At first, life in Uganda was a harsh reality for me to face.
It was not exactly what I was expecting which forced me to face many challenges
and hardships. Now, I feel as though I have become accustomed to all of the
changes and I have accepted this temporary way of life. Although it is hard, I
have learned and grown more these past 4 weeks than I have in my entire life. I
have met remarkable people, developed new habits, stepped outside my comfort
zone, eaten gross foods, learned new cultural things, discovered a parasite was
living in my stomach, become humbled more each day, and have learned new life
lessons that will continue with me forever.
Last week was a rough week here in Lugazi. Everyone was
feeling under the weather which made the week drag on for what seemed like
years. I was recognized as being one of the last three people not to fall ill
in our group of 25. I was proud of myself but was still encouraged to go to the
doctor to make sure all was going well.. JUST IN CASE. I went to the local
Muslim Health Center (noted to be the best in our village) and after a stool
sample, I sure enough reflected positive! I was stunned. I have had sharp pains
in my stomach for a couple weeks but assumed it was from my Malaria medicine
and not from a parasite! After the doctors appointment my head has had a
constant migraine. I am on medication and will be fine but let me tell you
this… being sick in a developing country is quite possibly the worst thing
ever! There were so many times all I want is my mom and air conditioning.
Today, we had the grand opening of Musana Jewelry! Yesterday
we worked hard scrubbing down the walls, hanging up our frames we made and
getting the store ready to look brand new. A difficulty we faced was the fact
that the walls here are literally made of sand so every nail we put in made the
wall crumble. We also didn’t have paint to cover up our mistakes but it added a
real great rustic look J
This morning we planned on having the grand opening at 10.
The company bringing the DJ, tents and chairs were supposed to come at 8 and
strolled in around 10. Lovely! Granted that we are in Uganda, they have no
sense of time whatsoever, so it began close to noon. The mayor, town council
members, and woman counselor of Lugazi came which was a huge honor. We sang the
Ugandan National Anthem, USA’s anthem and opening was underway. Melissa spoke
about the vision of Musana, the ladies behind it and me, Maren, Elise, Karli,
and Taylor were recognized for the store design. Then we performed our dance we
taught the ladies to none other than “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. The crowd
loved it and all 7 of the Musana ladies looked stunning and I am so happy their
jewelry is now officially for sale in their village.
One Musana lady that sticks out to me especially is Harriet.
Harriet’s husband died 10 years ago shortly after telling her that he had AIDS
and that she was now infected. She has two twin daughters in their early
twenties and one beautiful grand-baby. Elise, Karli and I took her to that
doctors last week in Jinja for an appointment for her AIDS and that was an
experience I will never forget. She usually doesn’t travel to her appointments
due to costs so I was thrilled I could pay her way and be there with her. I
could write a whole novel on my feelings towards that day but due to time constraints,
I will just say this… be fully grateful for American healthcare! It was a
complete zoo and the doctors could not have been ruder. We took Harriet to
lunch after her appointment and bought her the medications she couldn’t afford
at the pharmacy. I talked to Melissa (Musana director) and we have added the
shilling amount she needs to be able to travel to her appointments and
medication costs in the future in her paychecks. She will always have a special
place in my heart.
harriett and i 🙂
This weekend is SAFARI TIME. I am stoked about it. Love and
miss you all! Xoxo
