So here I am...in Masaka, 35km outside the city center of Masaka in a village (from my understanding) called Kyetume. I have only been here just about 36hours although it feels like weeks...not in a bad way though.
We (Daniel and I) spent the first night in Kampala with a friend of my dad's. This was a really nice transition for us. We got good meals, a nice shower and a good night's sleep. Fred came to pick us up from Delia's and we were on our way (4 and half hours) to Masaka. I'll start by giving you a low down on the people around, since I'll probably be mentioning them a lot. These are really only first impressions since I have only known them 36 hours!
Fred and Adrian are the project co-coordinators who have pretty much dedicated their lives to URF. They are both incredibly kind and funny and have made my first few days more enjoyable. Fred is really knowledgable on the political history of Uganda and is in the middle of writing a book about politics in Uganda since the 1980s. I have already spent a couple hours picking his brain on lots of different things. He will have to deal with my millions of questions for the next few weeks/months!
Dan and Chris are from Boston. Chris is a psychotherapist and Dan is a retired history and socials teacher. Dan is 79 years old! Isn't that great?!?? He taught for a couple years in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Then there is Renato from Spain (although he is orignally from Brazil). He is CRAZY...its not the rooster crowing in the morning that wakes me up, its Renato mimicking the rooster that does the trick! He is full of energy but unfortunately only here for a month.
Then of course there is Daniel, the southern guy from Alabama who says "yes sir" and "no ma'am". That is pretty much the only southern stereotype that he fits - thank goodness hehehe. His plan is to stay until December.
So by now you guys are wondering what exactly it's like out here in the bush...well it is a lot more rural than I expected. If it weren't for the amazing people (especially children) I don't think I would be able to handle the living conditions. Its not that they are all that bad, they are just not what I expected. I thought that they were preparing us for the worst on the website, but they were pretty much dead on.
My bedroom is very small. It has a bunk bed in it and a dresser and that's it! Well not quite...three spiders live with me, a baby ghecko and LOTS of flies. I have made a decision not not go out looking for creepy crawlies because I WILL find them. What I don't know can't hurt me. The only time I really spend in my bedroom is when I sleep.
The bathroom is a room with a drain. I took my first "shower" today and it was difficult. I am thinking of cutting my hair because it is impossible to wash. I'm pretty sure I used just about the same amount of water today than I would at home. Hopefully I'll get the hang of it soon or I may just end up shaving my head :)
"Washrooms" are latrines...meaning a hole in the ground. I was really scared the first time I had to pee, but Renato gave me really good advice. Don't think about it...just do it! And just my luck, since I have been here I have had to pee wayyyy more than I ever go at home. The good thing is that I am almost used to it. Pooing in a hole...I don't know if I'll ever get used to that. Its funny how many things we take for granted at home.
Meals here are bland compared to what we are used to back home. Nothing like goan curries or sushi that's for sure. I miss the eatery more than words can describe!!! Breakfast consists of tea - just tea! Lunch and dinner (so far) have been the same. Matoke (which is pretty much squashed, heated bananas), potatos, sweet potatos, rice and some goat. We were lucky one meal and got an avocado and watermelon...but for the most part we are only eating startch. The goat is soooo tough, I can't even chew through the pieces.
Goodness I could talk forever. Nothing is anything like it is at home. Yesterday I told Daniel that I almost stepped on a chicken on the way to the bathroom yesterday and we laughed thinking about what an outrageous sentence that would be back home. Anyways, I will get going and send you guys an update next time the internet and electricity is working (so far 1 for 3).
Thank you for all the messages and if you have any specific questions let me know. I love getting updates from you all. Lots of love,
Missy
xoxo
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4 comments:
Sooo nice to talk to you yesterday!! Maybe you should post your cell number and the best time to call - that will really keep you in touch with home. Could n't help thinking about the time I went camping in the bushes when i was in boarding school - where we had to build our own toilet and mossies feasted me so much that one of the bite went septic from over itching it!! Have lots of fun!! What kind of science experiments are you going to do for the kids?
Love you
Mama, Papa and Chels
woah. seems like you're living on the edge. and if you do end up shaving your head.. take a picture for us!!! actually just take pictures of everything if you have a camera at all.
ANYWAY. miss you at school and be nice to the children!
-mavic.
Wow Miss! I'm so glad that you have a handful of (from what I can tell so far) amazing people around you.
We definitely take a lot of things for granted over here. But if there was anyone who I though could handle the "ruralness" it would be you.
Just imagine one of us standing over the hole in the ground saying "something smells really bad... right here" *hand gestures* hehehe
Can't wait for your next update! xxoo
Wonderfull woman, thanks Missy for a great job on what you do for the school and the organisation as well. i'm still wondering your work. thanks and keep on.
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