January 19 – 25, 2020
The stories to tell in this blog installment will be doubtless a little less enthralling than past passages, but thanks for sticking with me all the same. This week was spent in the office. I completed a grant proposal for the Japanese Embassy, compiled a number of documents for my organization, and even wrote a short story and a poem – both on the theme of “Rain” – for an African Anthology project I was invited to participate in. The collaboration was for writers and creatives around the continent. If anything exciting for the project comes to my attention as we go through beta-reading and the like, I’ll be sure to keep you posted.
But speaking of rain: an unprecedented season of rainfall has come to the region. It’s thrown a number of wrenches into the works. I was also lucky enough to meet with two American women, living and working in Kampala with PEPFAR (the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). It was a fine dinner and networking opportunity, and a fine way to shake up my usual Thursday routine. Other than that, this week as been quiet, and comfortable in the office, completing some assignments I’ve had on my plate.
January 26 – February 1, 2020
Another quiet week – but a busy one – in the office. We sent off our grant application to the Japanese Embassy, first of all. And the rest of the work was divided between meetings, and preparing for a whole cadre of activities this year. The team spent our week diligently working, planning, designing, and budgeting proposals for seven different health related events spread among all five our sub-county parishes. This was for a board meeting at the end of the week. It was a fine start, and also the beginning of some really exciting outreaches and services come our way!
February 2 – February 8, 2020
Sunday saw the arrival of the first of several visitors from the UK. The first two were a husband and wife team, responsible for the patient management system that we use at the clinic. We went over our suggestions and updates that will be rolled out with the program update. It was a very pleasant and productive opportunity. Tuesday also had visitors from the UK. Specifically, from the newly founded UK-Uganda Health Alliance, and Priory Medical. Two experts from the NHS of the UK came to see where and with whom they will be partnering. We’re looking forward to the work we will do together.
The rest of the week was spent in the Tororo district for three days, on a surprise, spontaneous meeting with the district’s nutrition team. We spent the days developing a five-year work plan for advancing and continuing nutrition support throughout our area. After presenting the portion assigned for me today – as a Spotlight representative – tomorrow will involve the usual errands and a few chores. But not all of them… Come Sunday, I am traveling to Kampala for a Peace Corps training on Grass Roots Soccer. Stay tuned for that and more, my lovely readers! Until next time: be well, be wise, and be good to one another!
Peace, Love, and Uganda 