One Month Anniversary

Today marks my one month anniversary in Uganda. I can’t decide whether it feels like it has been longer than one month or if I can’t believe I’ve already been here for a month. Time is a different concept in Uganda. As someone put it to me last night it is “the African slow down”, and I think I am having a hard time getting used to the slow pace of life. I know I will soon adapt to this pace but for now I am still in my American state of mind. Let me give you an example of why life here is slower:

Yesterday I went to the mall to print some documents, make a photocopy, and pick up a few things at the grocery store (which is in the mall). In my mind I was going to achieve half the things I needed to do that day before our staff meeting at 11:30.

I left my house, hailed down a boda boda (motorcycle taxi), negotiated a fair price, and then took off to the mall. It was a few minutes before I realized he was going the wrong way and it took another few minutes to explain to him we were going the wrong way and for him to understand where I needed to go. We turned around and headed in the right direction. Once I got to the printing/photocopy place in the mall it took a few minutes to get my documents up and then they wouldn’t print. The employee tried a different computer and a different printer but nothing would print. Then another employee tried to figure out why the document wouldn’t print. Finally we figured out my documents were save in Adobe Acrobat and their computers only have Adobe Reader so they were not going to print. The next closest place to print was in the other mall which is right next door but I didn’t have enough time to go over there. I did manage to get a photocopy of my passport.

After that I went to the grocery store but of course they did not have what I was looking for. So one hour later I am back at the office for our weekly staff meeting and all I have to show for my trip to the mall is one photocopy. I’ll have to try again later. After our 2 and a half hour long staff meeting I ate lunch and prepared to head out and try another grocery store at the other mall. Then of course it started raining which means I am not going anywhere because the only means of transportation is a boda boda. It poured for about an hour. Finally when it was only sprinkling I decided I could face the light rain and go to the mall. So did everyone else in Kampala. The traffic was awful! The roads were also flooding. There was about 4 inches of water on the bottom level of the parking garage. I made it to the store and found the ingredients I needed for our group dinner I was in charge of planning. We fought the traffic again on the way home which was even worse than earlier. My boda driver drove on the sidewalk/grass for a little while.

All in all on Monday it took the entire working day for me to make one photocopy, attend a meeting, and go to the grocery store. If I didn’t go to the grocery store during traditional working hours (hours which don’t really exist here) we would have been eating dinner at 10pm. I still haven’t completely figured out why it takes so long to get one thing accomplished but it can take a whole day to check one thing off your to do list. What I could get done in one day in the U.S. will probably take me a week and a half to do in Uganda.

Welcome to “the African slow down.”

Other than “the African slow down” giving me some trouble I am having a great time so far and I love my job. Sometimes I don’t really know what to do with myself during traditional working hours aka 9-5 because my main job right now is to get to know the kids, the homes as a whole, and the mentors who live with the kids but the kids don’t get home from school until 6pm. HALO has four homes in Kampala and I visit a home every Tuesday and Thursday and sometimes Wednesday and Saturday depending on what is going on elsewhere. Last Saturday I did community service work with the Makerere and Bukesa homes. They cleaned trash out of the overgrown weeds on the side of three roads near the Makerere home and then cleared all the weeds and grass away.

Working hard! Dumping more trash on the pile.

Still more road to clean.

Cleared road

               

Tie Dye Twins!

There are now three much cleaner roads in Kampala with more room to walk and drive because the weeds are not taking over the road. After community service I hung out with the kids at their house. Since I work at night and on the weekends I sometimes don’t work all day during the weekdays.

Before I give a recap of the month activities I wanted to briefly explain HALO’s relationship with the Ugandan nonprofit Cornerstone Development. Cornerstone is a Ugandan based NGO that has been around for almost thirty years. Cornerstone has many programs in Uganda which includes providing homes and education for former street children and children who were involved in sexual abuse and/or prostitution. Cornerstone has 12 homes for kids and HALO fully funds and does the programming for 5 of these homes. Since HALO is not a register nonprofit in Uganda we run our program through Cornerstone.

Cornerstone also runs a secondary school for boys and one for girls in Uganda and a few other East African countries. Their secondary schools are also known as leadership academies and they are two of the best secondary schools in Uganda. Cornerstone also has a mentor program which takes upstanding university students and places them in the Cornerstone youth homes where they live and work while attending college. The mentors are the daily care takers for HALO children. The work of Cornerstone probably deserves its own blog entry, but hopefully this brief explanation will serve to help you understand how HALO operates in Uganda. My office is in the Cornerstone office building and I live in the guesthouse located below the offices.

Monthly recap:

- I finished training with my predecessor, Dani, and she went back to the U.S. to prepare for her wedding. She is engaged to the son of the director/founder of Cornerstone. She will return in August to live and work with Cornerstone for the next 5 years. I am now taking on all HALO responsibilities.

- We celebrated Dani and Eric’s wedding by throwing a traditional Ugandan wedding ceremony. The traditional ceremony is called a Kwanjula which translates to Introduction in English. Dani and her family are literally introduced to Eric and his family. The ceremony is basically a long play in which the two families are introduced to each other and the man’s family brings tons of gifts to the woman’s family. This was the first Kwanjula anyone who attended had seen done in English. The ceremony was beautiful and fun. Here are some pictures of the event!

The ceremony from above

Me in my traditional Uganda outift! It is called a Gomesi. The Ugandans looooved seeing white people in their traditional outfits. I even walked down the street in it and got lots of compliments. 

Me and some of the boys from Makerere home.

Some of the mentors in their traditional outfits.

- We also had a few bridal showers for Dani hosted by her various friends in Uganda. They were both really fun and actually the first bridal showers I have ever attended!

- I officially went to all the HALO homes and meet all the kids and mentors. I went to Gulu, about 5 hours to the north, with Dani and spent a few days with our home there. I will visit the home in Gulu every other month.

- I started planning my first art program I will do with the homes.

- I have been brain storming ideas for programs I want to create and implement and also ideas for improving our existing programs.

Mostly this first month in Uganda I have been trying to get used to living here, finding my way around, figuring out what to cook, meeting new people, and learning what my job duties are. I am looking forward to what the next month will bring me here in Uganda and the many months to follow. 

Cake for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: My Birthday in Uganda

Yesterday I turned 23 and did not plan on celebrating very much. However, the wonderful people in Uganda did not allow my birthday to pass without making it a wonderful day. Seeing as I just arrived a week ago and do not know many people very well yet I did not expect to have much of a special day. This was fine with me. Birthdays aren’t a huge thing for me so I was just going to go about my day as usual and maybe go out for a piece of chocolate cake at the end of the day. My day turned out to be so special that I felt the need to write an entire blog post just about this day. So all I am going to share this time is what I did yesterday and why I thought it was so special. 

My day started as it usually does with a nice cup of coffee. I drank the coffee as I played a dice game called Zilch with two other friends who are temporarily boarding in the Cornerstone guest house (which is where I live). After Zilch I headed to the market to get some vegetables for dinner. Next I worked out (P90X kickboxing video). After showering I decided I should actually start working for the day since it was already 1pm. I started up my computer but unfortunately I was interrupted by a giant piece of chocolate birthday cake (so sad). Devastated I couldn’t start my work immediately I dug into the delicious piece of cake. This cake was brought to me by the kind hearted people I’ve lived with for only a few days. I was so warmed by their gesture my day had already been made at this point. But it only got better! I ate a small portion of the giant piece and then started working on a few things. Next I was presented with a beautiful handmade birthday card signed by my coworkers with their well wishes inside. I was again touched by this simple card.

After working on some things and meeting with a few people Dani (my predecessor) and I headed to visit the Lungujja girls home.

Me and the Lungujja girls

I am still making my way to each home for my first visit. The Lungujja girls were very welcoming just as all Ugandan’s I’ve meet so far are. We sat and talked with a few of them as the rest gradually arrived home from school (they don’t get off school until 5pm!). Dani told them it was my birthday and one of the girls was so sweet to go off for a few minutes and write me a really beautiful and kind birthday note. She gave me the note along with a gorgeous handmade necklace. The girls in Lungujja make handmade beads out of recycled paper and then make necklaces and bracelets. I put the necklace on immediately and thanked them many times. Then Dani went out and bought sodas for everyone (a very special treat for our kids). We chatted as we enjoyed our sodas. I had a real coca-cola for the first time in a few years and enjoyed every sip. It was also one of our coworker’s birthdays as well so he came by and enjoyed a soda with us.

The girls sang Happy Birthday to us both and Asiimwe and I were pointing at each other every time they sang "you".

My next stop was the movie theater! I meet the two fine gentlemen who bought me cake earlier at the movies and we saw MIB 3. The movie was pretty good. At home later I ate more of my cake and we played Zilch again. Then I talked to both parents on Skype and told them all about my great day. That’s all. In my opinion it was a perfect birthday. I’ve been in this country for one week and I haven’t even known most of these people for a week. The fact that they all went out of their way to do something for me on my birthday whether it was buying me cake or signing my card or wishing me a good day really shows the quality of people I work with. 

I’ve been very welcomed into the community so far and I think my birthday really showcased how welcomed I am here. Everyone goes out of their way to make sure I’m having a good time and that I feel at home.  I felt comfortable in this community within a few days and I think it usually takes much longer than that in the U.S. to feel comfortable in a new group of people. Overall I just wanted to express how thankful I am to this community for taking me into their lives with such kindness. I had an exceptional birthday and it was all due to the kindness of people I hardly know and just met. Also, at the end of the busy day I realized I had basically eaten that piece of cake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! I didn't mean to but that's what happened. I ate a mango at some point during the day. Cake for all three meals is definitely a good day!

 

Today (the day after my birthday) at our mentor meeting they made me sit in the middle of the circle so they could sing happy birthday. They also "baptized" me with a Ugandan name. My new Ugandan name is Murungi which translates to beautiful. I am happy with their choice.

Getting to Uganda

After a long journey I finally made it to Uganda! I am so excited to be here, and I am thankful I made it safe and sound with all my luggage. The journey was not the smoothest though. Here is my story of getting to Uganda starting in St. Louis:

Last Friday I left St. Louis with a sad goodbye to my friends and family but with excitement for the journey to come. I landed in New York with no problems and was greeted by my dearest friend Rachel. Rachel and I took off for a weekend of fun in the big city!  

Together again!

We were so fortunate to have amazing accommodations right smack in the middle of Manhattan next to Central Park provided to us by Rachel’s Aunt who was out of town for the weekend. Even though Rachel’s parents were also out of town they treated us to an excellent sushi dinner. That night we went out with some of Rachel’s friends and had a blast. 

The crew we went out with minus Rachel

The next day we started off with breakfast at one of Rachel’s favorite places – Grey Dog. Breakfast was delicious. Next we went to the High Line which is a park made out of old railroad tracks. The park was really fun and we enjoyed some people watching. After High Line we wandered the streets window shopping. 

High Line Park

 Then we hit up Washington Square Park for more people watching and street performances. The street performers included a hula hoop dancer, a band, a man playing piano, and a guy dressed like a wizard but I could never tell what his trick was.

 Later that night I enjoyed every bite of a giant piece of New York pizza. After dinner we meet up with one of Rachel’s good friends for drinks. After chatting for a while we meet up with more of Rachel’s friends and headed out for the night. We didn’t stay out too late because I had to be at the airport early. All in all my short time in New York was fantastic. The city is never ending and always interesting. I had a blast with Rachel and all her friends. Thanks so much for showing me a good time! I cannot wait for my next long layover in NYC. 

Next stop – Johannesburg, South Africa.

I made it through the 14 hour and 30 minute flight to South Africa. My seat was not great but they had some good movies. Overall I probably got about 2 hours of sleep. Needless to say when we finally landed I was very tired, very out of it, and so happy to be on land. We landed in South Africa around 8am. I had 6 hours to kill. I walked around the terminal, looked in some of the shops, had a snack and then I made the worst decision I’ve made so far….I laid down. Lying down would not have been the worst idea if I hadn’t slept right through my flight. I had about 3 hours until boarding started and I never for one second thought I was going to fall asleep much less fall asleep for that long. The worst part for me was the fact that I woke up less than 5 minutes after the flight departed. I cried. I verified with an airport worker that the flight had left and I asked him what I should do. He pointed me in the right direction and so began the beginning of my additional 24 hours spent in the airport. The next flight was at the same time the next day. I was told I would have to pay $250 which made me cry again. The manager told me I could talk to the supervisor in the morning and she might be able to help me with the fee. 

They were nice enough to let me call my parents. I absolutely hated having to tell them I missed my flight because I fell asleep. It was so embarrassing and such a stupid thing to do. However, I am mad at all the people on that flight and the people doing the boarding because I was asleep at the gate. I wasn’t asleep in some other random place around the airport. I was at the gate and no one thought to wake me up. I will never ever pass by someone sleeping at a gate in the airport without waking them to make sure that is not their flight and also making sure they have an alarm set if their flight is later.  I just don’t understand how I didn’t hear all the commotion going on around me and the loud announcements. 

I ate dinner in the terminal and then return to the ticketing area to make my bed for the night. It was only 9pm but I was tired and bored. I slept for about 4 hours and woke up hoping it was morning but it was only 1:30. I was pretty awake and not happy about it. I tried to sleep more but couldn’t. I fell asleep for a few more hours in the early morning.

My accommodations...

I got up for the day around 7am and talked to the supervisor but she just told me I had to wait until 8 so she could talk to the manager about the fee. Finally I found out I would have to pay the $250. I tried to pay with my debit card but they only accepted credit cards and cash. This meant I had to go out to the main airport which involved going through customs. I was so nervous I was going to miss my flight again even though I had six hours to figure everything out. I waited in line at customs which only took about 20 minutes to get through even thought it looked like a two hour long line. They were very efficient and I really appreciated that. 

Entertaining myself with Bananagrams sitting in front of the boarding area.

My first stop was to make sure the airport knew where my bags were and where they need to go. Surprisingly they already knew exactly where my bags were and they had already sent them on their way to be loaded on my flight. That was some very welcomed good news. Next I found the right desk where I could pay my fine with a debit card. I was mentally preparing myself to spend $250 when the lady told me it would only be $50! I cannot tell you how relieved I was. Then I gathered my boarding pass and went back to my favorite terminal to wait some more. I had six hours to kill just like my original layover. This time I drank coffee. When I finally went to my gate to wait for the flight I sat right in front of the desk so if I happened to fall asleep again people would have to step over me to board the plane. I thought that was a good plan. I also had alarms set, but I did not fall asleep again

 

Finally I board the plane! It felt great to be on my way again. The plane ride was easy and really short compared to the previous one. I landed, went through customs, gathered my luggage (which I was completely convinced was not going to be there), and then I found Dani and Eric who graciously came to pick me up.

This is the end of my second day and I am still adjusting to the time difference and jet lag. I was going to include my first day activities and thoughts so far but I think I'll save those for next time. I'll do a week update in a few days with more pictures. I hope you enjoyed my story and I can't wait to share more in the future.

Updates

It has been over a month since my first post so I think it is time for some progress updates. Two major events have occurred:


1) I bought my plane ticket.
2) I got my visa.


I'm all set! Well, almost. 
Next week is my last week working at Enterprise. Then it is off to Indiana for the weekend to have one last college reunion before I'm out of range for a few years. Next stop is Kansas City, MO. I'll be training and learning all I can about how HALO operates both in the United States and abroad. After three weeks working with HALO in KC I will return to my beloved STL for a week and a half. That's when I plan on packing. People keep asking my if I've started packing. I have not. Packing the week before I leave is reasonable, right? I'll take any suggestions on things you guys think I should bring! 


Other than getting all the logistics of my trip together I have started mentally preparing my self to leave my family and my home. I am really excited for this new adventure but naturally sad to leave the family and friends. One of my biggest goals is to make sure I stay connected with everyone back home. Expect letters. 


I think the last thing I have to share right now is the itinerary for my first six months. 


May 25 STL - NYC 


May 25-27 New York City with my best friend! I'll be staying with her for a few days before I make the long journey overseas.


May 27 NYC - Johannesburg, South Africa
May 28 Johannesburg - Entebbe, Uganda
Dec. 17 Entebbe - NYC
Dec. 17 NYC - STL


My plan is to come home for the holidays then head back after a few weeks. 


Thanks for reading everyone! I appreciate all your support, kind words, and thoughts. 

Hello and welcome to the first of many blogs!

 Seeing as this is my very first blog entry for my journey in Uganda and I still don't leave for three months I must bore you with my letter of support. The letter will give you a great idea of where I am coming from and where I am going. I sent this letter to family and friends for two reasons: the first reason is to let everyone know where I'll be for the next two years, and second is to help generate support for my time in Uganda since I will be working on a volunteer basis. 

As many of you know, I have had a long-standing love for the continent of Africa. I find the history, people, and cultures of Africa and its many countries to be fascinating. While attending Indiana University, I had the privilege of spending a semester studying at the University of Ghana. My time in Ghana solidified my passion for Africa, and I knew then my life would always be somehow intertwined with Africa and its people.  

Africa makes up 20% of Earth’s land mass and is home to one billion of the seven billion people on Earth. Although Africa is rich in culture and natural resources, its long and turbulent history of colonialism, corruption, civil wars, drought, famine, and unsuccessful development has caused nearly half of Africans (that is almost 500,000,000 people!) to live in crushing poverty. I feel it is my calling to help the people of Africa who are suffering in unlivable conditions. I believe if I am able to improve the life of one person I am making a positive difference in the world. This brings me to my plans which I would like to share with you.

In order to make a true difference in the lives of people in Africa I have decided to commit the next two years, starting in May, 2012, to serve on a volunteer basis as an International Ambassador for The HALO Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. HALO stands for Helping Art Liberate Orphans. HALO’s mission is to improve the lives of orphans around the world by providing them with food, water, shelter, clothing, education, and art therapy. Many of the children HALO supports have witnessed war, disease, death, and other unimaginable hardships. In order to help the children work through and express their emotions HALO utilizes art therapy, which has been very successful. I fully support HALO’s mission and its approach to development and change in third world countries. HALO currently supports five orphanages in Kampala, Uganda. As HALO’s International Ambassador, I will serve as the link between the homes in Uganda and HALO’s offices in the United States.  My duties will include visiting each home weekly, implementing art and other programs, managing the budgets for each home, and assuring the children are reaching their full potential through future focused programs.

While I was in Africa, I saw the poverty that exists, and although I did not even see the worst of it, I knew I could not continue to live my life without trying my hardest to help those in need. However, I cannot do this alone. Your support, both moral and financial, is greatly appreciated. Your tax-deductible donation will be received by The HALO Foundation and used to support my role in Uganda of helping children like Joy (featured in picture). If any donations are unused after my time in Uganda they will be used to support the greatest needs of the HALO children. To read more about Joy and how you can help other children, please visit HALO’s website at www.haloworldwide.org. If you would like to make a donation, please fill out the included card, and please know I appreciate your support by e-mails and phone calls just as much as by a financial contribution.

Sincerely, with love and hope for the future,

Mary Pryse