Like I said earlier I have pictures and more detailed stories when I get more settled, but today is my last day with the family that hosted me in Kampala. I have loved it and everyone has been so good to me. I am meeting my classmates today and I am SO excited. There are 11 of us total. We are spending tonight in Kampala and traveling to Gulu tomorrow to start orientation. This week is orientation and getting to know each other and next week we move in with our home-stays.There is so much I have learned in six short days, I will try to sum up some of it:
1) With development comes the need to balance progress and natural beauty. I got to travel to Jinja yesterday and the people driving me were shocked when one of the "falls" they wanted to show me was no longer there. A dam was built to produce more power and it greatly affected that area of the Nile.Apparently the falls disappeared within the last two months.
2)Charmin to go would have been a smart thing to pack. Luckily someone had some to share.
3)"When we have power it means someone else does not." This is what I was told the first time I experienced the power go out. This is a common and completely random occurrence in Uganda because more people are using electricity than can be provided for. It was a simple statement but I think it is an incredible insight to distributive justice.
4) Don't leave the gate open too long or the goat will get out.
This ended up being a not so quick update, oops. Thank you all for the prayers and good thoughts!
Looking forward to that first visit to the Walmart store? Thanks for the updates. Thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteLove, Dad
Hi Katie, thanks for the DETAILS. The next few days should be busy and exciting for you as you meet your team and move north. Is the goat used for bartering?
ReplyDeleteHave fun.
Love, Ann and Dennis
Katie--We watched a video on the internet on Gulu. Also watched several on Kampala. Not quite the same atmosphere. Anxious to hear about Gula and your next adventure. G and G Smith ---- Thanks for writing!!
ReplyDeleteHAHAHA oh Katie, please do not let the goats out!! and I totally think you will learn a lot from being there, the power thing is just the first among many that will give you insight! Good luck, and have fun!
ReplyDeleteJordan
katie- thanks for the update it is fun to kknow what u are learning!
ReplyDelete-Erin
We are so envious of everything you are getting to see and do. We are going to try going the weekend without charmin and see how well we make out.
ReplyDeleteMiss you,
Randy and Jill