DAY 12: May 29- Shopping

*** HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY LAUREN! I'm sorry I missed your special day! But I was with you in spirit the entire day and the entire day after (since we are in different time zones!). Also I already bought your gifts so don't worry! I LOVE YOU! 

Breakfast. Reading. Lunch at the Source. Guacamole Chicken Wrap using Chapatti! YES. So freaking good.. and “chips” of course, you know French fries! So good. Since it was our free day, we had the whole afternoon free until dinner and class. That is a lot of free time that we didn’t know what to do with. SO. What did I do? GO SHOPPING. Ha.. Typical girl. So Rachel and I went to the craft store in The Source. I bought like $50 worth of stuff… like 50 US dollars. I know. I was surprised too.. I guess my friends and family are just lucky I love them so much!!! I would list what I bought, but that would kill the surprise, so I won’t.

Next we met up with some more people at The Source and decided to shop some more but on Main Street. After walking for a few minutes, we realized that these two little street boys were following us. They always hang around The Source, hold out their hand, and say “give me money.” (I learned from the missionaries that there is no word for “please” in Lusoga.) So I turned to them and… whipped out the slap bracelets. And soon as they saw what they could do, their faces lit up like always. They were precious and they no longer asked for money. They just smiled at us and kept on looking back at us when we walked away… so cute like always.

Okay. So more shopping. What did I learn? I am very bad at bargaining. My friends had to do it for me. (I guess I’m just too nice?! Or I don’t like conflict?! Or it’s just cause I have the money to pay full price?!)  Basically at the end of the day.. I spent a lot more money then I thought.. I’m the reason that the Jinja economy was sustained for the day.. I know it.

Since it was raining, we took the Matatu home. Then I had a little nap and dinner. Then it was time for class. Mark Moore who is really good friends with G. Sebs and helped him start the program came and talked to us. He reminded us that we need to focus on having a testimony and not just chase after wealth or a job.. but chase after the Lord. He said that in Africa we have to opportunity to stretch ourselves.. to make it part of our testimony. He then told us about this product called “Mana” he is starting, which is going to compete with the product called “plumpynuts” which basically uses peanut butter to save people’s lives.. however he is making his company a non profit.. It’s a really awesome idea/product that has the potential to save so many lives, so check it out..

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/19/60minutes/main3386661.shtml

DAY 11: May 28- Beam of Hope

Now I have the routine down. Wake up. Change clothes. Eat Breakfast. Finish getting ready. Read my textbook. Eat lunch.

After being destroyed by the Nile River yesterday, we all were pretty tired. We decided to just eat lunch at the Gately. I had the “Nile Burger”…figures. After lunch, we head off to The Source to meet for our Service Learning. So today I had the opportunity to go back to the Beam of Hope, but instead of just playing with the random kids that were outside, I would be taking to the disabled people that stayed there.

So when we got there, I felt awkward. I didn’t know who to talk to and for one of my friends it was her 3^rd time going back. Finally, these three guys came and sat next to me. I’m not sure of all their names, but the main guy I was talking to was named Jeff. They were all very nice and very curious about my life and my thoughts.

He started with asking me about my favorite movies and my hobbies. You know surface level questions. I asked them about their families. I told them about mine. Then we started to talk about the differences between the U.S. and Uganda. We talked about President Obama and President Roosevelt (because he was a disabled President) and Jeff said he would like to be President of Uganda (I’m still not sure if he was joking or not). They asked if we had street children in the U.S. like they have here, and what the government does about it. We started to talk about the Terminator (you know Gov of California). They were just so curious about life in the U.S. unfortunately I didn’t have many answer for them, considering I’m not the biggest politics fan. They asked me how the U.S. treats disabled people.. I told them about the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.. thanks Professor Martinez and my I/O Psychology Class for that one).

They talked to Paul about Soccer.. I learned that Africans are very big soccer fans. I asked them how they knew English and told them I wanted to learn Lusoga (the language around Jinja). They said it was hard, but that they would try. So I got a piece of paper and learned some greetings. Because in African culture greetings are very very very important. I learned how to say “Good morning” slash “How was your night” (same thing) and how to respond. (This greeting you say before noon). Then I learned the greeting for “How are you” when it is pass noon and how to respond. Jeff told me that if someone asked me those questions, I should respond and ask them the same question. Then they would respond and ask me the same question over. And I would respond and ask them the same question and it would go on like that for a while, which again shows the importance of greetings in this culture. I learn how to say “thank you” and “you’re welcome.” And even learned numbers up to 10, but they were hard for me. The language is very hard to learn. The words are long.. and you have to hold certain letters (slash sounds) out for longer or shorter than others.. because if you don’t you might be saying a completely different word. I had a really good time talking with those guys, and they taught me a lot.

Then it was back to the Gately on a Boda. Dinner. Yum (like always) and class. Today for class we were studying verbal communication, so Selby invited the missionaries over to tell us stories about their verbal interaction with the African culture. Some of their stories even reinforced what I had learned today (especially about the importance of the greetings). Another interesting point they made was that Africans belief that items have a spirituality.. they are not just things. So if a person hits a car.. they will say “the car hit me.” For example, we were talking to one of the ladies that works at the Gately about drums. We asked her if she knew how to play. And she said “no, it doesn’t play.” In the U.S. we would probably say, “no I don’t know how,” but she said based her answer around the object not working or playing.. its very interesting.

After class, we all went to Spencer and Emily’s house for desserts and to watch our crazy rafting video. It was hilarious to see the video, especially when we flipped and had the plants in our helmets. I think I might just have to buy the video, so I can have my 2^nd “the Brittany Chin-Lee Show” movie to go along with my Skydiving video. Plus at the end there is an hour of bonus film… Like the worst flips ever.. yah.. they looked brutal. Overall, today was a good day. I felt like a learned a lot about the African culture.. now my eyes are open to this incredibility different culture. 

DAY 10: May 27- Rafting the Nile!

**Disclaimer: This is a very long entry. I thought it was only appropriate to be as detailed as possible so you could full understand as best as possible what Rafting the Nile was like. PLEASE don't hate me, instead feel free to skip around or skip this entire entry… however, this might be the best one I’ve got.

7:20 am alarm clock. Breakfast. 8:30 am pick up time. It was time for rafting. White Water Rafting on the Nile. Level 5. It was going to be an “epic” day. However, I made a bad decision.. I took my Malaria pill without enough food.. (Not a good idea before we are about to raft the Nile) so bad stomach ache hits on the way to the “Explore the Nile” rafting place.

With my stomach in a knot and my fear for the water approaching, I decided I would raft on the mild and not the wild boat. (We had 2 options) Only one other girl, and maybe G. Sebs (since he’s already rafted Wild twice) wanted to raft on a mild boat. So I was set.. even though everyone else was rafting WILD. However, as we waiting and my stomach untwisted, Hannah told me that she decided not to go at all (a childhood drowning experience was a little too much for her.. she even was tearing up). So I swallowed my fear (and my childhood drowning nightmare at the Bankie’s house) and told everyone I would raft the Nile.. WILD like everyone else.. (you know, I didn’t want to be left out, plus I’ve been 12,000 ft in the air to skydive, at least this was on land.. kinda). So it was Wild for me.

Then Mark and Spencer came to say hi slash bye to all of us and to give their farewells to Tom who had just recently learned to swim but was coming with us! They told us stories from their rafting adventures and gave us tips. They told me the best place to sit was in the middle of the raft and not to get one of the crazy Australians as our guide. All the while we were waiting and having this conversation, there was a video playing of the rafting in the background. We just saw person after person being launched out of the raft and floating rapidly downstream dot dot dot. Yah, you could say I was a bit nervous at this point especially since my friends said that I couldn’t switch back to Mild because “I committed to Wild now.” (What are friends for? If not to encourage you to put your life in more danger?!)

Finally, after waiting for a long time, seeing a hatching chick get cooked (David opened a hard boil egg to see a head with a neck like figure come out of the cooked egg… sick. He even bit the head off to be dramatic), and hearing terror stories, it was time for the orientation..(well it was more like basic instructions like wear sunscreen). After that we got fitted for our helmets and life jackets and we were back on our big van like truck to the Nile!!!!!

The drive over was quite bumpy like all the roads in Africa, but with my nerves racing, it seemed more intense. I told everyone the ride was like Indian Jones (that’s what our vehicle l reminded me of but larger), and the Nile would be like Splash Mountain times 5.. we were practically at Disneyland!
After passing many little villages and small children running, screaming, and waving hello, it was finally time to start our adventure. We all got out of the truck, carried some oars, and made groups. It was Tyler (G.Seb’s son), Bayli (of course, us Pi Phis have to stick together HA), Paul (we need someone strong), Rachel (I just love her), and Ashley (she wanted the same moderate version of WILD). Our guide was Prince.. Prince Charles as he liked to be called. (He was African don’t worry, but I’m guessing that wasn’t his real name).

So rafting is more of a hands on learning type of thing.. you know learn as you go. But don’t worry I had ABSOULUTELY NO experience rafting whatsoever. I probably was the only one in our group that had never even done a level 1, 2 or 3. But it is okay.. cause I had Prince to teach me the ropes. So we got in the raft (obviously I tap tapped the middle seat), and we started to learn. Paddle Forward. Paddle Backwards. Left Backwards. Right Forward. Etc. Then we learned: Hold On (where one had was on the rope on the side of the raft and the other hand was on the end of the paddle between our legs). Get Down (where we were sitting with our feet on the raft, our knees were up, and our both our hands are holding on to the rope and our paddles.

Next we had to sit on one side and so we could practice flipping the boat. He told us to try to swim away from the boat. He said that when we flip you will be pulled under for about 5 to 7 seconds. Prince told us to hold on to our paddles (which he said cost $100 .. but I’m not sure if that’s true) and don’t fight it. Just relax and let the safety vest pull you up… but all I could think about is..dang.. its going to pull me under for that long.. crap.. this is going to be a long day.

So we fell out and grabbed the side of the raft. Then he stood on top and flipped it back over while we all held on to the boat still and swam under. (I’m not sure if you can get the visual but he was on top pulling the raft the opposite way that we were swimming under the raft… get it? Yes? No? Maybe?). After we got back in (basically the boys had to pull themselves in and then help all of us back in the raft by grabbing our life jackets and pulling up because we weren’t strong enough to get up on our own.. I don’t have much upper arm strength now that I quit Lacrosse) he asked me my name, and then proceeded to ask me to get in the water…um… yah just me. So obviously I did whatever Prince wanted me to. Then he used me ask the example of how to properly get rescued by one of the many Kayakers that were with us.. legs up on front and everything.

Finally, after a brief “swim” as Prince liked to call anytime we were out of the boat down a level 1 rapid, it was time to start. We did a couple Level 3 rapids and it was fine. Maybe even fun. We passed beautiful forestry and animals including water chickens (aka Bald Eagles .. which I haven’t even seen in California.. which makes perfect sense that they are in Africa.. not), bats, cows, and many other birds. Nature on the Nile was beautiful. God is good.

Our first real rapid was a 4 I think. And we survived. It was a great moment. We listened to Prince, held on when told and went through the rapid a little or a lot wet, but the point is that we did not flip or fall out. After we did a Prince Charles Cheer and it was downstream for a little rest before the next rapid. I think our next rapid was a 5. Oh crap… that’s what was going through my head. Some how by the power of God.. and Prince’s direction (because I’m pretty sure he can place the raft certain ways to flip or not flip) we survived a level 5 with out falling out! It was such a rush.. and of course I was soaking wet and definitely drank some Nile water.. but I was alive and we didn’t fall out! SUCCESS! YES. Then Prince told us to put our paddles in the center and we did a high school sports cheer… (you know like when everyone puts their hands in the middle, shout something and then raise their hands.. we did that with paddles and screamed “Prince Charles!!!!!”)

 Then it was time for a break. We floated down the Nile.. did a little “forward paddle” and “relax” (that meant stop). Finally after plenty of time to catch our breaths and calm down from the class 5 rapid we just passed, it was time for a level 4. So we thought we had this in the bag.. You know we just did a class 5 and we survived.. He said it was called 50/50. There is a 50% chance we won’t die. Actually, that was a joke, it was a 50% chance we would or would not flip…. But I think our team “wood” (wood for wood paddles) thought we were golden.

WE WERE WRONG. We were oh so very wrong. Just cause you pass a level 5 rapid without falling means nothing for any other rapid. So there it was. I’m not even sure I remember what happened. My eyes were closed the entire time. All I know is that we were all in our “get down” position and before I know it I’m in the water. I was on the left side of the raft and I’m pretty sure the raft flipped towards my side. Then I was under the water. I held onto my paddle like he told me and I tried to stay as relaxed as I could and just let the water toss me around. But after 5 seconds of not breathing and not hitting the air yet, I started to panic just a little. You think maybe this is it.. God’s about to take me.. I’m going to drown.. But then you feel AIR! YES. Victory. I was ALIVE! I opened my eyes and coughed up water that went in my mouth and up my nose. Basically I was gagging. I saw the raft in front of me and I grabbed it. I saw Bayli next to me… and she was asking me if I was okay.. (she said I sounded like I was dying, my team looked out for me the entire trip.. I owe them one or two or maybe even three). We flipped the boat back over like we practiced. The boys got in and helped us girls back into the raft and wow. Our FIRST flip. We didn’t know then there were more to come later. Although I was scared and it wasn’t the best feeling to be caught under water or be choking on the water.. I was kinda pumped that I had just survived being tossed around the Nile. We were now officially.. BALLERS.

Whoa..  After a long resting time, it was back to the rapids. Next was our biggest one. Class 5.5 yes that’s right five and a half.. that’s  like barely legal.. like little old me (inexperienced rafter) probably should not have been doing a level 5.5, but TIA (THIS IS AFRICA).. you do what they tell you. So this 5.5 was like a drop.. then a rapid and then another one after it. From where we were, you couldn’t actually see the rapid. dot dot dot. Yah. Wasn’t too excited for this one after we flipped the last one.. but what can you do.. nothing. “I’m on a boat.”

The funny thing about the rapids (which I mentioned previously, is that you just never know each rapid is a new rapid. What happened during your last rapid means nothing). So guess what.. we actually survived the 5.5. Yup that’s right.. we might have been soaked and it might have been crazy but we stayed on the boat! Again..Ballers, plus a little “Prince Charles” on three. PLUS, we even had our first battle wound. Bayli was spitting out blood. That’s right. That’s how we do. (The paddle hit her lip against her tooth and cut her.) She looked BA (bad @$$).

Next it was down time. A lot of “forward paddle” and time for lunch on the Nile. As we floated along the river we got fresh cut pineapple and biscuits.. yum. So good. SO GOOD. (Thank you Tri Delt/ATO/Kappa Songfest for that). After lunch was over and re covered from the morning it was time for our first rapid after lunch.. it was a class five. Obviously. It was a drop one.. you know like a waterfall one. Yah.. this was what Prince called “American death trap,” gotta love Prince and that name. Our group was the first to go. He told us that we would have to paddle then get down, then paddle while we were down… so we could go down the correct waterfall drop. Yah..our team.. we weren’t so good at listening. When you are in the middle of a rapid, all you want to do is hang on, its very difficult to want to paddle. Unfortunately that was the worst decision we could have made.. and lead to our near death experience.

As we started to come down side ways, Prince told us to paddle then get down. When we got towards the rocks we were supposed to paddle forward (which technically was sideways so we could go down the right drop) But since none of us did, instead we were sideways heading forward right into some rocks. We hit the rocks and our boat stopped. We were basically hanging off a cliff like waterfall drop. The drop was rocky and looked terrified. We looked to Prince.. and you know things aren’t good when the guide has to stop and process and think of what to do next. So he hops off the raft, trying to pull the raft forward (in the direction the raft was pointing) so we wouldn’t tumble over the edge. We tried to use our paddles against the rock, but we didn’t move forward. Then the man on the safety boat had to climb up and help us. I was legitimately scared. I was on the left side of the raft, the side that was hanging off the edge. In my head, I kept thinking, if the raft goes over, should I jump or stay on? Either way I would probably end up not in the raft, but what do I do?!

Well, we finally got moving, Prince and the safety boat guy jumped into the raft and we went down the correct drop without flipping.. We made it safely, but there was no “Prince Charles” cheer on three.. we almost died. It wasn’t really appropriate. My heart was probably racing for like 20 minutes after it.

After this rapid we had about 30 minutes of down time. Prince tied our boat to the safety boat, and he just rowed that boat so we didn’t have to paddle at all. (Paul and Tyler tried paddling the safety boat, while us girls just laid down and relaxed. We needed the down time after that event. Although the SUN was giving us a beating. (I think I might actually be sunburned for the first time in my life). As the 30 minutes of relaxation was coming to an end, Prince pulls us to the side of the Nile, picks a huge green plant and puts it in our boat. We were very confused. Then he said, “I put in your helmet.” That’s right, it was CAMO style.. with plants in our helmets. It was hilarious. The other boats were jealous. Prince even put the plant with the root on the front of his helmet and then some longer plants in the back. Basically he looked like a peacock. It was great. At this point we saw another raft who were talking about the black mumba (snake) they saw.. Prince proceeded by making some joke about his black mumba.. if you know what I mean.. dot dot dot.

But that was the end of our rest period. Then next rapid, of course, we flipped.. that time I didn’t have as much air, so it was a little scary. Bay and I had to be rescued by the kayakers because we floated away from the raft in the process of being tossed out. Legs up and everything.. Finally after a few more little rapids, it was time for our last one. However on the way to our last one called “the bad place” we had to pass a level 6. Obviously we walked. We got out and walked around it. WOW. It was probably the scariest thing I’ve ever seen. I can’t even imagine someone surviving it. 

We got back in our raft, and the rapid looked scary. After that last flip (which might I add, was bad, but not bad enough to knock our plants out of our helmet.. yup ballers.) we were not wanting to flip during our last one. So Prince said we were going to take the side passage next to the bank. It didn’t look so bad. So I was happy. We survived the first rapid, but before I knew it, I was being tossed right back in the water. But this time I was caught under the boat with Paul. I saw Paul swim outside of the boat.. And I just looked at him (probably with a terrified face) with my arm out, and he pulled me out from under the boat. I was coughing like normal, but it was all good. I had survived the entire Nile rafting trip, and I was pumped! And we probably had the wildest boat of all of them, and just to think in the morning I was just going to go Mild.

We drove to the base for a BBQ. I tried the “Nile Special” the local beer.. which I didn’t favor too much (gave 4/5s of it to a boy to finish), and then it was back to the main base. We passed dozens and dozens of village children screaming and waving hello to us and I wanted to take all of them home! ALL OF THEM. I’m officially excited for my village bonding time! The people all seem so nice! Anyways back home. It was time for my nightly cold shower, our second dinner at the Gately, and some sleep. It was a long day of traveling and rafting the Nile (6 hours). I was wiped out and sun kissed.. or burnt. GOODNIGHT friends, thanks for staying with me during this whole long entry. Loyal to the end.. right?! 

 

 

DAY 9: May 26- Children in Jinja

Fast forward pass breakfast (cause it’s the same old same old.. however, we did have honey today! That was exciting). I did my reading for class tonight. Walked to Lunch. We wanted to eat at Indulge. However, when we finally reached it we saw that it was closed and realized it is closed on Tuesdays. Oops. Welcome to Africa. So we decided to just go into the first random place we saw.

It was called Explorers Inn. No one was there, but the staff members. People wanted to order the fish, but as we had learned earlier from the missionaries, most of the time they don’t actually have the things on the menu.. “The fish is finished.” That’s what they say. The spaghetti was finished as well and the chicken curry. So we all ended up having chicken and chips (fries) and watching “Ugly Betty” cause she turned the TV on for us (we def didn’t ask, but I guess that’s what they think Americans like). We weren’t sure what to expect, we were taking a risk by going into a random place instead of one of the restaurants people had recommended, but it was actually really good.

Next, it was back to The Source to wait for our service learning to start. As usual, we were on African time so our meeting time of 1:30 really didn’t start until 2:30.. surprise surprise. But the extra hour gave me Zack. Zack is the son of one of the women that worked at the Source. A Mzungu (or a white person/foreigner) who was holding little Zack just put him on my lap. Seriously such a cute kid.  He was about 3 or 4 years old and just the coolest kid ever. He had a lollypop in his mouth and didn’t cry or whine or try to get off of me. So obvi, I busted out my DG slap bracelets and some soccer stickers and the kid had a blast! After his face lit up from learning how to use the slap bracelet, he was going around the table slapping everyone.. and he was really good at it. I was impressed. Then he started putting the stickers all over his body and ours. He was so cute. He had the most precious laugh/giggle ever. AH! I wanted to take him home. When he finished his lollypop he hopped off of my we no words, walked to the kitchen to throw out his stick, and just came right back to me and tried to get back on my lap. My heart just sunk.. he was so cute… I love the kids here.....

Next, Amanda, Andrew, Michael and I went to the Christian Children’s Fund (CCF). It is pretty well known all over the world. We got to talk to the regional manager, Martin, about the organization as well as the issue of children poverty. He told us many interesting facts. CCF is not really a Christian organization; it is called that because the original group that started it were Christian. But they do not associate themselves with a particular religion, they are just trying to help children. They have different centers all over the regional for kids to come who are about 3 to 7 years old. They play games and learn skills. We asked if we could help volunteer and he said yes, so hopefully next week we will be able to go to one of the centers. He also told us that once a child qualifies to participate in the program, they will get funding/help until the age of 25. He said that his biggest joy in his job was seeing the children grow up and gain skills and actually be able to go out into the work force. We could tell that he was really passionate about helping the children. He was very well spoken. I learned a lot just listening to him.

After CCF, Tom picked us up in the Matatu. And we went to Beam of Hope to pick up another group of kids. The Beam of Hope is this organization where people with mental or physical conditions come together to get life skills training. However when we got there, we saw only 2 of the 4 students from our school there.. and they were playing with kids. We realized that the other two were in the room actually talking to the people. But children! They were so cute!

I busted the stickers back out and they all wanted them! There were about 15 of them total. I would take a picture of them and then they would fight to see the picture. The camera probably could have entertained them for hours. They even wanted individual pictures. They were just so freakin adorable. When I showed them the video I took of them, they just loved it. My friends even got them to say “Hello from Jinja” on a video. SO PRECIOUS. These kids (one of the girls grandfather attended the Beam of Hope and I am thinking that is why the kids were there) were all friends (basically family) taking care of each other. The oldest boy was carrying the little baby. The big sister was taking care of her little brother. One of the girls made sure everyone got their individual picture. Although they might have fought about who got to see the picture first, they watched out for each other.

I seriously had such a good time hanging out with the kids.. I even got them to throw up the pi phi sign and take a picture with me. HA. (hope I didn’t start a gang). But really. They were so great, so happy just to see something like a picture on a camera or to have silly stickers. It’s crazy to see how different these children are from U.S. children.. They just have so much life, even though life might not have given them many material things or opportunities. I really won’t forget their smiles, frowns, and playful banter.. man, its going to be hard to leave Africa..

After saying bye to all the kids, it was home, dinner, and class. Then time to sleep and get ready for one of the big days… WHITE WATER RAFTING in the NILE. Don’t worry.. that’s only like.. um.. level 5’s. 

DAY 8: May 25- TASO

First off, HAPPY 24 BIRTHDAY BLAKE! Miss and love you brother! Wish I could be home celebrating with you! OR I actually wish you could be here, because I love being in Africa. Hope you had a wonderful day!

Woke up at 7 am to finish my paper before breakfast and class (which got moved to the morning for just today.) Breakfast. Finished my paper. Class. We decided to have class outside. Class with Selby in the morning is hilarious. He’s shaking from the 4 cups of STRONG African coffee.. and it’s wonderful. Half way through class, DP (Dr. Perrin) was leaving. Kinda sad. I think we will all miss DP’s .. um.. energy?.. we said a prayer for him and we all said our goodbyes. It was sad for about 235 seconds, until Selby clapped his hands and said “back to class.”

So class in almost ¾ over and guess what happens?! The clouds start to darken.. the sky looks ominous.. and well it starts to sprinkle.. I decide to move over to a different seat, consider the wind direction wasn’t in my favor (I could feel the drops on my back). Before we know it, Selby is shouting because it’s pouring and I mean POURING down. It was great. I especially loved seeing our clothes drying in the “sun.” After class we hid our laptops in jackets and ran to the house.

I finished my blog for yesterday, while waiting for the Matatu to come to bring us into town so we don’t have to walk in the rain. A group of us decide to have lunch at The Source. I had a breakfast burrito with eggs, cheese, and sausage (like stuff, not exactly what you would think sausage is, but it was still good).. Man, I missed eggs so much!

Next it was off to our Serving Learning component of the day. TASO (The AIDS Support Organization). When we got there, the four of us were greeted outside the building by Sebastian. We walked in to see a packed room filled with at least 80 people. We followed him upstairs into his office where he talked about the organization and the problems/causes of HIV. He told us that at TASO they try to give the people packets with information about how to live their life with HIV and counseling (hence the Support part in its name).

He also explained how the spread of HIV really occurs in the African culture. In Africa polygamy is acceptable. Men can have many wives. But along with wives they can have what he called “side dishes” or girlfriends on top of having a few wives. The wives and children probably even know about these girlfriends. When they get bored with their wives or they are irritating them they will go see their girlfriends. Also, women might do that too. They might pretend to be going back to their parents’ house, and really arrange to meet with their first boyfriend/lover. Yes, this is all true. And yes, I do think it is crazy. But that is only because it is completely opposite of the way I have been raised.

So this is how HIV spreads. Also, even if people have HIV, they still could lie to someone else, just because the “urge” to have sexual relations is so strong here. Also, some people live in denial. If someone tells them they have HIV, they will just say “no, you don’t” and continue on with the sexual relations.

He said that HIV isn’t as big of a deal anymore, especially because people know about TASO and its 100% free services. So they know that if they contract HIV, they won’t be completely in the dark. To me that sounds so backwards.. it’s like TASO is trying to help, but is it making people less careful?! AIDS and HIV is just SO completely different here.

He also told us that they do 2 different types of services. One was at the facility we were at, the second was home (field) visits, where doctors and counselors go to people’s homes or villages. They also test for other diseases. If one person in the family has Malaria, then they will test the whole family. Because previously if one person had malaria, and someone else in the family got sick with Malaria they would just share their own medication with the family member instead of getting individual medicine for the other person.

After we talked for about an hour, we got to have a tour of the place. What a sobering experience. For such an established program, I just couldn’t believe how their standards were so much lower than the US standards. It’s hard to explain what I mean, but I just mean, honestly, it was just kinda trashy, less organized or orderly, and lacking space. When we walked downstairs, we found out that the majority of the people packed in the room were probably HIV positive… Wow. You always hear about AIDS in Africa, but here I was staring directly at it. It’s hard to believe it.

We even walked to the Pharmacy (which was what everyone was waiting for, everyone was waiting for drugs). And it was maybe the ¾ the size of my bedroom. It was tiny. With just boxes of drugs, and 4 people trying to get them ready while 100 people wait to hear their name called. Yet, the workers and “clients” (they do not call them patients cause that has a negative connotation like something is wrong with them) were still laughing with each other… unbelievable from my perspective. It was also unbelievable that Sebastian told us that if we wanted to come back we could help pack drugs in envelops for them.. in the U.S. I think you have to have a degree for that… dot dot dot.

Also, their filing system is crazy.. there’s like 3 storage places for the files. Which are like handwritten with numbers to identify the people. After each person comes in, their information is recorded in their file, and then workers input it into the computer system, and the files are re filed. But they don’t have enough space for all their files.

Gosh. I wish I could really express in words what it felt like to be there, but honestly I don’t think I can. But even though there are so many things that I would want to change about TASO, I am also blown away that it functions so well for what resources it has and how it can positively help so many people. People really rely on TASO, and these people (including the US donors that support the organization) are doing something really special there.

When our tour concluded, we left with just a whole new cultural experience. It’s probably going to be an image that will be hard for me to ever forget, but then again, it’s one I never want to forget.

Compared to this experience. I feel like the rest of my day wasn’t too important. But on the way home my roommate and I were discussing what we saw and how we felt. We realized how ignorant we were. When we went there initially we were nervous. We had never been around HIV patients. You could tell that part of us was fearful that these people hated that we were there, and fearful that we could some how catch HIV. Although, there probably is a slightly better chance of us contracting the virus in TASO, then say back at home, the reality is: talking to something with HIV or just being in a room with HIV positive people does not mean you will catch HIV.. however, it is a lot harder thing to really understand. Although, it makes sense in words, the gut feeling you have is a lot different. But we realized how terrible that is… and it is something we need to break away from.. our fear. It is people like us that make those infected with HIV feel outcasted and inhuman.. I think it’s time to break the bubble I’ve been living in, open my eyes to the realities of life here, and dive right in.. life here isn’t changing anytime soon, but I can.. we can.

DAY 7: May 24- Church

Sunday Morning: You know what that means… Church! Today I had to wake up a little earlier than normal since church started at 8:30 am. Our group split up attending 3 different churches. Spencer named it “Diversity Day,” thank you Michael Scott for the idea. The early group when to a Catholic Church, my group was going to an Anglican Church (Church of England), and the late group went to a Pentecostal Church. We had early breakfast and then Spencer and his wife Emily and their son Adam came to pick us up.

We walked to the St. Andrews Church (only a 5 minute walk from the Gately). When we arrived I noticed there were 3 services on Sundays posted on the welcoming sign for the church. When we got there we saw many people standing out side while the service was on. They all stared at us, because well we stand out and staring is a normal activity in the African culture. The building was white and a decent size. There were multiple open doors on both sides that acted as an air conditioning system. Our group snuck around the other side and found seats in the back just as a song was ending. We were late! They actually started on time? Was this still Africa? I was confused. But we sat down. 5 seconds later the service was over. WOW, did we feel like idiots or what?! So that explained the crowds of people standing outside and explained why we thought we were late. Even the man sitting next to me gave a little chuckle when we realized what we had done. But this is all about a learning experience.

So we stayed and waiting for the next service to start. Like any other church (well not ANY other church, but a lot of churches) we started with prayer and singing. I love worship. Especially when you don’t know the song (but it is in English), but you can pick it up by the time the second verse comes around. You better believe I was standing and clapping. (Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t a Pentecostal church so the dancing was kept to a minimum, but I loved the energy of the people in the room. They were just in their own little worlds praising God and I loved it.)

This was the run down: We greeted our neighbors, call and response, prayers, announcements, welcomes, prayers, skit, prayers, sermon, prayers, skit, and worship. Common theme: prayers! Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever prayed so much in a church. Someone would pray, then right after another person would pray, and then we would all pray out loud. They even asked the students who were on holiday to stand up so they could pray for them, then they prayed for all the adults. And I don’t mean it was a long prayer of multiple things.. I mean we said Amen at least 8 times during service. Also, I learned that when people to go church they say “Are you going to prayer?” Also the word “prayer” is the word for “request.” Interesting isn’t it?

Anyways back to church. The students did a skit where one pair had school fee problems and another had marriage problems. I’m thinking the point was that God can take care of everything HOWEVER I might be mistaken because I remember there was some type of joke within the whole skit thing.

Also, we were introduced to the whole church! Just like at CCC or a lot of other churches, visitors have to stand up and introduce themselves and say where they are from. It was slightly awkward, but also exciting. The sermon(?!) if that’s what its called came from Nehemiah talking about Ezra. I’m going to be honest and say that I’m not sure how much of it I retained between his accent, my tiredness, Adam’s crying, and the little boy dressed in a bowtie in front of us hissing. But I do remember him telling everyone the importance of reading the Bible and having one wherever you go. He also spoke directly to the parents and said that each child needs their own individual Bible. He really stressed this point.

There was offering like always. Some more praying. Teenage boys singing a song. More praying. And one final song. Also we thought it was over and started shaking a few people’s hand, when we looked over at everyone else and they were still sitting down…. Awkward (with a capital A). Overall, I thought it was a really cool experience to see people so different from me worshiping the same God miles and miles away from home. But even the structure was not that different from ours. It was really interesting, and I can’t wait to attend the other churches around Jinja (including Church of Christ and a village church!).

After church we headed back to the Gately. Even though it was around 10:30 am, it was Sunday after Church, so you know what that means: Food and a Siesta (nap). So we decided to eat up at the main Gately building. I hate the steak sandwich. It was good. And it was SO BEAUTIFUL up there (as always), with the cool breeze and the view of the water, it just takes your breath away. Then it was back home and a nap.. I love Sunday afternoon naps.

After my nap, I decided to play ROOK with DP (dr. Perrin, Tyler, and Fish). ROOK is kinda like Crazy Pitch but with actual cards. It’s all about taking tricks, making bids, and winning counters. Fun stuff. Then dinnertime. Fish and Paul are always a joke together. Then a little more ROOK then off to the Manry’s (Missionary family).

Their house is crazy! Well 1. It is beautiful with beautiful custom made furniture. 2. They have a gate (where a house watchman sits and unlocks it when needed) 3. They have 4 kids and they like to fight.. physically. First is Luke, then Connor, then Lydia Jane (adopted from Guatemala) and then little Tessa. They also are adopting a boy from Uganda that is on the way soon. When I walked into the house the boys were wrestling and throwing things. I’ve seen kids fight, but wow. But I started to play with them and their sister Lydia Jane, and I had so much fun. They are great kids. Even when we were playing “psychiatrist” (ha ha ha DP was in the middle.. if you know that game, and you know DP it makes it SO much funnier, he was getting so frustrated), Luke asked to play with me on my team. BOMB. I loved it.

After LJ (Lydia Jane) showed me a few or maybe a little or a lot more than a few pictures of her, we headed back to the Gately. Time to cool down, shower, and say hello to a few people. It was a good night/day, minus the fact that I went to bed at 1:30 am and had a paper due at 9 am that wasn’t finished when I went to bed. HA. Same old Brittany. I guess I haven’t changed that much, well at least not in that way.

 

DAY 6- May 23: Free Day!

It’s Saturday morning in Africa. Wow. That just sounds cool. So like normal, I woke up around 7 am. Got ready for the day and went those 5 steps to the breakfast room. Same breakfast except today, Selby brought the Myers Brigg Personality Inventory for us to look at. Basically, we were all screaming out our personality codes and reading about ourselves. “ENTJ!” “ISFP!” “Yah, you’re heartless because you’re a ENTJ!” Jokes like that were being thrown around ALL DAY. So that was a kind of fun.

After breakfast I really had nothing to do, since today was a completely free day! So I did a little blogging, skyping, and working on my reflection paper on first impressions due on Monday morning.

After the morning class got out, we all decided we would go to lunch. We took the Matatu (taxi van). We decided to split up between people who wanted Indian food and true Ugandan food. So OBVIOUSLY I chose Ugandan since.. I’m in Uganda! So Tom took the first group and then came back for us. The ride over to town was fun, just because Tom makes me laugh because he is constantly laughing at how silly/stupid I am. It’s great. Plus he does this thing where he drags out the word, like “oooooookkkkay.” He’s just great. He knows a lot, plus he just spent the year at college in Michigan, so he knows the American culture very well.. and accepts us for who we are. We decided he must be the most popular guy in his school! When I asked him, he just smiled and looked down! HA. He said… “yyyaaahhh, they call me Tom from Africa.” Love it.

So he took us to this local place where he just ordered a little of everything for us. The fish and chicken came in a soup like broth. Then there were like 10 different sides including: Matoke, yams, sweet potato, this root thing, Irish potatos, rice, and some other stuff I can’t remember right now… It was um.. interesting. Some of it was very starchy. But overall I’m glad I tried it all! The fish was great! And the rice and Irish potatoes were SO GOOD… but I guess that sums up who I am.. as in my favorite foods were the ones I have like everyday. But it’s all good. Its all about the experiences. He also taught us a card game they play in Uganda (it was basically crazy 8s except the 7 of the first suit laid out at the beginning of the game ends the game).

After lunch, he took us back to the Gately. We were going to go bungee jumping! Well I wasn’t going to go (I draw the line at sky diving.. and we all know I’ve done that.. “the Brittany Chin-Lee Show”), but I wanted to watch. HOWEVER. Some how Bayli and I got left! But it’s okay. We got over it. We decided to go into town.

On our way out, one of the ladies that works at the Gately, Grace, was going into town too, so we walked with her. So that was nice. She is so sweet. We decided to first stop by The Source and say hi to Kuwaiti! We saw a ton of American students (probably on a mission trip). Then we started walking around and ended up at Indulge this really cute café like place. I got a plate of hummus and pita with veggies. The hummus was brown and kinda tasted like peanut butter, but it was pretty good. It got better as I ate it. Also the women there all spoke pretty good English.. Bay was wearing our “if the halo fits” shirt and the women taking our order just stopped and read that out loud. Then we showed them the back of the shirt “wear it” and they totally got a kick out of it! They were laughing and smiling and telling the other women to look at it! I love it.

After we finished, we walked around some more… we gave some guys in a car directions to good places to eat?! What? Yah. Us. We’ve been here for 2 days. But it’s all good. We did our best to help! We walked around and looked in a few stores. I was looking at the leather bracelets with little beads on them to buy for my friends. They either have a pretty pattern or say “UGANDA” or “AFRICA.” BUT that’s when I stumbled upon ONLY ONE bracelet that said “OBAMA” with 2 American flags (one of the flags is the opposite direction of a normal flag).. so obvi I had to buy the bracelet. (We all know who I want to give it to, but we all know he won’t wear it.) But yah.. Obama is like a God here.

We headed home. And guess who we saw!? One of the boys from yesterday.. STILL wearing the lime green slap bracelet that was more like a shade of brown. We stopped him to say hi and check to make sure it still worked! And it did! It was so cool to see that he was still wearing it a day later! Thanks again Mer!

Finally, we got home, gave the group a hard time for leaving us, and learn to play the game “Crazy Pitch” with Dr. Perrin. That killed the time before dinner. Fish masala, rice, noodles and no teachers! Ha. Funny conversation when the adults leave. But I’ll just leave it at that. Then we had a little par-tay in our room. Well actually we didn’t mean to, but all of a sudden there were 10 people in our room, listening to music, talking about Brian’s love life, and just bonding. It was great. Then we finally migrated over to common room to play a little taboo! (It wasn’t my night tonight.. I didn’t do that well but it was fun. Then WARM shower! And blogging! Yes! Completing this means I’m caught up! YES. Peace out friends... Church tomorrow! This should be fun! 

 

DAY 5- May 22: Jinja

**Disclaimer: 1. I don't check my spelling or grammar.. well because I write a lot and I don't want to read through it again. So I am very sorry if I have mistakes! 2. Please feel free not to read all of this. Most of this is pointless. I just want to be thorough. 3. Thanks for being dedicated followers! 

So today I woke up at 7 am. Breakfast is always at 8 am and the café room is probably 5 steps from our door (or maybe like 2 steps if you are a little taller than me). We set our alarm for 8 am and just roll out of bed, but today I couldn’t fall back to sleep. At 7:30 am I got to talk to some friends on skype and updated my blog, which made me happy. For breakfast we had a similar food to what we had the previous day: toast, pineapple (YUM again), mango, granola, and jam (of course there is coffee, tea, and the orange/mango juice every morning). Then I got to do more skyping! Yay, friends and momma!

Next, it was time for textbook reading. Didn’t get too far because I started talking to Fish, Dr. Selby, and later the missionaries (Mark and Spencer). We were discussing the Island that we have the opportunity to go to in a few weeks (stay tuned for that post, I’m sure it will be amazing!). Mark said it is his favorite place.. on earth! Wow. Bold statement, right?

Since the religion class was finished we all decided to go to the main Gately and order some Thai food! We all heard it was really good, which seems slightly strange, because I don’t know if there are any Thai people in Uganda. Our food only took an hour to get to us…. But its okay because I had to opportunity to get to know some girls in our group better as well as just sit and enjoy God’s beauty- the view of the beautiful Lake Victoria, the lush greenery, and the pretty and colorful flowers. Basically it’s like sitting at a resort, except this is real… and not trying to imitate something else (it doesn’t need to). The food was pretty good. 14000 shillings ($7). Probably the most expensive place in all of Jinja.

After dinner we were late to meeting Bobby for our service learning portion at The Source. So we power walked into town. It takes about 10 minutes, but the heat slows you down a little. It was our first time walking to town.. and we kinda knew the way.. the point is, is that we DID make it, and we were the first ones from our group. And we did not get hit by any moving vehicle! Goal achieved.

Cultural difference #2: African timing. We got there..(late), but they told us they weren’t ready anyways so we had 30 minutes to kill. Which reminds me of the lunch we had, I feel like there is no such thing as time in Africa. Having dinner or lunch served at a certain time or meeting at a certain time doesn’t exist here. Everyone is more flexible and goes with the flow whenever things happen they happen, even if it takes a long long long time to them it doesn’t matter.

So after we waited for our 2 guides Roy and Abraham to come back from lunch, we split into our two groups. I’m in Roy’s group. He is a very well spoken and knowledgeable man. He told us about the Mvule project (he’s the one in charge of it). He explained to use that Ugandans don’t think ahead to the future. They live in the moment. They think about how they are going to survive today and maybe tomorrow, they don’t look to the future. But what Roy and his team wants to do is to get the Ugandans to look to the future. So this project deals with planting Mvule Trees, because although they take 150 to 200 years to fully mature, they will be very beneficial in the future. So what they do is tell people that every tree they plant (Roy and his team gives them the plant), they get a bar of soap. And if the tree is still living (so if the people take care of it) 3 months later from when they planted it, then the people get half a kilo of sugar. Now a bar of soap might not sound important to us especially since it costs about $6, but to these people, it is so much. It is an incredible reward. Roy spent a lot of time trying to explain to us how much of a prize the soap is to the people here. When the Ugandans see what they others are getting to plant the tree, they want to plant trees too.

The project is funded almost all by U.S. donors. In order for the people in the U.S. to see how they are making an impact in Africa. Roy and his team pin points the trees and takes a picture in order to upload it to google earth, so people can see a picture of a tree their money helped pay for. It sounds like a really awesome project, and I hope I can get involved somehow when I get back to the states, because what Roy and his team is doing is really positively impacting the people here, whether they realize it now or not.

He also told us the history on The Source Cafe, and how the missionaries renovated and changed it (like adding the church part) when they obtained the land. They have Bible study rooms, and even rooms and showers for people to use if needed. There is also a computer lab where they teach people to use the computer, as well as a craft store and library. Then the four of us who were staying at the Café got a tour of the place in more detail. We got to see the library. We learned that it will be one of two lending libraries in Uganda. Isn’t that crazy?! That means the other libraries don’t let the people choose the book from the shelves life we do. They have to ask the librarian, and he or she gets the book from the back. Then the person has to finished the book before he or she leaves. They obviously have a lot of trust issues, and probably think people will steal the books. Candace also told us about how Americans always think they can send any books they don’t want to places like Africa thinking that any book will be fine, at least it’s a book. However, books that are relevant to the people here will not do any good. So she finds herself having to go through all the books she gets and taking out lots of them.

Then we got to see the kitchen. We met Kuwaite (sp?)! He’s great! He makes all the good food. We helped wash dishes… for them it was really awkward that we wanted to help, because in African tradition they like to be the host. I was really surprised that such a small kitchen produces so many delicious foods. He even gave us aprons to wear! We had a good time.

When we finished, we walked home. We saw 4 boys hanging out in this grass field between stores. They looked dirty.. they were sitting in a pile of sticks or dirt or trash. We couldn’t really tell. They just kept looking at us. So we called them over. I brought out one of Meredith’s wonderful DG lime green slap bracelets. They loved them obviously! They just stuck out their arms, so we could slap it on them! Their smiles were my favorite. Such a small thing can make them so happy. Truly rewarding. Thanks Mer/DGs!

Once back to the Gately time for reading than dinner. (Chicken, rice, and vegetables! Yummy!) Then it was class.. after a long day, class from 7-9 pm is very very very long. Interesting Topic of the Class: It’s not an event itself that is hard, difficult, happy, bad, scary or sad, its just how we believe the event will turn out, happen, or be like. We bring our own perspectives to everything. Think about that!

Shower. Blog. Sleep. 

DAY 4- May 21: Jinja!

Dear Friends,

I woke up in the middle of the night to the sounds of thunder and rain. And I don’t mean baby rain I mean it was pouring cats and large dogs, however is some calming way it was almost nice. I also woke up in a puddle of my own sweat.. I guess the weather and the princess nets (which trapped the heat in) cause my temperature to be quite high.

After waking up a few times, Bayli and I finally got up at 8 am. Breakfast was served at 8 am. So we cruised into breakfast about 8:10 am to find ourselves being the very last 2 people to arrive. I mean, we are college students… were we really the last ones to get there?! We were only 10 minutes late (and not even late, because you didn’t have to get there at 8 am that’s just when it started) but its all good. For breakfast we had pineapple (which is the BOMB here), watermelon (which I didn’t try), toast, jam, baby bananas, a very strong mango/orange drink, tea, and coffee (which I heard was very good and also very strong.. like people were shaking all morning strong).

Next, I went outside to do some reading for class in the beautiful grounds of the Gately. Next we had our orientation. Professor Selby opened us up with a little bit from Psalms reminding us how great and majestic the Lord is especially with our opportunity to be in a place like Africa and the Gately. Then we played the Human Knot Game (the one that every kid has probably played at camp or maybe even in Panama with the orphans J but it is the game where you grab hands and then you have to untangle yourselves). Normally this game last 5-15 minutes depending on how many people you have and how tangled you are.. yah.. it took us 30 minutes, and I’m pretty sure there was a little bit of hand switching at the end there. But, it fulfilled its purpose of bringing us all closer together.

Then we played imaginary show and tell in order to get to know each other. So we had to pick 4 things that are essential to who we are or help to describe us. Mine were as follows:

1. The Bible (do I even have to explain this one? I’m going to say no)

2. My Ipod (because music can always calm me down, I love listening to worship music and going on runs at night-it’s one way I connect with God, music can also pump me up, and I love to dance!)

3. Insect Repellent (represents my new love for traveling. Switzerland and Europe was an amazing experience, but I picked Insect repellent, because I have found a new place in my heart for more third world countries. Ones that are less comfortable, ones that I need bug spray for)

4. Grandma’s cooking (because it represents family. We all know I am very close to my family and I love spending time with them. I love that we gather together and we eat delicious food. I love that its never JUST family, there are always friends. So grandma’s cooking reminds me of family, friends, laughter, and love that I so dearly crave)

  Finally, Mark Manry one of the missionaries told us a little bit about our schedules for our time here and some details about life in Uganda. After lunch we took our taxi (that supposedly they hired just for us to use) into town to have lunch at The Source. The Source is this awesome Internet café that the missionaries (from the U.S.) own and run. It is this awesome place that not only serves food, but behind it owns a large open space that is use for church as well as for other groups to use if needed. Basically, it is what we (as in the Hom family girls) have dreamed of wanting to do.. but in Uganda.

  Lunch was delicious, I had chicken and avocado wrapped in Chapatti (sp?) which is like a greasy tortilla served with “chips” aka large fries. It was SOOOOOO good.. (I mean it would be good for those of you that like avocados.. or guacamole!) 

Bobby (another member of “the team” as they like to call themselves) spoke to us about our service learning portion of our time here. My group had the choice between an AIDS counseling place and to work at The Source (however, in the end we are going to be able to try out all of the different options).  I would be working at The Source tomorrow.

Next was our walk to the market. This is what animals at the zoo must feel like (minus the cages). People stared at us with stern faces. Cultural difference #1 (well probably not #1, but it doesn’t matter): Ugandans and maybe I can generalize that to Africans.. but maybe not.. they like to stare and it is not rude or uncalled for in any way. Staring is completely accepted and is normal for them. I felt quite awkward. I tried my best to smile at everyone. Sometimes they broke out of their stern faces and pleasantly greeted me, other times my smile did nothing.

  Before we got to the market we exchanged some money. Don’t worry that $1 is equal to 2000 shillings (which is even better of an exchange rate than when last years students went!). Later I will put this into more of a perspective for you.

The market is basically Jinja’s version of a mall. It has everything and everyone is selling the same stuff. And when I say everything I mean clothes from Europe and America, shoes, bras, boxers, live animals, raw meat, fruit, vegetables, beans, sugar, hammers, irons, soap, and even fried crickets (which yes indeed I tried.. it kind of tasted like a fried egg that was over fried… dot dot dot.. yah. I mean I’m in Africa so I basically had to). Honestly, anything you want you could get at the market.

It’s a crowded place with many many many people. Sitting by their little areas. Just lines and lines of stuff all crowded together with a slight gutter dug out in the dirt ground for sewage. Basically, it was very intimidating even though I was walking with 2 other girls and one of the missionaries, Candace. Some people greeted us in English, some asked me if I was Chinese, and other just stared. After leaving the market and being slightly dazed and overwhelmed we walked about the town and Candace gave us our own personal tour basically.

Finally, after we were exhausted from walking around the town, learning about Jinja’s history (which includes learning about the Indian presence in Jinja), and passing the more authentic African stores on Main Street (not DLand’s Main Street, but Jinja’s), the three of us decided to go back home. So we found some Boda Boda drivers (the bicycles) and decided to have our first real adventure. Candace was there to see us off. She told them to take us to the Gately, but they said they didn’t know where to go?! Which is supposedly very strange because earlier the missionaries said that everyone knows where the Gately is. So we had to get directions from Candace and my friend Bayli had to tell her guy where to turn.

Also to paint you a little picture. Bodas have a little seat on top of the back tire, behind the driver’s seat. There is nowhere to hold on, and because I was wearing a skirt, I had to do a little side saddle.  Basically I tried to hold on to the bar under his seat with both my hands but quickly realized that was not at all stable. I was scared that I was just going to have to jump off because I felt so unbalanced. I finally moved one of my hands to hold the side of my seat so I was evenly holding on to something on both sides of me that helped slightly… but with every bump and ditch in the ground I was shaky and I know that my driver was laughing to his buddies about me, especially since he had to try to balance the both of us. (did I mention that my boda boda was the oldest of our group’s?!) In the end I made it safely to the Gately! And I paid 500 shillings… that’s right if you did the math that is 25 cents.. all I can say is BOMB.

Back at the Gately it was more reading for class, and then dinner. Fish masala (makes sense with the Indian influence here), salad, steamed rice, and vegetable penne. Very good. Then it was time for my first Intercultural Communication class, which I know will be a little tough because to have each class after a long day will be difficult. It will also be very interesting and I think I will learn a lot. Interesting Topic of the Class: There are practical, personal, and moral reasons to study intercultural communications, but there are also theological reasons. Just like God became flesh in the form of His son Jesus, we too should put ourselves in other cultures, so we can try to fully understand and relate to them. By studying and participating in intercultural communications, we have the opportunity to follow God’s lead. Think  about it… Trippy to think about isn’t it?!

Finally, I showered (in cold water and again battled the shower plastic shower curtain) and tried to get on the internet to post this blog, but it didn’t work. Thus, I am still a day behind. Maybe tomorrow I will have better luck.

 

Love, Brittany 

DAY 3- May 20: Kenya Air and Uganda!

Dear Friends,

            This flight went a lot faster than the one to London. Maybe I slept more, but whatever it was, I was thankful. When we landed in Kenya, it was unreal. I couldn’t believe it. We got off the flight, and you could smell it. It was Africa. We got out of the plane into a narrow airport gate hallway with shops filled with chocolate, perfume, and alcohol lining the entire place. The gates were tiny. After walking down to Gate 12, we found some seats to hold down fort. We passed many men and women in suits and colorful dresses. We passed other American students on mission trips. We passed many people in this crowded place, and all I wanted to do was people watch.

            The next thing I know is that my friend Fish and I were trying to find toothbrushes. We walked all the way down the narrow hall to find no toothbrushes. Finally, we decided to ask one of the storeowners who directed us to gate 9. We didn’t think he knew what he was talking about because we had already passed gate 9, but nevertheless we found toothbrushes at the store by gate 9! VICTORY. $3 each. Yes, they took American Dollars.

We walked back and I gave my friend Bayli, her birthday present toothbrush! Yes she was celebrating her 20^th birthday in Africa! We sat, ate some food, took another Malaria pill, and chatted. We decided to actually go into our gate and found out that we had to go through security again. They had security x-rays at each of the gates, which filter into a large waiting room (a room larger than the width of the hallway of the airport).

This was going to be a quick flight 55 minutes to Uganda! I stared out the window most of the trip. This was Africa. It was beautiful and green. There were 5 or 6 lakes and the sky was a beautiful blue. We as we got ready to descend, we couldn’t contain ourselves. Almost 3 days of traveling was about to end (well almost we still had a 3 hour ride to Jinja). Everyone’s face lit up. It didn’t matter that we were disgusting, we hadn’t showered in 3 days, many of us hadn’t brushed our teeth, and we were wearing the same clothes we had been sweating in. Nothing mattered. We were in Africa. We were in Uganda! And not only were we in Uganda, but it was beautiful. 

I couldn’t wait to get out of the plane! We were in Entebbe (close to Kampala). I literally couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Finally, Africa. The first thing I did was get out my camera to take a picture of the sign that said Uganda on the side of the airport. Next, we  got our visas and pick up our luggage. Everyone’s luggage made it! Praise God! Next we met one of the missionaries who actually attended Pepperdine, named Spencer (he was even sporting a Pepperdine hat). 

He told us there was a coach waiting for us. Now, when we say “coach” in America, we think those nice big buses with maybe even a bathroom. But when he said “coach,” he meant more like an old, enlarged-van-like vehicle/bus. But it was Africa. We sent the luggage through the side back window instead of each carrying it up the stairs. And then we were off. Cruising through Kampala on the way to lunch!

The ride to the Italian Restaurant (go figure) where we were going to have our first meal in Uganda was my first real glimpse of African life. The first thing I noticed was the people. They were everywhere. Women with HUGE loads on their heads some even walking without holding on. Men on Boda Boda (or the bicycles taxis that also carry ANY object possible) with giant loads of shoes, bags of beans, wood slabs, chairs, or anything else that you probably couldn’t imagine, they were/could carry on their little bikes. On the other hand, I saw the people sitting like they were doing nothing.  Then I noticed the stores. Stores lined the entire street. I even saw a store called UAP every 6 stores (it must be Uganda’s or Kampala’s version of an ABC store in Hawaii). But all I know is that the streets were crowed with people and stores… and cars, motorcycles (piki piki), and vans.

That’s the next biggest thing I noticed. One. Because of the British influence they drive on the opposite side of the road. Also there are no stop signs, crosswalks, or signal lights. Please don’t ask me how people learn to drive here but they do. They also love to get as close as about 3 inches to another vehicle, building, or side of the road. Also honking is a popular method of just saying hello.

People stared at us, some even called out to us. Boys walked side by side with arms wrapped around one another (a very cute sight). We also saw cows and other cow like animals tied to signs or just on the side of the road. The homes were quite run down.. pretty much like shacks with a line of clothes drying outside. We passed churches and even some Jehovah Witnesses buildings. I saw schools including “the Michelangelo School of Art” (it sounds impressive, but like all the buildings it was very small in comparison to US standards as well as quite run down looking). Finally, there were no tourists. But also there was nobody by Ugandans. I saw no other ethnicity.

We got to the Italian Restaurant ate some pizza and meet some of the missionary families that worked together. After lunch we made our 2-hour journey to Jinja or more specifically the Gately on the Nile, the guesthouse we were staying at. I can’t say much about the ride (I’m not going to lie), but I was pretty out of it and I fell asleep. But once we got to the Gately I was blown away. We were greeted by the Gately staff: Helen, Christine, Jackie, Easter and Sandra. They were so cute and made it a point to shake hands with all of the students.

But the Gately itself is incredible. They recently purchased the plot of land and house next to it in order to make a new part of it. So basically we have our own little house with a eating room and 2 to 3 people to each room.. with a bathroom in each room! We even have “princess status mosquito nets” (as I like to call them) hanging from the ceiling of each bed. My roomie Bayli even has a queen size bed. All I can say is.. this is SO Pepperdine. The nicest place in all of Jinja. We even have wireless internet (thus I can write this blog), but it is very slow and sometimes it just doesn’t work.

The outside ground of the Gately is my favorite part with beautiful plant life, stone paths, and 4 or 5 little areas with coverings with a few chairs and couches. Honestly, we couldn’t ask for more if we tried.

After visiting everyone’s room and giving ourselves a tour of the whole Gately property, we hade a few hours to SHOWER and rest before dinner at 6. After wrestling with the shower curtain and practically flooding our bathroom, I was clean! Finally. It was much needed.

Next, we had dinner served outside in our large thatched roof covering/ hut-like area. We had this mixed vegetable dish, salad, potatoes, and a quiche like item of food, buffet style. It was very taste. After dinner I had a chance to speak to Tom. Tom is an Ugandan who lives/works with one of the missionary families. He just finished a year abroad studying in Rochester, Michigan. He is a really cool guy that is trying to adjust back to the African culture after being away from so long. (He also gave a little shout out to the students who were here last year! Like Mer and Lauren!)

Then it was bed/internet time. Tried to start my blog. I started writing this post.. then the internet died (didn’t find out until the next day that the internet closes at 10:30 pm each night). That’s about all for my first real day in Africa.

Love, Britt

Ps. **Disclaimer, any African word I write has a good posibility of being spelled incorrectly! 

Pps. Sorry this post was so long. Feel free to skim over my posts and just read what interests you.

Ppps. If my blog isn't updated that means I am not currently getting internet to post it up! 

DAY 2- May 19: United Airlines + London.

Dear Friends, 

Finally, after a LONG flight, we arrived in London (too bad we didn't even realize that we weren't even half way done with our traveling). We had a 12 hour lay over in London so we decided to leave the airport. However, we weren't allowed to leave for 4 hours until our visiting professor arrived to London. So, like any typical college students, we started a game of Mafia. I was paired up to be Mafia during the first game and was also the first "townsperson" to get killed. It was a short game for me, but I wasn't too bummed. I was tired, plus my Mafia team member won the game. Lesson: Sometimes you have to sacrifice for the greater good. 

While we were playing, the London security guard told us the floor was dirty... he didn't tell us to get off the floor, but he was pretty clear that he didn't like us sitting on the ground since it was so "dirty" and they had "provided seats for a reason." To this day we aren't sure if that was his way of asking us to get up or if he was actually concerned about us. Also, while we were playing a random man sitting in the Costa Cafe (the British Starbucks) next to us was watching our every move. Yes, his head was completely turned in our direction and he was staring. Did I mention that he was sitting maybe 5 feet away from us at the most. He would even smirk sometimes. I loved it. I can see it now, "Pepperdine Students providing entertainment for people all over the world from Malibu to London."

Anyways, who would have thought that I would be in back in Europe just a year after I studied abroad. God is good. We took the Tube to the Pepperdine London house and got to visit the students participating in the London Internship Program including one of my very close friends Meredith Grant (who also happen to be one of the students who participated in the East Africa Program last year). It was such a blessing to see her and some of my other friends in this slightly chance reunion. She took us around London, we had Fish and Chips at the local bar "Bunches of Grapes," saw Big Ben, the London Eye, took a Double Decker, walked through a beautiful park and I think we even did more than that. It was such a wonderful break in our traveling to visit the beautiful city of London and fellowship with friends. Meredith gave me the last low down on my trip to Africa, told me she wished she could go back, and sent me off with a book to read while I was there. 

We took the Tube back to the airport. And it was off to Kenya on an 8 hour plane ride... on Kenya Air! (which is much nicer than United, we even got a warm towelette). As we were sitting waiting for the plane to depart, I heard a male's voice screaming from the back of the plane. It sounded like shrieks of pain. I looked back to see 4 policemen. Supposedly, he was shackled and taken out through the back of the plane. I guess he was being deported from the UK or something, but most definitely not a comforting first moments of our trip to Kenya. 

Day 2 probably ended some time during the flight, but at least I slept more during this flight. Plus I was one my way to Africa this time- EVEN BETTER. Thanks again for tuning in.. see Day 3 for my first glimpse of AFRICA!

Love, 

Britt

ps. Happy Birthday Dad! You don't look a day over 36! 

DAY 1- May 18: United Airlines.

Dear Friends, 

Monday morning, I woke up at 4:45 am. I wished my mom a very happy birthday, showered, and finished packing. Yes, that's right- same old Brittany packing at the very last second. After a nice 2 hour drive to LAX, my mom, dad and I arrived an hour early to the airport at 7:45 am instead of at the required time of 8:45 (typical dad, but I got to love him). After finding a few wandering Pepperdine students (thanks to dad's Pepp shirt), we checked in, I made some last minute goodbye phone calls and texts, my mom took a few group pictures (of course and even got a shout out later by one of my friends), we said bye to our loved ones, and we were left to start our adventure...

 However, Pepperdine likes to be prepared so we had FOUR hours to wait at the airport before we left for London. YES. FOUR. As we started to bond with one another, we grabbed some over priced food and sat for four hours. Finally, we boarded our United Airlines flight 934 and headed to Heathrow. I don't think I slept much maybe a few hours on and off, I watched Marley and me, Jen, Matt, and Marley made me cry, typical (even though it was a dog movie, and we know how I feel about dogs). I watched Taken, which was really good and felt blessed that my parents watched the movie after I had already returned from Switzerland and traveling around Europe. I took my Malaria pill and let the 11 hours pass (to hear other stories and entertaining experiences, please refer to my friend Fish's blog at kendallsafrica.blogspot.com ). 

I'm not really sure when day one actually ended (with the 8 hour time change to London).. I guess day one ended for me sometime on the plane. I wish I had some profound thing to say about day one, but I don't. Just a lot of sitting, waiting, and stomach hurting. Thanks for checking in with me on day one, hopefully day 2 is a lot more interesting, but it's probably not going to be. 

Love, 

Brittany