Little Creatures

So I was sitting enjoying a cup of tea and journaling when out of nowhere, I saw a little gecko scurry across my wall...hehe...I was surprised but simply thought, this little guy/gal can eat all the nasty bugs...i.e. those darn mosquitoes and ants! :) Well, off to bed! I believe I have a graduation party to attend tomorrow for one of my fellow colleagues at PROMETRA...lots of food, people, and good Ugandan music...or so I have been told!

Keep the spirit alive - Ann

Ugandan Dish and Dress

Tonight I learned how to cook macron...a very delicious Ugandan dish (basically pasta but with a unique flavor). My friend Janat showed me just how simple it is to make. I think it may become my staple food while here :) Also today, I found out from my friend Zurah that I am to accompany her to her sister's wedding in Febuary and wear the traditional Ugandan dress...a gomez...I'll keep you posted! Other than that, my day has been tiring. I was at the PROMETRA office all day helping to revise and edit abstracts and letters of recommendation for my fellow colleagues. I am the designated 'outside perspective' on traditional medicine and practices. With each day I am learning more and more...always in a state of wonder and fascination!

Keep the spirit alive - Ann

Field Day

In short...field day with PROMETRA was fascinating! We drove out to Buyijja forest late Tuesday to spend the night to Wednesday...not necessarily under the stars but rather in a little building overlooking the Ugandan forest surrounded by the intense sounds of nature. Wednesday was the day of classes and training for any and all traditional healers. At this point, everyone ventured out into the thick of the forest to immerse themselves in the environment for which they utilize their medicine and perform their healing practices. My time was spent visiting the different classes to observe and participate when possible. Everyone seemed so dedicated to their studies and passionate about the practice of traditional medicine. To understand that dedication and passion even more, after the day's classes commenced, I packed myself into the back of a very large truck with many! (not quite sure the number) other Ugandans. We then drove for almost two and half hours delivering people home...with some people still having about three miles to walk. After the truck journey, all of us PROMETRAns waited around till a little past midnight for our ride back to Kampala...bedtime was about 3 a.m. It had been quite the journey! Now I know what to expect for next Wednesday and am looking forward to learning and experiencing more!

Keep the spirit alive - Ann

First Internship Day

Today was my first day interning for PROMETRA! I was nervous, hopeful, and so curious! The day went really well, and I think I will fit-in with PROMETRA! Tomorrow is field day, which means we travel out to Buyijja forest for the traditional healer training. I do not know quite what to expect but am definitely excited as to what I may observe! We spend Tuesday night there...sleeping under stars! :) Well I must get some rest! I'll let you know how feild day goes!

Keep the spirit alive - Ann

Arrival

I am finally in Africa…better yet, Uganda. The plane rides were all quite pleasant…typical plane food and lots of sleep. I got off the plane late in the night, went through customs, found my luggage successfully, found my driver/co-worker, journeyed down Entebbe Road to Kampala, and was dropped off safely at my new home. I woke up the next morning to pounding rain that only lasted a short while. After that my day began. First I ventured into the Kampala city center, with the company of my apartment manager and a driver. After returning, I was greeted by two soon-to-be co-workers of PROMETRA. I walked with them to PROMETRA headquarters, only 10 minutes from my apartment, where I had my first introduction and met the director of PROMETRA Uganda. Work will begin Monday! In the meantime I am simply adjusting to life in Uganda...a.k.a. overcoming culture shock. Well that is all for now! I must get some rest and shake-off the jetlag.....and fall asleep to the upbeat Ugandan music outside my window!

Keep the spirit alive - Ann

Departure!

Well it's 8 0'clock in the morning. I am simply waiting to board my first flight bringing me one step closer to Africa. It's still a surreal feeling to know that not only am I headed to Africa for four months but also that when I return, a whole new season will have engulfed Missoula...spring...on the verge of summer. Right now I am excited, nervous, and all around tired from only four hours of sleep! Not to worry...I'll sleep on the plan. Well to all who are reading...FAREWELL...and thanks for all the support!

Keep the spirit alive - Ann

Pre-Departure

I leave in two days for the "Pearl of Africa," a.k.a Uganda, to complete an IE3 Global internship with PROMETRA Uganda. An adventure is surely about to begin! But in the meantime it is all about packing, organizing, bidding farewells, and mentally preparing. Step-by-step! So much planning goes into the forming of an internship abroad and so much of that planning could not have been done without the support and help of fellow friends, family members, mentors, advisors, coordinators, and colleagues...you know who you are...Thank you for all your help and amazing support! These past few months have been an adventure in itself. Well I must get some shut-eye, for these next two days will be full of hectic but exciting last-minute preparations.

Keep the spirit alive - Ann