Greetings all,
It has been awhile since my last post; now that I’ve moved in with my homestay family and we have started classes, there is less time available for hanging out at internet cafes. Both SIT and my homestay are saying that they are getting internet soon, but such wheels turn slowly in Uganda.
As always, I have so much to write about, and so little time to do it. As I mentioned, since my last post I have moved from the hotel where we spent the first week to a home with my Ugandan “family.” It has been an interesting few days; in some ways you miss so many of the cultural differences when you are living in a hotel with a bunch of Americans. My homestay family has been very nice and welcoming so far. The parents call me “my daughter,” and my host sister has really taken me under her wing to make sure I am OK here. The family has hosted 4 SIT students before me, so they are used to the process.
The house is pretty nice, by Ugandan standards, and I think the family is one of the more upper-class host families. Many of my peers are living in houses without running water or toilets, while my host family has both. They have a shower, but it only uses cold water, so my host sister has been helping me prepare warm bucket showers. These entail heating water on the stove, then mixing it with a larger bucket of cold water, then using a smaller bucket to get yourself wet and rinse the soap off. I think a successful bucket shower is an acquired skill…
All the same, I feel lucky to have a great host family and relatively comfortable living conditions. Obviously I wasn’t expecting luxury when I came to Uganda, so I’m not disappointed. We also have a dog and a cat, which is a nice touch of home. Time is out, and this is much shorter than I would like, but I’ll write again soon. Peace!
There Is Hope Here 
Hmmm … bucket showers. I see Christina coming home with either a pixie hair cut or dreadlocks.
Oooooh, dreadlocks! I vote dreadlocks! That’d be both cool and gross.
It’s a great delight to keep in touch this way. I’ve been reading every word each time but wasn’t sure how to answer. Today I’m adding that skill! Take care and continue to do beautifully well. Love, Granny Kathy
Dar Christina: I so much enjoyed your What? Your blogs. They are fun to ead, very informative, and beautifully written. What else can I say but that I’m very proud of you. I really love learning about the Ugandan culture which until now I could not even place on the map of Africa. Keep sending us updates when you can — and of course we know that it won’t be easy for you to find the time and place to write. Anyway, I applaud the modern discovery of the blog. By the way — tell me about Ugandan cuisine and what you are eating. Can’t wait for the next update. Love, Carole
I’m glad you have a cat!! If you brought your camera you should take a picture of it for me cuz I’d love to see it 🙂 I’m glad things are going well over there! Miss you!
If it makes you feel any better, I haven’t showered in like three days. You know, out of solidarity. And also laziness. But mostly solidarity. Either way, it is epic.