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 ;)

Baking, Beatings, and the Bee

This week was so stereotypical of the good, the bad, and the ugly that is life as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

My competing pupils and super helpful
teachers at the Lusoga Spelling Bee.

My teachers now know how to make a cake!

I gave a lesson to them introducing measuring units/items, wet and dry ingredients, and what a Dutch oven is. After their “vocabulary” assessment, we did a demonstration by making a yellow cake. I also put up recipes of other food stuffs I’ve baked them this year. I don’t think they’ve ever paid so much attention or took such vigorous notes as that time. It was a lot of fun!

Lydia reading the recipe and adding
and measuring ingredients

Now time to get very real with you.

The day I had actually planned for this “workshop” to happen, I was bringing the stuff to school when I passed the P7 classroom. (P7 is the last grade for Primary School and since it’s coming to the end of the school year, they have been working very hard from early morning to late at night (7am-9pm) studying so they can pass their Primary Leaving Exams which determine if they can be promoted into Secondary School.) So while I was walking, I heard the too familiar *whacking* sound of a stick hitting a child. Turns out the entire class of 97 pupils was lined up for beatings. When I asked why, they only gave me the response that they had refused to do a test. *smack smack smack* I went into the staff room where my teachers were waiting for my lesson to tell them I could not make a cake while children were being beaten a few doors down. So I went home, furious and upset with my staff, until I calmed down to talk to them later.

It’s like this.

I understand that’s all they know and that’s what they’re used to doing. But I have been here for almost a year and there was a volunteer before me here. I have had talks directly with these teachers before about this subject even. Sometimes Peace Corps feels like such a waste of time and that you might as well be talking to a wall. You ask yourself questions like “Why am I here?” “What have I even accomplished in the last two years?” I can tell you that day I was so ready to be done with this place. The feeling only grew when I had to go to town the next day and my taxi took a very long detour for no reason and the boda (motorcycle) guys were harassing me more than usual.

Today was an interesting combination of frustration and fulfillment.

I have been organizing a Local Language Spelling Bee for schools in my Basoga region for some time now. During Term 1, I walked around to many schools in my area and reached out to local leaders for supports to inform more schools about it. During Term 2, I called in the 20 schools I’d received applications from for a training on how to conduct on with their pupils. 13 of them showed up.

Today, I held the competition inviting those 13 schools.

Only 10 of them showed up. Yes, this was a bit of a letdown and it didn’t help that the sound system people I’d hired showed up 2 ½ hours late. Frustrations rose when teachers started to complain about unfair advantages of other schools and also becoming mad that their pupils were “out” after misspelling a word, even though the rules were very clearly explained by a Ugandan in local language.

But I consider the event a success.

Everyone got to enjoy a very nice tea break, coloring books, singing songs, dancing to music, eating a big lunch, and getting a prize and certificate. The judges I had invited worked together very well to compile the words into organized lists, my MC was energetic and kept the attention, and my speakers actually gave short and concise speeches. As everyone was leaving, spirits had risen, pupils were smiling, and teachers were actually thanking me for the good initiative. Hopefully everyone got a little more appreciation for their culture and language out of this.

The competition underway!

One of the prizes was a book I made in English,
translated into Lusoga, and illustrated by pupils.

Everyone also got their own certificate and some sweets.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place got a backpack full of
games, colors, and books in addition to this. 

I write this post not to sound bitter, but to give a more clear insight into what working here is like beyond the romanticized idea of living in Africa. I really love Uganda and I am so happy to have been placed here, but sometimes it really sucks. What keeps me going is that even in the worst of times here, I can always find a good outcome and know that it will always be worth it in the end. Now that I only have 2 months left until I “gong out” as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I’m even starting to appreciate these bad moments because they are what have really shaped me into the person I am today. When I’m home with my family at Christmas in 10 weeks, I think that even the bad memories will turn into good ones and I’ll tell them with a smile because they are what makes this place I’ve lived the last 2 years, home.