So this was my first week of trying out the different projects, discovering my calling you might call it. However, ever Monday is an office day where we have our weekly team meeting and arrange who is doing what and who is going where. So I finally got the opportunity to get out my filofax and plan what I would be doing and seeing for the coming week. The rest of the day included some administration work and typing up documents, but the work ethic in Uganda is completely different than in the west. Here in Mbale, the priority is relationships whereas in the UK it is completely task focused. So for someone who likes to keep busy and have tasks to complete, this new perspective on work will take some getting use to.
Tuesday was my first day of really taking part in a project, and on this occasion I was working with the street children. Myself and 4 other members of the team walked out to CRO (child restoration outreach) centre, where we collected a group of children and took them out to the playing fields. I was really in my element as I taught them how to play both netball and basketball. They didn't exactly understand 'don't run with the ball' (even in their own language), but it's a working progress! Sadly, when I went home that evening I discovered that I had not been generous enough when applying my sun tan lotion to areas of my neck and nose, so right now I'm looking a little redder than I might prefer.
Wednesday, I had the opportunity to head over to Bethel Church again in Mooni where the women's training was taking place. The expected number was 300-400, but I didn't believe it was likely as we were an hour in and there was only about 150. Sure enough, as time passed on the church filled and almost every chair was taken. So when it came to the meal which was being provided for those who attended, over 300 meals were plated up and given out. Thursday was similar to the day before, but this time we were speaking to HIV patients. These women were quite remarkable - they didn't feel sorry for themselves, they just got on with it and encouraged those around them instead. Later that day I had two Muzungu friends come over for dinner, popcorn and a film. Megan and Erin are two girls from the States who are working with a different organisation, but are also living in Mbale. Although there are many people about, for me (like many other new volunteers), I still need to have time with people I can really relate to and share my experiences and struggles, so having them here has been a huge blessing.
For the weekend I spent some time relaxing at the local hotel and got some use out of the pool and freshly squeezed pineapples. Later I went to another one of the children's clubs, where they exchange the points they have earned for items of clothing, stationary etc. This was the day I rode on my first boda (motorbike), which is one of the most common way of travelling here. Most females ride side saddle, but my confidence wasn't quite up to that level so I went boy style instead (straddling the bike). This way I would only maybe fall off, rather than going side saddle where I would almost definitely fall off. After taking a few more boda rides, I actually quite enjoy it - it's like a roller coaster with more danger involved, especially with the amount of pot holes and goats about.
This coming week I will continue to visit projects and see where I can be of most use. Although my blog is primarily cheerful, it isn't easy being here. It's such a different place and the way of living is obviously not what I'm use to. I have had to completely change my mind set and now that home sickness is kicking in, things haven't been getting easier. However I know that God has brought me here for a purpose, which right now isn't so clear, but I just pray that my expectations for this trip will change and become his expectations for this trip, and that he'll really use this experience to use me and change me.
Will post again soon - Hannah xxx
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