October 2, 2012
I really want to get into the habit of being thankful everyday. I miss it. It's harder than it sounds, though, at least if I'm going to write it all out.
I'm Thankful...
1. For a job, even if it doesn't always thrill me to my bones. I'm constantly learning, and it's low key. I'm grateful for the change of pace, for now.
2. For silence. It's hard to come by.
3. For clean sheets and warm beds on cool nights. I don't want to speak too soon, but autumn may have arrived!
4. For my plants. I had a quiet moment with them tonight, and pathetic as it may sound, I'm pretty proud of them.
Goodnight, Loves.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
The World Spins Madly On
September 19, 2012
Indeed it does. September is almost over. The weather is cooler, the nights come sooner, and the world keeps spinning. I hope I don't get too dizzy. :) I've calmed down a lot in the past couple of days, and I'm just so excited to crawl into bed and be still for a minute.
I'm thankful
1. For riding with the windows down.
2. For cute babies in strollers.
3. For the therapy dogs at the hospital. How great is it to have a dog whose sole purpose is to let you pet him? Love them.
Goodnight!
Indeed it does. September is almost over. The weather is cooler, the nights come sooner, and the world keeps spinning. I hope I don't get too dizzy. :) I've calmed down a lot in the past couple of days, and I'm just so excited to crawl into bed and be still for a minute.
I'm thankful
1. For riding with the windows down.
2. For cute babies in strollers.
3. For the therapy dogs at the hospital. How great is it to have a dog whose sole purpose is to let you pet him? Love them.
Goodnight!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
"It's hard to dance with a devil on your back, so shake him off!"
Now is as good a time as any to break the silence, right? It's been a long and interesting summer, and like most of my past few summers, I've learned huge lessons about life and myself. Each summer teaches me that I am stronger than I know, and I like that. Each summer also teaches me my weaknesses, but I will learn from those, too. This year I lost a friend, I lost a boyfriend, I found strength in old friends, and I found laughter with new friends. I've changed careers, I changed my hair color, and I've changed to new routines. I celebrated the life of a friend that ended way too soon. I went to a fun city with old friends and celebrated thirty years of someone's life who is still rocking it. I celebrated 15 years of friendship with one of my all time best friends. I've danced and laughed and lived, and what else is summer for? Thank you, God, for the opportunity to reflect on myself, my life and all the many countless blessings that I have not earned, but that I hope and pray I cherish enough.
I'm starting to realize that when I think I've hit a place where things are calm and good, something inevitably comes along to deliver some harsh reality. I hit a down place last night, and then realized much quicker than usual, that I still have the same amazing people supporting me through all of the rough patches. I've witnessed and experienced enough to know that I'm strong enough to shake it off. It will all be okay, and I'll still come out dancing at some point.
I'm thankful...
1. For rediscovering old relationships. You really can't ever find new old friends.
2. For zumba. Dancing as an adult is so incredibly underrated.
3. For yoga. Stretching and reflecting is also incredibly underrated.
4. For long talks that solve all the world's problems. They make me happy.
5. For good cries. Catharsis is almost blissful.
6. Even more so for good laughs, especially the kind that make you check to see if you may have accidentally peed your pants (I usually haven't). It never gets old.
Sweet dreams!
I'm starting to realize that when I think I've hit a place where things are calm and good, something inevitably comes along to deliver some harsh reality. I hit a down place last night, and then realized much quicker than usual, that I still have the same amazing people supporting me through all of the rough patches. I've witnessed and experienced enough to know that I'm strong enough to shake it off. It will all be okay, and I'll still come out dancing at some point.
I'm thankful...
1. For rediscovering old relationships. You really can't ever find new old friends.
2. For zumba. Dancing as an adult is so incredibly underrated.
3. For yoga. Stretching and reflecting is also incredibly underrated.
4. For long talks that solve all the world's problems. They make me happy.
5. For good cries. Catharsis is almost blissful.
6. Even more so for good laughs, especially the kind that make you check to see if you may have accidentally peed your pants (I usually haven't). It never gets old.
Sweet dreams!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Taking the Long Way Around
So, I'll apologize here for my downer of a last post. I am more myself these days, but I feel like not much is different on this end. Work has continued to be an emotional roller coaster, but a little less intense than what it was. I did finish school, and I think I'm not the only person who is grateful for less stress in my life (sorry Ted and Kati, I know you've dealt with multitudes of madness from me). I've interviewed for a new job, and that may or may not be the next big step for me. Currently, I'm attempting to figure out what to do when I have nothing to do. It's an interesting change of pace for me. I'm also trying to figure out what my dream job would be and where, and all of that good stuff. It's an odd place that I've found myself in. I think most people go through the whole "what am I doing with my life" stuff right out of college. I never really did that. I knew where I wanted to work, and I knew what I wanted to do, and I did it. And lucky for me, it worked out well for the past 4 years. Before Uganda, I thought I wanted to do international work, and now I don't know that it's for me. I loved my experience (now that I'm looking back), and I'm glad I did it, but I'm not in a place where I'm ready to be so far from friends and family. Other than that, I'm a 27 year old with no direction in life, and I don't know what to do with that. I'm lucky to be in a place where I am in no hurry because I do have a job that pays the bills and lets me do things that I want. I am intimidated by the unknown, and by having to figure out where to go from here. This potential job would be a step in a different direction, an opportunity to learn some new stuff, and a career builder in the future. But I just don't know much else besides that. So while I figure all of that out, I will enjoy watching mindless television for a few more days, and soak up the beauty of having not much to do.
I'm Thankful:
1. For free time. I might need to cultivate some hobbies other than my plants because I have officially run out of space on my porch.
2. For the freedom to take my time deciding what I want.
3. For my plants. They're so pretty right now!
I'm Thankful:
1. For free time. I might need to cultivate some hobbies other than my plants because I have officially run out of space on my porch.
2. For the freedom to take my time deciding what I want.
3. For my plants. They're so pretty right now!
Monday, April 16, 2012
"I know that there is pain, but you hold on for one more day"
I've hit a bout of Writer's Block, and what better way to cure it than to write? The Aral Sea has gotten the last 9 hours of my attention, and I think the rest will wait.
I think that working where I do has made me different from the rest of the world. At least the developed world. I know the people of Uganda have had to endure as much, if not more than my patients, but in this world, I think I've seen things that will always separate me from others. Other than my coworkers and the families we care for, no one else knows what that place is like. Some days I want to bow down with gratitude for the joys that I know and see. Other days I get slapped in the face with the bitter sting of tragedy without silver linings. Sometimes, it's not even a slap. Sometimes it's just a constant burden heavier than stone that I have to smile through for 13 hours. I do not have the right, ever, to be unhappy or ungrateful because I have not had to endure most of what I have witnessed. I have never had pain with every breath I have taken. I have never had to watch a loved one slowly die. I have never had to make decisions between pain or a faster death for a loved one. I have never known the fear that these people have, but I know it exists, and just that knowledge makes me different.
This semester is the first time I remember being genuinely unhappy. I've definitely hurt after many tragedies. But I was always distractable then. I could still laugh after some time, and even genuinely smile with my whole body again. And I have been discontent before, most definitely. But these past few months have been tough, even though nothing extraordinarily tragic has affected me personally. Even so, the smiles are a little more fake than I want to admit, and the distractions don't seem to take. I think fear has set in, and has turned me into someone I don't like. I pity myself these days, and I never allowed that before. I fear failure, or even just mediocrity. I fear leaving a job that I know and that I'm good at for an unknown place. Even so, I fear what will happen when I get to the hospital, and I fear not knowing how to react. I fear that I will never be able to replace the family that is Aflac, and I fear them replacing me. I fear that the enormity of what I am feeling is only a fraction of what my families fear, and I fear knowing that it can get so much worse.
My fear has taken over recently, and I need to let go of it. It has turned me into someone I don't know or like, and I'm ready for that person to leave. I'm ready to have my warmth and optimism back. I'm ready to not feel burdened by caring for others. I'm ready to be happy to just exist, and allow that to be enough to strengthen me.
I like to pretend that I'm above participating in popular culture, but I'm definitely not. I went to see The Hunger Games with Ted and Kati (who both deserve mad props for dealing with me more than anyone else recently). It was about what I expected, and utterly depressing, but there was one quote from the movie that was not in the book. I was shocked to hear such truth from such a silly movie, and from a villain, no less. "Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear." That has been burned into my brain ever since I heard it, and I'm grateful for the reminder. I might have forgotten about hope. Hopelessness is ugly, and I want no part of it. If Aflac has taught me nothing else, it has taught me to have unceasing hope in even the grimmest of places.
Tonight, I'm just thankful for life. I am blessed beyond belief. I am able to breathe and laugh and smile and I need to remember that that is more than enough.
If you pray, please pray for my families. Too many of them are in the midst of seemingly hopeless situations.
I think that working where I do has made me different from the rest of the world. At least the developed world. I know the people of Uganda have had to endure as much, if not more than my patients, but in this world, I think I've seen things that will always separate me from others. Other than my coworkers and the families we care for, no one else knows what that place is like. Some days I want to bow down with gratitude for the joys that I know and see. Other days I get slapped in the face with the bitter sting of tragedy without silver linings. Sometimes, it's not even a slap. Sometimes it's just a constant burden heavier than stone that I have to smile through for 13 hours. I do not have the right, ever, to be unhappy or ungrateful because I have not had to endure most of what I have witnessed. I have never had pain with every breath I have taken. I have never had to watch a loved one slowly die. I have never had to make decisions between pain or a faster death for a loved one. I have never known the fear that these people have, but I know it exists, and just that knowledge makes me different.
This semester is the first time I remember being genuinely unhappy. I've definitely hurt after many tragedies. But I was always distractable then. I could still laugh after some time, and even genuinely smile with my whole body again. And I have been discontent before, most definitely. But these past few months have been tough, even though nothing extraordinarily tragic has affected me personally. Even so, the smiles are a little more fake than I want to admit, and the distractions don't seem to take. I think fear has set in, and has turned me into someone I don't like. I pity myself these days, and I never allowed that before. I fear failure, or even just mediocrity. I fear leaving a job that I know and that I'm good at for an unknown place. Even so, I fear what will happen when I get to the hospital, and I fear not knowing how to react. I fear that I will never be able to replace the family that is Aflac, and I fear them replacing me. I fear that the enormity of what I am feeling is only a fraction of what my families fear, and I fear knowing that it can get so much worse.
My fear has taken over recently, and I need to let go of it. It has turned me into someone I don't know or like, and I'm ready for that person to leave. I'm ready to have my warmth and optimism back. I'm ready to not feel burdened by caring for others. I'm ready to be happy to just exist, and allow that to be enough to strengthen me.
I like to pretend that I'm above participating in popular culture, but I'm definitely not. I went to see The Hunger Games with Ted and Kati (who both deserve mad props for dealing with me more than anyone else recently). It was about what I expected, and utterly depressing, but there was one quote from the movie that was not in the book. I was shocked to hear such truth from such a silly movie, and from a villain, no less. "Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear." That has been burned into my brain ever since I heard it, and I'm grateful for the reminder. I might have forgotten about hope. Hopelessness is ugly, and I want no part of it. If Aflac has taught me nothing else, it has taught me to have unceasing hope in even the grimmest of places.
Tonight, I'm just thankful for life. I am blessed beyond belief. I am able to breathe and laugh and smile and I need to remember that that is more than enough.
If you pray, please pray for my families. Too many of them are in the midst of seemingly hopeless situations.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
"Don't worry, Baby"
I'm Thankful...
1/18/12
1. for lunch dates with my mom. She loved the Flying Biscuit!
2. for pretty dresses that make me look skinny and are on sale.
3. for days off to take a deep breath.
1/19/12
1. for an easy float to another floor if it had to happen.
2. for meeting my last graduation deadline for awhile.
3. for tons of rain when I finally get to sleep at 8 am
1/20/12
1. for phone calls to Ted at the end of my night and the beginning of his day.
2. for soup in a bread bowl on a cold night.
3. for new episodes of Say Yes to the Dress on a cold night.
4. for my bed and the ability to sleep for lots of hours the next day.
1/21/12
1. for poignant moments on dirty bathroom floors.
2. for the Southern Comfort taco and margaritas with dear friends.
3. for light bulb vases and Ikea flowers.
1/22/12
1. for sweet puppies to make my mom smile. She might actually keep him, fingers crossed!
2. for seeing a smile on my boyfriend's face after a pretty decent tragedy. I hate having to see him hurt.
3. for Cheerwine and empty sports bars.
I missed a lot of days, and will skip the long commentary. I am thankful for a warm home, a healthy and happy family (my heart aches for those who don't have that), and all the many, many blessings that I definitely don't deserve.
1/18/12
1. for lunch dates with my mom. She loved the Flying Biscuit!
2. for pretty dresses that make me look skinny and are on sale.
3. for days off to take a deep breath.
1/19/12
1. for an easy float to another floor if it had to happen.
2. for meeting my last graduation deadline for awhile.
3. for tons of rain when I finally get to sleep at 8 am
1/20/12
1. for phone calls to Ted at the end of my night and the beginning of his day.
2. for soup in a bread bowl on a cold night.
3. for new episodes of Say Yes to the Dress on a cold night.
4. for my bed and the ability to sleep for lots of hours the next day.
1/21/12
1. for poignant moments on dirty bathroom floors.
2. for the Southern Comfort taco and margaritas with dear friends.
3. for light bulb vases and Ikea flowers.
1/22/12
1. for sweet puppies to make my mom smile. She might actually keep him, fingers crossed!
2. for seeing a smile on my boyfriend's face after a pretty decent tragedy. I hate having to see him hurt.
3. for Cheerwine and empty sports bars.
I missed a lot of days, and will skip the long commentary. I am thankful for a warm home, a healthy and happy family (my heart aches for those who don't have that), and all the many, many blessings that I definitely don't deserve.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Fool in the Rain
Yesterday was not my best day. It's kind of like God laughed when I said I had perspective, and sent me a few minor meltdowns to prove, once again, that I am a mere mortal. I got overwhelmed by my many tedious deadlines (ironic thing is I've met almost all of them between work and school), and was telling this to Amy on my way to Athens when I got flagged down by a cop. During a confusing situation of cars stalled on the interstate, I apparently made the wrong choice, and pissed off this cop royally. He yelled (and dropped the 'f' bomb), but thankfully, he let me go. However, I couldn't stop crying for almost the whole ride. I almost cried again when I stopped by a woman's office for a signature at an agreed upon time, and she was already in a scheduled meeting. All of that, plus the rain, and the sweat, and the wandering around campus stalking employees, and my already foul and stressed mood did not make for a winning combination. I came close to telling off a pretentious Honors student, and then got stuck in another accident on the way home. All of this griping is to say, that even when I can't get past the little things for one day, I am surrounded by great people. Not only did Amy listen to my petty complaints, she comforted me during my rain of tears, and sent me gorgeous flowers to cheer me up. She's a good sister. Ted took me to Willy's (my favorite, his less than favorite), and let me watch Muppet Treasure Island even though I'm sure it was mildly painful for him. The rain continued for the night, but when their power went out, he sat on the porch with me and held my hand and watched the rain with me.
1/17/12 I'm Thankful...
1. for small problems rather than big ones and people to care about me enough to listen to them.
2. that it wasn't me in those accidents. I think everyone was alright, though.
3. for rainy nights, and the relative calm that can come with them.
1/17/12 I'm Thankful...
1. for small problems rather than big ones and people to care about me enough to listen to them.
2. that it wasn't me in those accidents. I think everyone was alright, though.
3. for rainy nights, and the relative calm that can come with them.
Monday, January 16, 2012
"I'm bringing home my baby bum-ble bee"
1/16/12
Here's the amazing thing about doing a hard job-I see miracles on a daily basis. For example, when I was helping to re-access a 3 year old's port (in English, shove a needle into a rubber thing in this kid's chest to have access to a vein directly to his heart) his mom was singing this song, and he was laughing like crazy! Miracle. The miracles are hardly ever the ones that are so frequently prayed for. In fact, some days anyone being cured seems impossible, but sometimes a song to make a kid laugh is enough. I occasionally get to rub the hair of a kid who hasn't needed to be hospitalized in months or even years. Miracle. After months and months and months, I get to be the one to tell a kid they're discharged home for good. Miracle. Medicine syringes turn into water guns and get kids out of bed. Miracle. Anyway, as much as I kick and scream and cry over my job, I am grateful to witness tiny miracles.
I'm thankful...
1. for perspective. I know what tragedy is, I know what strength is, and I know that life is valuable.
2. for ice cream. It may increase my cholesterol, but it makes life better.
3. for the content sigh of chubby cheeked babies in my arms. I may not want one of my own, but they sure are fun to hold.
Here's the amazing thing about doing a hard job-I see miracles on a daily basis. For example, when I was helping to re-access a 3 year old's port (in English, shove a needle into a rubber thing in this kid's chest to have access to a vein directly to his heart) his mom was singing this song, and he was laughing like crazy! Miracle. The miracles are hardly ever the ones that are so frequently prayed for. In fact, some days anyone being cured seems impossible, but sometimes a song to make a kid laugh is enough. I occasionally get to rub the hair of a kid who hasn't needed to be hospitalized in months or even years. Miracle. After months and months and months, I get to be the one to tell a kid they're discharged home for good. Miracle. Medicine syringes turn into water guns and get kids out of bed. Miracle. Anyway, as much as I kick and scream and cry over my job, I am grateful to witness tiny miracles.
I'm thankful...
1. for perspective. I know what tragedy is, I know what strength is, and I know that life is valuable.
2. for ice cream. It may increase my cholesterol, but it makes life better.
3. for the content sigh of chubby cheeked babies in my arms. I may not want one of my own, but they sure are fun to hold.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Danger of a Single Story
I took a long hiatus from the world of Global Health, only to return in full force this semester. I've missed learning things about the rest of the world, and I'm excited because now I have a tiny bit of context when I hear others lecture and discuss the pressing issues of the developing world. I just finished watching a video of the author Chimamanda Adichie talking about "The Danger of a Single Story." She talked about the danger of a single perspective or story and the generalizations that can come from only one point of view. I was ashamed to realize as I listened that I was/am still guilty of that. Before I lived in Africa, I assumed it was an impoverished land, filled with illiterate and unhappy people, HIV, coups, food shortages, and deserts. While those things do exist, I'm grateful that I now know another story of Africa, one of pride, laughter, brilliant people, amazing scientific innovations, generous and friendly people, enthusiasm for life, beautiful scenery of lakes, palm trees, tea farms, mountains, and flowers, and amazing pineapples.
It makes me wonder what other perspectives I have that are only single stories. I've learned in the past few months that even conservatives are not all bad, I am often the intolerant one, and that I am not as brilliant and enlightened as I like to think I am. What else am I missing? What else can I do to change my perspectives, or at least add to them? What are my prejudices, and why do they exist? And even though I still have no desire to return to Uganda in the near future, what can I do to change others' perspectives to be more aware and tolerant?
I know that my thoughts are not all that unique, but I can at least share them. It's one more story to share, right? I may continue to blog a little here and there, because I like having a record of things, even if no one else reads it. And I've missed my lists, so avoiding ex-boyfriends be damned, I'm writing again.
On a different note, I'm thankful...
1. for changing perspectives. I hope I can always strive to be more tolerant and less ignorant.
2. for lovely weekends full of pinball, skee-ball, childhood movies, long kisses, and shrimp and grits.
3. for warm blankets on cold nights. I am blessed!
It makes me wonder what other perspectives I have that are only single stories. I've learned in the past few months that even conservatives are not all bad, I am often the intolerant one, and that I am not as brilliant and enlightened as I like to think I am. What else am I missing? What else can I do to change my perspectives, or at least add to them? What are my prejudices, and why do they exist? And even though I still have no desire to return to Uganda in the near future, what can I do to change others' perspectives to be more aware and tolerant?
I know that my thoughts are not all that unique, but I can at least share them. It's one more story to share, right? I may continue to blog a little here and there, because I like having a record of things, even if no one else reads it. And I've missed my lists, so avoiding ex-boyfriends be damned, I'm writing again.
On a different note, I'm thankful...
1. for changing perspectives. I hope I can always strive to be more tolerant and less ignorant.
2. for lovely weekends full of pinball, skee-ball, childhood movies, long kisses, and shrimp and grits.
3. for warm blankets on cold nights. I am blessed!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
"Well I'll never be a stranger and I'll never be alone, whenever we're together, that's my home"
7/30/11
After a summer full of highs and lows, I am finally home safe and sound after a week of near perfection at the beach with my family. I think along with ‘hope‘ and ‘peace‘ I’ll be adding ‘home‘ to my list of favorite words. I am grateful to recognize how blessed I am to have such a loving, welcoming, and fun home to return to. I’m not sure what I did to deserve it, but God has smiled on me in my life, and I am so thankful for it.
I left Uganda Sunday evening, but not without a few tears at the ticket counter where Kenya Airways was convinced that I had missed my flight. They eventually figured it out, and after 25 hours of traveling (with Simon and Garfunkel and Billy Joel in my head the whole time) my plane landed on time in Atlanta, and all of my luggage appeared, too. My mom welcomed me at the top of the escalator with a sign for ‘Muzungu’ and a giant hug and a few tears between the two of us. She drove me home while I called everyone I could to tell them I had made it and to finally hear voices from home. I had the greatest shower ever, the best meal ever, and a great night’s rest. Ted met us at the house with all of the food I had mentioned I wanted when I got back, including Willy’s cheese dip. He seems like a pretty good one. All in all, it was a great homecoming.
Tuesday morning Mom and I drove by my apartment to sign the silly paperwork, and I got to hug Jess and catch up for a few minutes. I have missed her! I can’t wait to catch up with all of my friends in the next two weeks. I think it’s going to be a fun rest of summer before school starts. We went back to the airport for Amy, and then made the drive to the beach. We listened to Mom’s favorite CDs that we’ve listened to while driving to the beach over the past decade or two. The Dixie Chicks, Jo Dee Messina, and Shania Twain were good company, and Taylor Swift and Glee’s version of “Singin in the Rain” made their way into Mom’s repertoire this year.
We were welcomed to the Hoffman/Grizzle house on Tarpon with a few deer in the yard, a ton of hugs, and lasagna in the oven. We have stayed in the same house for 23ish years now, and it feels as much like home as any other house, even if we are outgrowing it slightly. Uncle Chris and Aunt Carol, along with the help of everyone else, had made banners welcoming me home, one signed by all the family, one with the names and things I’d talked about in Uganda, and one with a list of things I was thankful to come home to. I definitely teared up, and loved that homecoming, too. A little rain on Wednesday meant I got to finally see Harry Potter with Mitch, Carter, and Ryan, but the sun stayed out after that and I got in good beach time with my sisters and cousins, and we got to walk on the beach every night. Fripp Island really is my happy place, and since I’ve known it longer than any other place, I might start referring to it as my hometown one of these days.
I’ve been reflecting on Uganda these past few days, and my attention span has not been long enough to really process all I learned and all that I think my experiences there will come to mean. Right now, the best I can do is look at the sign Uncle Chris and Aunt Carol made with names and places and know that those will always have a place in my heart. I’ve also sniffed every piece of clothing as it has come out of the dryer and been reminded of just how spoiled I am. We are all so blessed in so many ways that we take for granted daily, and I hope that if nothing else just that small piece of knowledge will stick with me.
I think this will be my last public list of things I’m thankful for. I’m pretty sure I’ll continue keeping up with the list on my own, but I’d like to keep this blog specific to my African experience. I’ll probably try to figure out a way to print it and keep it at some point to look back on. Thank you to every single one of you for reading, commenting, emailing, calling, encouraging, and praying while I was gone. Whether I talk to you every day or haven’t seen you since I was in elementary school, the words, letters, banners, cards, pictures, and thoughts meant more than you could ever know.
I’m thankful...
1. for Willy’s cheese dip. It really was all I hoped it would be.
2. for giant hugs at the airport after long and cranky flights. I’ll never be too old for giant hugs from my mom.
3. for giant hugs at the Fripp house. I won’t outgrow my dad’s hugs either, or the rest of the family’s hugs for that matter.
4. for funny cousins to chase down the beach. It was fun to play again.
5. for the time and effort put into some signs to welcome me home. They really did make me very happy.
6. for big sisters. Amy wore a dress in my honor, and Ashley showered me with Mary Kay cosmetics, Pringles, and Cheerwine.
7. for fabric softener. Hanging clothes dry will just never compare.
8. for my parents, again. They’ve spoiled me rotten for a week, and I’ve been soaking it up.
9. for hot showers with fantastic water pressure.
10. for shrimp and grits. Another one of the best meals ever.
11. for sea turtles. I didn’t get to see one this year, but they really are the coolest animals (they might even beat penguins), and I’m glad Fripp is working hard to save some more.
12. for the magic of drinkable water from a sink.
13. for a safe trip home for all of the Grizzles.
14. for my beautiful and newly cleaned car waiting for me in the garage.
15. for reliable flushing toilets.
16. to be able and look back and read all of my adventures, good and bad, and know that I have had a once in a lifetime experience. I’m pretty sure like most other things in life, this trip is going to mean more and more as time goes on and I realize more of the impact it had on my life. I’m grateful for all of it, but I like my American life, too, and I can’t wait to get back to that one for awhile.
Thanks again to all of you and your support. I love you all!
After a summer full of highs and lows, I am finally home safe and sound after a week of near perfection at the beach with my family. I think along with ‘hope‘ and ‘peace‘ I’ll be adding ‘home‘ to my list of favorite words. I am grateful to recognize how blessed I am to have such a loving, welcoming, and fun home to return to. I’m not sure what I did to deserve it, but God has smiled on me in my life, and I am so thankful for it.
I left Uganda Sunday evening, but not without a few tears at the ticket counter where Kenya Airways was convinced that I had missed my flight. They eventually figured it out, and after 25 hours of traveling (with Simon and Garfunkel and Billy Joel in my head the whole time) my plane landed on time in Atlanta, and all of my luggage appeared, too. My mom welcomed me at the top of the escalator with a sign for ‘Muzungu’ and a giant hug and a few tears between the two of us. She drove me home while I called everyone I could to tell them I had made it and to finally hear voices from home. I had the greatest shower ever, the best meal ever, and a great night’s rest. Ted met us at the house with all of the food I had mentioned I wanted when I got back, including Willy’s cheese dip. He seems like a pretty good one. All in all, it was a great homecoming.
Tuesday morning Mom and I drove by my apartment to sign the silly paperwork, and I got to hug Jess and catch up for a few minutes. I have missed her! I can’t wait to catch up with all of my friends in the next two weeks. I think it’s going to be a fun rest of summer before school starts. We went back to the airport for Amy, and then made the drive to the beach. We listened to Mom’s favorite CDs that we’ve listened to while driving to the beach over the past decade or two. The Dixie Chicks, Jo Dee Messina, and Shania Twain were good company, and Taylor Swift and Glee’s version of “Singin in the Rain” made their way into Mom’s repertoire this year.
We were welcomed to the Hoffman/Grizzle house on Tarpon with a few deer in the yard, a ton of hugs, and lasagna in the oven. We have stayed in the same house for 23ish years now, and it feels as much like home as any other house, even if we are outgrowing it slightly. Uncle Chris and Aunt Carol, along with the help of everyone else, had made banners welcoming me home, one signed by all the family, one with the names and things I’d talked about in Uganda, and one with a list of things I was thankful to come home to. I definitely teared up, and loved that homecoming, too. A little rain on Wednesday meant I got to finally see Harry Potter with Mitch, Carter, and Ryan, but the sun stayed out after that and I got in good beach time with my sisters and cousins, and we got to walk on the beach every night. Fripp Island really is my happy place, and since I’ve known it longer than any other place, I might start referring to it as my hometown one of these days.
I’ve been reflecting on Uganda these past few days, and my attention span has not been long enough to really process all I learned and all that I think my experiences there will come to mean. Right now, the best I can do is look at the sign Uncle Chris and Aunt Carol made with names and places and know that those will always have a place in my heart. I’ve also sniffed every piece of clothing as it has come out of the dryer and been reminded of just how spoiled I am. We are all so blessed in so many ways that we take for granted daily, and I hope that if nothing else just that small piece of knowledge will stick with me.
I think this will be my last public list of things I’m thankful for. I’m pretty sure I’ll continue keeping up with the list on my own, but I’d like to keep this blog specific to my African experience. I’ll probably try to figure out a way to print it and keep it at some point to look back on. Thank you to every single one of you for reading, commenting, emailing, calling, encouraging, and praying while I was gone. Whether I talk to you every day or haven’t seen you since I was in elementary school, the words, letters, banners, cards, pictures, and thoughts meant more than you could ever know.
I’m thankful...
1. for Willy’s cheese dip. It really was all I hoped it would be.
2. for giant hugs at the airport after long and cranky flights. I’ll never be too old for giant hugs from my mom.
3. for giant hugs at the Fripp house. I won’t outgrow my dad’s hugs either, or the rest of the family’s hugs for that matter.
4. for funny cousins to chase down the beach. It was fun to play again.
5. for the time and effort put into some signs to welcome me home. They really did make me very happy.
6. for big sisters. Amy wore a dress in my honor, and Ashley showered me with Mary Kay cosmetics, Pringles, and Cheerwine.
7. for fabric softener. Hanging clothes dry will just never compare.
8. for my parents, again. They’ve spoiled me rotten for a week, and I’ve been soaking it up.
9. for hot showers with fantastic water pressure.
10. for shrimp and grits. Another one of the best meals ever.
11. for sea turtles. I didn’t get to see one this year, but they really are the coolest animals (they might even beat penguins), and I’m glad Fripp is working hard to save some more.
12. for the magic of drinkable water from a sink.
13. for a safe trip home for all of the Grizzles.
14. for my beautiful and newly cleaned car waiting for me in the garage.
15. for reliable flushing toilets.
16. to be able and look back and read all of my adventures, good and bad, and know that I have had a once in a lifetime experience. I’m pretty sure like most other things in life, this trip is going to mean more and more as time goes on and I realize more of the impact it had on my life. I’m grateful for all of it, but I like my American life, too, and I can’t wait to get back to that one for awhile.
Thanks again to all of you and your support. I love you all!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
So Long Sweet Summer
7/22/11
Verity just left, and it’s now just me with my books and my DVDs until tomorrow evening. I’m going to miss her terribly, especially since she and I have managed to keep each other laughing through most of this experience. I know I’ll be fine. There’s Internet, a pool, and some good food in the meantime. I’m just going to miss my friends.
Friday morning we packed and watched Sex and the City until our driver showed up right around 11. The pangs of sadness finally hit as we were driving out of Mbarara. The faces of the villagers, the clinic staff, and everyone else in between flashed through my head the whole way to the hotel in Entebbe. I wish I could describe a drive through Uganda to you. It’s just something you kind of have to be there for. The radio station is half music from the early 90s and half commercials where everyone shouts, no matter the subject. Think used car commercials except for cell phones and family planning with happy Ugandan accents. Also, there’s the occasional goat or cow that doesn’t feel the need to move off the road, and the drivers think it’s a good idea to prod them with the car to make them move. Side note: I’m tempted to look into a project on traffic safety in developing countries. Driving here is amusing and terrifying all at once. Don’t worry Mom, the only driving I have left to do is the 5 minute drive to the airport. I promise I can see it from the lobby (but surprisingly I can hear nothing which is awesome). Anyway, in the background are some of the most gorgeous mountains and flowers I’ve seen. Every 20 minutes or so there’s a dirt covered village where every store front is painted in brightly colored paint as advertisements for cell phone companies and detergent brands. In the towns where the buses stop for a minute, kids with matoke and roasted pumpkin seeds RUN to sell snacks to the travelers from the windows. Uganda is definitely an interesting place.
We finally arrived at the hotel around 4, and when we got to our room, Verity and I acted like 12 year old girls. Not only is it clean, but there’s a tv, an awesome massive bed, chocolates on our pillows, and-this is where I literally jumped up and down-an overhead shower with hot water! We ate a super late lunch, hopped in the pool, and each showered forever. We watched a little Sex and the City, had a snack for dinner, and called it a night. This hotel is the most expensive thing I’ve paid for on this trip (it’d be expensive for me in the U.S., too), but I decided the Internet, pool, and comfort were a good investment in my sanity. The reason I’m waiting around until Sunday is because most of the flights run at night here (no clue why), and to leave on Friday or Saturday would mean leaving the airport close to midnight, and I didn’t feel good about that, or having to switch flights in Nairobi that late. So until Sunday afternoon I’ll kill some time, and hopefully stay sane.
I’m thankful...
1. for my safety so far on this trip. I’ve been very lucky, and I hope that will continue to be the case over the next couple of days.
2. to be out of Mbarara. It was a good home for me while I was there, but my last few days were getting to me, especially the douchey teenaged boys that would grab my arm (I finally went postal on one, and didn’t feel bad about it), and the bodas (motorbikes) that drive too close to the sidewalk. One nicked my arm with its mirror, and again, I went postal, but he was too far away to notice. Verity and Tom were amused at my ranting, though.
3. for a reliable toilet and shower. I’m not sure it has ever meant this much to me in my life.
To my family already at Fripp: I currently hate you, but cannot wait to be there with you in no time. Save me a chair and a beer at low tide.
To the rest of you: I’ll be home Monday afternoon (if all flights are on time), and will try to call as soon as I can. It may be a week or so, since I’ll be trying to book it to Fripp, and there’s not much cell service there, either. Can’t wait to see and talk to everybody I can! Love you all!
Verity just left, and it’s now just me with my books and my DVDs until tomorrow evening. I’m going to miss her terribly, especially since she and I have managed to keep each other laughing through most of this experience. I know I’ll be fine. There’s Internet, a pool, and some good food in the meantime. I’m just going to miss my friends.
Friday morning we packed and watched Sex and the City until our driver showed up right around 11. The pangs of sadness finally hit as we were driving out of Mbarara. The faces of the villagers, the clinic staff, and everyone else in between flashed through my head the whole way to the hotel in Entebbe. I wish I could describe a drive through Uganda to you. It’s just something you kind of have to be there for. The radio station is half music from the early 90s and half commercials where everyone shouts, no matter the subject. Think used car commercials except for cell phones and family planning with happy Ugandan accents. Also, there’s the occasional goat or cow that doesn’t feel the need to move off the road, and the drivers think it’s a good idea to prod them with the car to make them move. Side note: I’m tempted to look into a project on traffic safety in developing countries. Driving here is amusing and terrifying all at once. Don’t worry Mom, the only driving I have left to do is the 5 minute drive to the airport. I promise I can see it from the lobby (but surprisingly I can hear nothing which is awesome). Anyway, in the background are some of the most gorgeous mountains and flowers I’ve seen. Every 20 minutes or so there’s a dirt covered village where every store front is painted in brightly colored paint as advertisements for cell phone companies and detergent brands. In the towns where the buses stop for a minute, kids with matoke and roasted pumpkin seeds RUN to sell snacks to the travelers from the windows. Uganda is definitely an interesting place.
We finally arrived at the hotel around 4, and when we got to our room, Verity and I acted like 12 year old girls. Not only is it clean, but there’s a tv, an awesome massive bed, chocolates on our pillows, and-this is where I literally jumped up and down-an overhead shower with hot water! We ate a super late lunch, hopped in the pool, and each showered forever. We watched a little Sex and the City, had a snack for dinner, and called it a night. This hotel is the most expensive thing I’ve paid for on this trip (it’d be expensive for me in the U.S., too), but I decided the Internet, pool, and comfort were a good investment in my sanity. The reason I’m waiting around until Sunday is because most of the flights run at night here (no clue why), and to leave on Friday or Saturday would mean leaving the airport close to midnight, and I didn’t feel good about that, or having to switch flights in Nairobi that late. So until Sunday afternoon I’ll kill some time, and hopefully stay sane.
I’m thankful...
1. for my safety so far on this trip. I’ve been very lucky, and I hope that will continue to be the case over the next couple of days.
2. to be out of Mbarara. It was a good home for me while I was there, but my last few days were getting to me, especially the douchey teenaged boys that would grab my arm (I finally went postal on one, and didn’t feel bad about it), and the bodas (motorbikes) that drive too close to the sidewalk. One nicked my arm with its mirror, and again, I went postal, but he was too far away to notice. Verity and Tom were amused at my ranting, though.
3. for a reliable toilet and shower. I’m not sure it has ever meant this much to me in my life.
To my family already at Fripp: I currently hate you, but cannot wait to be there with you in no time. Save me a chair and a beer at low tide.
To the rest of you: I’ll be home Monday afternoon (if all flights are on time), and will try to call as soon as I can. It may be a week or so, since I’ll be trying to book it to Fripp, and there’s not much cell service there, either. Can’t wait to see and talk to everybody I can! Love you all!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
"Mama Mia, here I go again..."
7/21/11
My last day in Mbarara! You’d think there would be a little sadness in that statement, but there really isn’t. I’ve said my goodbyes, and I’m ready to be at the hotel in Entebbe with hot water and power (both of which are gone again this morning in Mbarara) and one step closer to home. The nice British professors (Tony and Matthew) took us out to Lord’s Bar last night for another lovely night of food and drinks. Those British geniuses can definitely hold their liquor. In the morning, Verity and I had a packing party with our Ipods and our suitcases, and then we killed the afternoon by watching Mama Mia, which has now been in my head for the past 20 hours. This morning, I’m packed and ready and praying that each bag weighs no more than 50 pounds. I think I can swing it this time, fingers crossed.
I’m thankful...
1. for the roommates who have kept my sanity this whole time.
2. for a final night with the clearest skies I’ll ever know.
3. for cheesy musicals to distract me when I’m antsy.
Much love!
My last day in Mbarara! You’d think there would be a little sadness in that statement, but there really isn’t. I’ve said my goodbyes, and I’m ready to be at the hotel in Entebbe with hot water and power (both of which are gone again this morning in Mbarara) and one step closer to home. The nice British professors (Tony and Matthew) took us out to Lord’s Bar last night for another lovely night of food and drinks. Those British geniuses can definitely hold their liquor. In the morning, Verity and I had a packing party with our Ipods and our suitcases, and then we killed the afternoon by watching Mama Mia, which has now been in my head for the past 20 hours. This morning, I’m packed and ready and praying that each bag weighs no more than 50 pounds. I think I can swing it this time, fingers crossed.
I’m thankful...
1. for the roommates who have kept my sanity this whole time.
2. for a final night with the clearest skies I’ll ever know.
3. for cheesy musicals to distract me when I’m antsy.
Much love!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
I'm a Redneck Woman
7/20/11
Another day went by without any word from or trace of the doctor who so badly wanted to do a TB study. I even went to his office yesterday, but he was not to be found. I’m glad I came and all of that, but I feel like I’ve been seriously let down in the department of things I could do while I was here, and supervision. I definitely got left behind in the dust of all of Stephen’s other projects (the TB doctor is not his fault, it’s just icing on the cake). And since one of my biggest fears coming out here was being useless, that was not terribly conducive to a good experience for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen a lot of things, and met a lot of great people, and I guess that’s the main part of it, but it I feel like my learning experience as far as school is concerned might be a little bit lacking. Also, I’m a little bitter that I stayed an extra week (even though it was ultimately my decision) to specifically work on a study, and have ended up just killing time and money finding things to do. I apologize for being bitter, but I needed to rant for a second. The boredom is very much getting to me.
So yesterday, I did try to track down the doctor, did a little bit of laundry, went to town, and went to aerobics again last night. I had to make myself not pack because I knew as soon as I started, I wouldn’t stop, and then I’d be even more irritable and ready to leave. This has been a cranky post, and again, I’m sorry. I’m just ready to be home. I’ve had my fill, and it doesn’t help that along with my family, real food, my friends, and the beach waiting for me, there’s also a good guy that I very much would like to see.
Also, one more bitter rant, I got an email from my Atlanta roommate last night informing me that despite SEVERAL times checking with our apartment complex, and them assuring us that no more action was needed for our new lease until August, they’ve changed their minds, and I need to sign paperwork by July 26 or pay $1000. I know this one is not my fault because I was meticulous in making sure it was all dealt with before I left, and that nothing was needed until long after I was home. They assured me then that the paperwork was complete until August 5. One big massive grrr. I’m already planning my angry speech for Janice in the office there.
Despite all of the little things driving me crazy right now, I need to remember that they are indeed little things, and that life is a lot harder for most of the people very near me right now, and even for some at home. It’s just hard to keep perspective this week.
I’m thankful...
1. for the Ugandan cowboy in the market yesterday. Yes he was singing "Redneck Woman". He was also wearing women's jeans and women's boots. It was absolutely classic, and I did get a picture.
2. for the girl in the gas station telling me I’m the most beautiful muzungu she’s ever seen. Yes, I’m sharing that. Mostly because she has remembered my name the two times I have walked in there, and I have forgotten hers both times, so I’ve avoided that gas station for several weeks because I could NOT for the life of me remember her name (Sonya-now I know), and I felt horrible. Verity needed to go in last night, though, and I was once again embarrassed at my inability to remember names, and even more so after she said that. I was tempted to tell her to never leave Uganda so as not to shatter her illusions :)
3. for small problems rather than big ones. My family is healthy (Dad sounded very much like himself yesterday!), I do have a way home (even though it’s slow), the apartment problem is fixable, there is some water in the house, and today will be another good day.
I pack today, travel tomorrow, wait for my plane on Sunday, and land on Monday.
Another day went by without any word from or trace of the doctor who so badly wanted to do a TB study. I even went to his office yesterday, but he was not to be found. I’m glad I came and all of that, but I feel like I’ve been seriously let down in the department of things I could do while I was here, and supervision. I definitely got left behind in the dust of all of Stephen’s other projects (the TB doctor is not his fault, it’s just icing on the cake). And since one of my biggest fears coming out here was being useless, that was not terribly conducive to a good experience for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen a lot of things, and met a lot of great people, and I guess that’s the main part of it, but it I feel like my learning experience as far as school is concerned might be a little bit lacking. Also, I’m a little bitter that I stayed an extra week (even though it was ultimately my decision) to specifically work on a study, and have ended up just killing time and money finding things to do. I apologize for being bitter, but I needed to rant for a second. The boredom is very much getting to me.
So yesterday, I did try to track down the doctor, did a little bit of laundry, went to town, and went to aerobics again last night. I had to make myself not pack because I knew as soon as I started, I wouldn’t stop, and then I’d be even more irritable and ready to leave. This has been a cranky post, and again, I’m sorry. I’m just ready to be home. I’ve had my fill, and it doesn’t help that along with my family, real food, my friends, and the beach waiting for me, there’s also a good guy that I very much would like to see.
Also, one more bitter rant, I got an email from my Atlanta roommate last night informing me that despite SEVERAL times checking with our apartment complex, and them assuring us that no more action was needed for our new lease until August, they’ve changed their minds, and I need to sign paperwork by July 26 or pay $1000. I know this one is not my fault because I was meticulous in making sure it was all dealt with before I left, and that nothing was needed until long after I was home. They assured me then that the paperwork was complete until August 5. One big massive grrr. I’m already planning my angry speech for Janice in the office there.
Despite all of the little things driving me crazy right now, I need to remember that they are indeed little things, and that life is a lot harder for most of the people very near me right now, and even for some at home. It’s just hard to keep perspective this week.
I’m thankful...
1. for the Ugandan cowboy in the market yesterday. Yes he was singing "Redneck Woman". He was also wearing women's jeans and women's boots. It was absolutely classic, and I did get a picture.
2. for the girl in the gas station telling me I’m the most beautiful muzungu she’s ever seen. Yes, I’m sharing that. Mostly because she has remembered my name the two times I have walked in there, and I have forgotten hers both times, so I’ve avoided that gas station for several weeks because I could NOT for the life of me remember her name (Sonya-now I know), and I felt horrible. Verity needed to go in last night, though, and I was once again embarrassed at my inability to remember names, and even more so after she said that. I was tempted to tell her to never leave Uganda so as not to shatter her illusions :)
3. for small problems rather than big ones. My family is healthy (Dad sounded very much like himself yesterday!), I do have a way home (even though it’s slow), the apartment problem is fixable, there is some water in the house, and today will be another good day.
I pack today, travel tomorrow, wait for my plane on Sunday, and land on Monday.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Can't Read My, Can't Read My Poker Face
7/18-7/19
So the past 2 days weren’t quite what I expected. I have not been at the hospital because surprise, surprise, no one will get in touch with me. So instead, I’ve been to town about 12 times in the past two days. We’ve also been without power and water up until this evening, so I’ve been incredibly pleasant to be around. A major turnaround tonight, though. Our power came back, so we were able to cook, and we watched ‘Role Models’ as our family movie. Yay for turnarounds! Tomorrow I’m going to the hospital to give away some clothes, and maybe track down the doctor I’m supposed to be working with.
Two awesome things from the past two days:
1. Uganda Aerobics. You go to the dance club, which during the week is a sauna/aerobics place. There are big burly men bouncing around yelling out random aerobics moves that are terrible for your back and feet, and the club DJ does the music. You also have to go into the sauna to pay, which is covered in gross men in towels sweating it out. It’s definitely an odd experience, but one of my favorites since I’ve been here.
2. The snack guy at the pool has a crush on me, and therefore, I get free Cokes. I have no shame, I like free stuff.
I’m thankful...
1. for flushing toilets, even if you have to haul a bucket of water from the house next door to pour into the toilet to make it flush.
2. for awesome pedicures. My feet feel clean for the first time since I’ve been here.
3. needless to say, for Uganda aerobics. We’re going again tomorrow night.
4. for awesome music to do aerobics to. I love Lady Gaga in Uganda.
5. for power. Please appreciate the consistency you have at home.
6. for pools. They are definitely good fun.
I’m so close I can taste it! Goodnight All!
So the past 2 days weren’t quite what I expected. I have not been at the hospital because surprise, surprise, no one will get in touch with me. So instead, I’ve been to town about 12 times in the past two days. We’ve also been without power and water up until this evening, so I’ve been incredibly pleasant to be around. A major turnaround tonight, though. Our power came back, so we were able to cook, and we watched ‘Role Models’ as our family movie. Yay for turnarounds! Tomorrow I’m going to the hospital to give away some clothes, and maybe track down the doctor I’m supposed to be working with.
Two awesome things from the past two days:
1. Uganda Aerobics. You go to the dance club, which during the week is a sauna/aerobics place. There are big burly men bouncing around yelling out random aerobics moves that are terrible for your back and feet, and the club DJ does the music. You also have to go into the sauna to pay, which is covered in gross men in towels sweating it out. It’s definitely an odd experience, but one of my favorites since I’ve been here.
2. The snack guy at the pool has a crush on me, and therefore, I get free Cokes. I have no shame, I like free stuff.
I’m thankful...
1. for flushing toilets, even if you have to haul a bucket of water from the house next door to pour into the toilet to make it flush.
2. for awesome pedicures. My feet feel clean for the first time since I’ve been here.
3. needless to say, for Uganda aerobics. We’re going again tomorrow night.
4. for awesome music to do aerobics to. I love Lady Gaga in Uganda.
5. for power. Please appreciate the consistency you have at home.
6. for pools. They are definitely good fun.
I’m so close I can taste it! Goodnight All!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
"Every stranger's face I see reminds me that I long to be homeward bound"
7/15-7/17
Week 8 has finally arrived! One week from today I will be on a plane. I know it will come quickly, but it doesn’t seem close enough for reality to have kicked in just yet. You all know that I’ve been ready to go home, but I’m starting to have mixed emotions about leaving. This weekend has been a good one, though. After the blood bank on Friday, I wrote some, got a facial, and watched Dani pack to go home. We bought ‘Burlesque‘ in town for $0.75 (I’m not sure it was even worth that), but we had a quiet goodbye night with dinner and a movie. The water was off for most of Friday, and I ran out of Internet time, and I just knew God was laughing at me since I decided to stay. I have noticed He’s a pretty big practical joker like that. Anyway, she left yesterday morning, and while I was sad to see her go, we still had a great day in town (I bought more Internet), at the pool, and at Peers. We introduced Tom to Peers last night, and we all had a lot of laughs, great chicken, and probably too many beers (as evidenced by our singing along and dancing to easy listening from the early 90s). Verity and I were almost giddy to be out after dark since we’ve avoided it for so long. I think we were all so worn out from yesterday, that not one of us wanted to do anything at all today. We did make it to the bakery for some lunchtime samosas, and we bought their version of pizza for dinner tonight, which wasn’t half bad. I almost forgot, I turned in my paper today! There’s still some major editing to be done, but I’m glad to have that off my mind for a few more days. I ended my day with some calls back home. My dad has been puny, and I’m glad I got to hear his voice, but I hope it will pass soon. For one thing, he needs to be ready for the beach next week, and for another, he’s a terrible patient. I do wish I was there to be his ‘nurse’ although he’s probably glad I’m not because I tend to be pretty mean as his nurse. Prayers for both parents are needed, for Dad’s health and Mom’s patience, but also because Ashley’s air conditioner is broken and she and the dogs are moving in tonight, as well. At this point, I’m kind of glad to have not shown up and added to the chaos. I still miss the madness, though.
I’m thankful...
1. for new friends that I’ve made. I’m already planning for Dani and Verity to come visit next summer. Verity saw a scene of a baseball game on Sex and the City, and I promised I’d introduce her to the greatest sport with the greatest hot dogs ever.
2. for the ability to now laugh when the water shuts off.
3. for clean dishes. There are dirty ones in the sink currently, which drives me crazy, but the water is off again. What can you do?
4. for Internet dates. I got to get dressed up and talk to a nice guy back home for awhile, and it made my day.
5. for peanut butter Oreos. It’s a whole new love that I’ve discovered.
6. for Friday Night Lights. It’s a great show, and I picked it up in town so Tom could have a boy show to watch with us. I don’t think Texas translates well over here, though. Still love me some Tim Riggins.
7. for finishing papers. It’s always a good feeling.
8. for allowing myself the luxury of thinking about next week.
9. for another evening cool enough for a jacket. It feels amazing out right now.
Love you all!
Week 8 has finally arrived! One week from today I will be on a plane. I know it will come quickly, but it doesn’t seem close enough for reality to have kicked in just yet. You all know that I’ve been ready to go home, but I’m starting to have mixed emotions about leaving. This weekend has been a good one, though. After the blood bank on Friday, I wrote some, got a facial, and watched Dani pack to go home. We bought ‘Burlesque‘ in town for $0.75 (I’m not sure it was even worth that), but we had a quiet goodbye night with dinner and a movie. The water was off for most of Friday, and I ran out of Internet time, and I just knew God was laughing at me since I decided to stay. I have noticed He’s a pretty big practical joker like that. Anyway, she left yesterday morning, and while I was sad to see her go, we still had a great day in town (I bought more Internet), at the pool, and at Peers. We introduced Tom to Peers last night, and we all had a lot of laughs, great chicken, and probably too many beers (as evidenced by our singing along and dancing to easy listening from the early 90s). Verity and I were almost giddy to be out after dark since we’ve avoided it for so long. I think we were all so worn out from yesterday, that not one of us wanted to do anything at all today. We did make it to the bakery for some lunchtime samosas, and we bought their version of pizza for dinner tonight, which wasn’t half bad. I almost forgot, I turned in my paper today! There’s still some major editing to be done, but I’m glad to have that off my mind for a few more days. I ended my day with some calls back home. My dad has been puny, and I’m glad I got to hear his voice, but I hope it will pass soon. For one thing, he needs to be ready for the beach next week, and for another, he’s a terrible patient. I do wish I was there to be his ‘nurse’ although he’s probably glad I’m not because I tend to be pretty mean as his nurse. Prayers for both parents are needed, for Dad’s health and Mom’s patience, but also because Ashley’s air conditioner is broken and she and the dogs are moving in tonight, as well. At this point, I’m kind of glad to have not shown up and added to the chaos. I still miss the madness, though.
I’m thankful...
1. for new friends that I’ve made. I’m already planning for Dani and Verity to come visit next summer. Verity saw a scene of a baseball game on Sex and the City, and I promised I’d introduce her to the greatest sport with the greatest hot dogs ever.
2. for the ability to now laugh when the water shuts off.
3. for clean dishes. There are dirty ones in the sink currently, which drives me crazy, but the water is off again. What can you do?
4. for Internet dates. I got to get dressed up and talk to a nice guy back home for awhile, and it made my day.
5. for peanut butter Oreos. It’s a whole new love that I’ve discovered.
6. for Friday Night Lights. It’s a great show, and I picked it up in town so Tom could have a boy show to watch with us. I don’t think Texas translates well over here, though. Still love me some Tim Riggins.
7. for finishing papers. It’s always a good feeling.
8. for allowing myself the luxury of thinking about next week.
9. for another evening cool enough for a jacket. It feels amazing out right now.
Love you all!
Friday, July 15, 2011
"Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket"
7/14/11
Blood Bank success! I found the place, I didn’t faint, I’m currently not iron deficient, and I’m back home safely only about an hour and a half later. They disinfected everything to my satisfaction, I bled quickly, she got my vein on the first try, and I got a cold Coke afterwards. No excuses anybody else! If I can do it in Uganda, you can definitely handle it at home. The only downside was the scale, which confirmed my fear that I have indeed gained 6 pounds here. I think my family will be pleased to hear that I made up for the weight I lost last year. I am less pleased :)
So yesterday. I’m getting worse about doing this the day of. I wrote a little in the morning, and then Tom and I wandered into town for lunch and groceries. I feel better now that he knows where things are and can find his way from here on out. This kid is only 20, so between him and 22 year old Dani, I kind of feel like a camp counselor again. Dani and Verity met us there later, and we hit all of the highlights-the bakery, the DVD library, and the gas station that sells pineapple Fanta. Dr. Alex called to check in, and it was good to hear from him. He’s become a dear friend, and I’ll miss him a lot, but I’m hoping we’ll be able to visit each other when he’s in Boston for school. For dinner, we met up with several of the hospital staff to take Dani out for her farewell party since she leaves Saturday. It was a fun night at The Lord’s Bar (kid you not), and we had good food (goat roasted on a stick, Uganda’s version of salsa, and chapati), good beer, and good conversation under the stars. It was a beautiful night with a full moon (which is less scary when I don’t have to work), and my first ever shooting star.
I’m Thankful...
1. for shooting stars. My only regret is that I couldn’t think of a wish fast enough.
2. for country music in Ugandan bars-this is one of my favorite trends here.
3. for finding g-nut sauce in town. I’m trying to figure out a good way to get this stuff back.
Much love!
Blood Bank success! I found the place, I didn’t faint, I’m currently not iron deficient, and I’m back home safely only about an hour and a half later. They disinfected everything to my satisfaction, I bled quickly, she got my vein on the first try, and I got a cold Coke afterwards. No excuses anybody else! If I can do it in Uganda, you can definitely handle it at home. The only downside was the scale, which confirmed my fear that I have indeed gained 6 pounds here. I think my family will be pleased to hear that I made up for the weight I lost last year. I am less pleased :)
So yesterday. I’m getting worse about doing this the day of. I wrote a little in the morning, and then Tom and I wandered into town for lunch and groceries. I feel better now that he knows where things are and can find his way from here on out. This kid is only 20, so between him and 22 year old Dani, I kind of feel like a camp counselor again. Dani and Verity met us there later, and we hit all of the highlights-the bakery, the DVD library, and the gas station that sells pineapple Fanta. Dr. Alex called to check in, and it was good to hear from him. He’s become a dear friend, and I’ll miss him a lot, but I’m hoping we’ll be able to visit each other when he’s in Boston for school. For dinner, we met up with several of the hospital staff to take Dani out for her farewell party since she leaves Saturday. It was a fun night at The Lord’s Bar (kid you not), and we had good food (goat roasted on a stick, Uganda’s version of salsa, and chapati), good beer, and good conversation under the stars. It was a beautiful night with a full moon (which is less scary when I don’t have to work), and my first ever shooting star.
I’m Thankful...
1. for shooting stars. My only regret is that I couldn’t think of a wish fast enough.
2. for country music in Ugandan bars-this is one of my favorite trends here.
3. for finding g-nut sauce in town. I’m trying to figure out a good way to get this stuff back.
Much love!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
You Can't Always Get What You Want
7/13/11
Yesterday was a pretty decent day. After several more discussions, I decided to stay for the second time in a day. I will be doing some stuff at the hospital in town next week, and I feel good about staying, although, I can’t believe I turned down a chance to go home sooner. I would always rather be there, but I can stick it out here. The water shut off for half a second last night (it came right back), and I had tiny pangs of regret (I yelled at my roommates “I gave up a chance to go home for this crap!”), but we all ended up laughing about that and other stuff, and it will be a fun last week and a half. We introduced Tom to the take out process of ordering food over the phone, repeating the order back and forth about 4 times in several different ways, and hoping for the best. In all honesty, as hard as it is for us to understand each other, they’ve never messed up an order. I highly recommend Sab’s Delivery if you’re ever in Mbarara.
I’m thankful...
1. for the chance to talk to Amy for the first time since I’ve been here. I miss the voices of my family, and I’ll be so glad when we’re all together at the beach. It’s been too long.
2. for finding a new walking route. It’s quieter with less traffic, and it makes me happy.
3. for the chance to slack off for a day. I didn’t touch my paper, and it was lovely, but I know I have to get back to it today.
Love you all!
Yesterday was a pretty decent day. After several more discussions, I decided to stay for the second time in a day. I will be doing some stuff at the hospital in town next week, and I feel good about staying, although, I can’t believe I turned down a chance to go home sooner. I would always rather be there, but I can stick it out here. The water shut off for half a second last night (it came right back), and I had tiny pangs of regret (I yelled at my roommates “I gave up a chance to go home for this crap!”), but we all ended up laughing about that and other stuff, and it will be a fun last week and a half. We introduced Tom to the take out process of ordering food over the phone, repeating the order back and forth about 4 times in several different ways, and hoping for the best. In all honesty, as hard as it is for us to understand each other, they’ve never messed up an order. I highly recommend Sab’s Delivery if you’re ever in Mbarara.
I’m thankful...
1. for the chance to talk to Amy for the first time since I’ve been here. I miss the voices of my family, and I’ll be so glad when we’re all together at the beach. It’s been too long.
2. for finding a new walking route. It’s quieter with less traffic, and it makes me happy.
3. for the chance to slack off for a day. I didn’t touch my paper, and it was lovely, but I know I have to get back to it today.
Love you all!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
7/12/11
Only song title I could think of with goodbye in it. I should start with yesterday. My last day at the clinic was fairly uneventful. I brought in some snacks-cookies, ground nuts, something I couldn’t identify, but I assumed was good-and cards for the people at the clinic since it was my last day! After swapping many hugs and email addresses, I wrote for the rest of the day. Oh, almost forgot, Maureen gave me another dress yesterday, but wouldn’t let me pay for it. This one is another sundress, black with a little eyelet lace, and again, it made me so very happy.
Big news, one of the clinical trials that has been happening at the clinic has stopped and been redirected. I couldn’t figure out what the shouting and running was for, but then I found out that it means the drug they’re testing is so effective that they will no longer use placebos, and every person on study will get the drug. Basically, they’ve found a really good way to prevent transmission of HIV from one partner in a monogamous relationship to another. It’s a very big deal! I don’t know what that means for the bigger picture of cure, or if you’re having sex and are not married or monogamous. There’s promising talk of a vaccine, too, just FYI.
After all of that, Stephen drove me around for a looooong time last night to show me his family’s farm, and to meet some friends of his. It was very sweet of him, but I find Stephen a little harder to carry on a conversation with than some people, and I was just desperate to get home.
Little did I know that home now includes a male roommate. Tom is very kind, but it was a quick and shocking adjustment to sharing a bathroom, hanging underwear and bras up to dry, sitting properly in a skirt, and watching Sex and the City. And in case you’ve never heard this rant, I HATE sharing a bathroom with a boy. I love my brothers in law (where does the ‘s’ go in that one?), but my least favorite part of everyone home is sharing the bathroom with two boys. We are hoping we’ll make friends soon enough that he’ll go some places with us after dark, so we can enjoy the night life a little more.
I woke up this morning in a MOOD. I was wide awake at 6:30, the power was in and out, I was out of Coke (probably the biggest factor), and I woke up to several questions of if my supervisors are leaving, why should I stick around to do write a paper that I could easily do at home. I thought it was a fair point (one I didn’t really allow myself to think too hard about before), but 2 very important factors are in my way. 1. $1180. For $400 more, I could have just bought an entirely new plane ticket. I can’t fathom spending that much money for a difference of a week, no matter who’s paying or the infinite happiness going home would bring me. 2. I don’t want to leave Verity to fend for herself. Dani leaves us on Saturday, and I know she’s a big girl, and she’s lived alone in foreign countries before, but still. It would be that much harder for her, especially when we’ve made plans for our last week (and by plans I mean pool, facial, pedicure, etc.). So I’m staying (again). After a few tears with the Delta customer support people, I regrouped, the power returned, I took a decently hot shower, and I did laundry. God must be cracking up right now because the domestic chore of washing my underwear in a bucket (which I hope to never have to do again once I’m home) put me in a significantly better mood. Go figure.
Anyway, I’m Thankful...
1. for last days. Praise the Lord, it’s a big step out of the way.
2. for another dress. I’m quite pleased, and am so thankful for Maureen to take care of me in all kinds of ways.
3. for the beautiful garden Stephen’s friends had. It smelled a little like gardenias, but it was a different flower, and it might have been the prettiest yard I’ve ever seen. I have no idea how they pulled off watering a lawn in Africa. My only regret was it was dark, and I didn’t have a camera anyway.
4. for a random task to distract me from my self pity.
5. to know a reason for my constant hunger (even thought I think it’s kind of BS): apparently the preservatives in American food stay in your stomach longer than food without preservatives here. Too bad the calories stay in your stomach either way
6. for a friend who tried really hard to mail Diet Dr. Pepper to Uganda. Apparently it’s a lot harder than it sounds, but just the thought made my day.
Much love!
Only song title I could think of with goodbye in it. I should start with yesterday. My last day at the clinic was fairly uneventful. I brought in some snacks-cookies, ground nuts, something I couldn’t identify, but I assumed was good-and cards for the people at the clinic since it was my last day! After swapping many hugs and email addresses, I wrote for the rest of the day. Oh, almost forgot, Maureen gave me another dress yesterday, but wouldn’t let me pay for it. This one is another sundress, black with a little eyelet lace, and again, it made me so very happy.
Big news, one of the clinical trials that has been happening at the clinic has stopped and been redirected. I couldn’t figure out what the shouting and running was for, but then I found out that it means the drug they’re testing is so effective that they will no longer use placebos, and every person on study will get the drug. Basically, they’ve found a really good way to prevent transmission of HIV from one partner in a monogamous relationship to another. It’s a very big deal! I don’t know what that means for the bigger picture of cure, or if you’re having sex and are not married or monogamous. There’s promising talk of a vaccine, too, just FYI.
After all of that, Stephen drove me around for a looooong time last night to show me his family’s farm, and to meet some friends of his. It was very sweet of him, but I find Stephen a little harder to carry on a conversation with than some people, and I was just desperate to get home.
Little did I know that home now includes a male roommate. Tom is very kind, but it was a quick and shocking adjustment to sharing a bathroom, hanging underwear and bras up to dry, sitting properly in a skirt, and watching Sex and the City. And in case you’ve never heard this rant, I HATE sharing a bathroom with a boy. I love my brothers in law (where does the ‘s’ go in that one?), but my least favorite part of everyone home is sharing the bathroom with two boys. We are hoping we’ll make friends soon enough that he’ll go some places with us after dark, so we can enjoy the night life a little more.
I woke up this morning in a MOOD. I was wide awake at 6:30, the power was in and out, I was out of Coke (probably the biggest factor), and I woke up to several questions of if my supervisors are leaving, why should I stick around to do write a paper that I could easily do at home. I thought it was a fair point (one I didn’t really allow myself to think too hard about before), but 2 very important factors are in my way. 1. $1180. For $400 more, I could have just bought an entirely new plane ticket. I can’t fathom spending that much money for a difference of a week, no matter who’s paying or the infinite happiness going home would bring me. 2. I don’t want to leave Verity to fend for herself. Dani leaves us on Saturday, and I know she’s a big girl, and she’s lived alone in foreign countries before, but still. It would be that much harder for her, especially when we’ve made plans for our last week (and by plans I mean pool, facial, pedicure, etc.). So I’m staying (again). After a few tears with the Delta customer support people, I regrouped, the power returned, I took a decently hot shower, and I did laundry. God must be cracking up right now because the domestic chore of washing my underwear in a bucket (which I hope to never have to do again once I’m home) put me in a significantly better mood. Go figure.
Anyway, I’m Thankful...
1. for last days. Praise the Lord, it’s a big step out of the way.
2. for another dress. I’m quite pleased, and am so thankful for Maureen to take care of me in all kinds of ways.
3. for the beautiful garden Stephen’s friends had. It smelled a little like gardenias, but it was a different flower, and it might have been the prettiest yard I’ve ever seen. I have no idea how they pulled off watering a lawn in Africa. My only regret was it was dark, and I didn’t have a camera anyway.
4. for a random task to distract me from my self pity.
5. to know a reason for my constant hunger (even thought I think it’s kind of BS): apparently the preservatives in American food stay in your stomach longer than food without preservatives here. Too bad the calories stay in your stomach either way
6. for a friend who tried really hard to mail Diet Dr. Pepper to Uganda. Apparently it’s a lot harder than it sounds, but just the thought made my day.
Much love!
Monday, July 11, 2011
7/11/11
Not much new to report from yesterday. I actually was very productive with my writing in the morning, and I ran some errands in town that were pretty painless. I had to find snacks to share with the clinic since this is my last day! Woo! Stephen and Alex will both be leaving tomorrow (Stephen's going to Rome, how come I didn't make that invite?), and so I came to say goodbye to everyone since I will be without a ride from here on out. I'm not sure how I feel about being in Mbarara only for the next couple of weeks, but I'm grateful to be one step closer to coming home. I feel like I will be visiting the pool a lot.
I'm thankful...
1. for the bakery in town. Coke and a cookie have become a ritual that gives me something to look forward to when I go in.
2. for long walks. Verity and I found a new road to walk on with less traffic so we can get some much needed exercise (the Cokes and cookies are adding up).
3. for productive mornings. I'm still the most distracted person when it comes to writing, but I managed yesterday.
Much love!
Not much new to report from yesterday. I actually was very productive with my writing in the morning, and I ran some errands in town that were pretty painless. I had to find snacks to share with the clinic since this is my last day! Woo! Stephen and Alex will both be leaving tomorrow (Stephen's going to Rome, how come I didn't make that invite?), and so I came to say goodbye to everyone since I will be without a ride from here on out. I'm not sure how I feel about being in Mbarara only for the next couple of weeks, but I'm grateful to be one step closer to coming home. I feel like I will be visiting the pool a lot.
I'm thankful...
1. for the bakery in town. Coke and a cookie have become a ritual that gives me something to look forward to when I go in.
2. for long walks. Verity and I found a new road to walk on with less traffic so we can get some much needed exercise (the Cokes and cookies are adding up).
3. for productive mornings. I'm still the most distracted person when it comes to writing, but I managed yesterday.
Much love!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
"I'm everything I am because you loved me..."
7/9/11-7/10/11
No, I'm not getting mushy, that's just the song that was playing outside my window last night. It’s been a very quiet weekend. Dani and Verity went to the national park, and I watched the entire first season of How I Met Your Mother. Friday, I was thinking so much about what I was doing that I went a little overboard in not thinking about it at all. That’s what Mondays are for, anyway. For a whopping $30, I checked into a hotel down the street, and I enjoyed an overhead shower with warmish water, a clean room, and good food. I also enjoyed some fun conversation with a good friend back home. It was a little close to the street, though, so the sleep was not wonderful, but the shower was worth it. Today I ran a few errands, called Ashley for her birthday (she’s older than me and always will be!), and did not much else. All in all, I’d say quiet weekends with not much to do are incredibly underrated.
I’m thankful...
1. for junk food and DVDs. It felt a little like home for awhile.
2. for clean hair! I washed it several times to get all of the old shampoo out that I know our shower head misses. My head is less itchy now.
3. for cheesy love songs outside my window at 2 am. It really had been a long time since I’d heard that Celine Dion song, and now it’s on my ITunes.
4. for conversations back home. I miss home, and I’m so close, and I’m not wishing these 2 weeks away, but I am kind of hoping that they move quickly.
5. for getting used to not wearing make up. I put it on for the first time in a month yesterday, and it felt a little strange. Maybe I’ll feel better about going without it more often at home. No one here seems to notice, so why should anyone there, right?
6. for my sister, Ashley. She’s incredibly kind, extremely talkative, and loves animals (specifically dogs) more than is normal for any person. I love you, Elmira! I’m grateful that you were born, because otherwise, think of what Amy and I would look like :)
Goodnight All!
No, I'm not getting mushy, that's just the song that was playing outside my window last night. It’s been a very quiet weekend. Dani and Verity went to the national park, and I watched the entire first season of How I Met Your Mother. Friday, I was thinking so much about what I was doing that I went a little overboard in not thinking about it at all. That’s what Mondays are for, anyway. For a whopping $30, I checked into a hotel down the street, and I enjoyed an overhead shower with warmish water, a clean room, and good food. I also enjoyed some fun conversation with a good friend back home. It was a little close to the street, though, so the sleep was not wonderful, but the shower was worth it. Today I ran a few errands, called Ashley for her birthday (she’s older than me and always will be!), and did not much else. All in all, I’d say quiet weekends with not much to do are incredibly underrated.
I’m thankful...
1. for junk food and DVDs. It felt a little like home for awhile.
2. for clean hair! I washed it several times to get all of the old shampoo out that I know our shower head misses. My head is less itchy now.
3. for cheesy love songs outside my window at 2 am. It really had been a long time since I’d heard that Celine Dion song, and now it’s on my ITunes.
4. for conversations back home. I miss home, and I’m so close, and I’m not wishing these 2 weeks away, but I am kind of hoping that they move quickly.
5. for getting used to not wearing make up. I put it on for the first time in a month yesterday, and it felt a little strange. Maybe I’ll feel better about going without it more often at home. No one here seems to notice, so why should anyone there, right?
6. for my sister, Ashley. She’s incredibly kind, extremely talkative, and loves animals (specifically dogs) more than is normal for any person. I love you, Elmira! I’m grateful that you were born, because otherwise, think of what Amy and I would look like :)
Goodnight All!
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