"Listen to God, You Shall Not Kill."

I’ve been interning with the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative for two days now. I go to the ARLPI office (only a fifteen minute walk away, depending how much tea is in my system) at 8:00 a.m. to partake in the morning worship ceremony. The only frustrating thing is that the Internet is extremely slow and it’s often difficult to work because the connection will drop unexpectedly. The only disgusting thing is the latrine, where everyone is supposed to use the restroom. It’s a quite deceiving facility because the building actually looks like something where a toilet would be…but no. The toilet is basically a hole in the ground with two raised bricks on either side for one to put their feet onto before getting down to business. ***Change of Subject*** Everyone takes lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. then it’s back to work until 5:00 p.m. I had anticipated that it would be overwhelming but it is in fact the exact opposite—so far!

Everyone in the complex has been extremely gracious and helpful. There is another young intern that showed up in the office yesterday. I believe that he wants to become a religious leader in his own village but he is quite shy and doesn’t speak very much. I have spent most of my days reviewing articles from the media concerning Uganda, Sudan, and the Congo while focusing on aspects such as reconciliation, empowerment of women, movement of the Lord’s Resistance Army, and the current Ugandan presidential campaign. I’ll also be writing situational reports for the months of April and May and will be busy writing letters to U.S. Congressmen starting on Friday concerning the recent bill that Obama passed regarding the LRA.

I share an office with Wade, my ARLPI mentor, and have learned much about his character from working with him for only a short while. I’ve also met one of the religious leaders, Father J., and was able to learn about his purpose at ARLPI. He explained to me ARLPI’s views of the recent war in Northern Uganda and how violence is not the answer to any form of conflict. He said, “Listen to God, you shall not kill. You should never raise your voice or a finger to anyone, no matter how different they are from you.” He went on to tell me about the storm that is still hovering over Northern Uganda and how ARLPI is stuck in the downpour because of the media and political toxins that have flourished due to unreliable sources and mislead reporters. This man seems so selfless and humble, I hope to see him more often.

June 3, 2010

Most of the religious leaders went to Entebbe and Kampala this week in order to celebrate the Martyr’s Day celebration, which is today actually. Since today is a holiday I am not required to go into work! I plan to go back to the market to buy groceries for the week (and to selfishly invest in some American products from the Indian store, called “Prince”). I also had two skirts made for myself last week by a woman named Florence. My friend, Jayanni, and I stopped by her shop yesterday and only one of them was finished but they are absolutely beautiful! Each skirt, with fabric costs included, should only cost about $7.00 or $8.00 each. After such a busy week I can’t wait to get them from her and wear them!

Tomorrow is my last day of work for the week so hopefully I will find out whether or not I can go into the field soon. I am truly thankful that this opportunity worked out the way I wanted it to and can’t wait to see what happens throughout the rest of the summer!

Until then...

Soul of Bliss

Mischievous Acholi children, the sweetest mangos and pineapples I’ve ever eaten, speeding bodas, the roaring Nile river, burning mosquito bites, a sky bigger and more mysterious than I have ever seen, and dirt…everywhere—these are some of the things I have encountered while living in Gulu, Uganda for the past week.

I’ve been to the bustling market here a few times. It’s located in the center of this small town, which is made up of about five blocks at the most, with small dirt roads winding out of it. There is more under those roofs than should ever be crammed into one space! The smells make me dizzy and my eyes can’t stop searching over the colors and odd shapes of food and different items laying on hard surfaces. I often hear the word “mzungu” or “muno,” which means “white person,” as I walk by the vendors and anyone on the street.

Riding bodas are a very easy way of quick transportation here. For 1000UgSh (Ugandan Shillings) I can get a personal motorcycle ride anywhere in Gulu!***2000 UgSh = $1.00***These racing  bodas often have no perception of the word SLOW and everyone here driving a vehicle of any sort definitely has the right of way, there is no arguing.

The Internet works pretty well in my duplex, however it is rare to have running water and electricity at the same time. Convenient, right? I’ve grown accustomed to bathing from little tubs with the use of jerry cans filled with water from a boar hole! I share this humble abode with two others, Dustyn and Rachel. Rachel and I share a room together that contains two small beds, complete with charming mosquito nets, of course.

The traditional Ugandan food is pretty simple but tasty nonetheless. My favorite traditional meal that I have had so far is pilao, which consists of dirty rice, goat, and pinto-like beans (mine obviously came without the goat). I’ve also had plenty of avocado and tomato sandwiches, Indian and Ethiopian food, and rolex’s! A rolex has to be my second favorite meal. It’s chipati bread rolled up with egg, onions, tomatoes, and green peppers—the greasier the better, apparently!

I still haven’t gotten my bearings completely, which is unusual for me. On Friday I walked to town by myself and went into the ARLPI (Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative) to see when I could start volunteering for them in their office and out in the field.***ARLPI has been very busy however writing to Obama and the U.S. government after President Obama recently passed a bill concerning the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) and NGO”s in America and Uganda.***To my dismay the volunteer job is not certain, even though it was expressed it would be. I’ll find out this Friday whether or not my assistance will be needed. I’m really worried about this situation but am hoping things will work out to my advantage.

This weekend I’ll be traveling 5 hours on a bus to Kampala to explore that area of Uganda. It’s definitely more urbanized and in a sense more Amercanized (complete with Mexican food and a movie theater). I’m really excited to see what this city has to offer!

Being in Gulu, even for a week, has made me miss many things about the U.S. but I have to keep reminding myself of how lucky I am to be in Uganda. My soul, whether it always realizes it or not, is growing each day that I am here. I’m eager to see how much my perception of the world will change after leaving this place I must now call home.

Until then…

One Week!

May 9, 2010

I can't believe it. There are literally seven days separating me and Africa! If only I can get through my two finals I'll be fine. There's so much to do between now and my departure. Getting the last of my medicine, buying a trekking pack to fit ALL of my things in, and eating as many sweet and deliciously bad for you things as one possibly can.

 I came across this bible verse today. It's Isaiah 58:10-11.

"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

This verse is perfect for my travels and I'll more than likely be writing it out to keep with me all summer--for strength. Well, like I said...one week!