Many people have been asking what I have been doing in Africa
so here is a post dedicated to informing you all on what I am doing exactly
here.
I am participating with a service group called HELP
International. They are currently serving in 7 different countries and I chose
to travel to Uganda! I live in a village called Nakazedde in Lugazi which is
about an hour outside the capital, Kampala. I didn’t quite know what to expect
coming here but I have always known that Africa was somewhere I would love to come
serve.
When I arrived here my eyes were opened QUICK to how different
Uganda truly is. The poverty is indescribable and the living is definitely not
easy. We all had a hard time digesting how hard life really is here but after
accepting this lifestyle, life in Uganda has become something I truly do love.
I have accepted the cold bucket showers, hole to go the restroom in (I am
getting really strong thighs if anyone cares), same staple foods for every
meal, monsoon rainstorms in the middle of the night, power out 5 times a week
and other complications, but this is an experience that is worth every bit of
that because I love every second of this.
Okay so to what I do all day….Different projects are
implemented in every country that participants work on all summer long. I am
focusing on two projects here that are keeping me busy.
The first project I am working on is with the ladies behind
Musana Jewelry. These ladies are the most hard working and fun ladies ever!
Melissa, a HELP volunteer from 2009, established a jewelry business when she
was here and it is still continuing today! Each Musana woman has either a
financial, family, or health struggle which makes each of them even more
special to work with. They asked Melissa if anyone could help them exercise for
20 minutes twice a week and Karli, Elise and I willingly accepted that offer.
After the first day they told us it was mandatory for us to come everyday
because they loved it so much. It has become something I truly look forward to
every morning. At the end of every practice we teach them a little bit of a
dance and they love it. Then they ask us questions about their bodies and how they
can take better care of them. It is so interesting to hear their questions
regarding their bodies and the many things they are misinformed of.
Along with Musana exercise classes, Maren, Elise, Taylor and
Karli and I have the project of helping make their space into an actual
storefront. Currently, they are working on the floor beading their necklaces in
a little shop where no one even knows they exist. This project is right up my
alley! We have searched Lugazi and have crafted many things to put into their
store. We are throwing them a grand opening party soon and I can’t wait to
attract customers that can buy their jewelry! It really is beautiful stuff so
everyone should CHECK IT OUT
Another project I am working on is with Karli which is more
related to my major which is Public Health. We have been doing visits with
Ashley Rogers who was a director with HELP in 2009 and is still living here
doing an internship with Global Health Core. We have gone with her on various
health outreaches where there is HIV/AIDS testing, lectures on protected sex
and de-worming of children. As mine and Karli’s project, we have the funds to
buy the de-worming pill (Abendezole) and distribute them to the children on
various health outreaches on our own. This pill kills worms in children’s
stomachs which helps them live much healthier lives. To ensure this project is
sustainable, we have a curriculum that we teach the mothers of the children
regarding sanitation and many other public health issues that integrate into
their health.
When I am not working on these projects, I am keeping busy
doing crafts for local schools, visiting with HIV/AIDS positive people at the
hospital and volunteering, interacting with the local community, and
participating in other volunteers projects. A project I love to participate in
is PROUD TO BE A GIRL. We go to schools and have assemblies with the girls
(ages 10 and up) about their menstrual cycles, unprotected sex, sexually transmitted diseases, confidence
and any other questions these girls have.
Life in Uganda is amazing and I finally feel like I am
adjusting! After a little jog or creative work out in the morning, a cold
bucket shower, and a rolex (eggs and chapatti) for breakfast I am ready to work
hard! We have the weekends off, so tomorrow we are going into Kampala (the
capital) to stay at a hostel and explore the town. It’s so cheap here! Spend
the nights for 5 American Dollars? I’m in! I have already learned so much here
and can’t wait to share many more experiences with you all! Miss you all and Sonic Diet Coke more
than you know… XOXO
