The first two things people have asked me about when hearing that I'm going to Uganda, is 1) Why? and 2) What's it like there? The "Why" question affords me the opportunity to share with people the purpose of pioneering and the desire to be of service to the Baha'i Faith. However, I'm always tempted to say "Because it's there," because that's as good a reason as any. As far as the second question, I've been attempting to educate myself about what I might be facing or experiencing when I get there. I've watched the few movies and documentaries that I could find that are set in Uganda; I've looked at websites - both Ugandan websites and the U.S. State Department website, and I've been in correspondence with people already living there who are giving me great advice on what to expect.
And one of the first things people have said to me is "You're going to Africa in July?" and they always say it with some incredulity. I have been scoffed at when I have said that I'm going to a temperate climate, and that Uganda, because it sits at a higher elevation than some of the other African countries, does not get as hot as people think Africa is. For example, here in Nashville today at 11:30 it's about 85 degrees, and promises to be in the mid 90s by later this afternoon. And that's in June! I've just looked up the weather in Kampala Uganda for today, and it's a nice 75 degrees! So who's going to be hotter this summer - me or everyone here in Nashville? But, I know it will be warm there and homes and offices are generally not air conditioned.
Kampala is surrounded by a ring of mountains and is called the "Pearl of Africa" because of it's lush, green beauty. There are two rainy seasons, one will be starting in August after I've been there a few weeks. The mean temperature year round (it sits on the Equator) is a high of 85 at the hottest and the lowest is 50 degrees. Time wise Uganda is 8 hours ahead of Nashville during DST. But they don't observe Daylight Savings Time (they're on the Equator for heaven sakes - they don't need DST!) and so during the winter it's only 7 hours ahead.
The country is bordered by Kenya to the East, the Sudan to the North, Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) to the West, and Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania to the South. Lake Victoria borders on Uganda, with the White Nile River springing from there.
Most people associate Uganda with its terrible meglomanical dictator Idi Amin who wreaked such havoc on the country in the 70s. However, the country now is a republic, with democratically held elections. Things are relatively stable although there have been recent protests over the high cost of food and fuel. But no attempts to overthrow the government.
I have been told by those living there that there is virtually no internal postal service and people communicate primarily through cell phone and Internet. Internet is apparently relatively easy to acquire, however, electricity isn't always reliable. So I guess the key will be to keep the laptop charged so that when there is no electricity I can still function! Trying to ship things into and out of the country are problematic. Fed EX and DHL are there but very expensive. You can ship stuff to the U.S. but it will take 3-6 months. So don't be expecting any gifts from Uganda from me! And while friends may be tempted to send care packages - don't bother!
I've had my yellow fever, tetanus, diptheria and Heptatis shots. I'll soon be taking an oral Typhoid vaccine. And I'll have a year's worth of malaria medication with me when I go. I've been given all the tips and advice on how to avoid getting sick. For example, did you know that if you take two pepto-bismol tablets after you've eaten food that you are sure how clean it is, that the pepto-bismol will kill any live bacterias while they are still in the stomach. So that's the best policy for surviving there, have Pepto-Bismol with you at all times!
The most important thing for me though, is meeting the people - both those I will be working with and those I may encounter along the way. I've been told by those who live there that the Ugandans are a open, friendly people. And I've been told by those who have visited there before, especially the Baha'is, that Uganda is their favorite African country and they always go on and on about how wonderful the Baha'i community is there. I will be working at the Baha'i properties just outside of Kampala, and will be near the Baha'i House of Worship. So I trust that I will be in good hands at all times.
I want my friends to be happy for me and supportive of this major life decision. I know that there will be challenges while in Uganda, and it certainly won't be like living in Tennessee. But I'm a flexible and adaptable person and I'm not concerned. I know I will be safe and protected and that my life there will be exciting and unpredictable.
However, the next blog post will be after I get there and reality is staring me in the face! Then I'll start sharing with you what it's really like living in Uganda!
