I made it back safe and sound from Jinja Monday evening. It was a very relaxing weekend, but I really don't like the feeling of needing a vacation to recover from the vacation.
We arrived in Jinja Friday afternoon after taking public transportation from Kampala. The hour and a half ride to Jinja from Kampala was filled with seeing many new sights, smelling new smells, and having a new head on my shoulder. The kid I was sitting next to kept falling asleep on me, and then abruptly waking himself up, partially due to the many bumps we encountered.
Saturday morning, we jumped aboard bodas and made the 9 km trip into Jinja town. I am getting quite acquainted to riding sidesaddle, even though I thought it wasn't possible. While in Jinja, we stopped at a market to do some fun shopping. I found a pair of sandals that I really liked, but evidently, they didn't have my size. The lady at that shoe stand really wanted me to buy them, even though they clearly were too small. If my foot is hanging out the back of the sandal, I don't think the sandals will "adjust themselves" to accommodate the inch that the sandal was lacking.
By the end of our time at the market, nearly every shoe dealer knew what size my feet are and sadly I walked out of there empty handed (or you could say footed).
It rained all day Sunday, which was a little disappointing in the fact that I was anticipating swimming that day, but alas. I had a very restful Sunday because of it.
I got back from Jinja on Monday evening and Tuesday morning I was off again to Kampala to do foreign staff shopping. So by the time Wednesday rolled around, I was ready for another weekend.
Wednesday night, I was invited to a birthday party for friend who works at the guesthouse in Kasana. I really felt the need to get to bed early, but wanted to drop off a card for her before heading home for the evening. An hour and a half later, I went home feeling so happy that I stayed longer than I expected. She looked as if she was going to cry when I informed her of my early exit from the party, so I stayed to witness her first birthday party ever. At the age of 28, she blew out birthday candles for the first time; her face glowing with sheer happiness.
Thursday March 20th
Rainy season has officially, officially started. For the past 3 days, it has been sunshine one minute and absolute downpour the next. It makes for some very squishy walking.
One night this week (I am not sure what day it was, my days are all getting smushed together somehow) I was awakened by this cracking noise and then an explosion coming from (thankfully) outside my room. My initial thought was "Ah! (I sat up in bed and actually screamed)The gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen!!" First of all, I cannot see the kitchen from my room, so if this was true, the explosion must have knocked out a wall and blown clear into the hallway. I ripped open my mosquito net and raced out of my room only to find that a candle had exploded in its glass votive container. The counter in our bathroom is made plainly of wood, which makes for kind of a scary experience, but no real harm was done. The details for the candle explosion are as follows:
-Ann first saw a strange light coming from the bathroom, so she decided to investigate.
-She thought maybe I was using the bathroom, but the door was open, so clearly that didn't make sense, unless I had become very immodest in the last few days.
-Ann saw that the votive container had exploded, creating a little campfire on our bathroom counter.
-She poured water to extinguish the fire, only to anger the flames, causing an explosion of some sort (Any chemists, or pyromaniacs who would like to explain why the candle did what it did, are welcome to explain)
-The explosion, then aroused me from my much needed beauty sleep.
Why do all these exciting things have to happen in the bathroom...remember the bat?
Tomorrow morning, we make our way to Jinja. We haven't made any concrete plans while in Jinja, so I don't have any details to share with you. All I know it that we will be buying lots and lots of coffee. Oh, caffeine, you make the world go round.
One night this week (I am not sure what day it was, my days are all getting smushed together somehow) I was awakened by this cracking noise and then an explosion coming from (thankfully) outside my room. My initial thought was "Ah! (I sat up in bed and actually screamed)The gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen!!" First of all, I cannot see the kitchen from my room, so if this was true, the explosion must have knocked out a wall and blown clear into the hallway. I ripped open my mosquito net and raced out of my room only to find that a candle had exploded in its glass votive container. The counter in our bathroom is made plainly of wood, which makes for kind of a scary experience, but no real harm was done. The details for the candle explosion are as follows:
-Ann first saw a strange light coming from the bathroom, so she decided to investigate.
-She thought maybe I was using the bathroom, but the door was open, so clearly that didn't make sense, unless I had become very immodest in the last few days.
-Ann saw that the votive container had exploded, creating a little campfire on our bathroom counter.
-She poured water to extinguish the fire, only to anger the flames, causing an explosion of some sort (Any chemists, or pyromaniacs who would like to explain why the candle did what it did, are welcome to explain)
-The explosion, then aroused me from my much needed beauty sleep.
Why do all these exciting things have to happen in the bathroom...remember the bat?
Tomorrow morning, we make our way to Jinja. We haven't made any concrete plans while in Jinja, so I don't have any details to share with you. All I know it that we will be buying lots and lots of coffee. Oh, caffeine, you make the world go round.
Sunday March 16th
Tonight the internet has been unbearably slow but I need to constantly remind myself that that fact that we have internet here when we don’t have so many of the other modern conveniences is a tremendous blessing. I tried posting the last few nights, but alas.
With malaria pills quickly diminishing, and knowing that my departure in May is coming with what I feel is increasing speed, I have been trying to take every experience I can as I may not have another chance.
On Thursday, I got the opportunity to receive an official tour of the New Hope Vocational Institute, which is located about 3 km from Kasana. I was able to see how cloth was designed and woven on a loom. After taking a textile class last semester, my interest in material has definitely increased and I was absolutely fascinated by the whole process.
Last night I went to the family group for fun night. It was kind a spur of the moment decision to go and to stay as late as I did. I was planning on leaving about 10 minutes before sundown so that I could make it back home at a safe time, but I was having so much fun that I ended up staying much after the sun had disappeared in the sky. Usually for fun night, the kids play games but they wanted to just keep singing for their fun night. They were having so much fun laughing and singing at the top of their lungs. There was this one little clown who would belt out the opening words to a song whenever there was a moment of silence. We all would crack up at her which in-turn fueled her fire to start entertaining us with a little special dancing. It is times like this that I realize that these children are no different that any other child. Yes, many of these kids have gone through more and seen more than the average person, but they still know how to make people laugh, still have an imagination, still are just kids.
For Easter, I will be going away to Jinja, which is at the source of the River Nile. With teams and visitors coming back to back for the next month, the realization of a little vacation to get our minds in order is becoming a reality. I am really looking forward to seeing another part of
The next team that will be arriving to Kasana will be from
Tuesday March 11th
Thankfully it didn't take a little flying creature to get me over my writer's block. This time it only took an 8 legged beast and a trip of faith to Kampala.
Last night, I was getting all situated so that I could shut off my light to go to bed, and as I was rearranging my pillows and adjusting, I noticed a huge spider on my mosquito net. Realistically, they should rename the mosquito net to be called "creepy-crawly-flying creature net." This trusty net has kept out mosquitoes, some spiders (especially this big one) and even bats. The spider was luckily on the outside of the net. I mean, there are big spiders in North Dakota, but I don't know what type of spider this was and what it could "do." Also my viewing of "Arachnophobia" a few too many times didn't help the matter any. The sighting of this spider just clarified that the bites that I have been getting while I sleep are not only from ants, but from spiders. Mystery spots solved.
As soon as 6:30 am rolled around, I was off once again to Kampala. The road to Kampala is getting so much better, it's actually quite remarkable. When I first arrived on January 14th, I got so motion sick from swerving in and out and in and out and in and out of all the potholes. And just a few weeks ago, I counted a total of 134 speedbumps placed within the distance of about 2 miles. The construction crews put up speedbumps to hinder drivers from racing through the freshly laid asphalt and rock. Today when I went, the road was so smooth for so long that I felt like I wasn't in Africa anymore.
So, we were about an hour into the 2 1/2 hour drive and my driver takes an unexpected turn off the usual road. I thought, 'Maybe he has to run a quick errand,' or 'maybe he has to talk to someone quickly.' After we had driven for quite a while down this washed out gravel road that I would never imagine taking my car through, I start to get a little skeptical because there was no errand, no friend, or no words from te driver. I have ridden with this driver quite a few time already, but I don't know him that well. How much do I really trust him? We drive and drive on this unfamiliar gravel road for a good half hour. The whole time I am just trying to have faith that I will get to Kampala eventually (and safely.)
Finally, I saw the relieving sight of a paved road. I started to see familiar landmarks and I knew that I could breathe again. I later found out that we had taken a detour because of traffic and construction. Being in a totally different country and having to put my trust in someone to take me to a city where I stick out like a very sore thumb is at times really scary. But that is what faith is for.
I got the shopping done rather quickly and was back to Kasana by around 3 pm. Every hour I get home before sunset I count as a blessing. Oh Kampala, such a necessary city but a stressful one at that.
Last night, I was getting all situated so that I could shut off my light to go to bed, and as I was rearranging my pillows and adjusting, I noticed a huge spider on my mosquito net. Realistically, they should rename the mosquito net to be called "creepy-crawly-flying creature net." This trusty net has kept out mosquitoes, some spiders (especially this big one) and even bats. The spider was luckily on the outside of the net. I mean, there are big spiders in North Dakota, but I don't know what type of spider this was and what it could "do." Also my viewing of "Arachnophobia" a few too many times didn't help the matter any. The sighting of this spider just clarified that the bites that I have been getting while I sleep are not only from ants, but from spiders. Mystery spots solved.
As soon as 6:30 am rolled around, I was off once again to Kampala. The road to Kampala is getting so much better, it's actually quite remarkable. When I first arrived on January 14th, I got so motion sick from swerving in and out and in and out and in and out of all the potholes. And just a few weeks ago, I counted a total of 134 speedbumps placed within the distance of about 2 miles. The construction crews put up speedbumps to hinder drivers from racing through the freshly laid asphalt and rock. Today when I went, the road was so smooth for so long that I felt like I wasn't in Africa anymore.
So, we were about an hour into the 2 1/2 hour drive and my driver takes an unexpected turn off the usual road. I thought, 'Maybe he has to run a quick errand,' or 'maybe he has to talk to someone quickly.' After we had driven for quite a while down this washed out gravel road that I would never imagine taking my car through, I start to get a little skeptical because there was no errand, no friend, or no words from te driver. I have ridden with this driver quite a few time already, but I don't know him that well. How much do I really trust him? We drive and drive on this unfamiliar gravel road for a good half hour. The whole time I am just trying to have faith that I will get to Kampala eventually (and safely.)
Finally, I saw the relieving sight of a paved road. I started to see familiar landmarks and I knew that I could breathe again. I later found out that we had taken a detour because of traffic and construction. Being in a totally different country and having to put my trust in someone to take me to a city where I stick out like a very sore thumb is at times really scary. But that is what faith is for.
I got the shopping done rather quickly and was back to Kasana by around 3 pm. Every hour I get home before sunset I count as a blessing. Oh Kampala, such a necessary city but a stressful one at that.
Saturday March 8th
Well, no baby this weekend. It has been rather quiet around the house today, which is quite rare, but appreciated after a busy week.
Now that our house has electricity, a refrigerator, AND running water (with a bit of pressure might I add) I definitely have nothing to complain about. When I arrived here, the talk of a refrigerator and running water was just a rumor that might come to be after I left for the states. But, I am here and we have both, and they are glorious!
I really fear to state that I am having a writer's block because last time, it took a bat attack to cure it. But I truly am experiencing another.
Until next time...
Now that our house has electricity, a refrigerator, AND running water (with a bit of pressure might I add) I definitely have nothing to complain about. When I arrived here, the talk of a refrigerator and running water was just a rumor that might come to be after I left for the states. But, I am here and we have both, and they are glorious!
I really fear to state that I am having a writer's block because last time, it took a bat attack to cure it. But I truly am experiencing another.
Until next time...
Wednesday March 5th
It is not only the weekends that fly by, but now the weekdays are going even faster. On Monday I went to Kampala yet again to do some research on the prices for office cleaning supplies and to accompany a volunteer staff member to the dentist. I am getting quite the orientation to the medical side of Kampala. I now know of 2 places to go to a doctor, 2 places where I could get an ultrasound, and now I could even go to the dentist if need be.
The research (shopping) and dentist appointment went rather quickly, so after a stop at a Lebanese restaurant for lunch and for the 4th time ice cream was found, (it was such a good day) we decided to head home. Traffic wasn't even too bad coming out of town, so we thankfully made it home before dark.
Yesterday morning, we received news that a 8-foot cobra had been killed near the head nurse's chicken house. Now my fear of going out to the garbage pit at night is definitely justified since there is a 10 footer living in our own backyard.
Today it is official: Running water at last. For the longest time (well since January 14th) the water situation has been on, off, on, off...and since last Thursday, we have been without running water. When all the pipes were finally connected with all systems go, the tank was so full that it ran over for at least 3 hours. It sounded like a heavy rain shower right outside my bedroom window. We were definitely blessed with the newly redone water system and our cup was overflowing.
While at home this evening, I looked out the window and saw little pink and blue things running around and I just could not figure out what was going on. I looked closer and realized that the little pink and blue things were the toddlers from the baby house. They were all out for a walk before supper and were just having a grand old time. It was quite the sight.
Speaking of babies, I handed in my "mommy" badge Sunday night. I still cannot believe how good Hope was. Even though she was not in her usual crib or surroundings, she slept straight through the night. She is every parents' dream baby.
I counted my weekly anti-malaria pills this morning and was haunted by the indisputable fact that since there is a small number of pills remaining, I only have that many weeks left in Uganda. Time...Where have you gone?
Sunday March 2nd
My days here are suffering from a little bit of an identity crisis. Right now, it is 6:30 am and my computer is still on Central time, so back home it is 9:30 pm Saturday night. It is bizarre how I am starting one day here and my family is ending their day. There are not only miles separating us but sometimes even a day.
5 month old Hope is lying right next to me and being very squirmy on this Sunday morning. She woke up a little while ago and has been tearing around ever since. She is not crawling around but she's just waving her arms and legs like she has something to say. Hope is such a long baby, but I have heard that her lankiness is characteristic to the tribe she is from. I picked her up yesterday morning and have the privilege of keeping her until sometime this evening. She is constantly smiling and enjoying being a wiggly worm.
It amazes me how these children who have a past that is so hard and have possibly lost everything can still smile, still laugh, still love despite all that they have been through.
5 month old Hope is lying right next to me and being very squirmy on this Sunday morning. She woke up a little while ago and has been tearing around ever since. She is not crawling around but she's just waving her arms and legs like she has something to say. Hope is such a long baby, but I have heard that her lankiness is characteristic to the tribe she is from. I picked her up yesterday morning and have the privilege of keeping her until sometime this evening. She is constantly smiling and enjoying being a wiggly worm.
It amazes me how these children who have a past that is so hard and have possibly lost everything can still smile, still laugh, still love despite all that they have been through.
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