Trips, Tortoises and Turkeys.

This weekend we took a little trip up to Sipi Falls for a chance to unwind and unload a bit. I've been here in Uganda for over two months now so it was about time for another little breather - even if we only travelled to another district. Sometimes life here is so intense that my emotions either implode on to myself, or worse, explode onto everyone else! So a trip away was pretty necessary. The view of the falls was breathtaking (see above) and the comforts of the lodge were welcomed to say the least (fresh brewed coffee delivered to the banda in the morning!). Although the trip was only for one night, not enough time for the relection I desired, it was an ideal place for relaxing, eating good food and doing a little soul searching.

Since I've left TASO I have began another project with the fledgling (newly changed name) Mothers of Hope. The group is dedicated to socioeconomic empowerment of young women, namely mothers, through skills development (e.g. baking, tailoring, driving), advocacy for "girl-child" education, and I am a little overwhelemed and underwhelmed all at once with it. I have a lot of responsibility with getting the group going - designing a logo and brochure, improving the constitution, outlining for the baseline study of young mothers in Bungokho subcounty, Mbale District, meeting the women and doing needs-assessing interviews, grant writing and more. Yet, with all this work to do, I feel stymied by the people I'm working with and their sometimes tortoise pace. It's taking a lot of patience each day, and I am trying to understand the complex context of the differing work ethic and it is in delicate balance with the struggles of living and working in a resource-poor economy.

In other matters, I am feeling a little homesick lately as the holidays begin. I miss the crisp fall air warmed by a cozy sweater and a house full of family. I hear Maya is crawling and has one whole tooth already (!). One can hardly notice winter or the holidays coming here and there are no turkeys I'd consider eating (I only see them feeding on lovely garbage piles). We're thinking of having our Ugandan families over to Aparment Intern for some chicken (remember what I said about the larger, less moist bird), mashed potatoes, green beans and pie, sort of like a Thanksgiving. It should be nice, but there ain't nothing like the real thing, baby. The prospect of a turkey-less, pumpkin-less, football-less, family-less Thursday - while upsetting - is what I've resigned to. But I do have Will, and friends, and chicken, and beer, and I suppose that'll do.