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Back to the grind in Uganda! I was welcomed back to country with a string of occupied hotels and transportation mishaps (“pardon me sir, I cannot fix an engine”). Needless to say my trip up to the North was an adventure. When I stumbled into Rachel’s house with all 70 lbs of my luggage I couldn’t have been more ecstatic to see some of my dearest Peace Corps homies and discuss pressing topics such as how TERRIFYING it would be if spiders could fly (think about it, evolution had our back on that one). Also eating Indian food for the first time in over a month was quite the treat – pure magic in your mouth.
Taxi back to Iceme - flat tire
I had to hover over a pig on my taxi ride!
Stella turned 24!
The term started two weeks ago but most of my students aren’t reporting until Valentine’s Day. My work load has increased rather significantly. Last year I taught 7 doubles a week, this year I will be teaching 12 doubles a week. I’ll remain teaching Senior 1 Biology, as well as Senior 2 and 3 Computers. Will I make it through? I may have to take up heavy drinking. Just kidding, but Tuesday’s are going to be blisteringly painful, 4 back-to-back computer lessons in the SCORCHING afternoon equatorial heat.
The dead beetles outside my kitchen window
The dead bees inside my kitchen
My attempt to transition into a vegan has already failed (I ate some peanut brittle – thanks Uncle Doug) so I’m pretty much giving up on that one. I lasted 3 weeks… I will reevaluate my feelings of cheese and chocolate in a year when I return to the states, until then, VIVA EL QUESO! As for my other New Years resolutions, the half marathon training is coming along slowly but surely, I’m clearly transforming into a Super Volunteer since I’ve taken on more responsibilities at school (haha), and I’ve just posted another blog so put a gold star on my chart.
Did I go running through mud puddles? Nope... just went for a stroll
Rachel playing with Rasta at Atin Africa
Auntie Bernadette and Rachel making brownies with Rachel's students
It’s incredible how quickly one can adjust to their surrounding environment: I avoid direct sunlight at all costs, I drink a gallon of water a day; At night, I don’t go outside if it can be avoided (rabid bats totally freak me out), I read inside the safety of my mosquito net with my solar lamp, when an ominous crash wakes me up I roll over and say, “meh, it’s probably just a papaya falling off a tree,” just to list a few examples.
Alex, Stella, Liz, Stevie, Me, Chen, and Rachel celebrating 1 year in country. CHEERS!
In conclusion I am happy as a hippo to be back home and am eagerly awaiting my students arrival so I can begin teaching!
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so glad your back at site and safe, glad also you will allow more variety in your diet. thank you for being a wonderful teacher and human being. so proud of you precious daughter. koyh mom
Comment by dianne demko February 12, 2012 @ 6:27 pmThank you my Jacqueline. I love reading your news. How exciting to travel with a real pig. Traveling with human PIGS is not a delight. However, dead bees and beetles are good to EAT. You should have some chocolate to cover them with.
Comment by Marilyn youngbird February 12, 2012 @ 9:47 pmU GO GIRL!!! you can do all your assignments and more, you have the most incredible Arikara and Hidatsa genes, you can do anything on this earth and beyond. Remember our people survived and lived through the most hurriffic genecide, sicknesses, and also mother natures floods, fires, heat, etc. You can do whatever you want to do, you have the power, knowledge, wisdom and compassion. U GO GIRL. All your peace corp sisters and brothers can do the same. Praise to all of you. I just returned from North Dakota. Wind Chill factor, 31 below F. Other than that, there is no snow and the color of the vegatation on our earth mother is an absolutely beautiful bronz. The trees are standing strong and tall, some of their branches are reaching upward to ward the sun and patiently waiting for rain or snow. Beautiful. Running with Susan to look at a couch righ now. Write more later. I love you with all my Heart my Darling. I am so proud of you. Be well, smiles and know you are the most beautiful humanbeing on EARTH. GRANDMA
Hi Jacque, Loved your blog! Nice to have you back writing. You sure have a tough schedule this time, bur know you can do it. All those dead bugs! Yuck! You are doing a terrific job in Africa. Keep up the good work. You seem to have a positive attitude. Love, Marge
Comment by marge laxier February 13, 2012 @ 7:43 amGreat to have you blogging again. Your newsletter was great. Grandma sent it to several people and they made some wonderful, positive comments.
Comment by Grandpa jack February 15, 2012 @ 1:01 amHave you thought about keeping a daily journal to record thoughts, feelings, and actions. It would also help to remember and record some ideas for your blogs. I have been keeping a daily written journal for years and now grandma got me started on an app. On my iPad. It is called Day One. You might look into it.
Keep up the good work.
Grandpa Jack
Cute pig…should’ve held it in your lap.
Comment by Sam Broadway March 6, 2012 @ 11:47 pm