February 9 – 15, 2020
This week, a fair number of my cohort, and some of the education cohort before us, found ourselves in Kampala, at the Pope Paul Memorial Hotel for Grass Roots Soccer training. The week was busy, with a certified trainer from the GRS headquarters in South Africa. She was also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer; now her service has taken her to an ideal career opportunity. For a lot of my friends: she’s become a light at the end of the tunnel, showing what worth can come from their difficult times.
My coworker Richard, and one of the Musoto Christian teachers named Rose, worked together to bring mixed gender, exclusive boys’ teams, and exclusive girls’ teams. It was a week jam packed with information and supplies. It was also a week filled with allergies. Apparently, it is in Kampala that my allergies wait for me. So much dust, so much pollution, and all the winds from all four corners blowing everything pollen into my body… But it didn’t stop the fun times, and some nights on the town with my friends.
February 16 – 22, 2020
This week was spent in the office, back home in Mbale. It was a lot of logistical work, and a lot of administrative work. There was, and is, a significant amount of preparation still to go to make GRS happen at Musoto Christian Primary School. But, we have the faculty and staff on board, and many projects to make this happen have been completed, so we’ll be ready to move forward once I return from another Peace Corps training for a DREAMS club.
I also attended my largest wedding to date: the ceremony was one thing, but the reception easily had over FIVE HUNDRED people in attendance. While it was a beautiful ceremony, and the reception was a lot of fun, I only knew a grand total of five people, including the two who invited me, so it was understandingly overwhelming…
February 23 – 29, 2020
This week was in Mukono (the District just outside of Kampala) at the Ridar Hotel. Many of my same fellow volunteers were at this training as well, and it was once more a busy week, full of important and useful information to make a difference in the lives of adolescent girls and young women. Because, that’s what DREAMS is all about. Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored, and Safe women and girls. I went with another co-worker, named Beatrice, so we can also bring these services and opportunities to the students of Musoto Christian Primary School.
March 1 – 7, 2020
Another logistical week, with not much to report. Preparing for GRS and DREAMS, as well as community outreaches for the upcoming Malaria month in April, has consumed all of my work time. We will be having meetings and plans with the schools, clinics, district offices, and more to move forward with these plans. So, unfortunately, not much else to share this week. That being said, thank you all so much for reading! And until next time: Be Well, Be Wise, and Be Good to One Another!
Peace, Love, and Uganda 