experiencing uganda

hmm where to start... i guess i should let you know that my health has stabilized. ugandan food is no longer upsetting me as it once was and actually i'm beginning to grow quite fond of it. who knew fried flat bread (chapatti) and bioled beans would become a staple part of my diet, and that i would actually like it?

anyways... since i first blogged i have experienced many exciting, challenging, and simply interesting things. for example:

1) i had to visit a local clinic which was quite a cultural learning experience. coming from canada it is hard to adjust to ugandan life and my clinic encounter definitly challenged my ability to do so. there are no formal line ups so patients are expected to maintain order amongst themselves as they wait to see the doctor. as well, there are numerous different waiting areas which patients are directed to for various clinical services. i personally felt lost within the entire system but ugandan people seem to understand how to navigate these situations quite well. what seemed chaotic to me appeared to make perfect sense to individuals who live here. i'm sure i will become more comfortable with this system as time goes on.

2) i've developed a great appreciation for automatic washers and dryers. it is a daunting task washing clothes by hand but it is and important aspect of my cultural experience while here in uganda. i've only taken on the washing challenge twice since i arrived, as it can be quite painful since my knuckles get small cuts from scrubbing the red dirt out of my clothes. i have learned very quickly that wearing outfits 2-3 times before washing them is very reasonable considering the cleaning process that follows deeming an article "dirty". canadian and ugandan standards for cleanliness are quite different. i wish i could find the words to explain my thoughts better but i'm afraid i cannot. all i can say it that by ugandan standards my dirty shoes or shirt is acceptable or even above average compared to what is considering normal here in uganda.

3) lacey and i were followed home by young child yesterday. we took a moment to wait and let them catch up to us after approximately 15 minutes of being stalked. they had a well prepared message about needing money to continue their studies as they have no family and live on the streets. it was difficult to listen to this young child (12yrs old?) explain their situation but i did not feel compelled to start dishing out cash. lacey was carrying a gift of corn so she shared one cob with the child and explained that this is what she had to offer. i agree with her choice to give in this way because i know how the corn will be used. i do not believe that handing money to children on the street is an answer to their problem though it may help them in the short term (i.e. buy them something to eat). i feel as if giving money will only perpetuate a cycle of dependance and teach this young child that hands out are the answer to all of life's problems which i don't believe to be true. the child continued to follow us but i feel as ease with the way the situation ended.

so much for shortening the length this time. i guess i had a lot to say. thanks for tuning in.

-rachel-