoes, rice, pasta, and posho (a local mushy carb). It's a law to have at least two of these at each meal. Rice and pasta mixed together are my favorite, with some kind of grease sauce. yummmmmm. My favorite street food is a rolex: a greasy chapati (tortilla shell) with an omelet wrapped inside (eggs, cabbage, garlic, tomatoes, and whatever else). It's a deal for 700 shillings. A chapati is only 200 shilings, but do not eat two of them back to back because it will give you a tummy ache.

Quick Reminder about Staying Humble

Yesterday after my afternoon bucket bath I was starting to feel a little better. Being clean always helps after being sick. Half an hour later I am walking to get some cups for an afternoon tea, I walked pass the same building as I did thousands of times before. This time, I caught my reflection in the window. My first thought was, wow, I look pretty, I wish Brent could see. I was wearing a light blue flowing skirt and my hair was down and curly. It is the very small things in Africa that makes a girl feel pretty, even less after being in bed for two days. For a moment all I could think was, "If Brent could see me he would tell me that I look pretty today."(He says this to me almost everyday, regardless if he has seen me. It's some of our "sweet talk") After getting cups, I tried to catch my reflection again, having a moment of being vain. Just then, I stepped in freshly laid duck poop. Not on my flip-flops but in between my toes and everywhere. It was just a mess and even more of a mess when I am trying to clean it up.

So this was my reminder on staying humble. You never know when you are going to go from pretty to poop.

On the Island with Malaria

I went back to the island Thursday afternoon. Saturday morning working on practicum stuff: formally being introduced to the local government representative, the head master at the school, other teachers, and some of the older female students; as well as a meeting with Gloria, one of the SHIM staff. Working on Saturday ...
After an hour or so in the meeting, I needed a break and to lie down. After a two nap, it's lunch. I wake up not feeling right, eat quietly, and go back to bed.

The girls came to check on me. Urgh. My head was killing me, my stomach, body pains, fatigue,etc, but I did not have a fever. Keeky, who is a nurse, went ahead and gave me medication for malaria. For 3 days I take 8 yucky tasting pills after dinner. It is better to treat it early then wait and see. Even going to a clinic, if you have the symptoms they treat you. Uganda is a high risk malaria zone. Because I am taking anti-malaria pills, the malaria should be a "mild case". Leave it to me to wait until I am back on the island before symptoms of malaria appear.

Amanda, another volunteer, has malaria too and we were comparing symptoms.These past two days, my body is n complete discomfort. It's hard to fall asleep because I am so uncomfortable and just touching me I hurt, my headache fades in and out, my stomach and back is what hurts the most, I am fatigue, hot to the touch, and pale. However, I am not vomiting. I can handle anything as long as I am not vomiting.
Thankfully, the weather waited for me to get sick before it became cool. It was in the 100's this week but this weekend it was in the 70's, over casted, and rainy. What a blessing! perfect nap weather. I stayed in bed, most of the weekend and today. Today I went walking around on the villages, meeting women, then up to the school, talking with teachers. The hour outing took a lot out of me. But I had a cool bucket bath, and picked up a sprite in the village that I was going to have with dinner.

I just finished my meds tonight. So hopefully tomorrow I am back to my normal laughing curious self. If not, I might have to go to the mainland and get tested for other fun stuff I may have. Fingers crossed.

Adventure to Bujagali Falls

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

As usual it was a hot Wednesday afternoon without a breeze coming into the office. Ruth and I decided to visit the Bujagali Falls, a popular tourist attraction. Wanting to get the best deal for our money we asked the staff the prices of transportation and the ticket costs. Everything in Uganda is negotiable, guess that’s why I like it so much, I love it when locals say it cost this much, you give them a look, and they say, “Did I mention the discount?” It’s like having coupons without having to spend Sunday afternoon clipping them. Back to the story: The directions were to get a van taxi (In Niger they were bush taxi’s) for 500 shillings to the round-about, then a boda-boda to the falls for 3,000 shillings. Ruth and I head out. As we are walking we start discussing the dark rain clouds above us. Both of us are worried that it looked like rain, but it’s not rainy season, so it won’t rain. We are used to the clouds threatening rain but then it never rains. We catch a taxi, tell the conductor where we need to go and we‘re off. A conductor is the guy who opens the door, takes your money, lets you off, etc. We were on of the last people on this packed taxi. Ruth and I are enjoying the ride and the breeze. Then it starts to downpour. The locals do not like getting wet, the windows shut immediately. No more cool breeze. Really? It’s just water and the air was so cool. Really? The taxi instantly becomes hotter, people start sweating and the smell is awful. Thankfully, because of the rain, more people want to get on, so every few minutes the doors would open.

As I was beginning to think, “Wow, for 500 shillings the taxi bus sure does take you a long way,“ the conductor turns to us and asks, “Where are you going?” We replied, “To the round about.” He shakes his head and states, “ You don’t know where you are going.” Sure we do, we are going to the Round-About. Looking around the taxi bus, we were the last people on the bus from the original starting place, there was maybe a few other people on the bus. The taxi is only 5 rows, with space for 3 or 4 people across. Well apparently the round-about was one of the first stops! Thankfully, he did not make us get out of the taxi in the pouring rain. We were to ride the rest of his route, then on the way back he would tell us where the round about was. After the lovely 45 minute to an hour extra on the taxi, the rain let up, and we reached the round-about. The taxi drive was supposed to be about a 5 minute drive, from where we got on to the round-about. Whoops. Mistake number one.

Now it’s time to find some boda-bodas. Ruth had to ride side saddle because of the skirt she was wearing so we flagged down two boda-bodas, negotiated the price, told them that we needed to stick together. No problem. Well as soon as we start moving, my boda-boda takes a sharp right turn while Ruth and her boda-boda continue straight. Now I do not know if my overreaction that is about to come happened because of the sexual violence work I am doing and I know about the horror stories of girls on boda-boda’s that occur late at night or if it was just because I was not the one driving therefore I wasn’t in control. Could have been a little of both. As soon as the man turned right, and I saw Ruth going straight, I flipped. I started screaming at the man, “What are you doing?!, No! You were suppose to follow my friend, What are you doing, I am getting off, go back!” I am pretty sure that with me being Italian and a spit in image of my mother and grandmother that my hands were flaring all around as I was yelling. We pull into a gas station, and I am still yelling, telling him that I am getting off and pointing in the direction that we came from. He calmly says me to, “Mzungu, look they are waiting.” I turn my head and sure enough Ruth and her boda-boda man are waiting. He then tell me, “The ride to Bujagali Falls is a long one, I needed to get some gas.” My only response was, “Well you should have told me first. You scared me. Don’t do that again!” Embarrassing crazy mzungu mistake number two.

As we get to the entrance of the falls we just keep walking in. The security guard stopped us to see if we paid. Whoops. Mistake number three. We never saw where we were suppose to pay. Well the guard was kind enough to walk us there; we had walked right passed the wooden booth. Since we are not Ugandans, we had to pay 3,000 shillings. I saved the recipe.

The Bujagali Falls were breathtaking. Luckily, since the rain Ruth and I were the only people there. Eventually more people showed up from a tour group but we had already finished. After we got the pictures we wanted and the video recordings we sat at the restaurant on the property, drank a Pepsi, sat in comfy chairs and watch and listened to the falls. It would be a great place to just sit and read a book, or have a date. Since Ruth and I had neither, we just talked about how great it would be. Haha.

On our way back, we flagged down a boda-boda man who wanted to charge us 4,000 shillings from the falls to the Jinja office, we were trying to bypass the whole taxi ride. His friend came up, who was very old grizzled man (for a boda-boda driver), who was said he would do it for 3,300 shillings. His friend, unhappily agreed. During the ride back, I was finally brave enough to use the video camera. I do not think my driver was very thrilled. I tried to do it unsuspectingly, so we will see how to video comes out.

My boda-boda man tried to charge me 4,000. Well I had a quick talk with him about honestly, how that wasn’t nice to try to overcharge me after he agreed to a lower price, and taking advantage of mzungus was not a nice thing to do.

All in all, the 3 hour adventure was a lot of fun filled with care-free laughs.

Background on the falls:

Bujagali Falls (the seven falls) are created by a huge rocky ledge, rising in places to forested islands, where the River Nile drops 3 meters, taking it’s first big step on a 6,500 kilometer journey from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean sea. The flow here averages 800,000 liters per second (Equator Rafts Uganda Pamphlet).

Jinja, Islands, and Random Updates

After some confusion with meeting up with the SHIM bus, I was finally with some of the team heading to the Entebbe to pick up Andy and Keeky, along with their son David. They arrived Sunday night after being gone for 4 or so months. This is at 11am Monday. We reach Entebbe at around noon. Then we head off to pick up Shannon, this amazingly strong and courageous 16 year old from Oregon who knows team members from back home. Shannon will be here for two months, she has volunteered at the local orphanage and is now joining the SHIM team after her friends had left. (Her friends stayed for about 2 weeks). The ride to Jinja from Kampala is roughly an hour and a half. We stop for some fast food at Mr. Tasty, a little hamburger/chicken joint at Lugogo shopping plaza. For 6,500 shillings for a burger, chips (fries), and a soda, it wasn’t bad.

We did not arrive to the Jinja office until almost 6pm. The traffic was horrible. An hour and half drive lasting more than twice the normal drive. We did have some great conversations, but with no air conditioning and a cool breeze only occurs when the vehicle is moving, you can imagine how hot it was. David, who is 8 months, was a very good sport. I have never met such a patient, perfect, calm, go with the flow baby.

That night, Ruth, Shannon, and I were tried of sitting, so we went on a walk around Jinja. Ruth was very generous and bought us ice cream from the local coffee and internet shop: The Source. I had the most amazing ice cream, covered in white chocolate with strawberry chucks and shortcake pieces in it. I am not ashamed to admit that when chocolate broke off and fell to the ground, I picked it up and ate it. I am not wasting precious chocolate. So far, I have not gotten sick.

Jinga is the city where the SHIM office is located. It is also the city where one would catch a boat to head to the Buvuma Islands. The front part of the house is the office, with two desks, computer, and shelves. This is also where we eat, work, and have meetings. So there is large kitchen table, a couch, and another small chair. In the back of the house there are two bedrooms, a bathroom, and the kitchen. At the SHIM office there is something called Table Ministry. I have fallen in love with Table Ministry, “reaching people, connecting people to people with food.”

We are staying here until maybe Thursday. This allows time for Andy and Keeky to visit friends in Jinja, as well as for the staff to get together for progress reports, and new directions for current and new projects. This is perfect time for me to continue to build relationships with the staff, get to know Andy and Keeky, type of my journals for my practicum, read materials from Raising Voices, and adjust. Today Keeky and Andy are going to try to meet to discuss my work: what they need, what I need to do for my requirements, what is feasible, how long it will take, background information, etc. So getting on common ground, setting the next steps, and begin the “actual” work. However, these past two weeks have been work, just not work in the American sense.

Yesterday was a very quite, relaxed day for me and most of the staff. Today will be as well. As you will be able to tell I have had time to type and post. I figured that you guys needed an update and since I am journaling for my practicum and blogging, some might overlap. There will be some very long entries. I do what I can, when I can.

I did do laundry today. That was fun. I do not hand wash things at home, so to hand wash everything, without running water mind you, it’s a big change. I am becoming very appreciative of the stuff I have at home, and the moments here that may seem little but are small joyful blessings. On a non-work related note, a group of us might try to go see the Source of the Nile or the Bujagali Falls here in Jinja.

Tomorrow, Thursday, we should be heading off to the Islands!


Update about Mr. Lwanga: He could not meet with me when I was in Kampala . We are going to try to meet next time I am in the city, with hopefully a few days heads-up.

Update on the Dobson Volunteer Service Program: I am still waiting to hear about my application. The Dobson program provides funding for students and faculty for their volunteer service projects. They will fund up to half of your trip in exchange for ten lectures about your projects with certain requirements on what to include. My application was to be reviewed earlier but they have decided to wait to review it with the other applications. Since I will not be in town when the Board meets, they have requested an update of my project with possible pictures. Keep your fingers crossed. Not only would the money be more than helpful (I am funding this trip, paying out of state tuition, and wanting to try to fund this myself since my family and friends have already given me so much in the past, that their support and encouragement was more than I needed this time) I enjoyed sharing my Peace Corps experience with people that I want this opportunity again to share my experience and hopefully inspire other people.
Part of any experience is to share it...Maybe that’s why my blog posts are so long.

15 Day Personal Reflection

I cannot believe I have been away from home for 15 days. At moments it seems so much shorter than that but the emotional side it seems so much longer. (Emotional side meaning home sick, missing love ones, adjusting, learning the ways, making new friends, finding new “comforts” and letting go of my normal routine and comforts.)
My total trip is about 65 days; 50 more days to go seems like a lifetime. Well not that extreme but a long time compared to two months in the States. Everyday things gets easier and more enjoyable, like my second nature. Before you know it, I will be on the plane home. Then I will be thinking the opposite, where did the time go, I just got here!

As many of you know, I am very hard on myself, always thinking what else do I need to get done, to cross of my never ending to-do list. I am learning, to give myself credit on what I HAVE accomplished and not worry about what I have not or how much more I have left to do. This new mindset is helping me become less of a stress ball and more relaxed. In my perfectionist ways, I am learning that failure is NOT taking the first step. It’s the NOT trying that is failure. My grandfather used to say, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”

Thank you everyone for your support, encouragement, and prayers.
Feel free to email me at Buell.Katherine@gmail.com. I will try to respond when I can, but know that it is nice to receive emails, to keep that little connection with friends and family.

Something I read on a card Ruth received that I am marinating on:

Contentment: "When you think of yesterday with pride and tomorrow with hope, you can live peacefully with today."

Time in the Big City- Kampala

If you are interested, this is how I experienced the Uganda culture in Kampala. It's hard to capture the experiences in words. It's one of those things that you HAVE to do it yourself. The full experiences are the smells, the noises, the thoughts and emotions, how hot is was that day, the interactions with the people, everything. I do not think that video recording would help. Although I am determined to video tape a boda-boda ride in the Kampala traffic.

Thursday 1/28

I was a little nervous not about finding Raising Voices, but finding my way back. The major roads in Kampala have street signs, I haven’t seen them but I know they are there. The other roads do not have street signs, so I assume directions are given by major landmarks and areas in Kampala. From the map of Kampala there are quite a few “suburbs”. I was fortunate enough to meet a young boda-boda man at the end of the street, Bonny, who was willing to drive me across the city, then also pick me back up whenever I called or texted. What a blessing. The stress, anxiety, worry, etc of trying to figure out how to get back was gone. Bonny was my Knight in Shinning Armor!

Raising Voices gave me an enormous amount of material- posters, pamphlets, training materials, programs, and research papers. I am excited to show the team when we return to the Islands. I have my reading cut out for me these next few days.

I always seem to meet the most interesting people when I am waiting. This man, Sharif, sounds like my Niger name Charifa but without the “a”. Anyhow, we started chatting and loves Obama, wants to know why I am not married, asks me why I can’t have a boyfriend in the states and a husband here, he tells me about his wife, and is shocked that I only have a brother while he has six children and his wife is pregnant again. It was an interesting, quickly changing topics, short conversation.

Leicia was kind enough to invite me out to dinner with her home-school mom’s group- mom’s date night out. We went to a place called The Lawn. One could sit on the lawn in huge chairs or in the covered outside restaurant area. We chose the restaurant area because it had an actual table. Dinner was fabulous; I had a vegetable pasta in a white sauce, of course. It’s still weird to me that water cost money, somewhere between 1,000 to 1,500 shillings, not even a dollar. So from what I have seen, instead of paying for water people will order soda because it’s the same price or just a tad more. Public Health issue? Can be. I do not think that obesity is a major concern in this country, at least not among the locals. But I have decided that Uganda does not have calories.

Friday 1/29

On a practicum note: I am hearing stories about sexual violence in Kampala with girls riding on boda-boda’s. However, the stories I have heard, happen in the evening or late at night. My personal safety awareness has extremely heightened, and I am only traveling in the day. But I assume that with the topic at hand, I will be affected some what emotionally.

Today I spent the day at American Club reading the material from Raising Voices. Wow. So many ways to take this practicum. I have a small feelings that my actual practicum contract goals may change or alter slightly. That’s Africa, and that’s life! As public heath people we must be flexible. I know I will be continuing to enhance my adaptability/flexibility skills.

Saturday 1/30

Saturday = Shopping day! I went to a craft fair to experience the culture, see parts of Kampala, buy some gifts, and just enjoy a lovely 80 degree weather day. I did a funny tan line from riding on the boda-boda with Bonny. He was actually nice enough to stop at the little stores on the side of the road so I could try to bargain for a new skirt and shirt. Well not new but new to me. What crazy prices they were trying to give me a because I am a Mzungu. (white person, actually means English in Luganda from what I‘ve been told)
While at the craft fair I was very on-my-guard, probably a little to much. I would not go into this man store because it was in a little corner part of the market where you had to walk a few steps in best describe as a hallway built by the walls of surrounding stores. The man was sitting under a tree, saw me walk by, him and his three males friends got up trying to get me to look at fabric in his store. I was polite and went as far as I was comfortable, which wasn’t very far, and made him bring the cloth to me. It’s horrible to think like this, to judge someone, however, in my defense, my safety is my first priority.
I have been thinking of what kind a gift to get Brent, and I didn’t have a clue. Buying a gift for your boyfriend is completely different than buying your dad, brother, and male friends presents. Now buying for my mom and female friends and family, that was fun! But Brent . . . I’m lost, nothing seem to fit what I was looking for, nothing really grabbed my attention. Then . . . I found it. It’s perfect, just the right touch of manliness, love, Uganda, with a twist of my taste/style. I cannot wait to give it to him, I would have probably already spoiled the surprise if I knew what it was called or how to describe it well enough to were I don’t have to end with, “Well you just have to see it.”

Vince and Leicia had a lovely date night at an Italian restaurant. I babysat, the least I could do for their hospitality, and made the kids the American classic dinner: mac n cheese and hotdogs! (with a side of carrots) The two younger kids, fully enjoyed it, as did I!!!


Sunday 1/31

I accompanied the family to church, I think the name was Kampala International Church. The pastor was very inactive with the members. We went outside to act out the passage, which the sermon was based upon. Luke 5:17, Jesus Heals a Paralytic.
After lunch with some friends at a restaurant that reminded all of us of an Applebees, or TGIFs the day was very relaxed, as Sundays should be. Oh, I had a steak that was covered in cheese and a creamy mushroom sauce with chips (fries).The steak was good, but the cheese I didn’t care for. I have learned very quickly that cheese here, has aged for quite some time before it is used.
While I was packing, I think I lost my jump drive that I started to use. Luckily, it wasn’t one of the nice ones Brent bought me for Christmas in my “Uganda Survival Kit” but one that he had received from a teachers’ convention seminar thing that I took and cleared off. Another luckily, I had been writing my journals on paper in note form and just began to type them, so I only lost a few. I think I still have the notes. The only downfall, was that I was not able to upload photos this past week.


Monday 2/1

A SPECIAL THANK YOU!!!

After almost a week of being spoiled by good food, hot running water, a/c, electricity, a comfy bed, and new friends it was time to say goodbye and head back to the Islands. Many thanks and a special place in my heart for the Golembeski family.

The Golembeski family: Vince and Leicia and their beautiful children: Matt, Carter, Josh, and Bailey. I cannot say thank you enough for hosting me for the few days, and then even more when my second connection fell through (a young American lawyer in the city, I met her parents in the visa line at the airport). The Golembeski’s made me feel apart of their family, it was like being at home. When you are thousands of miles away from the ones you love, with limited communication, away from everything that you know, finding the feeling of “home” is a blessing. You guys are forever on the Christmas card list!

Dr. Sean Norman, thank you so much for connecting me with your old friends from college. What would we do without Facebook? And I heard some stories . . . Haha just kidding.

Would Be a Katie Story

Would only happen to Katie type of stories:
A collection of mini stories that if I was in the States I would call or text you so we could share a laugh. I thought this might be a fun way to sum up some of my days and/or experiences. Some are out loud funny and some are just embarrasing.

Here we go. . . Happy reading.

>Ruth and I were told that a public boat left the islands at 9am. When we finished breakfast, realizing it was 8:40am, with the last touches of packing, and getting ready, plus walking to the village, we figured we still had plenty of time. We were on “African” time. Well not so much. Dan, Mamma and Pappa O’s grandson ran ahead to tell them to wait. He was maybe a minute or two ahead of us. We made it to the boat at 9:15am, it had already left! Surprisingly, they actually came back for us. They were not that far away, maybe just pulled away from what we would a dock. Luckily, Ruth and I are not fluent in Luganda because we might have understood what the mean, annoyed looks of peoples’ faces actually meant.


This one if for Dr. Brenner and the Epidemiology of Infectious Disease class. Who knew I would retain the information I did about the diseases I came in contact with, that I had no prior interest in, I would be super excited, and I get no response. The team must think I am the biggest nerd, like a walking textbook. No one wants to be known as the walking textbook, they‘re boring. Personally, I’m okay with that. :p
In one of the villages on the island there is a health clinic in the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) compound/property. Ruth and I are sitting in the YWAM compound talking to some friends, meanwhile this couple comes in carrying a sick baby who sits next to me waiting for the health clinic to open. In the short conversation I had with them, the child who is less than one, maybe 7 months of age, has a fever, a cough, was covered in this bumpy looking rash on its face and down it’s chest, and has not been vaccinated. I am not an expert, or any kind of medical professional, but I remembered a picture of baby with a similar rash and it was measles. Again, if so, a public health issue. After taking Dr. Brenner’s class my mind is turning quite quickly about modes of transmission, incubation periods, etc. I politely bring my thoughts to the pastor we were sitting with, well more asking him questions about if they will test for measles, questions about the clinic, and who is in charge of a clinic etc. From what I understood, the man who works the clinic does not have a medical education/degree but might have some kind of training. He diagnosed the child with a cough and sent him home. I am curious to find out about the child when I return to the village.

>I knew from my time in Niger, that when you travel on a “bus” you want the single window seat. Normally in these buses, there is about 7 rows of single seats next to a window, a seat that fits 2 or so people on the by the other window, then the dreaded folded middle seat in the aisle. When anyone next to you or behind you, needs to get off, you have to get up, fold your seat, move your stuff, move yourself out of the way, then the vise versa to sit back down. This happens often. When traveling from Jinja to Kampala on Wednesday, the time I made it to the bus, all the window seats were taken. Using my “southern charm” I talked a man into giving me his single window seat. I was, in a way, proud of myself, some anxiety had left, and I could enjoy the almost 2 hour ride and not care about the many many stops. Well it turns out, the man I charmed out of his seat, worked on the bus, he collected money from people and called out the stops. WOW. Talk about feeling like a goober.


I have a cell phone charger, and two battery/solar chargers. Did I bring them to Jinja. Yes. DLING_ERROR_9">id I bring them to Kampala, no. By Saturday my phone was barley hanging on. The family I was staying with did not have a Nokia phone. Out of luck, no, there is always a way. I went outside to their guard station. Working for the embassy, they are provided 24hour guard security. The night guard did not have a phone charger for my phone, but his friend did. He said that he would give it to the morning guard, fully charged. I handed it over, sounded good to me. Then my “American mind” set in, what did I just do! I thought of the worst things that could happen: the phone comes back with no money on it, my sim card is m_11">issing, the phone is broken, the phone comes back but is not charged or the phone does not come back. I am not sure how things work in Uganda, or how things get done, but somehow, sometimes, they do. I don’t need to understand everything, I just need to appreciate when things work out well. My phone came back in the morning before church fully charged and properly working.


I somehow picked up my own boda-boda man, well young man, when I was in Kampala. Talk about a blessing. Bonny, my blessing. I could call him, he would come get me from the family’s home, take me where I needed to go, when I was ready I would call him, he would get me, and drop me off. There is no way I could even give directions, let alone an address, to a boda-boda that I picked up when I needed a ride back. We even went shopping together when I was looking for a new-used skirt. I tried to hurry, because I know how Brent feels when he shops with me so I didn’t want to be rude or have him jack up the price of the ride.


On one of the rides with Bonny, he starts asking me about pregnancy, seriously as we are driving down the road going pretty fast. Asking me how soon can you tell if a 17 year old is pregnant, that his girlfriend might be pregnant, and he is really scared. I’m thinking, stop turning around to talk to me, you’re driving! We chatted when we came to a proper stopping place. Bonny was quite knowledge, more than I had expected; he knew about periods, pregnancy tests, and this and that. The conversation, switch to condoms and birth control. I told him very firmly, “You remember this fear, and next time wear a condom. Men in American wear condoms. They are seen as respectful, mature, and loving men. They love their women. And they are faithful.” (the gist of it, there was more, some abstinence stuff too, I’m pretty wordy, but I do sum things up at the end.) I figured that he might not like condoms, or hear the myths or excuses men use, but from what I gather, America is the land of all, so if they are doing it, I want to do it etc. I found out Monday, that his girlfriend went to the clinic and is not pregnant. I’ll have to call him later to see if the test was true negative and ask him about our “talk.” But who would have thought, Bonny knew that I would be the Mzungu that would know about pregnancy and protection.


When shopping at the craft market on Saturday in Kampala, I received a discount on this dress I wanted because the seamstress thought I was pretty and she wanted me to marry her brother. Original price of Dress 40,000 shillings. I paid 30,000 shillings and free alterations.


Who knew that mechanical bull riding, from college nights at The Saloon with Jerilyn and Nicole, would beblsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">come boda-boda riding skills. My ass="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Boda-boda man, Bonny, complimenteass="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">d me> on my boda-boda riding, saying it was not Mzungu like. I took that as a good thing. Now whether or not he was trying to get a tip . . . Don’t knock down my skills.


I was tapped on the shoulder right, outside the meat section of the market, by a young man who puckered his lips wanting a kiss from me. I was so taken back and confused I’m sure I gave this horrified look and laughed.


Today I was talking with Chief, one of the SHIM staff members and I we could not understand each other. After a few “Huh?“ “What?“ we had a few laughs and he told me that I have an exotic accent. What?!?!?! My accent is not that southern, I may have a Texas twang every once and awhile and I might have a “Yankee” moment but not exotic. However, I will take the compliment. When my family or friends tell me, “I talk funny,” I can now proudly say, “It’s exotic.”

r>Oh the joys of bargaining when shopping. Stone statues, cannot give too much details they are surprise gifts for people. The sales man wanted 8,000 shillings for it. No. No. No. He started asking me, “Why aren’t you at a place for Mzungu’s.” I responded, “Because I am not a Mzungu, I stay on the Buvuma Islands.” By the end, I got 2 for 6,000 shillings and a free pair of earrings.


Another one if for Dr. Brenner and the Epidemiology of Infectious Disease class.
I am going to the bathroom at the office in Jinja, I look out the open window and I was so surprised I couldn’t let out a “girlie I see a spider cry.” Under the roof ledge on the next door neighbors house, maybe 4 feet away, is a line of 20 or so bats hanging upside down, napping. My first thought was rabies, Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), shortage of rabies vaccinations in the States, Dr. Brenner’s midterm, different rabies cases I read in the MMWR, etc. I’m in the bathroom taking photos, video recording, and just watching intrigued by them since the only time I’ve seen a bat up close, not behind glass at a zoo, was in Niger when a bat was attached to my mosquito net while I was laying in bed. So I am talking about the limited knowledge I have about bats and the public health issue to anyone who comes in hearing distance, as well as, being the dork I am being fascinated by these creatures, while everyone in the office said, “Oh yeah, bats. Okay.”


Fun fact from Buz: The origin of the word boda-boda was taker from the idea that you could go from border to border with the a motor bike, hence boda boda (if you listen carefully, they pronounce it bodah bodah).
I've been listening, and it's true.

Hair Experiment: No I am not shaving it, mom and dad. I brought with me a two in one shampoo and conditioner. My hair is not adapting as well to Uganda or to this two-in-one shampoo. Instead of buying conditioner for 7,000 shillings, my hair is not that important I just want the curls somewhat manageable, I bought some Hair Food to put in my hair, even though it is not meant for “white people hair“. No joke it’s called Hair Food. So my hair is drying now, and I am hoping it does not look greasy or just plain gross but it smells good!!!

10 day mini update

It's been 10 days since I left for Uganda. Time is a funny thing here. It seems as if the morning goes by slow, between lunch and dinner the time flies by. Next thing you know it's bed time. It's hard to say if it feels like I have been here longer than 10 days or shorter. I'm sure that by day 55, when I have 10 more days until I have to leave, it will feel like I just got here.

As you know, I went to the island on Friday. What a beautiful boat ride, a little hot, but the breeze was cooling and the scenery distracted me from the uncomfortable wooden seat and the heat.
The SHIM (Shepherd's Heart International Ministry) base is not immersed in a village but rather a short walk away from one of the villages- there are three different villages on the island. Right away I felt like I was at home, everyone was warm and friendly. I spent the next several days adjusting, learning the routine, and getting to know the staff and other volunteers- well Ruth was the only volunteer at the base this week. She was a lifesaver to me, answering all my questions. It's like being a three year old, everything is new and different. She had to teach me how to open and close the windows. I also spent some time learning about the villages, meeting and greeting people by walking around the island and attending church.
I have so much to write about just this first week! I will try to condense it and just post the important/interesting stuff.

Tuesday, Ruth and I left the island to go the SHIM office in Jinja. On Wednesday the staff and volunteers were going on a youth retreat in another city. I decided to use that time to go to Kampala to visit Raising Voices, an organization that does work in violence prevention in Uganda. www.raisingvoices.org.

Before traveling I am always nervous and anxious. I am not sure why, but I do. Wednesday I took the bus from Jinja to Kampala. Usually I am go-go-go but I enjoyed the ride, not minding the stops, and not caring if i was in control. For those who know, I like being in control, and I will usually do the driving. Letting go is something I am working on. Anyhow, from there I received a marriage proposal as this man is helping me find a boda-boda to the American Recreation Association where I am to meet an American family that my professor, Dr. Norman from ecology of infectious disease class, connected me to. The family has been kind enough to host me for a few nights while I am in Kampala. Fun facts about them: They lived in Niger for 8 months, this is where I served in Peace Corps. Most of their family lives in Augusta GA, my parents used to live and my brother and his wife still live in Atlanta GA. They also lived in Houston for a few years, where I was born. The wife, was born in Columbia, SC but only lived there for a few years. Wednesday night they had a bible study that I joined, once of the couples, her family lives in Columbia, SC. I am sure that there are more fun facts that I am forgetting or that I will learn. I can't wait to tell you about my stay, it's like being in a little part of America here in Uganda. I did not mention their names, because I want to ask their permission first.

Dr. Brenner called me this morning, to inform me of a connection that he has set up for me, with a well known and respected man from Uganda who also works in public health. (Dr. Brenner was my Epidemiology of Infectious Disease professor during the fall.) I am in the process of contacting him now. I will continue to update this.

Well it's 10am here and I need to start on my adventure of finding Raising Voices in Kampala. I will try to upload pictures and blog more. However, I am trying to keep my thoughts focused on where I am, living in the moment and enjoying my short stay. Also,there will be limited information about my practicum in these posts. First, due to the sensitivity of the topic. Second, I need to save something for my practicum presentation!

CELL PHONE NUMBER

Sorry guys, I added an extra number when I posted it last. This would explain why no one called me this weekend and why you couldn't call me.

011-256-078-484-4878.

remember I am 8 hours ahead of you. But I am up sometime between 7am-8am.

First day in Uganda

This morning I met an American girl from Georgia. She was doing work in the northern parts of Uganda. She was going to build a hut and a chicken coop but ended up with a pig farm for the orphanage. Angie and I hit it off great.

Whats the best thing for two American girls to do . . . shop! That is what we did from 11am until 6pm. We took motorcycle rides(boda-boda) down to Kampala and around the city. Shopped at some local craft stores. Best thing is, people speak English, and will give you the price, you give them a funny look and they say oh we offer discounts. It's so much fun. Some people are rude, so I usually buy from people who are sweet, nice, and helpful. Got some great stuff today. It's different from Niger. It's not just one or two large markets. Uganda has an actual mall with a super market in it. No Macy's, Belks, or Sears but it did have air conditioning! We went in there for a little bit to check out one shop, but their prices were more expensive.

We went to the Sheraton hotel for lunch, we both needed a cold beer. It was nice but costly. worth it though. I had a mini cheese burger aka kids meal, and fries. The downstairs of the hotel is really nice, but Angie said she had stayed there once, this was her second trip, and the rooms are not all that great for the money you pay for them. I saw mostly business men in suits and ties in the lobby. Surely someone who wanted to travel to Uganda and experience it wouldn't stay at an expensive hotel. But who knows. Each on their own.

The motorcycle rides. SCARY!!! for the first few minutes. Before reaching the city I was not holding on and telling the driver he could go faster if he wanted to. I had originally told him to drive slow. People drive on the opposite side of the road compared to the states. Boda-bodas (motorcycles) can drive anywhere! in between cars, different lanes, on side walks, it doesn't matter. even though traffic is not really regulated and vehicles are very very very close to one each other, there are seldom accidents. mostly just breakdowns. In Peace Corps, I remember we weren't "allowed" to take this type of ride unless we had a helmet or special permission. There are bus taxi here, they are called something different, they are cheaper. But after the bora-bora ride, the money is well worth it. You can feel the breeze, you get there faster, less breakdowns, less smell, and personal space! The bad side, well my first ride, we got caught in a light then to mild rain storm. At first it was nice, then it made me chilly. Enjoy when you can, within an hour it was back to being hot. The temperate isn't so bad in the morning and is really nice at night, it's just in that noon to almost 3pm period.

There is a couple here from Germany, today was the husbands 65th birthday so we had fish for dinner and fruit for desert. very good. A girl from New Zealand is here. She seems to know the owner very well, I think works with the same organization that she does and the substitute host, Greg, from Australia. I will have to ask Angie what the name of it is again. it's three letters.

Angie leaves Sunday to go back to the states. I am leaving tomorrow morning at 6:30am to the islands!!! very excited. ready to start this just wish it wasn't so early. As we all know, I am not an early person. Plus it's 11:35pm my time, and I wanted to stay up and write because I do not know the next time I will have Internet. Fingers crossed I can sleep in the car on the way to Jinga, the city before the boat ride.

It's most definitely time for shower, and bed.

Travel to Uganda

Tuesday and Wednesday

The flight from Columbia to DC was good. I sat next to a man who was getting his masters online in international health, so we had a lot to talk about. A little about Walter: he was in the army, he used to be a pilot, and he is heading to Kuwait to do security for the civilians. Walter has a 9 hour layover so he invited me with him to one of those international private lounges. During our class of wine, we chatted and met another man. I never got this man name, but his daughter lives in NY city and she is a project manager I thought he said for HIPAA commercials. Anyhow, there is a high population of Ugandans in NY City so his daughter is being sent to Uganda to search for hip-hop talent. I didn't get the hole HIPAA commercial thing so I am sure i misunderstood but i thought it was pretty interesting what his daughter was about to do. He also gave me a free drink pass for the plane ride, so during my airplane pasta trio dinner i had a glass of red wine. It was nice. Although I couldn't fall asleep on the plane I did have a window seat and no one next to me from DC to Amsterdam.

In Amsterdam, I had a few hours to kill. The airport is a little different, you don't really go through security until your flight boards. each gate has a mini security check point. The airport is two levels, open in the middle, with lots of shops, places to eat, and Internet. I paid $20 for an hour and a half of Internet. I wrote a blog, but it got erased. all well. I sat next to this young guy from Boston who was to meet his friends in Malaysia because they are trying to start a business there but his flight was delayed and now he has a 9 hour layover. yuck. Before I boarded I met this other American man very briefly, I believe he was a solider. I gave him my code to the Internet for what little time I had left. Did I mention people were laughing at me as I walked by or they walked by me. I was in flip flops with a long sleeve shirt one. Everyone was in long coats, scarfs, etc. Guess when it's -1c outside you dress for the outside weather, not the inside. I dunno. Its just the start of getting laughed at.
OHHHHHH the smoking lounges. A little closed in glass area, with a limit of 12 people inside, no chairs, everyone stands inside with their luggage outside. The glass was one inch from the floor and one inch from the ceiling. so the smoke was still seeping out into the "clean" airport air.

I finally got to see Slumdog millionaire. Let me just say that the captions in English are very hard to read on a 3 by 3 tv screen! I learned a very important lesson that I feel the need to pass on, when traveling internationally, and its time to eat, put your seat up. The person behind you is eating your chair for their chair is not pushed back because they are aware of this and pulled their seat forward for the guy behind him! luckily no one sat next to me, so i could out my food on the other tray. I did get some sleep.

Landing in Uganda. What am amazing moment but also scary. I had no clue what to expect, what to do etc. The air, oh it smelled of Niger, bringing back peace corps memories that made my ears fill with tears until I got to Inn. All the drivers from the airport laughed at my pink luggage, the hot pink suitcase and the baby pink duffel bag. I called my driver out on it because they weren't speaking in English but I knew what they were saying from body language. In the visa line, I met parents whose daughter lives in Uganda, she has a law degree and now works in Kampala. Rents an apartment, bought a car, I think she is 27.
also, my yellow card or baggage was never checked not in Uganda, not in Amsterdam, not in the States. interesting. public health issues???

I forgot what an emotional rollercoster the first few days are. being home sick, not knowing how to do anything, being lonely. But all gets better with time.

NEW PHONE NUMBER!!!

my sim card didn't work in Uganda, didn't phone company. I have a new cell number.
011-256-0-784-844-4878.

Safe and Sound

I am in Uganda!!! WOAH!!!!
I am at the Matoke Inn, debating whether to shower now or wait till morning and head off to bed. I am exhausted, who knew sitting for so long could make one tired. I am also very overwhelmed, everything is new with different "rules" and no friends. :(
Just need a few hours to soak it all in. One good night sleep and some day-light will solve everything!
But wanted to let everyone know that I was in safe and sound.

In Amsterdam

I made it to Amsterdam!!! Half way there!!! It's 9am and people are drinking beer! If I didn't have to pay $20 for 1hour and half for internet I would love this place. :P
Did I mention they have a McDonalds . . . going to check that out.
So I was writing a blog, something happened and it's gone. I am too tired to start it again(it's 3am east coast time), plus my internet time is almost up. So I will try later to post about my fabulous trip so far. This type I will type on word or whatever I have then just copy and paste it. But I am meeting the most interesting and kindest people!

8:40pm I will be in Uganda!!!! (I think that's 12:40pm east coast time)

Field Trip to the Airport and New Flight

After boarding the plane, I'm patiently waiting to start the travels, still holding back tears and texting Brent. Doors lock and we are ready! WOAH!!!! I start reading to distract my thoughts about missing everyone already. Suddenly I realize, the plane isn't moving. hmmmm. We must be waiting for our turn on the runway, interesting, there wasn't very many people in the airport is there really a line for the planes? Half an hour after our take-off time, the pilot's voice is heard on the intercom, expecting to hear "Blah blah blah, we'll be taking of shortly, blah blah blah, thank you for your patience." What I did hear was, "Blah blah blah, one of the plane's hydraulics isn't working, but the plane has backup so we can usually fly with one being out, blah blah blah, HOWEVER, there is another issue with the plane, with these two issues we cannot fly, luckily Columbia has ground mechanics so we are going back to the gate. Thank you for your patience."
My ears perked when I heard "However". However and But are never two good words to hear from a pilot. Well people are frantic, babies are crying, the stewardess is now on the intercom, trying to calm people down, but never saying what the other problem is. I am just waiting for security to come on the plane to escort someone off, or there was a threat of some kind, or something that would only be on a lifetime movie. Anyways, the maintenance crew asks for everyone to get off the plane, which doesn't take long, its a little puddle-jumper. Back at the gate, we wait. We may board this plane again, we may need a new plane, no one knows. Meanwhile, I am calm, just thinking "typical African travels", "who can I text", "man I wish I didn't pack my beef jerky in my check in bags." Eventually, there is an announcement over the loud speaker, "Blah blah blah, we are going to reboard at 4:00pm, arriving in DC at 5:15(ish), if your connecting flight leaves DC before 6pm, please come to the ticket desk."
Yep, saw that one coming. The staff at the desk are amazingly calm people. I was second in line with 20 impatient angry people behind me. After half an hour, and several phone calls, I am re-booked for tomorrow. During this half an hour, I am trying to talk my way into first class, of course. I didn't get upgraded, but I do have window seats again, no super long layovers, and I think a better itinerary.

Practice makes perfect right? The public health side of my is reminded of Bandura and the social cognitive theory. I will say my self-efficacy in my ability to go through the check-in and boarding procedures is higher now, and it added some humor in my good-byes.

Even though today is a little lonely, everyone is at work, I have already said my good-byes, everything is packed, and it's just relax time. Having relax time with nothing to do is unusual for me. But is very much needed. So if you hear something on the news about Brussels, Rwanda, etc. I am not there. Here is my new flight plan:


Columbia to Washington: United Flight 7167 Departs: Tuesday at 2:37pm, arrives at 3:59pm.

Washington to Amsterdam: United Flight 946 Departs Tuesday at 5:43, arrives at 7:15am.

Amsterdam to Entebbe, Uganda: KLM Flight 561 Departs Wednesday at 10:40am, arrives at 8:40pm.

first part of trip

Of course, I finished packing at 11am this morning. Airport check in went better than expected. I was allowed two free check in bags and I have window seats all the way! After a tearful goodbye to Amy and Brent I am about to board the flight from Columbia to DC.

I am so excited, still can't believe I am about to be in Uganda. I am overwhlemed with emotions the only way I know how to express them is to cry, not the sobbing tears the tears that swell behind your eyes then suddenly start to fall. Saying goodbye to the kitties, Amy and Brent was extremely hard. I don't even know why I bothered to put on make-up this morning. I can only imagine how to goodbye call to my parents is going to go. I'm sure I'll look like the crazy person in the airport crying. All well. Makes for good people watching. And I've done all of this before when leaving for Peace Corps but it doesn't make it any easier.

All right, we are boarding. Hopefully I will have time in DC to write, if not then Brussels. Did you know you have to pay for internet access in the airport and hotels there? ah the things we take for granted in America :)

here we go . . .

Mail, Packages and Donations

Hey guys,

Since I will be on an island, mail will be very hard to receive. If I can send letters, I will send them home with Americans and they will mail them out. Several have asked me about sending packages to me like when I was in Peace Corps. As much as I hate to say it, I cannot receive packages either, mostly due to the short time I will be there and again, the mail service on the Islands.

If you would like to make a contribution to the cost of this trip to take in place of packages etc. it would be just as appreciated. This practicum is being self-funded.
Checks can be mailed:
4501 Bentley Drive Apt. 323.
Columbia, SC 29210.

Sorry for the short blog, I just finished packing and I have 45 minutes to get ready and say good-bye to the kitties before I have to leave for the airport.

cell phone number

My cell phone number will be (if my phone from Peace Corps works in Uganda)
If my number ends of being different, I will let you know.
To call me and save money check out Skype. http://www.skype.com/

dialing from the States:
011-256-7-96-54-96-21.
011 is to dial outside of the U.S. 256 is Uganda's country code. 7 is to dial a cell phone. 96-54-96-21 is my cell number.

The Matoke Inn's number is:
011-256-0414-200-197

If there are any questions check out this website:
http://www.howtocallabroad.com/uganda/

I will also be staying at the Matoke Inn March 21-23.

So not overwhelm the Inn with phone calls and to save money for you guys, I will try to long on to facebook so we can instant message each other.

Flight information

I am leaving for Uganda tomorrow!!!

Departing Columbia, SC at 2:37pm. A short layover in Washington will allow me to make those last minute phone calls before departing to Brussels at 5:57pm. I will have Internet access in Brussels during my layover, Tuesday 7:15am to 10:40am. I arrive in Entebbe, Uganda at 10:40pm Tuesday night. (There is a short stop in Rwanda.)

The first night I am staying at Matoke Inn where I will have Internet access and can receive incoming calls. The next morning I am being picked up at 7am by Peter, the SHIM driver, to pick up others in Kampala then heading to Jinga. We may or may not spend the night in Jinga before taking the 2 hour "boat" ride to Lingira Island.

To Uganda:
Columbia to Washington: Monday 2:37pm
Washington to Brussels: Monday 5;57pm
Brussels to Entebbe, Uganda: Tuesday 10:40am
Arrive: Tuesday 10:40pm

Coming back to Columbia, SC
Entebbe to Brussels: Tuesday, March 23rd 11:40pm
Brussels to Washington: Wednesday, March 24th 11:10am
Washington to Columbia: Wednesday, March 24th 5:10pm
Arrive in Columbia 6:44pm!!!

How I got involved, What I will be doing

As part of my master degree in public health - health promotion, education, and behavior, a practicum is required. With not really wanting a "desk job" quite yet and with a burning desire to work in Africa after my Peace Corps service in Niger was cut short, connections were made which led me to Shepherd's Heart International Ministry (SHIM).

Although, I had previously fulfilled my elective course requirements, during the Fall 2009 semester I went outside of my department, Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, to learn about infectious diseases, registering for classes in the Epidemiology department and Environmental Health department- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Ecology of Infectious Diseases. Both courses, equally challenging not only in their own course work but also altering my perspective on how to handle health challenges in my field.

After sharing my interests with Dr. Sean Norman, professor of the Ecology class, he connected me to Dr. Buz Kloot. Dr. Kloot is a professor in Earth Sciences who is involved with SHIM and their water management projects. Through their support and also encouragement from my department, especially Dr. Sara Corwin, Dr. Lisa Lindley, Dr. Kara Montgomery, and Dr. Deborah Billings, this practicum was made possible. A special thank you to all the faculty, family, and friends who have continued to inspire me to reach my fullest potential.

Below is my practicum contract:


Project Title:
Buvuma Islands of Lake Victoria: The Process of Understanding Sexual Violence on Lingira Island.

Goal One:
Document what sexual violence means and how it is understood among residents of Lingira Island.

Goal Two:
Document the process of understanding the socio-economic consequences of sexual violence on Lingira Island.

Goal Three:
Identify strategies that use participatory community-based processes to begin to address sexual violence on the Lingira Island.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the project, student will have learned to:
• Culturally adapt participatory models to the needs of the community.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct interactive discussions on a culturally sensitive subject.
• Collect and record accurate and relevant qualitative data.
• Adapt personal behaviors, attitude, communication etc. to be an effective learner, teacher, and resource to the community.

Work tasks to be performed by the student:
• Conduct a literature review of health issues and target population.
• Tailor three to four participatory exercises used in previous work on gender and gender-based violence to be relevant to exploring the issues related to sexual violence on Lingira Island.
• Conduct a review of local laws and policies related to sexual violence that are relevant to Lingira Island residents.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct interactive discussions with anti-defilement committee.
(a local committee aimed at addressing sexual violence)
• Collect qualitative data via observations, informal interviews, inter-active discussions etc.
• Record data in a personal journal.
• Integrate into community.
• Begin learning the language of Luganda and/or Swahili.
• Write a report of the findings and discuss implications of the findings for future research and/or interventions.
• Bring awareness of the Buvuma Islands’ culture to the States.
Projected Timeline of Experiences to be Undertaken:

December 18, 2009 to date January 18, 2010:
• Finalize travel details.
• Literature Review of health problems.
• Meetings with faculty advisor, project mentor, and practicum advisor.
• Culture training and language lessons.
• Tailor three to four participatory exercises
• Begin daily journal.
• Depart for Uganda, January 18, 2010 from Columbia, SC.

While in Uganda (January 19, 2010 to March 23, 2010):
• Write in personal journal daily.
• Integrate into community.
• Continue learning the native language(s).
• Plan and conduct interactive discussions with anti-defilement committee.
• If time permits, process evaluation and data collection for the community-led total sanitation program.

March 24, 2010 to May 2010:
• Return from Uganda, arrive in Columbia March 24, 2010.
• Debrief with Dr. Billings and Dr. Kloot.
• Write up report.
• Share findings specifically with but not limited to Dr. Kloot, SHIM, and Dr. Billings.
• Practicum report preparation and presentation.

What is SHIM?

SHIM stands for Shepherd's Heart International Missionary, a Christan organization who serve in the Buvuma Islands of Lake Victoria.
There are currently six branches of SHIM:
1)Discipleship and evangelism
2)Educational Development
3)Child Development Program
4)Economic Development
5)The Lake Victoria Pure Water Project
6)Family Ministries

For more information please visit their website: http://www.shimuganda.com/

Introduction to the Buvuma Islands

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE ISLANDS
(from the SHIM manual)

Some visitors have remarked that mainland Uganda reminds them, development-wise, of America around the 1960’s (sorry, I wasn’t around back then to compare). Few own cars, jobs are difficult to come by, and higher education is becoming highly valued. Many homes in the cities have TV’s, for example, but in the villages there might be only a few, if any, around which people gather to watch important events—here that is often “football” (soccer) matches. Radio is still the most common form of mass media.

The islanders themselves say that the islands are about 40 years behind the mainland. The majority of the people on the islands are uneducated and illiterate, even in their native language. While at least a few English words are known by almost all, only the more educated can speak fluently. There is no electricity (except for a few privately owned generators and small solar systems), and “running water” is what you carry on your own two feet. There are no municipal water or sanitation systems, nor is there access to safe drinking water except for a few systems put in by non-government organizations (NGO’s) like Shepherd’s Heart and Youth With A Mission. It is common to step over raw sewage from time to time as one walks through the villages (usually from children, or “run off” from a private outhouse that sits on the surface of the ground). Cooking is also difficult, requiring wood or charcoal.

Because the islands are so remote and difficult to reach, and because traditionally the local people feared the spirits on the water, the islands became inhabited by a high percentage of criminals and refugees. Many fled from past war zones. Others migrated from Kenya and mainland Uganda seeking livelihood from fishing. On any given island, there are people from several different nationalities and dozens of different tribes/languages. Rarely will you find an adult who is native to the islands. This combination makes for some very difficult hurdles against unity and community within the camps. It also greatly hinders development, as the people do not consider the islands their home.

Almost the entire economy of the Buvuma Islands is built around the fishing industry. On Lingira Island, most of the fishing is for Mukeni, a small, Smelt-like fish. The men go out at night in their two-to-five-man wooden canoes and net the fish. During the day, the women spread the fish out in the sun to dry and prepare for shipment. Unfortunately, the fish are growing increasingly scarce. The average working man on the islands might make $2 per day.
Lake Victoria is full of bacteria harmful to humans and is unfit for drinking or even bathing—although it is used for both by the local people, causing a plethora of skin diseases, parasites, and gastrointestinal illnesses. As an added burden, HIV/AIDS has wreaked havoc and death upon many. Adult infection estimates run well over 50%. The only medical access on the islands consists of a few scattered clinics that provide first-aid and basic medicines (when they are available).

Lingira is one of 52 islands in the Buvuma Island Chain in Lake Victoria, and is located near the equator. As a result, the temperature is hot all year long, although the high elevation (over 3,50 feet) and the lake itself provide some moderation and often a cool breeze in the afternoon. Rainy seasons are from March-May and Sept-Nov. The temperature remains fairly constant.
Lingira Island is approximately five miles in circumference, and boasts three small villages: Lingira (pronounced with a short “g”, emphasis on 2nd syllable), Kyoya (pronounced Choi’yah) and Katonga (emphasis on the long “o”). The total population of the island is less than three thousand. Almost all live in the crowded villages in round, grass-thatched, mud huts about fifteen feet in diameter. A few live in rectangular mud homes with metal roofs. Much of the clothing is from America or Europe. Women wear long dresses.

The friends you meet may invite you into their homes. Hosting a visitor is considered a great honor. When they do, they will certainly feed you something, as this is a sign of hospitality, a revered virtue in this culture. Even a “quick” (nothing is ever quick here) visit will require sodas or tea and some rolls or biscuits. They will likely spend more on your food (even for a snack, if it includes sodas) than they will spend for their whole family in a day. It is humbling, but to refuse would be a terrible offense. They may also give you the only chair(s) in the home, while they sit on the floor or stand. Again, to refuse would be offensive.

A brief introduction to Uganda

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO UGANDA
(from the SHIM manual adapted from UMIVM manual)

The Republic of Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa bordered by Sudan (North), Kenya (East), The Congo (West), and Rwanda and Tanzania (South). It was dubbed, “the Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill. Uganda is currently quite peaceful and safe, except in northern Uganda where the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) has terrorized Ugandans and kidnapped children to be soldiers. Thankfully, this conflict seems to be being brought to a resolution.

Uganda is approximately the size of Oregon (93,000 sq miles). The capital is Kampala, about 40 kilometers from Entebbe International Airport. The population of Uganda is approximately 27,000,000. Life expectancy is 41 years, largely due to the AIDS epidemic. The average age in Uganda is 15, the lowest in the world. 85% of the population is “Christian” (this term is used extremely loosely), 13% are Muslim, 1% Traditional religion (animist), and 1% other non-Christian religions such as Hindi.

Uganda is a third-world, East African country, but it is remarkably modern in many ways. Electricity is 220 volts, with British type plugs (bring converters). Many electronics and other items requiring import can be found in Kampala, but are significantly more expensive than in the States. Most conveniences for personal needs are available in the “supermarkets” of Jinja, which might be compared to “Mom and Pop” grocery stores that carry a little of whatever you might need- for a price.

The Ugandan shilling has been ranging from 1600-1700/dollar. Only crisp $100 bills, less than five years old, are accepted for exchange. International ATM’s are quite few. In Jinja there is only one we are aware of which accepts ATM debit cards- for a minor fee of course! Few businesses accept credit or debit cards, or travelers checks. There are, however, Western Union offices.

Uganda follows the British example of driving on the left side of the road—when a side is chosen. The streets of Kampala are jammed with cars going every which direction. Little attention seems to be given to traffic lights or the “rules of the road”. The sidewalks of the city are bustling and crowded with pedestrians. As is common in developing countries, many people travel by foot. There is an effective, if crowded, public transport system of buses and motorbike taxis. Jinja is smaller and much more relaxed.

Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soil, regular rainfall, and sizable mineral deposits of copper and cobalt. Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, employing over 80% of those who are employed, with coffee and sugar cane accounting for the bulk of export revenues. Outside the capitol, most Ugandans live in rural areas where subsistence agriculture is the major source of food and income.

The local food staple in Uganda is Maze. Breakfast is most often maze or millet porridge, and lunch is usually Posho and beans. Posho has the consistency of dough, and is eaten with your fingers. Matoki (cooked bananas) is also a staple of the Ugandan diet. On special occasions, meat (beef, goat, or chicken) is added along with rice. Fish is available near the water. Fruits (bananas, mangoes, pineapple, avocado, papaya, tomatoes), vegetables (cabbage, onions, garlic, carrots, greens, sweet potatoes) and legumes (beans, peanuts, cowpeas) are also readily available. Protein is available in the right seasons—white ants and grasshoppers. 

Uganda is home to many different ethnic groups, none of whom form a majority of the population. Over forty different languages are currently used in the country. English became the official language of Uganda after independence. The most widely spoken language in Uganda is Luganda, spoken predominantly in the urban concentrations of Kampala, the capital city.

Ugandans are very warm, friendly, and extremely polite. The children will be especially excited to see you, to talk to you, and to hold your hand. As you walk down the street, expect to hear shouts of “Buzungu, Buzungu!” from the children. You can bless their young lives with a simple smile and a kind greeting. As you treat them with love and respect you will be blessed beyond imagination.