Livin Life and Lovin It! Chapter 2: The Uganda Experience

New Pics!

2008-05-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

I added pictures from our inter-school debate. We hope to organize another one real soon. I will send updates.

I still have a new PO Box. But for some reason my box is empty! I wonder why that is? I am still waiting for the overflow. A girl can hope right?

Also- I have a new project that I will be initiating soon in my community that will help some local students be able to go to school by soliciting funds for their school fees. Trust me you will want to donate! Besides being an incredible tax write off for you- you will have the opportunity to bless a deserving child with a bright future full of education. Now what's more important- the Big Mac you want right now or a deserving child's future? I thought so- Their Future! We are blessed that our education is free even up to college- there are free opportunities. But here- the parents STRUGGLE to pay for their children to even finish primary school.

Start saving now- You are going to be a blessing to someone! Praise God!

Renee

Positives and Expectations

2008-05-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

“Focus on the positives.” –A Youth Center Leader
“Set your expectations low.” –A Former APCD

So should I have POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS or should I ALWAYS EXPECT THE POSITIVE? Ok, maybe both.

So, keeping those 2 statements in mind. Here is a quick re-cap of an activity that I had the chance to plan, implement, and evaluate. Finally! A good use of my degree in Health Education. Ok, I will leave the sarcasm behind and stay focused on the positives.

We planned an intershool debate involving 5 secondary schools. The major focus was about adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. The activity was a success. We had over 300 students attending the activity. We paired the debate with an opportunity for the students to test for HIV and showed a series of films about sexual reproductive health that led to great discussions on various topics.

I was impressed at how involved all the students were in the debate. We only had 10 students on the panel, but the audience was full of eager participants to offer comments. The debate went so well, the students were upset when we had to end and begin the films.

Afterwards, many students and teachers were asking when we would do another debate and hoping that their own school would have the chance to host the function. I am excited about their enthusiasm and see this as a great way to educate on all sorts of issues facing youth. HIV, Violence Prevention, Sexual Harassment, Career Goals, and even Lifeskills.

I will post pics from this activity at a later time. And as more activities come…I will post info and pics. (Ok, that wasn’t too sarcastic was it?)

Peace

Renee

New Address

2008-05-02T08:21:00.001-07:00

I FINALLY have a new address:

Marquita Renee Johnson
P.O. Box 379
Kamuli, Uganda

I can't wait for all the lovely packages and letters!!! Thanks ya'll!!!

Renee

Long Awaited Update

2008-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

I have nothing to say and lots to say. Things are going well. A special thanks to all those who helped me out with my wish list. Even a few simple comforts from home can make a person happy. So my wishes have been granted.

Pictures: I added more pictures!!! Check out my house, my work, and wildlife!

Frogs: I am walking around at night like I would in the US. No major frog scares. It helps that it's the dry season now.

Bike: I have not fallen off anymore. I would like to attribute that to my superior skill in riding, but it's probably because I lend my bike out more than I ride it. People love it. Not me. So I give the people what they want. Ride On!

Weight: I am still losing weight. Haven't weighed in a while, but my clothes are loose. But, I have a confession. I love meat. I had committed to cooking veggies and fish, but the people here can roast a mean kabob! So, if I buy food already prepared on the roadside or in a restaurant I choose meat. Beef, Goat, Chicken, Fish- U name it. I love it. However preparing meat myself- I only prepare fish and pork. Yes, I said pork. I like the pork butcher shop, they are nicer than the beef butcher shops. Now I couldn't leave North Carolina and deny myself some good old BBQ!!! I made some BBQ today for my counterpart and my nearest neighbor, Zach. I topped it off with macaroni salad and a mean coleslaw. Thanks for the recipes mom!! And for Christmas and Thanksgiving I fried a turkey. That is my confession.

Job: I have a lot of work. Which is an anomaly for the first 3 months in Peace Corps. They told us all during training that we would have a lax time at site for the first 3 months and we would probably have to make work for ourselves. After swearing in on a Thursday I was in the office bright and early at 8am on Monday. No lax breaks for me or the other volunteers in my group. We all have plenty of work. So, when our Christmas break came- We broke camp!!! I will tell you abut my Christmas vacation adventures in another blog. Back to the job. Computer classes aside, I love it. I am going to try to get out in the field more. Organizing sports games, film shows, and outreaches. Language is most of the volunteers barriers here, but we get by pretty well. It's sometimes difficult to go out in the field with our small grasp on the language. But, I am ready and willing. The times I have gone- I have loved it. So prayerfully this new year will provide more opportunities in the field for me.

Thanks for all the prayers and well-wishes. Things are going well. I promise to update more soon. Check out my pics, they will tell you more!

~Renee

Changes

2007-11-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

Things Change, but somehow we remain the same. I am sitting here in Uganda eating popcorn, watching a bootleg movie (sorry Rhea- it somehow is the norm here), and talking on my cell phone. Ain't life grand. I left the continent of North America to a whole new continent, but I have found some semblance of home. God is awesome.

Frog Update, Bike Falls, and More

2007-11-07T05:44:00.000-08:00

Things are... going well. I still like it here A LOT. I am currently teaching computer classes. The background knowledge of my students varies, from being able to access the internet to not knowing how to turn on the computer. And their ages are from 15-40. Of course the younger ones know all about the computer! Who would have thought I would have come all the way into the Peace Corps to Africa to teach about computers!!! Don't worry there will be more opportunities to come.

Frog Update
Haven't seen one. Until today- A loud toad is in the office behind the file cabinet as I am typing this blog. Less than 5 feet away. But, I must continue this must needed update. I will just put my feet up, not look down, and keep typing. "I THINK I CAN. I THINK I CAN."

Mail Update
Still waiting...*Hint *Hint

Food Update
Still cooking veggies. Mmmmh-Mmmmh!

Bike Update
I fell off already. I think I am the first volunteer in my group to bite it. I did it gracefully, on my way home, in front of a gang of people! I was coming home from a day of shopping. I kind of over judged my turn into my driveway- or grass/yard. And I went left and my bike went right. All the people just looked at me. No one said "Bambi" (sorry in Lusoga) or tried to help me up. So I got up and told them I was ok. I had to laugh at myself. I survived with only a scrape on my elbow. I told all my fellow PCV's that I would fall off 1st. And I did. A few others have fallen behind me so, I am told. They may have told me that just to be nice. I will take it either way.

This fall was a far cry from The Fall of 1989. The Place- Ford Gates Drive. The Occasion- Mean Big Brothers. I was riding my bike down the street when I waved to my brother who was across the street on the porch of our house. He waved to me and threw a paper airplane. Somehow my brother's plane defied all aeronautic scientific principles of a "paper airplane" and made the flight all the way from the porch, over the yard, across the street all to land in my eye. I fell off my bike and scraped my knee and elbow. I went crying to my mom and he went running. I still have both scars today. But, I am still here. That experience alone gave the courage to fall of a bike with grace and finesse. Thanks Mike.

Other than that- Things are good. I will share more later. Somehow I don't like writing too much. So, I am doing my best here to share what I can when I can. Hugs and Kisses!

Another Note on Weight

2007-10-21T23:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, Sunday October 21, 2007.3:20 pm I ALMOST died. I set out on my first biking expedition. I was going to visit one of my fellow PCV's to assist him with some painting. He lives approximately 8 km (or less) from my house. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and every so often a cloud would come by for a hint of shade. The first leg of my journey was level terrain with a slight down slope. I was making great time. As I passed all my well-wishers waving to me on the road I felt a sense of accomplishment. The kind of feeling that one gets when you know whatever the task is ahead is doable, accomplishable, and yours for the taking. As I continued my journey I discovered that my well-wishers were in fact not wishing me well. They were laughing at me! They yelled "Muzungu!" (white person), "Hey sports lady!" ( I had on my Heritage softball visor and shades. It was hot and dusty!), and "Kinene!" (which means big in Lusoga) All the while I was greeting them with "Jambo!" and "Kodheeyo!" I wasn't really upset by all the laughs and stares, until the level terrain eventually turned into monster hills and mountains that seemed to slope upward to the heavens. I had to stop and walk my bike up. Then I was face to face with my "well-wishers." While I was pushing me and my bike up the hill, a old man who was carrying another person on the back of his bike and a 10-yr old boy carrying a load of matooke on his bike all passed me! 10 minutes later when I made it to the top of the hill they were long gone. As the terrain sloped downward again I noticed that there were endless hills ahead. I was never going to make it! I finally discovered what all my "well-wishers" already knew- This African terrain was not made for me. Then I had to laugh to keep myself from crying. I looked around to see how far I was from my destination and I knew I was a goner.

At 4:20 I FINALLY reached my fellow PCV's house. I threw my bike on the ground and almost cried. But I had made it. One hour later. A 8km bike ride that takes him normally 15 min took me an hour, but I made it. I told him, I was taking a taxi back to town and that my biking to his house wouldn't be happening again. Not anytime soon. I think I will need at least another month of training to make it to his house in a good time.

Food and Weight

2007-10-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I could stand to lose a few pounds. Well Uganda has the answer for me. Open-air Butcher shops. The meat (beef or goat) just hangs from a hook in the ceiling or lays on a wooden table. This is usually in a outdoor market. In my case it is at an outdoor market, but right next to the taxi park. How convienent. I don't think I have it in me to slaughter my own chicken. SO the only logical answer to this is NO MEAT!!! There are all kinds of vegetables around that I love. Potatoes, carrots, greens, cabbage, etc. So, I will focus my attention on them. I am learning new dishes as we speak. However- the fish choices are awesome. Tilapia, Nile Perch, Mud Fish. I will be able to enjoy them as well. So, hopefully here comes my drastic weight loss and a healthier life. Finally!!!

Still Lovin Life

2007-10-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to write, but I am here. I am still living and loving it. I am an official Peace Corps Volunteer as of today October 18, 2007. I am excited about the next two years. They have officially started. I am meeting this anticipation with reservation of course. Different area, different people, different culture. But, I am ready. Thanks for all the comments and love. I don't have anything profound to say, but I when I do- I will post.

My New Home

2007-10-05T02:19:00.001-07:00

Please check out the new pics uploaded from my new home. Kamuli town. The place is nice, the people are great. Two years might not be long enough. We will see. Tunawayanga!!

Greetings

2007-09-27T01:37:00.000-07:00

Olio tya ya'll!!!

I have coined a new phrase in Lusoga. I like to refer is as Southern Hospitality meets Busoga.

I met my co-workers that I will work with for the next few years. All I can say is that they are awesome. I definitely believe that God's favor has been upon me and this group. First He saves us from an accident that could have taken our lives, but we only had a few scratches and bruises and now He has enabled us to be paired with people of like minds and goals within areas that we are truly interested in. How awesome!!! I believe "the prayers of the righteous availeth much." Thanks Mom and Dad and all those interceding on our behalf: Grandparents, ministers, family, and friends.

I will work along side 2 colleagues in developing a youth program in Kamuli. One of my colleagues shares a teaching background like myself. How awesome! I go for a site visit next week where I will be fortunate enough to pick out my own house and I might even have a toilet and a kitchen. I'm still praying on those items. So send up some praise now because I know God is able! I have mastered going to the pit latrine- but hey- I won't complain if I get a "porcelain throne!" I am heir to His throne!!!

Tunawayanga!!!

Much Needed Update

2007-09-17T02:23:00.000-07:00

Hey all-I have found out that I will be in the Kamuli area of Uganda for the next 2 years. Southeaster Uganda. I will be working with an international NGO with Orphans and Vulerable Children and Youth. I am excited. These next two years are looking more promising and fun!

Frog- Update
I walked home in the dark when it was raining. (a 20min walk) A frog's heaven. Thanks to the assistance of my good friend Diana and her head lamp I made it all the way home and then saw a HUGE frog near the steps of the house and I freaked out!!! Hey, but I did make the walk home. I won't try that one again.

Mail Update

I don't have any. Hmmm.
Well just an FYI when you send packages it gets here faster if they are in a padded envelope vs a box. If you label the package "religious materials" or add some religious phrases then it doesn't get tampered with and it ships faster. Just a hint or two. Oh if you send books or media materials you can get a media discount rate from the US post office. I'll be waiting.

I miss you all write/email soon. It's hard to access the internet sometimes b/c of reliability and funds. Peace

One Week

2007-08-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

Wednesday August 15th, 2007 is the day we landed in Entebbe. It has been one week. So why does is it seem that we have been here so much longer. Maybe it is the transition from the Western world to Africa. Maybe it is the "back to basics" mentality that we have had to adopt. Hmm.
For me it is the clash of western world modern ideals and Uganda's adaptation to it. We have very modern conveniences here. Cell phones, Internet cafes, electricity. But to get to the Internet cafe I have to pass by mud huts, dirt roads, and bike taxis? People take bucket baths and cook on charcoal stoves outside, but use a cell phone to call next door to borrow more oil for the stew? Why is there no waste management system, but there is a cell phone dealer on every corner? There is an obvious gap in so-called "progress".
However, it is interesting to work with people who know way more than I do about navigating the world wide web, but do not know how to use Microsoft Word. Here, people have been catapulted into the 21st century without having to go through the trial and errors we did with technology. Cell phones have swept Eastern Africa, but basic telephone lines hardly made a dent here. Whereas in the US- basic phone lines are now almost obsolete. I love the fact that I was able to watch Drum Line (the movie) on cable last night but I resented the fact that I had to run out to the pit latrine during the commercial breaks. It makes you wonder.

More Updates

2007-08-19T03:01:00.001-07:00

Hey people. "Wasuze otya?" That is loosley "Good Morning" in Lusoga. I am learning bit by bit. I have found out that I maybe in the Lusoga speaking region. That is sort of central eastern Uganda. Towards Jinja. Tht's pretty neat, b/c that is the source of the Nile. Not so neat, because there will be tons of frogs. Ugh. Gotta take the good with the bad and keep it moving.

So, news updates- I got a phone!!!! I will not publish my number here b/c this is a public blog. There's is no telling who might call me. But you can contact my mom if you would like to call me. You will need a Africa phone card- or an international card that can call Eastern Africa. Incoming txts and calls are free for me. Outgoing international calls or texts is too expensive for my PCT budget. I was only able to send 10 txts with my prepaid card. So I will keep my phone on and wait for calls from you!!! I am 7 hours ahead of EST, 8 hours ahead of CST, and 10 hrs ahead for PST. But, I am impatiently waiting for my siblings and family to call so I don't care what time it is. I am answering the phone!!!!

Luweero is where I am for training. It is nice here and electircity is sometimes on, sometimes off. I still haven't gotten used to the pit latrines, but I am hoping that will come with time. Let's just say- my shoes have recieved many a christening! That reminds me, Hey, mom where are my sneakers!!! Ta Ta for now.

Uganda is For Me

2007-08-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Okay. This is what I tell myself everyday. Uganda is For Me. Uganda is For Me. Uganda is For Me. It has been a HUGE adjustment. I am currently in Luweero learning the Luganda and Lusoga language, about Peace Corps Uganda, and how to start over. pit latrines-internet cafes. dirt-roads-cell phones. bucket baths-electricity. electricity one day-gone the next. It has been a major adjustment. I used to pick on my friends as being so-called bougeiise (however you spell it). Ummmm I think I can now be added to that category!!! It has been a lot to get adjusted too. I am learning a lot. I actually am having a lot of fun and trying to take it all in stride. Everyone here has made our adjustment easy and I thank God for that. I am blessed with a great host family. I have a great group of people that I work with. There are so many things to say, but it is getting dark here now- and my everyday goal is to be in the house before dark. From the monkeys to the wild chickens and the pit latrines far away from the house to the FROGS. I make sure I make it home before dark!!! I will write more later. Check me out soon.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

2007-08-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

I leave for Uganda tomorrow. After years of contemplating this decision and a year of applying, interviewing, and medical clearance I finally get to leave. Finally! Why the Peace Corps? I have wanted to go to the Peace Corps or something like it for quite sometime. Peace Corps in particular will provide me with a medium to do the kind of work I truly want to do. I am excited about this life-changing opportunity. I won't be the same after this experience. However, I will greatly miss my family and friends. I am thankful to have such a great support system in NC. But, now I am blessed again with a great supportive training class. My fellow PCT's (Peace Corps Trainees) are GREAT! Check out some of their sites at the bottom of my page. I know the next few months will be great with these people. I have had my moments of doubt, frustration (packing), sadness, and fear (of frogs). But, I know I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST! So these apprehensions have no place with me. Our intensive cultural and job training begins this week and ends in October, so this will be my last blog for sometime. During this training I will not have a cell phone and very limited access to the internet. If I do have internet access I will check my email and this blog page for comments. So please make a comment. You don't have to log in, just put your name in the text of the comment and then I will know who you are. Please keep me and my fellow PCT's in your prayers. I am signing off for now.

Address and Count Down

2007-07-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Time is winding down for me here in NC. 6 Days left. I promise no tears!!! I can cry on the 12 hour plane ride to Uganda. Thank you all for your prayers and well-wishes!!! For all those interested in sending me some great care packages and much needed mail- my address until October 2007 will be

Renee Johnson PCT
P.O. Box 29348
Kampala, Uganda

If you want to combine care packages, you can contact my mom and she will be happy to put things together for her baby! Thanks Mom!! grandma_neat@hotmail.com

Oh, FYI Ms. Clara hooked me up with enough toothpaste to supply a village for the next 2 years, so I think it will be safe to say I can knock toothpaste off my list. Thanks Ms. Clara!!!

My first BLOG here in the states

2007-07-16T00:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, for the most part I am not a writer, but I will do my best to keep people abreast to my whereabouts and upcoming news with Peace Corps. I am starting this blog after finding out that several current volunteers are using this same tool to connect with family and friends. Consistency and quality is heavily dependant on the location of their service. So, in short- I am starting this blogspot hoping I can use it and finish it. This by no means will take the place of good old fashioned letter writing. And I still would love any type of care packages!!! So, after all that has been said...

As of right now I am still leaving August 5, 2007. I go to Philadephia for 2 days for training. I will be a Community Health Volunteer. I will be working for the Uganda Ministry of Health with their Community Well-Being and Positive Living Program. I am not too sure of what my day-to-day jobs will be. I could do a number of things. Some include designing fun and inventive programs with youth to promote HIV/AIDS prevention, volunteering at an orphanage, assisting communities identify resources, training trainers, teaching English and writing skills to adults, setting up sports camps, promoting well-being for PLWAs- the list is endless!

I am excited about this new chapter in my life! I am very thankful to all of you for being supportive in this new plan that God has for my life. Don't forget to pray for me- I will need it!! More updates to come. For right now, check out my links and pics. Soon these links will help you get a glimpse into life in Uganda, until then- they can show you what I have been doing on the west coast for the past 3 weeks. Can we say relocation??? Hmmm....