My last Thursday

My last week in Gulu is more than half way over. I woke up with a dry cough and a temperature. I really hope I am not getting sick. I am extremely thankful that I had today off from the hospital because it allowed me to catch up my sleep. I had a lazy day around the hotel all day and then had dinner with the professors and Stella at a local’s place. I had beans and rice. (I will be so happy when I do not have to eat rice) After dinner I came back to the hotel and got ready for bed.

Friendship

I went back to the hospital today but was able to work in the antenatal ward. I showed up at 8:30, the time which the shift starts, but had to wait for the staff to get there. (around 9:15 they showed up) That is a perfect example of “african time” where you are never late as long as you show up. I started off filling out paper work for the nurses, every person is responsible for carrying around their own records so it can get a bit confusing. After everyone was reregistered and had numbers, I went to the room where “family planning” occurs. There I saw people receive and remove birth control implants, along with the depo shot. I was able to aid in the placement of one implant into a patients arm. (Glad I was not the one receiving it, the needle to place it is huge and the numbing medicine was not that effective.) Its crazy to know that in Uganda women have to have permission to be placed on birth control from their husbands and many men do not want their spouses to be on it so the women would rather have a surgical implantation to hide that fact, than to be on pills. The room in which all this was completed was disgusting. There would be multiple patients waiting in the same room, the doctor’s desk, the examination table, and the cart with the medical supplies. The examination table had plastic on it that was turned over and over every time a new patient would sit on it. The tools were old and were not very clean. To top things off while I was sitting at the desk filling out the record book a mouse/rat ran across my foot. (I was freaked out to say the least) After, I was pretty much over being in that room and was thankful that it was time to go home. Before leaving the hospital, Stella found me and gave me a birthday gift. She had it wrapped in red foil and in a medicine box. It was a handmade bracelet. (One of the best birthday gifts I have ever received) After the hospital I went to eat and to see my friends at the market. I love the relationships I have formed. I really believe that these people were meant to be placed in my life. I am truly blessed.

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“Friendship can make you a rich person”

Tuesday

I cannot believe it is Tuesday. My time in Gulu is ending a lot quicker than what I imagined. I had the day off today which was nice since these last couple of days has been so hectic. I went to a cafe to work on my research paper and to use the internet for a while before heading back to the hotel to take a much needed nap. After my short nap I met up with the rest of the group before heading to meet the archbishop. We were able to speak with him for about an hour/hour and a half and then visit the cathedral in Gulu. It was gorgeous. It was a great opportunity to be able to see the famous Gulu cathedral that used to house thousands of “night commuters” during the war. After the cathedral we headed to San Kofas for pizza. Its one of our favorite places to go because the food is amazing and it is one of the quicker restaurants in town. Best part of the night was having the boda ride with Calli and laughing all the way “home.”

I wish everyone who reads this blog can meet someone as special as the people I have met in the wonderful place.

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“You help people out whenever you can and hope that they will do the same in return”

CRAZY WEEK

I am sorry that I have not posted a blog. This week is crazy and I have been trying to finish my school work. I will post all my blogs later. Just want to say that I saw the most amazing things yesterday and I had the best birthday anyone could ask for. Wish my family and friends could have been there but I was with some amazing people. Miss everyone.

Birthday Week

My last week in Gulu and at my internship started today. I am not ready to say goodbye my friends I have made. I went to the hospital and worked at the diabetic clinic. I still cannot get over how different our healthcare system is compared to theirs. The doctor for pediatric is still not back (he has been gone for over a week now). After the hospital I worked on my papers, which are coming really really really slowly. I know why I am a science major and not an English major, I cannot stand to write papers. Short uneventful day today.

PS its my birthday week :)

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“You may wait but time will not”

Church Day

My next to last Sunday in Gulu. I really cannot believe that this trip is almost over. Today was a busy busy day. I woke up early for church. This Sunday I went to the Luo service so I could see and hear the traditional instruments played. Every time I go to a church in Uganda I am in for a surprise. The music was entertaining and the service interesting. The churches here preach a lot about money and giving what you have to others and it is extremely awkward to me because of the manner in which it is completed. They had 3 collection times and during one of those people who could not afford to give money gave various items such as maize and potatoes. After collection a member of the church actioned off the items to raise money before church continued. (so in the dead middle of church this happened, I was baffled) During one part of the sermon, an elder lady tried telling me that I should give her my purse and all of my silly bands that I had on my arm. She had already taken 4 silly bands from various children. The music and dancing in church is amazing. I am definitely glad I gained that experience. After church, the two professors, Hilary, Daniel, and I went to a local restaurant that served traditional food. I shared rice and greens in a g-nut sauce with daniel and Hilary. I dont think I will be eating rice for a long time when I get back to the States. After eating we went back to the hotel so we could change for the rwot’s ceremony. (rwot is the acholi word for king and the actual title is Paramount Chief) The ceremony took all afternoon. We ate, watched Bola, a traditional dance, and heard speakers from parliament and kingdoms. It was interesting but long. A few of us was finally able to sneak out of the ceremony after about 4 to 5 hours of being there. When leaving we got swarmed with children, some of which who yanked my hair. (I hate being the only blonde) I was so thankful to finally arrive at the hotel so I could shower and crawl in bed.

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“It is not the camps that worry us anymore, it is the war inside our heads”

The beginning of the end

My last saturday in Gulu. I cannot believe my time is coming to an end. I really enjoy my Saturdays here. I have a nice little routine which consist of waking up, eating pancakes, going to the market and relaxing. And today was not any different. I love the pancakes at Cafe Larem because they are the closest thing to “American food” that I eat and it is a nice change from white bread and fruit. (That is my breakfast every morning) The cafe is amazing. Its one of two internet cafes where you can actually order food and its in the center of town. After my breakfast, which takes forever, I went to the market to see my friends and to walk around. While I was roaming around town I found a really amazing craft shop that has different handmade items from local Acholis. I could have spent hours looking around that shop. I loved it. After roaming around town I sat back at the hotel and relaxed, did laundry, and some other random things. I really love my Saturdays.
Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.

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“You look smart” (Smart is used in the place of pretty, handsome, etc)

Also Im sorry my blogs are behind. The website doesnt really agree with the internet here.