Saturday, June 12, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Last Thoughts...
Final Thoughts to my Family and Friends
Today is our last day in Uganda! During the day we visited Bugagoli Falls and the source of the Nile. Two more beauties of the world that Uganda has to offer. We had our group discussion last night so we get to chill all morning by the pool. We leave for the airport around 3 pm Uganda time.
Some final thoughts…
-Uganda has been a great experience and I will definitely be looking forward to traveling abroad again
-Being here has made me appreciate a lot….
*Ugandans live in the moment and noting is wrong with that at times
*becoming a global citizen definitely has its advantages
*there is still a lot more to learn, especially culture wise
*The value of a dollar
* quality health care and education are not a given everywhere
*It doesn’t take a lot of money to make a difference
*No matter what language you speak, a smile has a constant definition
*Just when you think you have it tough, think about the millions out there that are worse…
*Just when you think you are the best, see if you can be the best EVERYWHERE
*Cherish family and friends
I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to experience this life altering study abroad program. I am so grateful for my parents and grandparents who helped me along the way. Coming on this trip with my boyfriend has really helped us to grow together. As an individual I have grown quite a bit, because I have seen so much…there are no words to describe all that I have seen in these mere 3 weeks—just notice a change, you won’t have to know exactly why.
I just want to send out a mass pray request, 2 of them actually.
1. For all the locals of Uganda who are trying so hard to make this country a better place. The hard work and perseverance, for little in return. Please pray for the families and all the children for a blessed life. These people don’t need TV’s in each room, they don’t need a car for each kid- they just want happiness, love and motivation. That’s what we can pray for….
2. For all of the students who may leave here without a changed soul, mind or heart. For all the comparisons and mockeries and for those who leave with nothing… Please pray wisdom and warmth into their hearts…
3. For safe travels! 25 hours on travel time…. That is a lot of reflection!
After this cultural experience, my many shopping sprees, being attacked by a baboon and getting sun kissed---I think my time is Africa was spent well... I'm sad to go, but it's about that time!
Finally, I would like to say THANK YOU for all of you who followed me on this journey. Thank you for the comments; they made me feel close to home. I love you all and will see you shortly!
Love Always, Danielle Jeanette Ford
Today is our last day in Uganda! During the day we visited Bugagoli Falls and the source of the Nile. Two more beauties of the world that Uganda has to offer. We had our group discussion last night so we get to chill all morning by the pool. We leave for the airport around 3 pm Uganda time.
Some final thoughts…
-Uganda has been a great experience and I will definitely be looking forward to traveling abroad again
-Being here has made me appreciate a lot….
*Ugandans live in the moment and noting is wrong with that at times
*becoming a global citizen definitely has its advantages
*there is still a lot more to learn, especially culture wise
*The value of a dollar
* quality health care and education are not a given everywhere
*It doesn’t take a lot of money to make a difference
*No matter what language you speak, a smile has a constant definition
*Just when you think you have it tough, think about the millions out there that are worse…
*Just when you think you are the best, see if you can be the best EVERYWHERE
*Cherish family and friends
I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to experience this life altering study abroad program. I am so grateful for my parents and grandparents who helped me along the way. Coming on this trip with my boyfriend has really helped us to grow together. As an individual I have grown quite a bit, because I have seen so much…there are no words to describe all that I have seen in these mere 3 weeks—just notice a change, you won’t have to know exactly why.
I just want to send out a mass pray request, 2 of them actually.
1. For all the locals of Uganda who are trying so hard to make this country a better place. The hard work and perseverance, for little in return. Please pray for the families and all the children for a blessed life. These people don’t need TV’s in each room, they don’t need a car for each kid- they just want happiness, love and motivation. That’s what we can pray for….
2. For all of the students who may leave here without a changed soul, mind or heart. For all the comparisons and mockeries and for those who leave with nothing… Please pray wisdom and warmth into their hearts…
3. For safe travels! 25 hours on travel time…. That is a lot of reflection!
After this cultural experience, my many shopping sprees, being attacked by a baboon and getting sun kissed---I think my time is Africa was spent well... I'm sad to go, but it's about that time!
Finally, I would like to say THANK YOU for all of you who followed me on this journey. Thank you for the comments; they made me feel close to home. I love you all and will see you shortly!
Love Always, Danielle Jeanette Ford
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Camping in Africa!
I had to make this event a separate entry because it was just that important!
Our weekend trip this week was up to northern Uganda, 6 hours away from Kampala, to a national park called Murchisson Falls National Park. Before leaving our resort in Kampala, the camp instructor tells us all the rules and advice for traveling safely up north. We were told that OUR CAMP GROUND is located IN THE MIDDLE of the national park. SCARY-roaming wild animals. She goes on to explain that our packed lunches (provided by the camp) are heavily recognized by the baboons and that they are not afraid to grab them right off your lap. Matt and I laughed because we figured that happened only once every blue moon- HA JUST WAIT
So we get up there, and come to find out, WE ARE REALLY CAMPING. There are tents everywhere, as well as two bed rooms. Nothing like the resort we just left. As soon as we arrive we see baboons and hippos and wart hogs just roaming the camp grounds and not paying us any mind.
FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON’T KNOW, THE ANIMAL KINGDOM AND I DON’T EXACTLY GET ALONG.
Please keep this in mind.
Anywho, we settle into the camp grounds its RAINING and storming and I am freaking out. Lights camp wide went out at mid night and we got there around 10 pm. I cried myself to sleep that night--- I was so out of my element. I can do this whole Africa thing, but CAMPING in Africa- I don’t even camp back in the states- let alone on a brand new continent. It was dark, there were INSECTS EVERYWHERE. Africa insects aren’t like the US ones--- everything is ENLARGED and have extra limbs, legs, heads--- the beetles, mosquitoes, hornets—they all slept in my room with me. I wrapped myself like a cocoon in the mosquito nets and boo hooed to bed.
(((IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, READ THIS1!!))Wake up was at 5:45 am the next morning because we were set to do a game drive in the national park. We took nice pictures of the sunrise and took a ferry across the Nile to reach our game drive vehicles. This is where it all begins. The crack of dawn, we are all loaded like sardines 10 to a van and started making our way through the park….. next thing you know, because there we are 4 vans deep, we begin a little traffic in the park. We were the last van, on a bridge. Let me tell you about these vans. Windows all around as well as a huge sky roof above us so when we see animals we can stand up and take pictures. Mind you, we all had our packed lunches with us for the day, you know, the packs that the monkeys supposedly recognized. Well, Matthew Brown Hancock sees some baboons and decides to whistle at them. 3 of these bad boys came running to our van while we are parked. I remember the lady saying something about the brown sacks and how they love women- I close my WINDOW QUICKLY because the biggest baboon was staring me directly in the eyes. Next thing you know he comes CHARGING my window is slammed shut – but who cares because this MONKEY WAS ON TOP OF THE VAN REACHING IN THE SKY ROOF FOR MY LAP. I USED MY HANDS TO COVER MY HEAD FOR PROTECTION AND THIS CREATURE WAS PULLING ON MY FINGERS WITH HIS NASTY HANDS! Matt and I are in the back screaming like little kids!! Matt throws a banana and I throw my entire sack lunch at the baboons head we both missed because we were too busy kicking and screaming and trying to avoid to monkey above our heads! The other 8 people in the car were stunned because the baboon only attacked our back seat! SCARIEST THING SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE. Our bus driver jumps out and starts throwing rocks at it! I am still screaming my head off while the 3 vans ahead of us turn around to see the commotion!! Mind you, this is all at hmm 6:30 in the morning. Welcome to camping in Africa.
The rest of the game drive we saw giraffes, more damn baboons, elephants, water buffalo and many more 4 legged creatures of this earth. Later that day we went on a boat tour to see this beautiful waterfall-good times. That night I cried myself to sleep once again- Matt had to tuck me in like I was a little baby and waited for me to fall completely asleep because I was seriously having an anxiety attack. I am not exaggerating here people, I was hyperventilating and sobbing and paranoia overtook me- It was INTENSE and only occurred at night. Note to self, to parents, to boyfriend and to anyone else; CAMPING IS NOT FOR ME.
The next morning we woke up once again, but this time went hiking to the top of the waterfall. It was a beautiful sight to see! There really is a God and that is proof right there--- nothing else could have made a scene so surreal. Got lots of good snaps, can’t wait to show ya!
Finally, tonight, we are back in Kampala after our 6 hour travel back down south. We have one more night here in Kampala in the cottages at the Red Chilli resort. I enjoyed my time spent here.
Tomorrow we go on our “vacation” since we have had so many educational events. We are traveling to a place called Jinja where we get to view the source of the nile and Bujanoyi Falls. It should be another great sight to see!
3 more days. 3 more days. I have enjoyed my time here--- but it is time to get home!
We leave Wednesday at 9:00 pm and should arrive back in Des Moines around 1:30pm. Hopefully I will be able to update one last time before we leave!
Love and Miss you all!
Our weekend trip this week was up to northern Uganda, 6 hours away from Kampala, to a national park called Murchisson Falls National Park. Before leaving our resort in Kampala, the camp instructor tells us all the rules and advice for traveling safely up north. We were told that OUR CAMP GROUND is located IN THE MIDDLE of the national park. SCARY-roaming wild animals. She goes on to explain that our packed lunches (provided by the camp) are heavily recognized by the baboons and that they are not afraid to grab them right off your lap. Matt and I laughed because we figured that happened only once every blue moon- HA JUST WAIT
So we get up there, and come to find out, WE ARE REALLY CAMPING. There are tents everywhere, as well as two bed rooms. Nothing like the resort we just left. As soon as we arrive we see baboons and hippos and wart hogs just roaming the camp grounds and not paying us any mind.
FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON’T KNOW, THE ANIMAL KINGDOM AND I DON’T EXACTLY GET ALONG.
Please keep this in mind.
Anywho, we settle into the camp grounds its RAINING and storming and I am freaking out. Lights camp wide went out at mid night and we got there around 10 pm. I cried myself to sleep that night--- I was so out of my element. I can do this whole Africa thing, but CAMPING in Africa- I don’t even camp back in the states- let alone on a brand new continent. It was dark, there were INSECTS EVERYWHERE. Africa insects aren’t like the US ones--- everything is ENLARGED and have extra limbs, legs, heads--- the beetles, mosquitoes, hornets—they all slept in my room with me. I wrapped myself like a cocoon in the mosquito nets and boo hooed to bed.
(((IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, READ THIS1!!))Wake up was at 5:45 am the next morning because we were set to do a game drive in the national park. We took nice pictures of the sunrise and took a ferry across the Nile to reach our game drive vehicles. This is where it all begins. The crack of dawn, we are all loaded like sardines 10 to a van and started making our way through the park….. next thing you know, because there we are 4 vans deep, we begin a little traffic in the park. We were the last van, on a bridge. Let me tell you about these vans. Windows all around as well as a huge sky roof above us so when we see animals we can stand up and take pictures. Mind you, we all had our packed lunches with us for the day, you know, the packs that the monkeys supposedly recognized. Well, Matthew Brown Hancock sees some baboons and decides to whistle at them. 3 of these bad boys came running to our van while we are parked. I remember the lady saying something about the brown sacks and how they love women- I close my WINDOW QUICKLY because the biggest baboon was staring me directly in the eyes. Next thing you know he comes CHARGING my window is slammed shut – but who cares because this MONKEY WAS ON TOP OF THE VAN REACHING IN THE SKY ROOF FOR MY LAP. I USED MY HANDS TO COVER MY HEAD FOR PROTECTION AND THIS CREATURE WAS PULLING ON MY FINGERS WITH HIS NASTY HANDS! Matt and I are in the back screaming like little kids!! Matt throws a banana and I throw my entire sack lunch at the baboons head we both missed because we were too busy kicking and screaming and trying to avoid to monkey above our heads! The other 8 people in the car were stunned because the baboon only attacked our back seat! SCARIEST THING SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE. Our bus driver jumps out and starts throwing rocks at it! I am still screaming my head off while the 3 vans ahead of us turn around to see the commotion!! Mind you, this is all at hmm 6:30 in the morning. Welcome to camping in Africa.
The rest of the game drive we saw giraffes, more damn baboons, elephants, water buffalo and many more 4 legged creatures of this earth. Later that day we went on a boat tour to see this beautiful waterfall-good times. That night I cried myself to sleep once again- Matt had to tuck me in like I was a little baby and waited for me to fall completely asleep because I was seriously having an anxiety attack. I am not exaggerating here people, I was hyperventilating and sobbing and paranoia overtook me- It was INTENSE and only occurred at night. Note to self, to parents, to boyfriend and to anyone else; CAMPING IS NOT FOR ME.
The next morning we woke up once again, but this time went hiking to the top of the waterfall. It was a beautiful sight to see! There really is a God and that is proof right there--- nothing else could have made a scene so surreal. Got lots of good snaps, can’t wait to show ya!
Finally, tonight, we are back in Kampala after our 6 hour travel back down south. We have one more night here in Kampala in the cottages at the Red Chilli resort. I enjoyed my time spent here.
Tomorrow we go on our “vacation” since we have had so many educational events. We are traveling to a place called Jinja where we get to view the source of the nile and Bujanoyi Falls. It should be another great sight to see!
3 more days. 3 more days. I have enjoyed my time here--- but it is time to get home!
We leave Wednesday at 9:00 pm and should arrive back in Des Moines around 1:30pm. Hopefully I will be able to update one last time before we leave!
Love and Miss you all!
Few day re-cap
Hi!!!!!
It’s been another long break! I am alive though! We just got back from camping in Northern Uganda, yes I said CAMPING. ME. CAMPING. I will fill you in on that later. For now I will tell you what you’ve missed.
We visited the Ugandan Stock Exchange- they had a whopping 12 stocks to choose from! It was a very tiny building and was only on one floor! I took pictures to show you Dad when I get back! We also visited the NEW VISION newpaper factory. That was pretty interesting and is the biggest newspaper in Uganda.
We also went to a Ugandan Club! The University that we have been partnering with decided to rent out an entire floor and that was a lot of fun! Me and Matt were in the middle of the circle of few times dancing!
We also go to go to a Human Rights Institution and hear a speaker talk about the issues that Uganda has, and that was pretty darn interesting. That same day we attended TASO (The AIDS Support Organization) and that was very touching. AIDS is such a problem here, as you all know, but its different when you are actually viewing the situation for yourself, and speaking with affected individuals…
This weekend we left for Northern Uganda 6 hours away from Kampala. We were told that it would be similar to where we are staying in the city… 4 hours into the trip, we stop at a restaurant where it took THREE HOURS to get our food. Our professors actually had to go back there and direct the cook and guide the waiters. It was A MESS. But the food was good once we received it!
We continued on our journey for 2 more hours on a bumpy, dirt road. Finally- we arrived at Murchisson Falls in Northern Uganda.
It’s been another long break! I am alive though! We just got back from camping in Northern Uganda, yes I said CAMPING. ME. CAMPING. I will fill you in on that later. For now I will tell you what you’ve missed.
We visited the Ugandan Stock Exchange- they had a whopping 12 stocks to choose from! It was a very tiny building and was only on one floor! I took pictures to show you Dad when I get back! We also visited the NEW VISION newpaper factory. That was pretty interesting and is the biggest newspaper in Uganda.
We also went to a Ugandan Club! The University that we have been partnering with decided to rent out an entire floor and that was a lot of fun! Me and Matt were in the middle of the circle of few times dancing!
We also go to go to a Human Rights Institution and hear a speaker talk about the issues that Uganda has, and that was pretty darn interesting. That same day we attended TASO (The AIDS Support Organization) and that was very touching. AIDS is such a problem here, as you all know, but its different when you are actually viewing the situation for yourself, and speaking with affected individuals…
This weekend we left for Northern Uganda 6 hours away from Kampala. We were told that it would be similar to where we are staying in the city… 4 hours into the trip, we stop at a restaurant where it took THREE HOURS to get our food. Our professors actually had to go back there and direct the cook and guide the waiters. It was A MESS. But the food was good once we received it!
We continued on our journey for 2 more hours on a bumpy, dirt road. Finally- we arrived at Murchisson Falls in Northern Uganda.
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