Musiibire Muta? How did you (all) spend the day?

I want to take this opportunity to explain the beauty and complexities of Bantu languages in general, and of my language (Runyancore/Rukiga) in particular. So; the first thing is, of course, beauty: All bantu languages, from Ki- Swahili in Kenya and Tanzania, to Khosa in South Africa, including everything along the way, have the same structure, and are Bantu languages. So, if you get one, you can easily pick up many. Therein, however, lies the difficulty-- getting one!

The first problem is that the subject, object, verb, and time are all in the same word: ex:

I was named by our parish priest with a very nice name

it is: Natukunda. It means God now loves us

N: puts present continuous tense

A: He (God)

tu: (us)

kunda: (loves)

Not so bad, but when someone says Twabashemererwa (We were made happy by you all), it is a bit difficult to catch. The other difficult thing is noun classes: there are several different classes of nouns, which changes the way you say adjectives, pronouns, and even numbers:

Ex: Ebi Ebitookye bibiri biri bibi (These two matooke - boiled banana dish- are bad)

Egi eminekye mibiri giri mibi (These two bananas are bad )

Soooo, One must listen to the ends of words and take a bit of time when constructing sentences.

Visiting a friend

Visiting a friend!
Last week, I visited a friend in a small fishing village by Lake Victoria. It was amazing how her site is completely different from mine, with both its ups and downs. While there, I learned about bio- sand filters and how the women in her group are creating income through cattle, bees, and making water tanks.
Here is my friend and I at the base of some Jurassic Park- like trees. She is in a very wet, almost rainforest like atmosphere, whereas my site is more dry, like that of the great plains.

This cow is kept without much room but provides income to the lady who owns it; enough income for her to hire this man as a cow- keeper (cowboy?)

LAW AND ORDER

Law and Order: Uganda style
The other week, my fellow PCV visited me; during which I had two encounters (one direct and one indirect) with law and order here:
1.Indirect: My friend, (we’ll call her Jane) has been disturbed from sleep at 5am every morning since arrival in her small village by a rooster crowing. Being a true American fresh out of university, she prefers going to sleep at that time, not waking, so she was more than a little annoyed. After using all her community integration tools (asking everyone and drinking a water buffalo’s share of tea) she failed to find the owner. The next day (early in the morning) she found a small boy and paid him the equivalent to a fortune, $2.50—yes that is AFTER INFLATION!—to catch the offending rooster. He hired an apprentice and they chased the rooster for half of the day. After tying the rooster up, he brought it to Jane and received his handsome reward. She then transported the rooster to the police station and angrily had it charged with disturbance of the peace. It offered no defence and was booked. As I now write, it is either in the jail house or on some guard’s dinner plate. Lesson: Don’t mess with Jane!
In all seriousness, a very different encounter happened one night when she was visiting me. At about 3:30am, I woke to the sounds of watchmen shouting and some loud beating right outside my house. I was indecently dressed (scrubs and a t- shirt for all of those with other ideas) and had to put on a skirt before going outside. When I opened the door, I saw a group of nuns (the veils, etc. had been donned in the manner as my skirt), the small school nurse, two watchmen, and many other unknown persons. The watchman was beating a man on the ground, who, in turn, was crying for mercy – Onsaasire! I did not want to watch the beating, so I returned into the house. Things did not stop, however, and at 4AM I went out to the same scene again. This time, I asked the sisters what was happening. It turns out that the man was found in the vocational school at night with his group of bandits, all armed with flashlights. He (the only one caught) claims they were trying to steal the sisters’ goats and cows. Light dawned in my mind-- stealing cows! Of course, that is the worst offence in Uganda (equivalent to stealing a child)! Furthermore, in this neighborhood, of course, the police do not come when called, and so we were left to do our own interrogation. The school nurse was now beating the man and asking him to reveal the names of his cohorts, which he had not yet done. By the next day, the man was in my village’s small jail

Law and Order

Humbled

I continue to be humbled by those around me-- the other night, for example, we were talking about the situation with Kony and his whereabouts. One sister from the north was telling us about how he cut off people's ears and lips, if not more. She was laughing lightly when she started telling us about when the LRA abducted her and her counsins. She talked about the bush and about running, about fear. She was seated under the dining room light, where insects enjoy gathering, and swatting them off of her habit-- something I usually joke with her about-- somehow I couldn't.

Wildflowers

Sister Christine brought flowers to our school. She did it a while ago, scattering wild flower seeds over corners and in areas where nothing else was growing. The other sisters, too, love flowers-- their bowls, their cups, their pots, all adorned with different patterns of flowers. Their prayer room, separated from my living quarters only by a thin wall, has a vase with those wild flowers inside. They themselves are varied, planted in Kazo, and beautifying the girls' lives and mine. Sister Christine says that being a sister does not change you, instead you are used to beautify in your uniqueness.

Sister Act III

Site: A girls secondary school, vocational college, and primary school run by seven nuns = heaven. I have to say that some people have difficulties with their sites, but I think mine is perfect for me. There are about 500 people on the compound because the secondary school and technical college girls are boarding. Of course there are also other teachers and staff members. We are very close to a SMALL trading center but quite self sufficient (they garden for much of their own food, collect rainwater, and use solar electricity).
I live in two rooms that are connected to the sisters’ dining room and facing (with 10 feet between) the place that the sisters live. They are quite multicultural among themselves (from Tanzania, Kenya, northern Uganda, and southwestern Uganda). They are very welcoming and encouraging as I practice my language words and learn the place. I have been eating with them and enjoying their company. If I am bored, I need only to travel a few feet to the boarding area of one of the schools! So far, they want someone to start teaching life skills (HIV/AIDS prevention, sanitation, nutrition) at all schools, along with business skills, basic math and English, and some computers at the vocational college. The sisters are involved in multiple community and womens’ groups, which they want me to work with in health education and economic empowerment (nutrition, agriculture, income generation and village savings and loans are all options).

NO UHAUL-- HOW ABOUT A CROWDED MINIBUS?

So, I met my counterpart, a lovely nun named Sister Christine from Tanzania, she is full of life and ideas and I am quite excited to work with her. We met at the Peace Corps workshop/ swearing in.
The part of my peace corps experience that I have been dreading for months arrived: after being introduced and swearing in, we had to get to site. This is the part where all the stuff you lovingly packed, all of the books the Peace Corps gave you, along with your big bucket, lantern, blanket, etc, must all find a way out of the lovely hotel at which you have been for the week to your site—through public transport. Now, if public transport in Uganda brings pictures of overcrowded buses and 14 passenger vans (with many more than 14 passengers inside) you are correct!!
If the taxi park to find such vehicles brings thousands of people and vehicles of various conditions and dispositions, crowded in an incomprehensible jumble, you are again correct!
So, how did we do it? We relied on a priest’s charity to take us to the taxi park in Kampala, (they don’t take vows of poverty : ); we had three men then hoist my suitcases on their heads to get into the park; the sister then knew the men operating the taxis to our small trading center; and, guess what, we reached!!!
This makes me think; we often see people living on so little as a kind of incomprehensible magic. It is not. Furthermore, we should not be so comfortable with an inability to understand how others survive. What we thought was magic is actually in relationships (with the priest, the drivers, the many people who helped us get from A to B).

Strength

People keep talking about the Banyancore women (ethnic group in my future home) that they are very strong women. My host mother, that holds her own and takes care of her family’s farm, my future co- workers and supervisor, they are examples. One trainer told me that they are aware all Americans, no matter the age, are babies. That same trainer took a college exam the day after giving birth; many others, no doubt are back in the fields soon after.
Yesterday, we watched the film War Dance. It is a documentary filmed in Uganda about children from the war zone in the north. Two years ago, peace resumed in the north, but Kony’s rebel army is still terrorizing neighboring countries. To see a woman who was forced to bury her husband’s mutilated body; to see children who were forced to kill, was sombering. It was also encouraging, however, to see the way people can change and can heal. It was inspiring to see the strength of the parents, of the children, of the people. I am reminded that in our prayers, we should remember the children and the survivors of war, of the people still living with violence in other countries, or people with memories in northern Uganda. I am also reminded that we can stop complaining as Americans and being babies.

Strength

People keep talking about the Banyancore women (ethnic group in my future home) that they are very strong women. My host mother, that holds her own and takes care of her family’s farm, my future co- workers and supervisor, they are examples. One trainer told me that they are aware all Americans, no matter the age, are babies. That same trainer took a college exam the day after giving birth; many others, no doubt are back in the fields soon after.
Yesterday, we watched the film War Dance. It is a documentary filmed in Uganda about children from the war zone in the north. Two years ago, peace resumed in the north, but Kony’s rebel army is still terrorizing neighboring countries. To see a woman who was forced to bury her husband’s mutilated body; to see children who were forced to kill, was sombering. It was also encouraging, however, to see the way people can change and can heal. It was inspiring to see the strength of the parents, of the children, of the people. I am reminded that in our prayers, we should remember the children and the survivors of war, of the people still living with violence in other countries, or people with memories in northern Uganda. I am also reminded that we can stop complaining as Americans and being babies.

Strength

People keep talking about the Banyancore women (ethnic group in my future home) that they are very strong women. My host mother, that holds her own and takes care of her family’s farm, my future co- workers and supervisor, they are examples. One trainer told me that they are aware all Americans, no matter the age, are babies. That same trainer took a college exam the day after giving birth; many others, no doubt are back in the fields soon after.
Yesterday, we watched the film War Dance. It is a documentary filmed in Uganda about children from the war zone in the north. Two years ago, peace resumed in the north, but Kony’s rebel army is still terrorizing neighboring countries. To see a woman who was forced to bury her husband’s mutilated body; to see children who were forced to kill, was sombering. It was also encouraging, however, to see the way people can change and can heal. It was inspiring to see the strength of the parents, of the children, of the people. I am reminded that in our prayers, we should remember the children and the survivors of war, of the people still living with violence in other countries, or people with memories in northern Uganda. I am also reminded that we can stop complaining as Americans and being babies.

MY SITE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I found out what my site is!!!!! I am going to be near Bushenye in the southwest of Uganda working at a girls' secondary school and a girls' vocational school. They are run by four nuns and I will live in a small house on compound. (Yes I am bringing Sister Act II : ) They requested that I teach life skills (specifically in relation to HIV prevention) and computers in both schools. The other component of my job description is community work with women and girls who do not/ can not/ could not go to school. Development of income generating activities, visiting people living with HIV/AIDS, and doing HIV prevention programs with those groups will be important.
I am quite excited about the site; I wanted to be in a safe compound, I wanted to do something based on what I have done but that stretched my skills, and I wanted to be working with hard working, sincere people. I don't know what it will be like because I'm going next week, but I am very very happy with the site. I was quite impressed with the nuns in Lesotho; they worked so hard but were so sincerely dedicated-- they also did not abuse the funds of their orgs. for personal benefits. I hope to learn and grow; spiritually, personally, and professionally!
About where I am going; it is green, a land of milk (farmers) and vegetables. The nuns garden vegetables and want me to teach the school and community about nutrition. So many things grow here and are eaten but knowledge is lacking about the necessity of a variety of vegetables and their uses. I hope to do a lot of blended agriculture and nutrition!

Food and Dirt in one day

The rains have begun!!!!! Imagine walking 4 kilometers on hilly, wet clay and then having an unfortunate incident involving a big puddle and a big truck. No I’m not dead, but I was head to toe RED!!!! The kids walking to school (SO CLEAN) were looking at this dirty muzungu in utter amazement. They tell you that Uganda is dirty but Ugandans are clean – so true!

Last night, however, made up for it; we had chapattis (which Ugandans eat plain, with beans or with eggs—but not much curry) and I showed my host mom how to make guacamole-----mmmmmm!

To put the two together; my friend’s host mom does not clean food properly and she finds quite a bit of dirt. Now it is stuck in her gut and we’ve decided it to be a new weight loss solution—fill up on dirt and you feel full, it’s not fatty, and it will probably work like fiber!

Long time no write

Sorry guys; there were some riots in Kampala and I was stuck at home, then the internet wasn't working, then etc, etc; anyway I'm in Peace Corps and this is what the booklet said to expect!
1. I am safe! If you want to hear more about the recent violence; look on BBC but things are fine both where I am and where I am going. well------ except for H1N1; as there are about 200 cases in the area where I am going in 3 weeks. I guess I will have newfound urgency in the teaching of sanitation and handwashing : )
2. The real viruses in Uganda are not Ebola or even H1N1 but computer viruses! People talk about having lost computers, flash drives, etc, to them. I wonder what the mortality rate of technical equipment is. Luckily we have some great techy guys and have recommended a virus control and firewall for my laptop.
3. Peace Corps is like a box of chocolates; first you wait for your country, then for your group, then for the language you will learn in your country, then for your host family, and now I am waiting for my site.

Eby'okurya= food

Some people might ask. . . . what do you eat??? Well the most common staple food is matooke (or eby’tooke) which is green bananas peeled and cooked in wrapped banana leaves. There is also a lot of rice, cornmeal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, and pasta. In short, there is a lot of starch. Actually, anything not starch (and for some, anything not matooke) is not actually food. There is no actual word for the group of foods called vegetables in my target language (although there are words for individual types of vegetables). Instead vegetables and proteins are all just “sauce” to make the actual food go down easily. The numerous and abundant fruits ( the best pineapple, the ripe bananas, the mangos in their season, the jack fruits, the papayas) are all seen as a type of candy. For this reason malnutrition more than under nourishment is an issue.

Big visit!

Hi everyone—it is a bit difficult to upload pictures right now, but words are a bit easier.
I returned Monday from a trip to my future area of service. After training, I am going to the southwest of Uganda. We went with our language teacher and visited a city there and were able to speak the local language, etc. We visited many happy, productive peace corps volunteers, a fact that encourages me in relation to my future site. They also had found ways to make chili and cornbread, pizza, and guacamole of local ingredients.
Some were in cities; one volunteer was a project development/ reporting officer for a city NGO, while others are in villages; one built a library and taught in a village. Some have structured project: as a volunteer working on water and sanitation projects Mon- Fri from 8-6; while others do not; as a volunteer living and working on a school compound. Many volunteers have secondary, tertiary, and even more projects that they develop to supplement their work. The volunteer working at the NGO in town was also teaching baking to a chef, teaching arts and crafts at a school, and working with HIV/AIDS counselors at a local center. I don’t know what I’ll be doing but it will be unique, I am sure.
Our teacher was a great guide and answered our many questions, such as “How many cows did you pay for your wife?” with great answers, such as “Ten, but it was too much : )”. Others included “So… it is ok for anyone to walk around hand in hand, regardless of gender, as long as they are married?” which was answered with, “Sure, I love to hold the hands of friends or co- workers, but why would I hold my wife’s hand?” In actuality, he is amazing, and I am blessed to have such wonderful trainers.

Big visit!

Hi everyone—it is a bit difficult to upload pictures right now, but words are a bit easier.
I returned Monday from a trip to my future area of service. After training, I am going to the southwest of Uganda. We went with our language teacher and visited a city there and were able to speak the local language, etc. We visited many happy, productive peace corps volunteers, a fact that encourages me in relation to my future site. They also had found ways to make chili and cornbread, pizza, and guacamole of local ingredients.
Some were in cities; one volunteer was a project development/ reporting officer for a city NGO, while others are in villages; one built a library and taught in a village. Some have structured project: as a volunteer working on water and sanitation projects Mon- Fri from 8-6; while others do not; as a volunteer living and working on a school compound. Many volunteers have secondary, tertiary, and even more projects that they develop to supplement their work. The volunteer working at the NGO in town was also teaching baking to a chef, teaching arts and crafts at a school, and working with HIV/AIDS counselors at a local center. I don’t know what I’ll be doing but it will be unique, I am sure.
Our teacher was a great guide and answered our many questions, such as “How many cows did you pay for your wife?” with great answers, such as “Ten, but it was too much : )”. Others included “So… it is ok for anyone to walk around hand in hand, regardless of gender, as long as they are married?” which was answered with, “Sure, I love to hold the hands of friends or co- workers, but why would I hold my wife’s hand?” In actuality, he is amazing, and I am blessed to have such wonderful trainers.

medical officer visit!!!! : )

Yesterday at training, the nurses from the Peace Corps Medical office came for their weekly visit to our training site. There are two of them and they give us vaccinations very efficiently, one on each arm. They also conduct educational sessions. After expounding upon the dangers of schistomiasis worms extensively, one nurse talked about the mango fly. She explained that after this fly’s maggots are laid in damp clothing, they penetrate the skin and live in a growing lump on the skin. They are identified by the opening in the top of the skin that they use for air. No worry, however, when you feel them wriggling in your skin, wait for them to grow for about a week. Then cover the hole in the lump (in your skin) with a bit of Vaseline to suffocate them. After about a minute they will have risen to the surface, and you can squeeze them out. We asked which clothes they like the best and the answer was--- underwear!!

Gyebaleko/ Gyebare!

Gyebaleko (Luganda)
Gyebare (Runyankore/ Rukiga): Thank you for your work.
This is a common greeting in Uganda; to tell strangers passing by that you thank them for their work. When I look at those strangers, however, some riding ancient looking bikes with large milk jugs and others with large bags of charcoal, matooke (green bananas for cooking), or firewood, they are at work. Tiny farms, shops, all full of activity. People often begin their days at five and don’t end them until 10 11 or 12. I guess this is what 6% growth and ~$300 annual GDP looks like in real life!
At my homestay, although both parents are educated as accountants and my host mother just finished her bachelor’s in business; they also have a farm. Here are some pictures of the farm. Although the house is quite modern, the maid still does the majority of the cooking in an outside charcoal stove and yes they have a turkey and there are chickens in the tree—I guess they ARE birds after all!

Gyebaleko/ Gyebare!

Gyebaleko (Luganda)
Gyebare (Runyankore/ Rukiga): Thank you for your work.
This is a common greeting in Uganda; to tell strangers passing by that you thank them for their work. When I look at those strangers, however, some riding ancient looking bikes with large milk jugs and others with large bags of charcoal, matooke (green bananas for cooking), or firewood, they are at work. Tiny farms, shops, all full of activity. People often begin their days at five and don’t end them until 10 11 or 12. I guess this is what 6% growth and ~$300 annual GDP looks like in real life!
At my homestay, although both parents are educated as accountants and my host mother just finished her bachelor’s in business; they also have a farm. Here are some pictures of the farm. Although the house is quite modern, the maid still does the majority of the cooking in an outside charcoal stove and yes they have a turkey and there are chickens in the tree—I guess they ARE birds after all!

Gyebaleko/ Gyebare!

Gyebaleko (Luganda)
Gyebare (Runyankore/ Rukiga): Thank you for your work.
This is a common greeting in Uganda; to tell strangers passing by that you thank them for their work. When I look at those strangers, however, some riding ancient looking bikes with large milk jugs and others with large bags of charcoal, matooke (green bananas for cooking), or firewood, they are at work. Tiny farms, shops, all full of activity. People often begin their days at five and don’t end them until 10 11 or 12. I guess this is what 6% growth and ~$300 annual GDP looks like in real life!
At my homestay, although both parents are educated as accountants and my host mother just finished her bachelor’s in business; they also have a farm. Here are some pictures of the farm. Although the house is quite modern, the maid still does the majority of the cooking in an outside charcoal stove and yes they have a turkey and there are chickens in the tree—I guess they ARE birds after all!

HI FROM UGANDA!

Hi everyone!
You can probably tell that I arrived in Uganda because there have been no new posts for awhile. We arrived in the evening, where we were taken to a conference and retreat center for the first six days. This was a time of getting used to food, jet lag, each other, classes, and Luganda. Now, we are in training. During training (for 10 weeks) we stay with host families and attend classes from Monday- Friday or Saturday.
About Uganda: It does have perfect weather! From the mid 70’s to the mid 80’s, but the rainy season is starting and there will be a lot of mud. People here describe the place as a type of garden of eden. The land is very fertile and close to 90% of the population subsists on agriculture. Despite the wide variety and availability of multiple fruits and vegetables, heavy starches are most commonly eaten, leading to many vitamin deficiencies in children and adults. Malaria and diarrhea are the biggest killers and education about sanitation, hand washing, waste disposal, water drainage, mosquito nets, etc. is in order. We have also been learning about several new agricultural methods and I am excited to try them out when I get to my site in mid- October.
About Peace Corps Uganda: It is very well organized. Peace Corps has been here since the 60’s, was kicked out during Idi Amin and came back in 1991. The current president had a peace corps science teacher in high school and felt that the Peace Corps was effective, so they were invited back to Uganda. Training so far is very well organized and the staff, many of whom have been doing this since 1991, are knowledgeable and organized. I am quite impressed by the thorough nature of our sessions and language classes. I think this site is better than many others partially because it has been selected for growth by headquarters in Washington, DC.
About me: I am doing well. I am staying with a well educated host family (both parents are accountants and the father has been working for American NGO’s for 17 yrs.). They have three children and an extended family living on their small suburban farm. They speak Runyankole/ Rukiga, the language that I am learning. In Uganda, English is the official language, besides which 56 languages exist. The language I am learning, thankfully, is a Bantu language, and shares structure and some terminology with languages from here down to South Africa. I see some similarities with Sesotho, and I am told that learning other Bantu languages will become much easier after learning this one. My schedule is a bit hectic; I usually wake up at 5:45 or 6:00; enough time to bathe, have tea, get dressed, use the outside bathroom, pray, and leave by 7:20. I then ride my bike through 4-5 km of hilly, holey roads to the training site, where I attend classes with the 44 other Peace Corps volunteers in my cohort. Afterwards, I ride home, sometimes stopping in town for internet (which is SLOW) or shopping and arrive home by 6:30 or 7:00 at latest. Sunshine is from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM and it does not vary much throughout the year, as we are on the equator. Sunrises and sunsets are also much faster than I am used to. Anyway, I am home well before dark, where I have my own room and freedom to bathe again, study my language notes, have some tea, and wash clothes etc. Dinner is at about 8:30 or 9:00 (Ugandans like to eat dinner late!) after which I talk or help the girls with dishes, do some more studying, and go to bed.
Thank you for your prayers!
Sarah

HI FROM UGANDA!

Hi everyone!
You can probably tell that I arrived in Uganda because there have been no new posts for awhile. We arrived in the evening, where we were taken to a conference and retreat center for the first six days. This was a time of getting used to food, jet lag, each other, classes, and Luganda. Now, we are in training. During training (for 10 weeks) we stay with host families and attend classes from Monday- Friday or Saturday.
About Uganda: It does have perfect weather! From the mid 70’s to the mid 80’s, but the rainy season is starting and there will be a lot of mud. People here describe the place as a type of garden of eden. The land is very fertile and close to 90% of the population subsists on agriculture. Despite the wide variety and availability of multiple fruits and vegetables, heavy starches are most commonly eaten, leading to many vitamin deficiencies in children and adults. Malaria and diarrhea are the biggest killers and education about sanitation, hand washing, waste disposal, water drainage, mosquito nets, etc. is in order. We have also been learning about several new agricultural methods and I am excited to try them out when I get to my site in mid- October.
About Peace Corps Uganda: It is very well organized. Peace Corps has been here since the 60’s, was kicked out during Idi Amin and came back in 1991. The current president had a peace corps science teacher in high school and felt that the Peace Corps was effective, so they were invited back to Uganda. Training so far is very well organized and the staff, many of whom have been doing this since 1991, are knowledgeable and organized. I am quite impressed by the thorough nature of our sessions and language classes. I think this site is better than many others partially because it has been selected for growth by headquarters in Washington, DC.
About me: I am doing well. I am staying with a well educated host family (both parents are accountants and the father has been working for American NGO’s for 17 yrs.). They have three children and an extended family living on their small suburban farm. They speak Runyankole/ Rukiga, the language that I am learning. In Uganda, English is the official language, besides which 56 languages exist. The language I am learning, thankfully, is a Bantu language, and shares structure and some terminology with languages from here down to South Africa. I see some similarities with Sesotho, and I am told that learning other Bantu languages will become much easier after learning this one. My schedule is a bit hectic; I usually wake up at 5:45 or 6:00; enough time to bathe, have tea, get dressed, use the outside bathroom, pray, and leave by 7:20. I then ride my bike through 4-5 km of hilly, holey roads to the training site, where I attend classes with the 44 other Peace Corps volunteers in my cohort. Afterwards, I ride home, sometimes stopping in town for internet (which is SLOW) or shopping and arrive home by 6:30 or 7:00 at latest. Sunshine is from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM and it does not vary much throughout the year, as we are on the equator. Sunrises and sunsets are also much faster than I am used to. Anyway, I am home well before dark, where I have my own room and freedom to bathe again, study my language notes, have some tea, and wash clothes etc. Dinner is at about 8:30 or 9:00 (Ugandans like to eat dinner late!) after which I talk or help the girls with dishes, do some more studying, and go to bed.
Thank you for your prayers!
Sarah

Time To Go!

It is finally here; after months of packing, preparing, praying and thinking, here I am! I will go to orientation on August 4 and then to Uganda on August 5. This is my last blog from the US and I do not know when my first post from Uganda will be. Until then, know that no news is good news.

A few shout outs to the people that helped to get me here are in order: My roomates last year, you guys put up with a lot; my classmates, you continue to challenge and inspire me! Friends in Burlington, New Jersey, you were my family last year! My parents and grandparents, my "adopted" mom, my friends in Lesotho, including those from Orlando, my pastor in Camden, friends that were like family in Atlanta and in Detroit, and my two brothers. You guys are so wonderful, I really do owe a lot to you!

Furthermore, those that keep me in prayer, including those at the following churches: Grace Lutheran Church, First Baptist, Bethel Reformed, Citadel of Faith, and The Father's House, thank you.

Thank you, God, for answering so many prayers.

Now I'm having my last salad, last ice cream, last look at the US for a while, but not my last chance to communicate with you,

Sarah

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