Here is another picture filled blog. These pictures were taken by Maria Kasparian, a graduate of my program and a great person to learn from. They were taken during our trip to Uganda. After the trip, I experienced some difficulties transferring my pictures to a CD, but Maria gave me a copy of hers. Thank you for teaching me so much, Maria!

Above is the source of the Nile at Lake Victoria and me getting some drinking water (thank you SteriPen!).

Here is Uganda Christian Univeristy (Anglican) and to the right is
Martyr's University (Catholic). Below is a group of students

from the private, non religious Nkumba university. We also spoke at Kyambogo University (public)The gracious and knowledgeable

professors and staff at such universities have many difficulties but

were very kind and hospitable.

To the right is a picture of students at the university. They
were professionally dressed, as is normal in Uganda. As a
Peace Corps Volunteer, I will be expected to dress professionally
most of the time; even when I get off of the plane!

Here are some life images; boats by the shore; people in transport. These are sobering, because they remind me that Peace Corps is not a thrilling adventure-- it is a learning experience. I will learn much more about the daily lives of people in Uganda; which involves both hardship and happiness.

Some Photos

Ok, my blog was getting a bit boring and a picture says a thousand words, so
here are some pictures from my previous visit to Uganda. This visit gave me a glimpse of
my upcoming term; here are a few

Above is the Nile and to the right is a waterfall
at Murchison Falls



Below are a hippo and two Giraffes

Preparing To Work

Hello again out there!

Preparing for this experience goes beyond gadgets and clothes, etc. So, here is a bit about the preparations that I have been involved in. To begin with, I was able to spend nine months in rural Lesotho and then a year in my master's program at Rutgers University before leaving for Uganda (I am a Master's International student; doing a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in international public service and development). I was also given the opportunity to go to Uganda with my professor for 10 days in January and speak in a few Ugandan universities.

The thing that I think will be hardest is being asked for money. I know that I will be around people that need money and ask for it. I, however 1. do not have the money to give (I will be a PCV : ) 2. do not believe that just giving money is the answer. So I am exploring a couple empowerment solutions that I may like to try in Uganda. The first three are soap making, candle making, and the making of solar ovens.
1. I made a successful batch of soap at my grandparents' house (out of olive oil, lye, and water) and am bringing The Soapmaker's Companion with me.
2. I am also bringing a book regarding candle making
3. I made a successful solar oven (after much trial and error). I do not think it will be a big hit right away because it could be seen as quite strange. I will use it myself, however, and if anyone wants to copy me or try to make and sell them, I will be better equipped to help

I have also been exploring Uganda's past and its recent election through some academic and news sources. Not only is there some unease about the recent election; there is regional unrest and civil war in many surrounding nations. Knowledge about these issues and the groups/ parties involved will be invaluable.

Hope this helps anyone who is going to Uganda and/or with Peace Corps or a different international org.

Sarah

Before I go: packing list and to do

Hello out there!

This post is about my preparations for Uganda. Of course I will not finish the long laundry list of things I plan to do but I have done quite a bit and have an idea of what is left. I probably will not have any electricity or running water so I am left with two choices; go without or bring gadgets. I guess I know that although thinking of a completely technology- free life is romantic, it usually boils down to sitting inside a stifling hut thirsty, tired, and completely bored. With this in mind; I have some advice from former PCV's to pass on in the form of my packing list. If I have the opportunity in Uganda, I will keep you updated about the usefulness of these items:

- 2 pairs of Chaco sandals (PCV's get a 50% discount; just call the Chaco number on their website)
- 2 pair of good tennis shoes with orthotic inserts (thank you to my physical therapist aunt, Donna!)
- pair dress shoes
- solar battery charger and A LOT of rechargable batteries
- Solio universal charger; charges everything except batteries; including ipod and phone
- smart phone-- for this I bought a used HTC Wing-- I hope it works well, but I like the fact that it uses the Windows platform (with Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) with keyboard
- I pod, good headphones, and backup MP3 player with good music-- for me this is anything Winans family, Vickie Yohe, Nicole Mullins, Fred Hammond, etc.
- favorite movies (sister act II, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, etc.) I do not have a DVD player with me but I think someone will have a laptop or I can use them at the training center. There may be difficulties because they are American, not African and may not play on DVD players in Uganda.
- short wave radio
- Steri Pen water filter; it can filter a liter at a time using infra- red lights, is supposed to last for a looooong time and will run on the batteries listed above
- head lamp, and expandable flashlight/lantern
- good set of knives
- several hanging organizational devices
- modest, ironable, professional clothing -- I took my clues from the media on this one, and I am going to be dressing like the Dugger family (18 and counting)
- two Nigerian dresses; thanks to Yemi from Rutgers and my parents' friends in Sioux Falls!
- lots of socks, underwear, etc.

Then I did a will, a living, will, and gave up my power of attorney. I tried to donate my body to a university in case of death, etc, but the doctor said they wouldn't want 'em. (seriously, after living in Africa for a year and then again for two years, I'll probably never be able to donate blood or organs)

Now I just have to finish up some more loose ends, get everything together and continue working as many hours as possible so I have an emergency fund