July 16th, 2011

If you are reading this, perhaps you have decided to “travel” this journey with me, and I am so grateful.  But, as you may or may not know, I have my masters in English Literature, and for the longest time always felt I had to read every page of every book I started.  I want you to know you may come and go as you please to my writings, as I always love that freedom to choose.  I can not tell you why that is important for me to write, but it is.  So, read (what you want!) and enjoy!  I know I will.

My travel time began on Thursday, July 14^th at a lovely 3:30am CST, as I quickly dressed and settled into the car.  My significant other, whose picture will follow (as I do think it is important to remember those who have been an integral part of my getting here), remained a calming and constant voice of reason, as I – somewhat nervous – had asked of him.  Here is Wes.  He is simply wonderful.

Also, I will state that it was Wes that took those pictures of my “shot” experience posted before.  He laughed every time he saw them.  I did not – and perhaps still don’t (!) – think they were as funny.  It was my arm – not his!  However, the complete story must be told.

Saying “until next time” is never easy, as most people know, so I won’t go into those particulars, but I will just mention that each and every one was difficult and so special to me.  I always find it fascinating how people are always with you, even though they may be halfway around the world or not on this world at all.  I feel as though I am surrounded, even though I sit here typing with no one else in the room.

I got on the plane, and I was off.  After a quick first flight over to Charlotte, NC, I was on my second plane, taking off to New York’s JFK airport.  I guess I must mention that I sat by a very nice gentleman on that first leg of the journey; I have found through this entire process that people tell me their thoughts – both good and bad – about MY travels and decisions.  He was no different, and although I think some of it was hard to hear at that particular moment, I know he was looking out for my best interest and, therefore, was endearing.

My second flight was uneventful and quiet, allowing me to be contemplative about this entire experience.  And, it was nice to listen and reflect on my own thoughts – both good and bad – about MY travels and decisions.  Needless to say, I am thrilled.

Once in NYC, I had a six hour layover, which was exactly perfect.  One may think it a long time, but I found it to be reassuring and peaceful.  I should back the story up.  I failed to mention the discovery I had made on Tuesday, July 5^th, when I was talking to one of my dearest confidants.  On that day, she had asked me about the particulars of my flights, which I gave most readily.  I explained the times and flights that were scheduled for me, and the entire time, I am realizing she has quite a quizzical look on her face.  When I was done, she asked if my flights allowed me enough time to not only physically get to the different gates at the airport but also allow my luggage the time to be transferred appropriately.  Of course, I thought!  I had talked to both airlines I was flying with, and both had assured me the timing was sufficient and that they were partners in the ground-level bag transfers.  My friend kept shaking her head, saying I needed to check, as it just did not sound right.  I left her soon after this discussion, and my mind and body shook.  She, too, was worried, as she thought she had caused me unnecessary anxiety; however, she was wrong in thinking that and right in encouraging me to double check.

I called the airlines straightaway when I got home and delved into the timings and the transfers of all my flights.  Sure enough, my friend was correct.  I discovered by talking to the most helpful and kind airline ticketing agent that all of the information given to me (by both airlines, may I remind you!) was incorrect.  I, upon my arrival to JFK, would probably have made the flight connection on foot, but my bags – in the underground world of airline maintenance – would not have stood a chance of getting on the plane taking me to Africa.

I was speechless for a good bit, because you must understand the time and preparation it takes to get ready for a six month excursion to Africa.  It has taken me months of both emotional and physical preparation to feel confident in this journey, and at that moment in my mind’s eye, I saw myself waiting in the faraway airport as a baggage carrier went round and round with no more luggage on it.  And, I stood there empty handed.   I had to have a few deep breaths before I could continue.  Once the realization that this awful vision in my head was going to be avoided because a friend had simply pushed me to question, I was calm.  She had changed the course of my trip.

After some rearranging, I had scheduled an earlier flight that gave me a six hour window at JFK. Luckily for me, my bags and I are happily together today.  Thank you good, good friend.  My six hour layover in NYC, as I said early, was reassuring and peaceful.  I walked around JFK sweating profusely as I pushed two suitcases weighing 50lbs (the limit!) each, wearing a 30lb backpack, and carrying a 30lb bag, and I was happy to no end.  I had that 160lbs of preparation and time, and I did not have worry.

Approximately at 3:00pm EST, my project manager for this assignment, texted saying I needed to meet him at the airline’s gate.  Now would be a good time for me to explain why I am in Africa, what I am doing.  I work for a pharmaceutical company, GSK, who started a global outreach division, called PULSE, three years ago.  The purpose of this division is to outsource their people to non-governmental organizations/non-profits and to help serve developing countries.  In GSK’s efforts to help make these positive and sustainable changes for other countries, the PULSE volunteers also gain invaluable information about different, external viewpoints that we can bring back to the company to help in its own development.  I am very proud I work for a company that is willing to not only change themselves for the better but also change the world for the better.  And, if you want any more information about PULSE, you may visit pulse.gsk.com.

In February, PULSE sent out an email explaining this division and requested that interested candidates please apply.  I applied.  And, after several essays and interviews, I was asked to be a part of this growing team.  I, of course, enthusiastically accepted and throughout the process was partnered with the organization Millennium Villages. For my particular assignment, I was asked to come to Mbarara, Uganda to open a youth center.  In doing so, we will be addressing the need for gender empowerment by working specifically with teenage females, who are currently at a very high risk for contracting HIV.  Our objective is to start a program in the youth center that will teach the females a trade so that they can generate revenue and become self-sustainable.  Hopefully, that may answer some of your questions.

In NYC, I boarded the plane for Amsterdam.  Easy and quick six-hour flight; however, I did not get any sleep, because the man behind me was snoring very loudly.  Upon my arrival in Amsterdam, I was able to go to the special frequent flyer’s lounge, and it was incredibly nice, with good food and hot showers.  I could get used to that.

I next boarded the flight to Rwanda, which was a bit longer but just as comfortable.  I watched movies and even got a quick nap in before landing.  I had about a one hour layover in Rwanda before I took off for our final destination on a plane – Entebbe, Uganda.  And, on the way, I couldn’t help but notice the full moon in the night sky, as it shone brightly on our path.

I was there in approximately an hour, and the local time was 11:00pm (I don’t know yet what time zone this is, but I can tell you it is 8 hours ahead of CST).  Now, for the part I was excited about…BOTH of my bags found their way to Uganda, too.  WONDERFUL!  I had a 45 minute cab ride to Kampala, and I was amazed at the night life of the city.  The entire road from the airport to the hotel is lined with what I would call a market and the driver called a trading place.  There were nightclubs with music pouring out of them and empty stands that during the day would sell matookes, and I was amazed that it kept going and going – spanning the entire distance from Entebbe to Kampala.  When I asked about that, the driver informed me that behind the trading place was residential homes, but for business, obviously, the street provided the most exposure. 

I came to the hotel around 12pm, so all in all, I had been going for 37 hours and flown on 5 different plane rides.  Needless to say, I was tired and very excited to see the hotel.  I made a quick Skype call to Wes, letting him know I arrived safely, and then it was to bed for an eight hour sleep coma.

I woke up around 8:30am this morning, had a light breakfast.  I was soon joined by Miranda, who is the Columbia grad student who will be working on the project with me.  She has been traveling in Uganda for a month now and acted as a fabulous tour guide and logistics helper today.  We went to a shopping mall and got my first Ugandan shillings, set up my phone, and grabbed some lunch.  And, to my delight, I discovered that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was playing at the movie theater!  Thank goodness the others were as excited as me, because we have decided to see it tomorrow.  C’mon, I’ve got to see one movie while I am here!

After this little outing, Miranda and I decided to go to the Uganda v. Kenya rugby game.  I had so much fun, as it was not only the first rugby game I’ve ever seen but also my first exposure to a massive crowd here.  You could feel the excitement pulsing through the air, and before I knew it, I, too, was jumping up and down as the Ugandan team played.  In the end, Uganda unfortunately lost, but the game for me was a win.  Here are some good pictures.

That night, we ate at a delicious, quaint Indian restaurant here in Kampala, where I tasted some of the best Indian food I have ever put into my mouth.  Delicious and probably more authentic than what I have had in the past; regardless, I will always love Bowling Green’s own little Taj Palace. 

Upon my arrival back to the hotel, I sat down in the lobby as a gentleman played piano.  It was so soothing, and I enjoyed a free little concert for a bit.  Two women – a mother and daughter of Indian descent – sat in the couch opposite me, and after hearing me briefly speak, asked if I was from London.  I said no and told them I am from Kentucky, adding that London will always be one of my favorite cities.  They said they were in from London, but that Kampala had once been thneir home.  The daughter said she had lived here as a child and remembered bits and pieces of the country,  but she had not been back since they left with nothing.  I nodded as she spoke about how much she enjoyed the country now and was glad to be back, and then I asked when she and her parents had left.  She replied simply, “1972.”

I will say it shocked me, and it took a moment to process the implications of her words.  I asked no more questions, told them both to enjoy the rest of their stay, and walked back to the room.  And, here I sit, contemplating a history that I know, a country that I see, and a future that I hope.

I am in Africa.  Those words have not yet settled, and I know they may not for a bit, as it is a major transition.  I am in my hotel room for the time being, having just slept a solid eight hours after a long two days.  However, if my journey here is any indication of the next six months, I will be happy, as my travels proved to be smooth and surrounded by good company.  I hope this good fortune remains…