Meanwhile in Africa..

So, hey there. Eh, I can’t think of a clever way to say it: I’m in Uganda!

There you go.

The past couple of days I’ve had back spasms, and apparently holding three babies doesn’t help with that so much, so I’ve stayed home today- thinking I would lie on ice all day, but the housekeeper and security guard decided to move the beds around. So instead, I ventured outdoors. With. The. Birds.

I don’t know if any of you know this, but I am seriously afraid of birds, and these guys? They’re black and big with pointy, curvy beaks and loud noises (they sound like monkeys) and they have the front yard as their residence. So venturing outdoors to read is a serious feat for me. One that should not go ignored. I will accept congratulations in any form you care to send it (ok, now that just sounded a bit self centered, didn’t it. I apologize, and I digress..)

So, I went outside. It’s sunny and warm and there are tropical trees everywhere and if you look over the wall you can see a hill with hundreds of houses dotting it. And there are also lots of flies to keep you company, I think they were just worried about my back spasm, it’s cool guys, you don’t have to spend all your time with me, really, go hang out with the birds.

Let’s see. What am I doing here? Right now I live in Kampala (the Capitol of Uganda) and I work at Watoto Baby’s Home here, but in about a week they’ll be moving me to a Watoto village to work in the Baby’s Home there (many more babies there). I’m excited to move out there, it’s lovely. What you think of when you think of Africa (minus the elephants and giraffes- they don’t really just walk around, I know, you’re pretty bummed aren’t you? Haha, Ethan thought I would see them out my window). The babes are amazing. In Kampala there are mostly new babies and/or sick babies because Kampala has the best medical facilities. As soon as the babies are old enough/healthy enough they move out to a village baby’s home.  So, I’ve been playing with very little babes (and a few very sick babes), I’m talking mostly under 4 months. So sweet, and very tiny. They all remind me of little monkeys with their black curly hair, large curious eyes, chubby cheeks and mouths that make perfect ovals when they’re trying to tell you about their day. I can’t show you pictures of them without permission (legal issues and whatnot) but I did include a couple pictures from the other side of the world for your viewing pleasure:

view from where we're all living now (there's about to be 10 of us living in this house)

view from where I'll be moving to in about a week

Seven

Hey guys.
Yeah, so havn't so much been around.
I know, it's shameful, but blogs just feel so self-centered to me. I like other people's, but my own feels strange. I really only did it to prep for creating one for my trip to Uganda. Now, my trip is only a few days away. Literally three days away. I'm supposed to go on malaria meds tomorrow. Woah, also I have to check in for my flight today (Don't let me forget to do that).

Anyways, I do think I'll check in during my trip, but after that Ms. Such-this blog may have to retire. I suppose we'll see.

I do have to tell you something today. Seven.
It's been seven years since I first was called to Uganda.
And now there arn't even seven days until I board the plane.
A Quick Story for you:
I fell in love with Jesus when I was twelve, but by that time I had already figured out how I thought my life should go. I mean, I had it all down, what college I wanted to go to, what I wanted to major and minor in, I even knew what scholarships I would be eligible for (I'm a geek, I'm aware), I never wanted to move out of the tri-state area.
But then everything changed. I was reading this book about a girl who went to Uganda to work at a school/orphange/hospital/church and fell in love with the country and the people there. I only read it because I read anything I could get my hands on at the time. While reading I heard a voice say, "I want you to do that." I had heard of this before- God talking to people- and I always thought the people who tried to tell God 'no' were so ridiculous, he was God, wouldn't he win? But I joined the ranks of the 'no'-ers- I told God no, because 13-year-olds are oh-so-wise.
But then God won, a few months later, before I could think it simply flew out of my mouth one day, "I'm going to work in Uganda." Shortly there after I fell in love with Uganda, my heart moved over there. God made sure of that. I've been working towards going ever since.
And so now I'm going, soon.

Awkwards meet Awesomes

Awkward:

I own a pair of Ethan's old soccer pants. They're kinda big. Sometimes I jog across campus to the work out room while wearing them. Sometimes I forget to pull the drawstring. Sometimes when that happens I have to grab my pants for dear life before Mr. Man over there notices. 

 Couples who choose to get all close and touchy-touchy on the stairs. Why oh why can't you move 5 yards in either direction. So many un-used coaches. One of them could be yours today!

Getting called "Ma'am." Come on, I have atleast another few years before that name actually describes me, don't I?

Third Wheeling. This is pretty self explanatory. Don't feel too bad for me though, I haven't had a good third wheel date in about a year. I feel it's good for you every once in a while, keeps you humble. Also reminds you how not to be while coupling around other wheels.  

 Awesome:

Watoto stuff. I may never, ever stop talking about it- a plane ticket, dates, a volunteer job description, pictures of sweet, chubby faces. I can't get over it. 

My camera charger arrives in the mail today! Have you been wondering about the sore lack of photographs as of late? It's because my charger doesn't like me anymore so I had to order a new one. He comes today! Pictures to arrive shortly thereafter.

My best friend, Haley has finished her first year of college! A round of applause if you please! 

Oh yeah! Mind if I brag a bit on that Ethan-man? He got into University of Michigan's Architecture program. Check that out! 

Long drives.  

Little boys who hand you a penny to buy the action figure they're eyeing on the top shelf. 

"Get Vomited on"

I bought a plane ticket to Uganda!
Ha!
And then I got my volunteer description from the Babies Home in Uganda.
The description reads many things, You must be able to change a dirty diaper, lift a 15kg baby, do laundry, etc. but my favorite ones are "Be Vomited on" and "Give Cuddles."

Watoto.
Uganda.
May 20th.
Can't wait.

Dishes

I know you feel I have forgotten you!
I am remiss.
But I have not forgotten.
I've just been up to a lot.
Like Uganda.
And Cover the Night.
And finding a home for next semester.
And breathing.
Stuff like that.

So, I promise to fill you in on those things.
But for tonight I will just tell you, dishes are my least favorite chore.
I hate doing them so much that I would rather take a picture of my ridiculousness than actually carry them down to the bathroom sink and wash them. I mean really, they live here too, shouldn't they pitch in? They should really learn how to clean themselves, it's basic hygiene (Did you know there was an 'i' in hygiene? I was not aware). So anyways, I shall go and do my dishes and tell them my woes of how much I am frustrated with their existence.
I write this post mostly to make you feel better about your quirks, you probably don't talk to your dirty dishes. Or argue with them. I might do both.

Surprise! Awkward and Awesome!

I always try to think of new titles...I'm running low.

scarf: Free Trade t: Aerie jacket: UO jeans: Nordstrom bag: Nordstrom boots: DSW necklace: Invisible Children

Awkward: 

 Hiding my geek-ness as I listen to some kids in class complain about figuring out their class schedules for the next three years. I may or may not have post-it notes that have all the classes I needed to take and how many credit hours their worth. I may or may not have spent hours tweaking their order and smiling gleefully. I may or may not have come this close to suggesting they do the same. Come on, Jenni, don't show that side of you to people you barely know, it's just embarrassing. 

A professor who actually stated, "You wont get to first base without the proper tone." Must. Hide. Giggles. Must. Hide. Giggles. 

Boys who sleep in our lobby. I'm sorry, but why? You live here, just 100 meters away, go over there. Our couches are not that comfortable.

The arguments I've gotten into with our air conditioning in the past week. I have trouble turning on the air in 80 degree weather, so I have strong aversions to the cold blasts that erupt periodically. Then I yell. At first, KP (my room mate) seemed concerned, but now she kind of just ignores me, she's used to it. I'm not sure which is worse..

 

Awesome:

 Easter break came..and went. But it was lovely. 

 A friend of mine, Erin (she's fabulous- and I do not use the word "fabulous" lightly) invited me to come back to Uganda next summer (2013). Oh man, I'm considering it. We would be working with kids in Northern Uganda, ahh! OK, must focus on this summer first..

My cousin asking if I would speak to her Social Studies class after I get back from Uganda. I've always wanted to be a show-and-tell. 

We got an apartment! Two very sweet girls who I have never met offered to take in three very-homeless girls. Next semester we have a kitchen! And the kitchen has a sink! And we have new friends! (Hoping on that last one.)

Remember my post-it note planning from up there? Well in a few minutes I get to put it into action and register for my classes.  If I ever said "Boo-yah!" this would be a place I would use the phrase. 

Laundry Basket

This is Cassie and she is not allowed in my room. In fact, the door is supposed to remain closed at all times, but she snuck in via my laundry basket. And proceeded to entertain me, so I couldn't just kick her out. 

Also, sidenote, I'm not a cat lady, I promise. Honest. For real. 

Gosh, I hope I'm not a cat lady.