Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Greetings from Luweero District!

I'm here, typing away at the one internet cafe in town- it's actually only been here since March, when the last Peace Corps group who came through initiated the expansion of internet services in this area. There is no electricity today, so a generator hums behind me as I type :)

I arrived in Uganda on Thursday the 9th with an incredible group of 20 other Peace Corps volunteers. We spent the first few days doing some orientation activities and getting acclimated to the climate, time zone, and food. On Sunday we arrived at our training site and met our host families, with whom we'll be living for the next 9 weeks. My host parents are very nice and I have two adorable little host brothers (5 & 7 yrs). This is the fourth time my family has hosted a Peace Corps trainee-- both an plus for me, as well as a testament to their hospitality and reputation.

We spend our days at the training center, learning language, culture, political history, medical information, geographic information, and technical information for our volunteer work. I'll be learning the language, Runyankore, which is spoken in the west and southwest parts of Uganda (this also means that I will most likely be placed in that region for my volunteer assignment!)

I don't have much more time to write, but I hope all is going well for you back home (wherever that may be!). I will continue to update the blog as time allows :)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Megan, I'm looking at the Olympic Penninsula remembering our days of hiking the great trees, the mountains and ocean beach... and sending this connection to nature round the world to you as you learn the nature of where you are now, as well as all the social/people connections you are standing in. Peace of the great trees to you. Vision of the high mountains to you. Strength of the consistent ocean to you. Your adopted aunt, Christina

SammyK said...

Petey-

Great to hear from you. I'm looking forward to hearing of all your adventures over the next 2 years!

Although it's in a different African language, you'll know what this means:

Nkosi Sikeile'i Afrika.

All my Best,
Sam

Anonymous said...

Megan,
I stumbled upon your blog on Facebook. So fun to hear about your adventures in Africa. I've ALWAYS wanted to go...but haven't made it there (yet). Glad to hear it's going well so far.
Becky Weaver

Unknown said...

Megs...
I was at the zoo in DC just a few days ago and as I was looking at the elephants, tigers and other African animals I couldn't help but think of you! Miss you tons and am SO proud of you!
Heart,
Al

2020 PCSI Virtual Nursing Track said...

Megan,

I am so excited for you! Good luck and keep us posted. I hope to see you in the U.S. in two years or so when we will both be back here!
All the best!
Bistra

Anonymous said...

Megs-
looking forward to hearing all about your adventures and life changing experiences...good luck and god bless.
ps if you need a laugh sometime i recently ran into a few new jokes and comments i think you'll enjoy!
i heart you - BJ

Anonymous said...

Megan,
Glad to hear you are safely in your beloved Africa. I can't wait to hear about your adventures. Peace and love, Colleen

Anonymous said...

Melembe na Kodh'eyo

You can thank Elliot Webber for the internet. It was a pain without it. Let's see, you will eventually get sick of the local food. Along the road you will see people selling eggs and chapatis (look like burito skins). They will be your best friends in Luwero. Only pay 500 shillings for it!

Erica said...

Megan!

I'm so happy to hear that everything is going well. Unfortunately you're not learning Luganda, so you can't be placed with JM's family :) I hope you are enjoying training--it will go fast but it's a great time. I'm going to add a link to your blog on mine, if thats okay!!

Take care,

Erica

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhh!!
I am so excited to see where this journey will take you. I'd like to send you a letter sometime fairly soon. so watch your mailbox :)

-chanti

Anonymous said...

Hey Megan!!!
Africa sounds great! I hope you have the time of your life there!! We all miss you here in Lanesboro!!
xoxo,:);)
Libby
&
Zanzibar!!