You may be wondering what I have been up to for the past 2 months since I last posted. To be honest, I can summarize it in one brief sentence: I have been learning to live with myself.
There was no way I could have prepared for the Peace Corps "experience" and certainly no way anyone could have predicted the things I have seen so far. This is not to say that I feel I have seen it all and definitely have not seen the worst but really, I have been exposed to more reality than I could ask for.
Another point I should stress is that I am not entirely busy all the time. I still have plenty of free time and that might be the issue at times. I'm not trying to turn this into a bitchfest but my problems would not feel nearly as big if I didn't have time to think about them. The school term began when the Ministry of Education and Sports said it should begin but the time table was not set for a week. It's hard to learn about the school system when the staff doesn't really know what is going on. The important thing is that NOW the school is in session and everyone is doing their job for the most part. Soon the entire school will understand my role and we can push ahead with filling their needs. The system is not perfect here but really, where does perfection actually exist?
I have been working on the School Profile Tool for Peace Corps, assessing 100 pupils from Primary 4 on literacy, visiting other volunteers, cooking, shopping for food, occasionally exercising, reading, and watching the shows people were nice enough to share with me. Let's not forget the pit latrine visits, bucket baths, hand washing of laundry, and constant sweeping to remove the dust from my home.
I'm now getting a grasp of how my school works and identifying areas where I can help. Even if I don't get anything else done, one small project I intend to see through is the school library and resource room. Keep an eye open for more updates.
I took pictures and have specific stories I want to share but my computer broke back in January. Yes, it was tragic. Francisco knows just how desperate I felt when that happened. It's the excuse I have for my lack of blogging. Sorry, people! On a positive note, I have decided I will be visiting the States this summer. I don't have my ticket yet but be prepared to see my tanned face some time in August. Updates to come.
I'm at an HIV workshop in Mbale now until Thursday. The hotel is fancier than anything I have ever seen in this country. I better cuddle in the mountain of pillows while I still can. Laterz!
VSO
