Uganda Bound July 2011

I've wanted to start a blog for years now of these trips to Uganda but haven't. I'm sure most would think it was for some "technology deficit" but those people would be deceived. I simply couldn't come up with a creative title. Over lunch the other day my friend Jodi says "Let's call it Uganda" and the rest is history.
I thought for my first blog entry I'd walk you all through my Top Ten most asked questions about Uganda throughout the years.

#1 How did you ever end up teaching in Uganda for 9 months in the first place?
These little hammers! I originally wanted to return to East Asia where I had done missions work a few summers previous. My church at the time in Madison WI looked at my application and thought my passions fit Uganda well. I was supposed to go for a summer but decided on teaching on Lingira Island in Lake Victoria at Joy Preschool for a school year.

What animals live on the islands?


Lots of bats, monkeys, chickens, goats, mice, insects (including my least favorite cockroaches), and a few dogs/cats.

What do Ugandans do for fun?
Two things come to mind right away: soccer and listen to the radio.

What language do they speak?

There are many languages spoken in Uganda but one of the most common is Luganda. Several people on the islands speak English too!

How do you do everyday tasks on the islands?

The pit latrine is my students' favorite thing to learn about here in the states, hence to "flat Cheetah" mascot in the pictures. The second picture is where we take a shower using collected rainwater or Lake Victoria water with a cap full of bleach. :)

Do you often revisit the same people?





It is getting more difficult as I return to the islands because the population can be transient. Starting from the top, this is Sarah Nanyondo. She is my age and is one of my best friends there. I keep in pretty good contact with her as she is one of the most amazing people I've met in my life. The next picture down is Medina and her children. She has gone through much in her life but has the best spirit. We barely can speak to each other but the one thing we both know how to say in each other's language is "I love you sooooo much". The next picture are some of my favorite women on the islands: Annet, Jennifer, Justine, and Annet. It is so difficult to get some Ugandans to smile for pictures so I was thrilled to get this one! The bottom picture is of two children/students I've known since the beginning of my time there: Enoch and Gift.

What do you eat?


A lot of things I had never heard of before and few that were familiar! Matoke, gnuts, mukene fish, posho, beans, rice, sweet bananas, papaya, cabbage, eggs, chapati, millet porridge, and occasionally meat (goat/chicken).

How do you get around?


On the mainland you can ride a "boda" scooter, public transport vans, or on the back of a bicycle. To get to the islands, you take a two hour boat ride and are carried to the boat...no docks. :)

What do you bring with you when you go?

Anyone who has been around me when planning for these trips knows this is the part that stresses me out the most! Two bags with 50 lb limits equals crazy packing. I've had so many things donated over the years but one of my favorites was a college roommate of mine who decided to do a bridesmaid's dress drive and send me with all of them so I could have a party for the women. Each dress fit perfectly and I had a blast trying to teach them the electric slide.

I appreciate all the support over the years so many of given to me as God molds my heart for some of the most precious people I have ever met. I could tell you story after story of what these people have taught me and how they have treated me like family. I look forward to updating you on trip number four either while there or when I return at the end of August!


*I've had several people still asking how they can financial give to this trip. If you want to donate, go to http://www.weinternational.org/ and you can give online. There will be a comment box at some point in the process for you to write who/what it is for. You can also just send me a message and I'll let them know it is coming. Timing of the donation does not matter (before/during/after this trip). Thanks!