hello hello-
so i was reading through some of my previous blogs... i realized that i like to tell entertaining stories. part of that is deliberate, because basically no one will read this if its boring and lame, so i do my best to make things interesting. but after all that ive been experiencing, i also want to expose some other things about my trip...
i know i talk alot of funny things that happen, like getting peed on or having to eat massive amounts of smashed plantains. but my experience here is significantly more than that. my program is very strategically planned out to deal with some really tough issues here. each week we talk about a new one in class, and then directly apply it to the things we are seeing right in front of our faces everyday. today we addressed poverty, digging through all the many complex issues of the problem. we talked about economic development and all the factors that go into making a country successful- as well as how truly complicated it is. we've talked about american styles of teaching in our universities, in contrast to the methods that will be used while we are here. we are using a very hands on style of learning- integrating our academics with real life situations, applying what we learn in the classroom and executing it in real life. some things are easy to read about in theory while sitting in class at Messiah College in precious little Grantham, PA... but try applying them to real life. sometimes they just dont fit together.
basically what im trying to say is that my experience here is WAY more than a safari adventure or camping trip on steroids. yes, i'll have plenty of funny, crazy stories to tell you when i get home, but ill also have serious issues to grapple with. i dont want everyone to think that im this brave, honorable woman for coming to Africa, because its not true. I'm here to learn, I'm here to be changed. and yes it is an adventure- but im also just another college student here in Uganda. I live with real Ugandans- who all live real lives- who all live like this every single day. they are people, with feelings and opinions. and im no better than them bc im american or have been blessed with some sweet technology.
so all in all, i just wanted everyone to know that im not just playing around here in Africa. i am learning more than i ever anticipated to learn, both experientially and academically. so im psyched to share new ideas with you when i get home! until then, be well. and keep those comments coming. i love reading them.
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2 comments:
Help Help! They have kidnapped my niece and replaced her with Senorita Grumplepuss.
I think I know what happened. Either your fellow classmates were looking over your blog and chastised you for not being serious enough or your professor gave you a lecture about your flippant attitude. Maybe they found out you were planning to kick Prose's behind.
Seriously, though, I think it is a good thing for you to be exposed to this and to see how another country and culture lives. I'm sure it can get overwhelming at times, when little or nothing is familiar. Learn as much as you can and come home safely with a new perspective and attitude. Don't worry about us thinking that you are a "brave, honorable woman for coming to Africa", I mean, we never thought that (have you been at the fermented millet?). We still think of you as the little girl who's socks just didn't feel right.
We'll be waiting to hear your stories, be they funny, serious or mundane. And we will be looking for help in the kitchen.
Love,
Uncle Jim & Aunt Martina
Hi Kathryn, It does sound like your professor hollared at you & said to get more serious. I cant imagine the day to day challenges you go through. And all the everyday conveniences that we take for granted that you must deal with. You are strong and independent and leaning on God. You will reap more benefits than you can even realize right now and will be using these learning experiences for the rest of your life. Imagine the lines you can use on your kids! You know how parents always say they had to walk to school in the snow BOTH ways uphill. That doesnt even hold a match to what you can come up with, and yours will be true. We had a lot of snow and ice and had 3 major highways closed down for days. Rt 78 was closed for 17 hours with people stuck on it with nowhere to go all that time. RT 80 and 81 were also closed and just opend up with the last few days. It was quite the mess up here. Travis had over 2 feet of snow in Vermont and none of his roads were closed! What a difference. We love you and are praying for you.
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