Finding happiness in "Missouri"

As Fall Out Boy says, the best of us can ;) (referring to the title) *ba dum ching!*

Home sweet home

Anyway, I’M BACK IN THE STATES! It’s been 3 weeks since I touched down and what a crazy busy/exciting/emotional time it’s been! Christmas, New Years, friends, family, Star Wars, food, more food, shopping, more friends, car stuff, more family, driving, planning future events, and packing leaves little time to stop and think about all the insaneness that is my head right now. But here I am. Writing one final blog to reflect on my time in Uganda.

By the way, I left Missouri yesterday and am now in Indianapolis at a couch surfer’s house on my way to New York where I will be starting my Americorps internship! Wow.

I feel like I’ve readjusted pretty well for the most part. There are certain things that bother me more than they used to and I’m a bit more sensitive to other things that didn’t faze me before I left. I also see things from a new angle of course as you’d expect, but I do feel like it’s been somehow easy for me to fall back into the “American way” of doing things.

The biggest thing I just can’t seem to get over is how easily accessible water is EVERYWHERE! When I landed, I was at my friend’s house and I took out my water bottle which was nearing empty so I apologized and asked if she had any water I could drink because I didn’t buy any. Then she gives me a funny look and points to the sink and my eyes go wide with excitement! How could I forget? Everything’s drinkable! :D

A funny counter-story to go along with this is when I was in the airport leaving Uganda, I went into the bathroom and was leaning over the sink looking into the mirror for a solid 2-3 minutes then I reach down to wash my hands and jump back because the sink is covered in vomit. I had kind of noticed it was brownish when I walked in, but everything’s a bit dirty/dusty/brownish tint. I had kind of noticed a bad smell, but when isn’t there? And when I went to the next sink over (vomit-free!) there wasn’t any water….

I think the point I’m trying to make, is that I do appreciate the conveniences of the states and being back with them has been really nice, but I will miss all the funny “What?” moments Uganda had to offer.

Let’s also talk about how FREEZING I am all the time!
……That’s basically all there is to say about that actually….. It’s winter. What did I expect?

I’m knocking the food items I’d been missing off my list and it’s been delicious.

I’ve already got to see 3 PCV friends which has been really nice. Being with them makes me feel like it wasn’t all just a dream and that 2 years of my life actually did happen because it seems a bit unreal sometimes. It’s also nice to have people who can fully understand stories and situations without having to explain everything.

On my drive out of Missouri, I was thinking about how very, very lucky I am to have been given all the opportunities I have. Not only has it allowed me to see and do a lot of really amazing things, but to meet a lot of spectacular people who have helped expand my views and broaden my understanding of this hugely small world. I’m also extremely grateful for all the amazing friends and family I have who continue to support me through all the times, good and bad. These last 3 weeks were definitely rushed, but I’m just in awe by how deep relationships between people can go. It makes saying goodbye again so soon a little bit easier.

Fresh off the plane!

Such good friends <3

Family reunion!

If this is to end in fire...

This will be my last blog entry in Uganda and I just can’t believe it.

I COSed! Meaning, I closed my service and am no longer a Peace Corps Volunteer! I finished! I’m done! It’s over! Can you imagine??

I took my COS trip to the DRC (Congo) to climb Mt. Nyiragongo which is an active volcano with a lava lake at the top. There are only 5(?) of these in the world! When I say wow I mean WOW! It was like looking into the center of the earth. The journey was long, the hike was tiresome, but reaching the top and looking down at that pit of spitting molten rock was the most amazing experience. It got better at night. The constant shifting and changing was memorizing to watch. You could hear the rumble, smell the sulfur, and feel the warmth on your face. It was simply awe inspiring to witness something of that magnitude. Also a little terrifying (Fantasia’s ‘end of the dinosaurs’ scene anyone?)

Now let’s talk more about how I actually finished Peace Corps. I spent some few days in Kampala at the office getting papers signed and doing medical tests to get ready to go. Turns out I had Giardia, but no symptoms which is weird. They shot me up with Novocaine at the dentist to fix a filling and I ended up chewing up my lip while it was numb, so I looked a bit silly with half a swollen mouth. I even got an industrial piercing! (fingers crossed no infections) But I made it through and got to hit the gong I’ve been walking by for the last two years at headquarters. What an exciting moment. Cheering from my fellow PCVs and other staff members who have been with me through it all. Hugs, smiles, and even a few tears. I gave the office a final look over before exiting through the gate and grabbing a boda (motorcycle that PCVs aren’t allowed to ride) to the nearest taxi.

I then proceeded back to site :P Now that’s something you don’t hear very often, but it was future site visit for the new group and my carrier was there so I wanted to go meet her and show her around the place. Talk about weird feelings. When I got off the taxi and saw my school, it felt like I was in a dream. Nothing felt right. Like I wasn’t supposed to be there. “Um, excuse me RPCV. Go home already.” kind of thing. But it was nice to be with the carriers. Made me seriously reflect on how I was feeling 2 years ago during my FSV and how much has happened since then. It’s just unbelievable what an incredible amount I’ve learned since reaching here.

Now my final day has at long last come. I’ve spent the day organizing, packing, receiving visitors, and saying goodbyes. It has been an emotional 13 hours since I woke up and it’s weird to think I’ll be on a plane at this time tomorrow, but at the same time I’m ready to be home. Uganda has been wonderful, not all the time of course, but looking back, I’m really glad I stuck it through. It’s taught me so much and has made me eager to continue exploring this vast (yet very small) world of ours. <3

It's the Final Countdown!

School has ended and I fly outta here in two weeks!

Home sweet home.
I'm really going to miss this place <3

As the term was coming to an end, I did one final project with the P6 girls. We learned about the female reproductive system and how to make ReUsable Menstrual Pads (RUMPs). I did this at the end of last year too. A lot of girls don’t go to school in Uganda because they don’t have money to buy pads while on their period, so this is a good solution for that since they’re made from local materials and last for a long time. It was a success and everyone enjoyed.

Our lovely lady RUMPs
Check it out!

When I leave, my school will be getting another carrier Peace Corps Volunteer who just arrived in Uganda a couple of weeks ago and is now in training. I was able to go meet her 2 weeks ago and she will be coming to visit my/her/our site during the last few days before I leave Uganda. It’s very exciting to see who will be taking over and I’m eager to see what good work she does with the school.

You are most welcome!

This year marked the 4^th Thanksgiving that I’ve missed and that’s kind of a bummer. Luckily I have good friends who like to eat. We all met up and had a lovely (huge) dinner and introduced the holiday to locals. It was delicious.

"Turkey lurkey doo and
Turkey lurkey dap.
I eat turkey
Then I take a nap"

I hate saying goodbye and it’s no exception having to say it to my pupils and teachers. This past Friday, we had our staff end of year party. We went to a guest house, ate “lunch” (served at 5pm), and danced. They honored me by saying thank you and giving me a gift (I teared up a bit). On the coaster ride back home, they were all talking and laughing and my mind instantly went to the memory of my 1^st coaster ride in Uganda from the airport to our training center with my lovely cohort. Now here I am, two years later, with these great people who have shaped my life so much and saying goodbye knowing that I’ll probably never see them again. Talk about emotional.

Playing

Dancing

This last week has consisted of me going through my things, making lists of what needs to be done, and crafting (making small Christmas gifts for you people back home). I sold my guitar to a PCV friend, got rid of old clothes, and tomorrow I’m going to start packing up. Thankfully I’m able to leave most everything to my carrier so I don’t have to worry so much about that.

My teachers raiding my closet

I said goodbye to some fellow volunteers this weekend. A group of us went out to dinner last night and some few crashed at my place. This week, I’ll be saying goodbye to even more as my cohort has already started leaving and some are already back home in the states!

The last supper

Watching "Christmas Vacation" :D

I find myself wondering how it’s possible that two years could have gone by already. Freaks me out how quickly these last two weeks are going to go…

PS: Happy Independence Day Finland! It has now been 3 years since I was carrying a torch through town at -22 degrees Celsius to celebrate, but I still miss it as much as ever. I'm very lucky to have been given these experiences living abroad. 

AAAHHHHHHH!!!!

This (exciting news) calls for a "post" so pour the champagne!

 I COS IN ONE MONTH!

• ·         Meaning, I will complete my Close Of Service in just over 4 weeks!
• ·         Additional meaning, I will no longer be a Peace Corps Volunteer in 30 days!

It’s been such a wild ride and I’m so very happy that I stuck with it and saw it through til the end! Thank you everyone for your love and support <3

I’VE BEEN IN UGANDA FOR (OVER) TWO YEARS!

• ·         Here’s a link to a video song parody I made to celebrate my group’s wonderful achievement: Two Years

Last Friday was my cohort’s 2 year anniversary in Uganda. Some of us met up and celebrated with a night on the town and a delicious breakfast the next day :)

I GOT A JOB FOR AFTER PEACE CORPS!

• ·         It’s actually a 10 month internship through AmeriCorps in New York about 60 miles north of the city on the Hudson River as an Environmental Educator/Naturalist.

WOW! I can’t explain the relief I feel after sending in 45 applications for a solid month :P Cheers to this new and exciting upcoming adventure! *clink*

MY SCHOOL GOT A REPLACEMENT VOLUNTEER!

• ·         The new group has arrived and we get to go meet our carriers this weekend.

It was always in my head that my school would get one, but now that it’s official, it’s another thing I don’t need to worry about anymore. I’m excited to see the work she continues here!

Treat-yo-self breakfast
to celebrate all this good news!

Since I only have a little over a month left, I have been spending a lot of time reflecting on the last two years. It’s really difficult to put my thoughts and emotions into words, so for now, I have created lists to give some insight into those thoughts.

THINGS I’LL MISS ABOUT UGANDA

• ·         G-nut sauce with rice
• ·         Matooke with meat sauce
• ·         Pineapple, mangos, avocados, passion fruits
• ·         Cheap produce and market clothes
• ·         Kitenge fabric and tailoring clothes
• ·         Fresh milk and veggies
• ·         My trading center friends
• ·         Kids surrounding me with hugs, smiles, and calling my name
• ·         Uganglish/The way Ugandans phrase things
• ·         “Somehow”, “Wangee”, “Well done”, “Likewise”, “Ka-”
• ·         Low preservative foods
• ·         Funny talks with my teachers
• ·         Making my own schedule and having free time
• ·         Going to and leaving work whenever I want
• ·         Peace Corps friends
• ·         House geckos
• ·         Baking with the dorm girls
• ·         Heavy rains on my tin roof
• ·         Greeting strangers on the road
• ·         A sense of community
• ·         Willingness to help
• ·         Banana trees and the landscape
• ·         Wearing the same clothes multiple times
• ·         Voice undulations
• ·         My Ugandan friends
• ·         Way of going with the flow
• ·         Slow paced lifestyle
• ·         Leaving my front door open
• ·         Notes from pupils
• ·         Bargaining and going to the market
• ·         Quiet time at home/Lazy days
• ·         Minimalist people and imaginative kids
• ·         Always bright mornings and nice weather
• ·         Not paying rent, insurance, bills
• ·         Sleeping under a mosquito net
• ·         My village, trading center, school, and house
• ·         Not needing to turn lights on during the day
• ·         Resourcefulness
• ·         Eating grasshoppers
• ·         Fast food road side service
• ·         Fetching water/Being water conscious
• ·         Easy access to movies and TV shows

THINGS I WON’T MISS AS MUCH

• ·         Rude ssebos (men)
• ·         Women inferiority and sexuality hate
• ·         Extreme religiousness
• ·         Corporal punishment in schools
• ·         Being called “Mzungu” constantly
• ·         No privacy
• ·         Being asked for  money or to take them to the US
• ·         Being harassed
• ·         Being told to marry them and produce children
• ·         “Give me”, “It’s coming”
• ·         Mosquitoes and house bats
• ·         Dry season/No water/Too hot to sleep
• ·         Dirty hands grabbing at me
• ·         Posho and beans
• ·         Loud overnight worship services/Bar music
• ·         No ceiling/Dust in my house
• ·         The constant crying baby
• ·         Nothing being on time
• ·         Dealing with carpenters and business people
• ·         Bargaining (it’s a love/hate thing)
• ·         Site loneliness
• ·         Burning rubbish and garbage everywhere
• ·         Bad roads and terrible public transport
• ·         Over filled taxis that constantly stop and delay
• ·         The heat/Always sweating
• ·         Now vs Now-Now
• ·         Public urination
• ·         Poor treatment of animals
• ·         Picking noses then shaking hands
• ·         Kneeling and required must do greetings
• ·         Meetings
• ·         Back biting/No direct conflict resolution
• ·         Mosquito nets (another love/hate thing)
• ·         Kampala (the capital city)
• ·         Taxi and bus parks/Conductors
• ·         The ssebo spread (men extending into your seat)
• ·         Biting into rocks when eating rice
• ·         Exploitation of child labor
• ·         Plastic water bottles

THINGS I’M EXCITED FOR IN THE STATES

• ·         Food (this is a list in itself)
• ·         Transportation (public and my car)
• ·         Constant power and hot showers
• ·         Being able to be out at night
• ·         Privacy/No one noticing me
• ·         Seasons/Winter/Fall
• ·         Snow/Cold/Sleeping under heavy blankets
• ·         House boots and (fuzzy) socks
• ·         Endless internet data and phone minutes
• ·         Looking up memes and Youtube videos
• ·         Running water and having a ceiling
• ·         No bars on the windows
• ·         Friends and family of course
• ·         Visiting someone for a few hours only
• ·         Holidays/Christmas lights/Fireworks
• ·         Keeping time and recycling
• ·         A variety of music and activities
• ·         Having things to do/Concerts
• ·         Meeting new people and starting a new job
• ·         Drinking from the tap and recycling
• ·         People loving their pets
• ·         Feeling clean/Eyebrow wax/New underwear
• ·         Hair cut/Blow drying hair
• ·         Washing machines/Hot clothes from the dryer
• ·         Highways going around towns
• ·         Video games and AC
• ·         Ovens for baking
• ·         Smelly good stuffs/Bath and Body Works
• ·         Actual (not foam) mattresses
• ·         Wearing Converse outside and being barefoot inside
• ·         Running outside
• ·         Traffic laws and sidewalks
• ·         Being able to look up while walking without risk of falling into a hole
• ·         Opening the boxes that I left behind and rediscovering things forgotten

Here’s to making my last month the best one yet ;)