Short and Sweet

Like my current Facebook status says, “It has been a huge blessing watching my parent's love and marriage blossom over the past 28 years. I inspire to have what you two have with one another. Love you both to the sky and back and even more...”

Happy 28^th Anniversary Mamasita and Pops!

I honestly have yet to see two people care as much about each other and put others before them then my parents.  They have provided me with more support than I could have imagined during this Peace Corps process and lifestyle I am living.  They are humble, kindhearted and welcoming in every aspect of life.  There might be some tough love along the way but it is only to help in the long run. 

Little do they know that their way of life has helped me acclimate to this foreign environment I am living in 9,100 away. 

I aspire to find love with a man like that someday.

Too bad Finn Hudson passed on... We would have put my parent’s love to the test  ;)

The Final Destination

My bags are packed and ready for the big move. 

T-minus two days.

The memorandum has been signed and agreements have been made.  I am moving to Kitgum… Way up in the Northern region of the country that borders South Sudan.

Note to my wonderfully awesome parents: I will be very safe there.  As the Ugandans say, “Do not fear.”

I will be working for an organization called Meeting Point, which works with individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.  These individuals meet in groups, which will allow me the chance to work with them in various capacities.  They also have a bead-making project that they want assistance in their production and marketing. 

Along with my primary project I will also be working in the schools to create a youth sports organization, specifically for softball.  I am excited to get back into the game and see these young girls find love in this sport.  Furthermore I am eager to work with locals in the community in setting up this organization, where children can find new opportunities, passions, and a safe space to come and explore new things.

I am eager to begin this new, and hopefully final, chapter in my Peace Corps story.  It has been an adventure and I am excited to see where these blank pages lead.

I’ll keep you posted!

In The Spotlight

Last week I was invited on behalf of the Camp GLOW Co-Directors to attend the Peace Corps Office Grand Opening event in Kampala.  This event not only marked the office’s re-opening after its remodel and addition but it also celebrated the arrival of the eleven Global Health Service Partnership doctors and nurses who are now working around the country.  The events were highlighted by current Volunteer’s projects, which were displayed in various fashions.

The Peace Corps Uganda staff wanted to showcase these projects, as many dignitaries were attending the event… From the U.S. Ambassador and CDC workers to people from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Sports.   

Peace Corps provided us with cardboard, glue, scissors, and scrapbook paper… All of which made my post-Resident Advisor dreams come true.  I was able to highlight information about the camps, some data on our monitoring and evaluation, such as for every $2 of aid money spent on a camper, their comprehensive pre/post-test knowledge increases by one-third of a percentage point, post camp success stories, and of course, pictures!

Oh the magic that can happen with a staple gun, paper, and glue!

I was lucky to have one very experienced helper with me throughout the day, who could speak to the positive work that the camps do.  This strong Ugandan woman, Immaculate, has been involved in six camps, all in different roles.  She has seen many campers come and go and has seen how these camps go beyond the week together and extend back into the villages where follow-up workshops take place.  In my personal opinion, camps are one of the few projects within Peace Corps that cannot function without Ugandans, hence why I wanted to bring her along.

Event attendees were able to casually stroll through the event, asking questions and seeking how to get involved and best support us as Volunteers.  It was great to share our stories with fellow U.S. Mission employees and Host Country Nationals, all of who were grateful for our work in Uganda.  Mr. Ambassador stopped by to thank us for our work with the youth and to express his eagerness to speak again at this year’s camp.

It was a successful day that ended with a new network of connections, good food, and an overall consensus that we are here doing good work in various capacities and communities.

Immaculate and I with Mr. Ambassador in the background.  

P.S.  Welcome to the quarter of a century club little sis!  Happy 25^th Birthday Julie!