The bus ride to Gulu began very interestingly, as I was dropped off by the taxi driver, having no idea the process to purchasing a ticket, getting on the bus or any of it. After discussing with the Olaras the safety of riding the bus alone, I decided to call the wonderful staff in Gulu and let them know I’d travel alone. (Sorry Ken and Peter!) I also had an interesting time because my luggage probably weighed only twenty pounds less than I do, and I didn’t want to leave any of it sitting, but rather wanted to keep an eye on it. So imagine if you will me carrying a 60 liter backpack on my back, a 65 pound duffle bag and a large messenger bag across a parking lot. Hilarious, right?! :) I had to do the mini step thing just to not trip. It was very funny (I was actually laughing to myself) and ended fine. I got my bags under the bus, and my messenger bag up the precariously steep stairs to a seat. I ended up sitting towards the back, which was a total blessing as I was able to talk with a British gentleman who came here to Gulu to continue some research he is doing in schools. He was a pleasure to talk to, and was full of historical and practical knowledge. We ended up talking about everything from the war that happened in Uganda to riding horses in a western style saddle to fly fishing. It was wonderful. I thought it to be very funny as well, though, that I was talking about hunting in Eastern Oregon while traveling across the Ugandan country side. (He had been in Oregon in 1970, so we chatted about that also). It really is a small world...
I arrived in Gulu at about 2 pm and was met by Brook, one of the girls who works for 31 bits here. We got on a couple of boda bodas, and headed to the house. I set my things down, talked with the girls for a little bit, and then called George, from Aid Africa. He came and picked me up, and we went to the office to meet the staff and a couple of students who Aid Africa supports in secondary school. They were all very welcoming and also very funny. Immediately I felt at ease, as they joked with one another and me. We waited a little longer at the office before being joined by John, Josh, Louisa and Alex. John is an international rotarian who began a school in Jinja, Uganda, some 14 years ago. Josh is his god-son, and Louisa and Alex are Josh’s friends from secondary school. They all decided to spend part of their last summer before University visiting John, and experiencing Uganda. John wanted to see some of the projects that Aid Africa has going (as he has known Ken for some time), so we all piled into the van and headed out to the field. I was glad for the opportunity to see more of the area, as well as meet the people whom the organization helps.
We had quite a good time. We first met recipients of the 6-brick stoves and were able to see the benefit of the stoves in their huts. From there we proceeded to the brick yard and where the staff explained the old model, the possible improvements, and the prototypes they are working on. We got back on the road and were heading to town when we noticed a group of people gathered. There had been an accident on a couple of bodas, leaving a pregnant woman dusty and bruised, and a small boy with a pretty badly bleeding foot. In true Aid Africa form, we had both of the injured people climb into the van, and we gave them a lift to Lacor hospital. After dropping the woman at Lacor, we took the boy to a clinic, as all he needed was his wound cleaned and a dressing. However, because of things that are in the soil, having that wound could be very dangerous for him, so it was very important to have it cleaned properly. We parted ways with our friends from the UK and then the staff, myself, and the young boy all went to dinner together. I was able to finally try mashed matoke (the unsweet bananas) and it was really good! I also had some rice and talapia, with sauce. I love African food! After some interesting searching for my house, the staff dropped me at home and I basically melted into my bed. After not sleeping the night before and a FULL day of traveling and exploring, I was exhausted.
This morning I slept in and then made my way to the office. Today (I had been told yesterday) I would meet with the hospital administrators and tour the hospital. I requested that I not begin working until tomorrow (wed) as I was still pretty tired and wanted to rest a bit more. George and I headed to the hospital around eleven and were welcomed by Dr. Akii. He is the Medical Supervisor of the hospital, as well as one of the gynecologists for the referral hospital. I found out today that Gulu central is the region’s referral hospital, and serves five districts. (Roughly 100,000 people). Up until a year ago they did not have a working x-ray unit, and even now only have a portable unit, with hand processing. It was a pleasure to talk with Dr. Akii and he introduced me to the head radiographer, my ‘boss’ for the next month. I was given a tour of the unit, and also shown the manual processing. Yep. Going to have to crack the books to remember how long in the fixer and developer and everything. Though the line outside the room was long, and they would have liked me to work today, they agreed that I should rest up and then report back tomorrow morning. So I begin ‘work’ tomorrow, at 8:30am and will work until 5pm. (We take a lunch break at 12:15. Might end up being a nap break for me!) Though the hospital will prove to be challenging for me, I am EXTREMELY excited for this opportunity and am looking forward to tomorrow morning. After we left the hospital, George helped me to find a few things I needed to buy before we parted ways and I came home to unpack/set up my room and rest.
I am so glad to be here in Gulu and so amazed that I am. :) Its still as surreal as when I was boarding the airplane. I am in Uganda. Wow...
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