"Islands in the stream, that is what we are"

6/1-6/2

So Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton exist on a tape in a truck in rural Uganda.  I started laughing, and I'm still not sure if I explained it enough to the others for them to understand.

It has been a long several days, and I’m grateful that today is a holiday (Martyrs’ Day) because I have a day off.  I have a little bit of time to catch my breath before Lucy and I leave for the park this afternoon.  I will say that I woke up to find a lovely yellow lizard on my bathroom sink.  I didn’t quite know what to do with that so I just turned the light out and left.  I don’t know if lizards bite, and I don’t really want to remove it enough to find out.  Anyway. 

So, ‘Muzungu’.  It’s a lovely word meaning white girl.  I’ve visited several schools by now, and that’s what they all call me.  It’s not a bad thing, but everyone stares and waves and smiles, and says ‘how are you?’.  Then when I say ‘I’m well, how are you?’, the kids giggle and scatter like ants.  It’s a little like being a celebrity.  A lot of the kids in the rural areas only speak a little English, so it’s fun for them to practice on me. 

Other than my family and my friends (who I continue to dream about every night), what’s struck me as odd is how much I miss my patients back home.  I think of them constantly, mostly because so many of the children here are bald (which we all know is a major weakness of mine), and I miss trying to make them smile during the day.  Watching the nurses in the clinic has made me very grateful to work where I do, and to have the resources that I have. 

Last night, I was lucky enough to be introduced to a restaurant called Peers.  It’s a lovely little place with outdoor seating, a large border of greenery, and a rooftop bar.  When we arrived there was either a) a group of businessmen doing karaoke or b) a band rehearsing for their set tonight.  We heard both from different servers, and couldn’t tell from their talents which it was.  I had a couple of Guiness beers with Dr. Alex, and they tasted so much better after the week I have had.  It’s hard to believe I started my plane rides only a week ago.  I came home to find Lucy also needed a beer after her day, so we split a Heineken, too.  I know my parents don’t approve, but beer really does solve some problems sometimes. 

So these days, I’m thankful...
1.  for bananas.  I’m going to be sick of them soon, but they’re filling and everywhere!  I don’t have to think about breakfast much at all.
2.  for good books.  I finished The Help a night or two ago, and I highly recommend it.
3.  for the view of stars in Uganda.  Absolutely indescribable. 
4.  for new friends who are kind to the new foreigner and risk being seen in public with my awkwardness.  It was nice to talk about America for a little bit, and it felt a little like being with my friends at home, laughing over beers. 
5.  for kind doctors and nurses who let me ride in the truck to see schools.  I’m very limited by language, but I really wish I could jump in and start being a nurse again.  This truck has seatbelts, but they really don’t matter because on the dirt roads I’ve bounced and hit my head so many times that I think my IQ may have dropped a little bit. 
6.  for paved roads.

Has anyone ever written a grant proposal before?  I’m looking into that, and could use any help you’ve got.  I’ll tell all about the park we're going to this weekend as soon as I can.  Love you!