Back home it’s still June 4th, but up where I’m
at it turned June 5th a half hour ago. I’m seven hours into a
12+hour flight from D.C. to Ethiopia. I’m listening to the best of Nat King
Cole, and eating a turkey and cheese sandwich. The local time here (just past
Izza) is around 12:30am, back home it would be 5:30pm. I have a window seat and
as we fly over cities I put my window shade up and it’s so beautiful to see the
cities all lit up from 37,000 miles up. Around 5 more hours and I’ll be in
Ethiopia, then just a short 3ish hour plane ride until I’m in Uganda!! This
might sounds weird, but it hasn’t hit me yet…I don’t think. I haven’t had a
“freak out” moment yet, I’m not sure if that’s normal or not J I know I’m still more
excited than nervous, but we’ll see how long that lasts when I find myself in a
foreign countries airport trying to get around.
It’s 5:40 am here over Africa (9:40 for all of you back
home). I’m an hour and a half away from landing in Ethiopia. The sun is about
to rise soon, it’s just starting to peak over the horizon; I love this time of
day, it’s my favorite. The clouds here look different—they’re fluffier or
something. I like them J
I just ate breakfast; they feed us A TON on this flight!! I had a snack shortly
after take-off, a meal, a sandwich after that, and then breakfast!! Holy moly,
I was ready to stop eating like I do in the States, this airline isn’t making
it easy, but the food is/was great which was a pleasant surprise. On the flight
I’m sitting next to some high school students from Arizona, they’re
volunteering at an orphanage in Africa as well, but I can’t remember which
country. I’m nearly finished with my traveling for a few months, I’ll be happy
to be on the ground again; the flight was really great and went quite fast, but
I miss standing up and walking around. It’s nice that the long flights back
will give me a good opportunity to process my summer in Uganda and try to get
ready for being back in the States again, but right now I’m just trying to
focus on enjoying this amazing experience, long flights and all J.
It’s 8:50pm in Kampapla Uganda, back home it’s 12:50pm;
lunchtime. I arrived at “The Guest House” at around 1 or 2 this afternoon. I
arrived at Entebbe airport before my scheduled arrival time (1:05pm) and I was
a little worried no one would be there yet to pick me up. Frederick, however,
was waiting there with a sign with “MICHELL HAYDEN” on it. Frederick, Rodney,
Chris (all staff members of Watoto), Joyce and Kelsie (Watoto volunteers) were
all there to pick me up. They each shook my hand, game me a hugs smile, and
welcomed me to Uganda/Watoto. I felt to comfortable and safe with them, and
they were joking around a lot, so that made me feel at home too! While I was
waiting for my flight from Ethiopia to Uganda I met a girl named Melinda or
Marissa or something like that (I was super excited about meeting someone that
was going to be on my plane I forgot to remember her name). But she and I
talked for a good 1-2 hours about life and what we were doing in Africa. She is
interning with an organization in Rwanda. On the flight from Ethiopia to
Entebbe airport in Uganda was the first time I had a freak out of any kind. I
realized that I was going to be on my own to 1) get a VISA, 2) get my baggage,
and figure it out if it didn’t arrive, 3) find the man who was supposed to pick
me up and figure out what to do if I couldn’t find him, etc. etc.
My fears were all stopped once I got my VISA, quite easily, found my baggage, and found my name on Frederick’s piece of paper. Once I hopped in the van with all the other people from Watoto all I felt was excitement and relief for finally being here! Then Chris started driving, and I became afraid again J Ugandan driving is like the UK, steering wheels and cars of the opposite side of the road—it took me a while to realize that Frederick (who was riding shotgun, but if he were in the US would have been driving) wasn’t the one driving the car; he was turned around talking to us and I thought to myself “wow, he doesn’t even have to look at the road when he’s driving. How does he not hit something/someone??” Then I realized there was no steering wheel in front of him…I blame jet lag. But if I thought Chicago/Minnesota drivers were intense, I was dead wrong. Those people have nothing, and I mean NOTHING on Ugandan drivers. There are no stoplights, hardly any road signs, the roads are quite narrow and people walk dangerously close to the road. I was trying to take in all of the sights/scenes on the hour long drive; the people, the shops, the landscape, everything. I looked a lot like what you see on T.V. and on those “sponsor a child” commercials, only here you can’t change the channel to look at something else.
I don’t know why, but as we were driving through the city, passing and dodging cars and “bodas” (motorcycles) I felt so extremely excited and energized, and well, a little motion sick. Even though it was a COMPLETE culture shock and yes I did feel guilty and so sad for these people, I also was excited to get to learn about their culture and help them in any way I could. I was excited for them to help me; help me grow and learn and get a new/different perspective on so many things. I was excited about what these people would show me.
When we arrived at the Watoto Guest House driveway (protected by a huge gate that can only be opened from the inside) I met Grace; the gorgeous Ugandan women who would be “taking care of me for the night” as Frederick put it. Grace gave me a big hug and welcomed me to Watoto, and then her and Frederick too me to the room I’d be staying in for the night, that’s when I met Sarah and Ella. Sarah and Ella go to school in Tennessee and just finished their freshman year of college. Tonight Grace made the three of us and 4 volunteers from the UK (who were great!) pizza; I was so stuffed from the plane I couldn’t finish the huge piece they gave me, but it was sooo delicious!
The volunteers from the UK shared with us a pineapple they had bought on the street earlier that day; it was probably the best thing I’ve tasted. They also shared stories about people they were meeting and stories they’d heard on their week-long visit to Uganda. Tomorrow Frederick is going to take the three of us to town to shop (for phones and other essentials) and also to exchange our money. Tomorrow Ella, Sarah and I will also be moving into an apartment, were I’ll spend at least the first month of my trip at. So much has happened in the nearly 48 hours I’ve been traveling, I’ve been in 3 different countries, flown over countless others. I just finished taking a bath (my first bath in years) and now I’m going to sleep in a bed in Uganda with a mosquito net over me. Well I think I’ve rambled on long enough for tonight, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Love you all!!
My fears were all stopped once I got my VISA, quite easily, found my baggage, and found my name on Frederick’s piece of paper. Once I hopped in the van with all the other people from Watoto all I felt was excitement and relief for finally being here! Then Chris started driving, and I became afraid again J Ugandan driving is like the UK, steering wheels and cars of the opposite side of the road—it took me a while to realize that Frederick (who was riding shotgun, but if he were in the US would have been driving) wasn’t the one driving the car; he was turned around talking to us and I thought to myself “wow, he doesn’t even have to look at the road when he’s driving. How does he not hit something/someone??” Then I realized there was no steering wheel in front of him…I blame jet lag. But if I thought Chicago/Minnesota drivers were intense, I was dead wrong. Those people have nothing, and I mean NOTHING on Ugandan drivers. There are no stoplights, hardly any road signs, the roads are quite narrow and people walk dangerously close to the road. I was trying to take in all of the sights/scenes on the hour long drive; the people, the shops, the landscape, everything. I looked a lot like what you see on T.V. and on those “sponsor a child” commercials, only here you can’t change the channel to look at something else.
I don’t know why, but as we were driving through the city, passing and dodging cars and “bodas” (motorcycles) I felt so extremely excited and energized, and well, a little motion sick. Even though it was a COMPLETE culture shock and yes I did feel guilty and so sad for these people, I also was excited to get to learn about their culture and help them in any way I could. I was excited for them to help me; help me grow and learn and get a new/different perspective on so many things. I was excited about what these people would show me.
When we arrived at the Watoto Guest House driveway (protected by a huge gate that can only be opened from the inside) I met Grace; the gorgeous Ugandan women who would be “taking care of me for the night” as Frederick put it. Grace gave me a big hug and welcomed me to Watoto, and then her and Frederick too me to the room I’d be staying in for the night, that’s when I met Sarah and Ella. Sarah and Ella go to school in Tennessee and just finished their freshman year of college. Tonight Grace made the three of us and 4 volunteers from the UK (who were great!) pizza; I was so stuffed from the plane I couldn’t finish the huge piece they gave me, but it was sooo delicious!
The volunteers from the UK shared with us a pineapple they had bought on the street earlier that day; it was probably the best thing I’ve tasted. They also shared stories about people they were meeting and stories they’d heard on their week-long visit to Uganda. Tomorrow Frederick is going to take the three of us to town to shop (for phones and other essentials) and also to exchange our money. Tomorrow Ella, Sarah and I will also be moving into an apartment, were I’ll spend at least the first month of my trip at. So much has happened in the nearly 48 hours I’ve been traveling, I’ve been in 3 different countries, flown over countless others. I just finished taking a bath (my first bath in years) and now I’m going to sleep in a bed in Uganda with a mosquito net over me. Well I think I’ve rambled on long enough for tonight, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Love you all!!
6-6-12
Today I moved from the Guest House in Kamplala to an apartment in Buziga with Sarah and Alla. In total there are 10 volunteers here; me, Sarah, Alla, Rebecca, Kaylin, Marie-Louise (from Ghana/London), Rachel (from Oklahoma), Brett (a girl from Canada), Anna, (from Germany) and Mitch (from Australia). It was really great getting to know them all! Earlier today Frederick took Sarah, Alla and me to town to get phones and airtime, and to get groceries. We also stopped by for a brief visit at the Babies Home in Kampala. And tonight a bunch of us walked to the top of the hill we are living on and looked out over Buziga; it was beautiful, we could see for miles! Right now it’s 8:06pm here, and back home it’s 12:06; I just realized it’s an 8 hour difference, not 9 J Tomorrow a few of us newer volunteers are going on a Village Tour and meeting the pastor of the church we will go to in Kamplala. Then on Friday I will start work!!! I’m excited and nervous. I know it’s going to be a lot of work, and a lot of information coming at me at once, but I’m excited to care for these babies and getting to know the nannies and other volunteers more.
Today I moved from the Guest House in Kamplala to an apartment in Buziga with Sarah and Alla. In total there are 10 volunteers here; me, Sarah, Alla, Rebecca, Kaylin, Marie-Louise (from Ghana/London), Rachel (from Oklahoma), Brett (a girl from Canada), Anna, (from Germany) and Mitch (from Australia). It was really great getting to know them all! Earlier today Frederick took Sarah, Alla and me to town to get phones and airtime, and to get groceries. We also stopped by for a brief visit at the Babies Home in Kampala. And tonight a bunch of us walked to the top of the hill we are living on and looked out over Buziga; it was beautiful, we could see for miles! Right now it’s 8:06pm here, and back home it’s 12:06; I just realized it’s an 8 hour difference, not 9 J Tomorrow a few of us newer volunteers are going on a Village Tour and meeting the pastor of the church we will go to in Kamplala. Then on Friday I will start work!!! I’m excited and nervous. I know it’s going to be a lot of work, and a lot of information coming at me at once, but I’m excited to care for these babies and getting to know the nannies and other volunteers more.
6-8-12
Today was my first day at the Babies Home, but before I talk about that I’ll tell you about my day yesterday. Myself and a few other new volunteers went on a “Village Tour”, where we visited Watoto schools and other Babies Homes. We went to the towns Bbira and Subbi. It was such a cool experience! At Bbira some classes of younger kids were switching rooms and when they saw us they started running towards us with huge smiles on their faces yelling “muzungus! Muzungus!” Muzungu means white person—people LOVE their muzungus here, but the children’s motives are much purer than the men on the side of the road J I got a video of the children running to us that I hope to load up soon. The Babies Home at Subbi was also very beautiful. It’s in the country (unlike Kampala), and everywhere you look is green rolling hills—the roof of the Subbi Babies Home has an AMAZING panoramic view.
Anyway, back to today. It was my first day in the Babies Home in Kampala (where I will be for the next month). I was SO excited to finally get out and do something/work with the children. I got up at 5am, left the house by 6am, took a “matatu” (taxi) to work with two other volunteers, got off the taxi and walked the rest of the way in (about 20 minutes). The Babies Home rooms are separated by age; 0-4 months, 4-6 months, ect. There are also rooms for premature, malnourished, and special needs babies. The majority of the day I spent with the special needs babies. I was not expecting to be in that room, and definitely wasn’t prepared. Although I was overwhelmed and felt completely incompetent, the nanny in there (Marian) was really nice and helpful. After I got over my initial shock and fear of working with the babies, who have shunts, are too small for other rooms, multiple-sclerosis, learning differences, or a load of other things, I realized how beautiful each of them was quite quickly. Those babies are SO tough, the things they have to go through on a daily basis many of us (and I know I) couldn’t go through for a few hours. I had to hold back tears at one point—a lot of the babies were crying, for one reason or another, and I just wanted to help them all so bad and give each of them whatever they needed, but of course, I had no idea what that was.
Although today was a challenge, and quite tiring, I’m SO glad I was put in the room I was put in, and I’m so glad I came to Watoto. The people here are amazing; the staff, my housemates, the people on Uganda…everyone. My time in Uganda will also help me trusting in the Lord for, well…everything; my strength, words, actions, attitude…everything. I know I won’t be able to help these babies on my own strength—when I tried to today I almost ended up in tears J But in that moment when I realized my strength wasn’t cutting it God seemed to say “Michelle, I brought you here for a reason. Your fears and insecurity in your ability to take care of these kids doesn’t mean you aren’t right where I want you to be. Just lean on me my dear.” It comforting to know that He cares for us and wants the best for us. Well, I’m sure that’s enough for ya’ll to read for now J Love you all!!
Today was my first day at the Babies Home, but before I talk about that I’ll tell you about my day yesterday. Myself and a few other new volunteers went on a “Village Tour”, where we visited Watoto schools and other Babies Homes. We went to the towns Bbira and Subbi. It was such a cool experience! At Bbira some classes of younger kids were switching rooms and when they saw us they started running towards us with huge smiles on their faces yelling “muzungus! Muzungus!” Muzungu means white person—people LOVE their muzungus here, but the children’s motives are much purer than the men on the side of the road J I got a video of the children running to us that I hope to load up soon. The Babies Home at Subbi was also very beautiful. It’s in the country (unlike Kampala), and everywhere you look is green rolling hills—the roof of the Subbi Babies Home has an AMAZING panoramic view.
Anyway, back to today. It was my first day in the Babies Home in Kampala (where I will be for the next month). I was SO excited to finally get out and do something/work with the children. I got up at 5am, left the house by 6am, took a “matatu” (taxi) to work with two other volunteers, got off the taxi and walked the rest of the way in (about 20 minutes). The Babies Home rooms are separated by age; 0-4 months, 4-6 months, ect. There are also rooms for premature, malnourished, and special needs babies. The majority of the day I spent with the special needs babies. I was not expecting to be in that room, and definitely wasn’t prepared. Although I was overwhelmed and felt completely incompetent, the nanny in there (Marian) was really nice and helpful. After I got over my initial shock and fear of working with the babies, who have shunts, are too small for other rooms, multiple-sclerosis, learning differences, or a load of other things, I realized how beautiful each of them was quite quickly. Those babies are SO tough, the things they have to go through on a daily basis many of us (and I know I) couldn’t go through for a few hours. I had to hold back tears at one point—a lot of the babies were crying, for one reason or another, and I just wanted to help them all so bad and give each of them whatever they needed, but of course, I had no idea what that was.
Although today was a challenge, and quite tiring, I’m SO glad I was put in the room I was put in, and I’m so glad I came to Watoto. The people here are amazing; the staff, my housemates, the people on Uganda…everyone. My time in Uganda will also help me trusting in the Lord for, well…everything; my strength, words, actions, attitude…everything. I know I won’t be able to help these babies on my own strength—when I tried to today I almost ended up in tears J But in that moment when I realized my strength wasn’t cutting it God seemed to say “Michelle, I brought you here for a reason. Your fears and insecurity in your ability to take care of these kids doesn’t mean you aren’t right where I want you to be. Just lean on me my dear.” It comforting to know that He cares for us and wants the best for us. Well, I’m sure that’s enough for ya’ll to read for now J Love you all!!
By the way I'm 8 hours ahead of you, so this was actually posted at 6:16pm :)
ReplyDeleteSo Glad to finally read a blog update And am looking forward to many more. Stay safe, we love you
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Michelle (aka HUGE JERK)... I was doing just fine missing you over here, until that is you gave such explicit detail to what you're experiencing over there. Ugh, now I'm sitting here in my little cabin in the Northwoods in tears over how ridiculously proud I am of you and how the way you are allowing God to use you in the lives of so many people. You're a rockstar lovebug! Kepp relying on Him for everything and trusting in Him with your daily walk. He's the only one capable of anything of worth, so let Him lead. Love you so much Nae Nae! You're always in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteP.S. You brought a ridiuclously huge smile to my face with your vocabulary choice (ex: learning difference) I see all of my rants on education and educational terms has stuck! <3
MICHELLLLLLLLE! I just realized that if I put a bunch of EEEEE's at the end of your name, it would turn it into more of a shriek that an excited shout. ;-) So great to hear from you via the wonder of the internet. What a great blessing from God for staying connected and hearing about life so many hours away (and 8 hours into the future). May God bless you to know that He is all you and everyone in Uganda needs! Praise the LORD for His protection and provision for you! Abide in Christ, for only in the Vine can you bear much fruit! Love you, sis!
ReplyDeleteHello, dear. You have a beautiful heart! I'm in awe of how quickly perspectives can change when you step out of your comfort zone and into a whole new world. Keep your eyes peeled for what God wants to show you...there is so much in store! LOVE YOU and praying for you every day!
ReplyDeleteKate--When do you leave for Africa?!? It is so good to hear from you!
DeleteLuke--I hope your families move goes well, I'll be praying for you!! Thanks for the message!!
Sarina--SO good to hear from you deary! Yesterday my roommates and I watched Arthur (the new one) and I thought of you the whole time. I miss you tons! Not many people here get my movie quotes, but that makes me appreciate you even more :)
Mom--Miss you and love you. I got your e-mail and will defnitely be praying for all that stuff. I'll talk to you on Sunday!
So glad to hear you are safe! I pray that God will continue to protect you and fill you with his spirit. That he will use you for his Glory and that many will feel his love through you. Thanks for the update!- Rachel Clark
ReplyDelete